Equity in Arts Learning for Colorado Youth: 2026 Recipients Announced

Bonfils-Stanton Foundation is honored to announce the 2026-27 recipients of the Equity in Arts Learning for Colorado Youth (EAL) grant program.

The EAL grant program is a public-private partnership led by Bonfils-Stanton Foundation, Colorado Creative Industries (CCI), and Denver Arts & Venues, with Think 360 Arts for Learning serving as grant administrator. Together, we share a firm belief that access to the arts is fundamental to a vibrant, inclusive, and thriving Colorado.

Now in its third year, the EAL initiative has crossed the $1.3 million threshold in cumulative investment, bringing transformative arts education to young people across the state.

"We are delighted to support 24 outstanding schools and organizations working to ensure students who need it most have access to the transformative power of arts learning," said Gina Ferrari, Director of Grant Programs at Bonfils-Stanton Foundation. "These grants support programs that help empower young people across Colorado to develop their creativity and express their unique identities through arts and culture, while building confidence and empathy."

Through a competitive selection process, the program awarded grants ranging from $10,000 to $25,000 to 24 organizations across 11 Colorado counties. Funded projects span a rich array of disciplines including music, theatre, dance, visual arts, digital media, storytelling, and literature. This year's cohort includes paid arts internships for youth with disabilities, culturally rooted afterschool programs for Indigenous youth in rural communities, and restorative theatre initiatives for justice-involved youth.

These programs are designed to dismantle systemic barriers, support youth identity and mental health, advance academic success and workforce readiness, and amplify the essential role of arts education statewide.

The EAL grant builds on a decade-long commitment to arts education, evolving from the Colorado Arts Partnership Grant co-developed in 2014 by Colorado Creative Industries and Think 360 Arts for Learning. With the dedicated support of Bonfils-Stanton Foundation and Denver Arts & Venues, the program has grown into a nearly half-million-dollar annual fund and expanded eligibility to include nonprofit organizations alongside schools.

As the national landscape shifts, Colorado remains steadfast in its commitment to ensuring that creativity, culture, and opportunity are accessible to every young person. Bonfils-Stanton Foundation is deeply committed to helping lead this effort and to standing alongside partners who share this vision for a more equitable future.

The next round of EAL funding will open in fall 2026. For more information, visit www.think360arts.org/grant-opportunities.

The 2026-2027 EAL Awardees:

• Access Gallery
• Breck Create
• Clyfford Still Museum
• Colorado Conservatory for the Jazz Arts
• Concrete Couch
• d2b Studios
• Dancing Spirit Inc
• El Sistema Colorado
• ETM-Colorado, Inc.
• Feel the Beat, Corp.
• Four Corners Rainbow Youth Center
• LFMG Music Academy
• LuneAseas
• Mancos Creative District
• Mirror Image Arts
• New Cottage Arts
• Stillwater Music
• Swallow Hill Music
• The Catamounts
• The Matthews House
• The Village Institute
• Theatre Aspen
• University of Denver - Newman Center for the Performing Arts
• University of Northern Colorado Foundation