Overview
The Foundation is interested in grants and Program Related Investments (PRI’s) that advance Coloradans ability to improve earning potential and quality of life. The Foundation places a premium on programs that have a proven track record in creating jobs with livable wages; pathways to self-sufficiency; wealth creation and entrepreneurship opportunities; growth. Giving areas include Entrepreneurship and Job Creation programs (50% of giving), Barriers to Employment (25% of giving) and General Purpose Funding (25% of giving). Within our General Purpose portfolio, the Foundation allocates funds towards pre-determined legacy organizations and arts, culture and sciences organizations. All of our grant making and program related investing is by invitation only.
Job Creation and Entrepreneurship
Programs promoting job creation and entrepreneurship represent 50% of the Foundation's giving.
Criteria for strong proposals:
Programs developing individuals with increased
skills in high-demand fieldsTraining and support that results in increased
entrepreneurial skills and/or new businessesSeed capital bundled with support services
to help grow small to mid-sized ventures,
jobs created because of new businesses or
growth, financial skill buildingPrograms placing individuals in jobs with
living wagesApprenticeship programs
Job training through social enterprise
Jobs created through social enterprises
or for-profit companiesFinancial literacy training and adult education
Workforce development
Focus Populations:
Low-income entrepreneurs
Individuals lacking credit needed to secure traditional loans
Women
People of color
Justice-involved individuals
Rural communities
People with disabilities
Removing Barriers to Employment
Programs that remove barriers to employment represent 25% of the Foundation's giving.
Criteria for strong proposals:
Wraparound services that support people,
including emergency/temporary/permanent
supportive housing, emergency financial
assistance, food, childcare, transportation,
work clothes, etc.Healthcare navigation, adult education, food
assistance, rental assistance/housing to
increase stabilityPrograms must be directly connected to training
and employment opportunities through
partnerships or within the organization
Focus Populations:
Individuals experiencing homelessness
Low-income single parents
Low-income individuals and families
Low-income individuals and families
from rural communitiesJustice-involved individuals
People with disabilities
General Purpose Funding
These legacy and arts/culture/sciences grants represent 25% of the Foundation’s giving and are handled through a consent agenda throughout the year. These organizations are identified and reviewed for legacy grants determination periodically, every 2-3 years. The Foundation will next identify legacy and arts/culture/sciences organizations in November 2025. Organizations require the Foundation’s invitation before applying.
