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Equity-Focused Leadership Grants
Up to $20,000 in unrestricted funding to organizations that support inclusive and representative leadership development, including BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and/or adults with disabilities leading in the social sector.
Description
Bonfils-Stanton Foundation is dedicated to fostering a thriving and just Denver by investing in inclusive and equitable arts, culture and leadership organizations. Our Equity-Focused Leadership Grants of up to $20,000 seek to support representative and inclusive leadership that drives positive change within our communities. Organizations nurturing community-rooted, civic and social sector leaders, particularly BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and/or adults with disabilities by providing the tools and support necessary to lead with vision and creativity are eligible for unrestricted funding through a community panel process.
Eligibility Requirements
- Colorado-based 501(c)(3) or fiscally sponsored organization with an operating budget of under $2 million
- Organization has provided leadership programming for adults 18 years of age and older for at least 2 years
- Organization recognizes the lived experiences and incorporates the perspectives of historically marginalized communities in its programs
- Organization is based in and majority of programs take place in Denver, Adams, Arapahoe, or Jefferson counties
The following programs are not eligible:
- College or university-supported programs
- Youth development programs (under the age of 18)
- Programs that have a religious affiliation or purpose
- Scholarships for individuals
Application Process
Applications are open to any organization that meets the geographic and eligibility requirements. There is no formal final report requirement – grantee partners will have the ability to schedule an optional virtual check-in 2027. Eligible applicants may receive one Bonfils-Stanton Foundation unrestricted operating or project grant in a 12-month period. Please contact staff with additional questions. Grant awards will be determined by a community panel who will evaluate proposals.
Additional Information
Questions and accessibility requests can be directed to Chrissy Deal at admin@bonfils-stanton.org or 303.825.3774. Monique Loseke is also available to assist with grant application questions.
Timeline
Applications open – July 30th, 2026
Applications due – August 28, 2026 @ 5:00 PM MT
Awards announced – October 2026
AI can be a helpful tool to assist with grant writing and it is the applicant’s choice whether or not to use it. However, using AI should complement your expertise and perspective, not replace them entirely. Using AI can compromise your authentic voice and personal response to application questions. Your humanity, deep knowledge of and passion for the work you do ultimately contribute to a more compelling and unique application. Your story is best told through your own words. Bonfils-Stanton Foundation does not use AI to review applications.
Program director, Chrissy Deal, welcomes your questions at chrissy@bonfils-stanton.org or 303.825.3774.
Individuals can nominate up to three candidates.
At the close of the nomination period, the Foundation will notify eligible candidates of their nomination and share a copy of each nomination and endorsement received on their behalf. Nominees, outside of self-nominations, will be able to provide additional information they feel may be relevant to their candidacy. Responses will be entirely optional and not required in order to advance in the selection process. For this reason, nominators may wish to notify the candidate in advance of recommending them for the fellowship.
The fellowship is quite competitive, so it is not unusual for individuals to be nominated several times over the years.
Yes
Eligible candidates must be leading a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in Adams, Arapahoe, Boulder, Broomfield, Denver, Douglas, or Jefferson county. Bonfils-Stanton Foundation’s leadership decided to focus solely on arts and culture and leadership for deeper impact in 2012. In recent years, the Foundation has taken steps to gradually align the Livingston Fellowship Program’s geographic area more closely with that of our grantmaking portfolio which focuses on the city of Denver.
Nominees will be updated of their status in the selection process via email by early November 2022. The Board of Trustees of the Bonfils-Stanton Foundation will approve the 2023 class of Livingston Fellows in early 2023.
Visit our website for additional information about the history of the Livingston Fellowship program, stories from fellows and their fellowship activities.
Absolutely! If you can’t find what you’re looking for on our website, please reach out to Chrissy for more information.
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