Do the guidelines for The Denver Foundation’s Community Grants Program apply to grants from my fund?

No. The guidelines for the Community Grants Program differ from guidelines for grants from donor-advised funds in many ways. First, the Community Grants Program has a set grant application process through which nonprofits submit proposals for funding. While some donor advisors have chosen to solicit grant proposals, the majority of donor-advised funds do not accept unsolicited proposals and have no application process. Second, the Community Grants Program is restricted to funding organizations that operate within the seven-county Metro Denver area.  Donor-advised funds can recommend grants to nonprofit organizations located anywhere in Colorado, and across the country.  Third, the Community Grants Program provides grants to faith-based organizations only for programs that provide services but do not promote religious doctrine, while donor advisors frequently make unrestricted grants to churches, synagogues, and other religious institutions.  Your donor-advised fund is flexible, based on your interests and charitable goals.

Simply put, the majority of the guidelines that apply to the Foundation’s Community Grants Program do not apply to grants recommended by donor advisors. Of course, donor advisors are always welcome to fund organizations that have been thoroughly evaluated by the Foundation’s staff and been approved for funding thorough the Community Grants Program.