Bonfils-Stanton Foundation Opens Applications for Second Annual Social Impact Artist Award

For Immediate Release

Bonfils-Stanton Foundation
1033 Santa Fe Drive, Denver, CO 80204

Contact: Anthony Grimes
Email: Anthony@bonfils-stanton.org
Phone: 303.825.3774

Bonfils-Stanton Foundation Opens Applications for Second Annual Social Impact Artist Award

Two $50,000 awards will support Denver artists advancing social justice and community impact

DENVER, CO — Bonfils-Stanton Foundation today announced the opening of applications for the 2026 Social Impact Artist Award, marking the program’s second year of investing in Denver artists whose work strengthens communities and advances social justice.

Two Denver-based artists or artist collectives will each receive $50,000, including a $35,000 unrestricted cash award and a $15,000 project grant to support a socially engaged artistic initiative. The award recognizes artists whose creative practice extends beyond presentation — creating space for dialogue, participation, and collective imagination.

Launched in 2024, the Social Impact Artist Award reflects the Foundation’s continued commitment to artists as civic leaders. Socially engagedartists often help communities confront urgent questions, preserve cultural memory, and build shared understanding across difference. By pairing unrestricted support with project funding, the award both honors past contributions and fuels future impact.

“Socially engaged artists reflect the moment while also helping communities move through it with courage and inspiration,” said Chrissy Deal Director, Leadership & Arts + Social Change Grants at Bonfils-Stanton Foundation. “This award affirms that creative practice is essential infrastructure for a thriving city.”

Award Focus

The program supports artists and collectives who:

·     Address social issues through sustained creative practice

·     Center community participation and engagement

·     Amplify perspectives from historically marginalized communities

·     Contribute to Denver’s cultural vitality and innovation

Application Information

Applications are open to artists and collectives who live and/or work primarily in Denver and demonstrate a sustained commitment to social justice through their artistic practice.

The deadline to apply is 5:00 p.m. MT on Friday, March 20, 2026.

Complete eligibility requirements, application guidelines, and submission instructions are available at:

https://www.bonfils-stantonfoundation.org/grants/artist-award

Questions about the application process may be directed to Chrissy Dealat admin@bonfils-stanton.org or 303.825.3774.

About Bonfils-Stanton Foundation

Bonfils-Stanton Foundation believes extraordinary arts and leadershipare essential to building a vibrant Colorado. The Foundation strategically invests in imagination and innovation because cultivating the creative spark strengthens communities and makes Colorado a place where people want to live, work, and thrive. Since its founding, the Foundation has distributed more than $90 million in charitable contributions. Learn more at bonfils-stanton.org.

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