Nonprofit Capacity Building Fund

Denver Economic Development & Opportunity's division of Neighborhood Equity & Stabilization (NEST), in partnership with The Denver Foundation, is offering grants through the Nonprofit Capacity Building Fund. These grants, ranging from $2,000 to $20,000, aim to support non-profit organizations serving NEST neighborhoods. In 2025, 5-15 grantees will be selected to receive funding, empowering them to provide vital services to Denver's residents.

Examples of eligible projects include, but are not limited to:

• Communications and Information Management
• Evaluation Tool Development
• Fund Development
• Governance and Board Development
• Policy and Advocacy Work
• Resident Engagement and Community Organizing
• Scenario Planning
• Strategic Planning and Operational Planning

All project work and spending must be finalized between late October and Friday, November 28, 2025. We ask that applicants carefully consider this strict deadline before applying, as extensions are not possible.

Applications are open to organizations that meet the below criteria:

• Organizations that are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization or have a 501(c)(3) fiscal sponsor.
• Organizations that are based, or provide services, or organize in priority neighborhoods as identified by DEDO’s division of Neighborhood Equity and Stabilization (NEST): Athmar Park, Barnum, Barnum West, Clayton, College View, East Colfax, Elyria Swansea, Globeville, Kennedy, Lincoln Park, Mar Lee, Montbello, Ruby Hill, Sun Valley, Valverde, Villa Park, Westwood and Windsor.
  • Please look up your neighborhood if you’re unsure about your project’s eligibility: Denver Maps - Neighborhoods (denvergov.org)
• Organizations must upload a scope of work prepared with their consultant as part of the application
• Grant awards given in previous years are no guarantee of future grant awards.
• All projects must be fully implemented and completed – including all activities, deliverables, and use of funds between late October and Friday, November 28, 2025.

Applications are now closed.