For more than three decades from its roots as Denver Active 20-30, the Denver Children’s Foundation (DCF) has been changing the trajectories of children in Colorado through financial grants to organizations that directly support at-risk, disadvantaged children in our community. But, that’s not all. We also go deeper with a few select charities providing business and other supporting activities to help those organizations grow and thrive. Our membership’s comprised of young, talented professionals who bring experience and fresh ideas to the table. Receiving support from DCF is not easy, but it’s worth it. If you’re interested, we invite you to apply for funding below. We accept applications May 1 – July 31 every year.
OVERVIEW
Ready to get started?
Applications accepted May 1 – July 31 every year
Registration opens May 1 on our SMApply portal
FUNDING STRATEGY
At DCF, we’ve developed a strategic grant giving strategy that’s aimed at breaking the cycle of poverty among children during their formative years. Obviously, there are many charities doing amazing work in our community. But, we choose to partner with those that have the greatest impact on four areas of a child’s life: Education, Health & Wellbeing, Child Advocacy, and Personal Enrichment.
Education
There’s a growing gap in the quality of education that’s available to children due to socioeconomic, disability, and other situations. At DCF, we support organizations that help students prepare for each step in their educational journey and eventually find gainful employment in our community.
Desired Outcomes:
- Higher graduation rates
- College/high-school readiness
- Job placement
Health & Well-Being
Physical and mental health affects children across all backgrounds and levels of socioeconomic status. As such, DCF supports organizations that eliminate socioeconomic barriers from access to quality healthcare while promoting a healthy and balanced lifestyle.
Desired Outcomes:
- Improved health outcomes
- Access to care, support or treatment
- Post-treatment return to normal life
- Adaptation to long-term health effects
Child Advocacy
Children are often the victims of neglect or abuse and don’t have the ability to advocate for themselves. DCF supports organizations that provide a safe haven for children in crisis situations, provide guidance, and advocate for those children over the long-term.
Desired Outcomes:
- Separation from harmful / threatening situations
- Immediate safety and security
- Successful case-management
- Long-term advocacy
Personal Enrichment
We believe that our perspectives of the world shape our actions. Children that lack basic needs and/or don’t have the opportunity to engage in formative activities are less likely to reach their full potential. At DCF, we support organizations that provide mentorship, adventure, and team-building experiences that broaden a child’s horizons and expand their perception of the world.
Desired Outcomes:
- Individual confidence building
- Increased self-esteem
- High-quality team-building experiences
- Sense of adventure and accomplishment
