Bonfils-Stanton Foundation Announces Quarterly Grant Partners

Bonfils-Stanton Foundation is pleased to announce this quarter’s Grant Partners, artists, educators, leaders, and cultural organizations enriching Denver’s creative community and expanding access to the arts across the region.

This cycle includes a landmark investment in Buntport Theater Company, which received a $100,000 grant in January to support the purchase of its longtime home at 717 Lipan Street in the La Alma/Lincoln Park neighborhood.

After 25 years in the space, this opportunity marks a pivotal moment for Buntport. Ownership will secure the theatre’s long-term stability while significantly expanding its capacity to serve Denver’s broader creative community.

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A Home for Artists, Now and Into the Future

Buntport has long been more than a theatre company. In addition to presenting its own original, ensemble-driven work, it has provided affordable space for dozens of smaller arts and culture groups and independent creatives.

Over the years, the Lipan Street venue has hosted:

• Theatre and new play development
• Storytelling and poetry readings
• Stand-up and improv comedy
• Music performances and film screenings
• Dance and experimental programming

For many artists, Buntport has been a first home, a rehearsal space, or a place to test new ideas in front of a live audience.

The planned purchase will triple Buntport’s footprint, enabling:

• Dedicated rehearsal space
• A kitchenette for artists and community use
• Expanded storage
• A wood shop and sewing room to support production design
• Improvements to the existing theatre space

These enhancements are part of a $2.65 million capital campaign that will strengthen infrastructure while preserving accessibility.

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Securing Cultural Space in a Changing Neighborhood

With the planned development of a new Broncos stadium at Burnham Yards and rising property values in La Alma/Lincoln Park, this is a critical moment for arts organizations to secure their spaces. Across Denver, cultural groups are increasingly vulnerable to displacement.

By investing in ownership, Buntport is not only protecting its own future, it is safeguarding affordable creative space for generations of artists who call this neighborhood home.

Bonfils-Stanton Foundation’s support reflects its broader commitment to sustaining Denver’s cultural infrastructure. Space is more than square footage; it is where stories are shared, communities gather, and creative risk is made possible.
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This Quarter’s Grant Partners

In addition to Buntport Theater Company, Bonfils-Stanton Foundation is proud to support the following organizations this quarter:

ArtistiCO
Athena Project
Artibus
Augustana Arts
Cleo Parker Robinson Dance
Colorado Symphony
Curious Theatre Company
Denver Biennial of the Americas
Denver Film Society
Denver’s Art District on Santa Fe
Destination Freedom: Black Radio Days by No Credits Productions
El Sistema Colorado
Latino Cultural Arts Center
Lighthouse Writers Workshop
Newman Presents at Newman Center for the Performing Arts
Philanthropy Colorado
SeriesFest (DEIA Programming Track)
Sidewalk Poets
Starry Night Productions
Roaming Starlight Puppet Theatre
Stories on Stage
Su Teatro