OVERVIEW: The Bonfils-Stanton Foundation supports the arts and creative leadership in Denver, Colorado.
IP TAKE: Bonfils-Stanton is a funder that believes in art’s ability to “strengthen democracy, bolster economies, increase student performance, improve mental and physical health, and bring communities together.” The foundation is both transparent and approachable, inviting new applicants to familiarize themselves with its grantmaking history and to contact foundation staff to discuss proposed projects before applying. Additionally, this is a progressive funder that conducts all of its grantmaking through an equity lens (as IP reported here) and recently established a rapid response program to help Denver arts organizations cope with lost NEA funding. Its President and CEO Gary Steuer told IP that Bonfils-Stanton is considering “additional special actions in the future.” It doesn’t play favorites with genre or medium and supports most forms of art, including dance, writing, and museums. All of which means, Bonfils-Stanton should be on the radar of every arts organization in the city.
PROFILE: Established in 1962, the Bonfils-Stanton Foundation is the foundation of Charles Edwin Stanton and based in Denver, Colorado. Stanton established the foundation after his wife’s death and funded it from the sale of Belmar Farms in Lakewood. The foundation seeks to “invest in equitable arts and culture organizations and nonprofit leaders to create a thriving and just Denver.” It funds local efforts in the arts and creative leadership.
Grants for Arts and Culture, Dance, Theater, Visual Arts, and Writing
The Bonfils-Stanton Foundation supports visual and performing arts organizations that enhance the cultural landscape in Denver. Its various grant programs fund artistic excellence, visionary leadership, innovation, boosting cultural participation, the connection between art and community, and enhancing Denver’s art scene.
- Social Impact Artist Award recognizes three Denver-based artists or artist collectives who have made a positive impact and advanced social justice through their art with a $50,000 award, including $15,000 to fund a new socially engaged project.
- Arts in Society Grants are administered by RedLine Contemporary Art Center and provide individual artists and arts organizations between $5,000 and $35,000 to fund arts projects that promote social justice and community welfare.
- Community Grants provide up to $60,000 in unrestricted operating and project support to arts organizations in the city. New applicants should fill out the Grant Interest Form before applying; however, returning grantees can skip this step.
- Inclusive Communities Grants award up to $10,000 to arts and culture organizations with small budgets that serve Denver’s BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and disability communities. To be eligible, nonprofits should be led by members of the communities they serve.
- Capital Grants support capital projects from previous grantees with operating budgets under $5 million.
- Technical Assistance Grants provide up to $5,000 for consultant, planning, technology, or training/professional development.
- Livingston Fellowship Program awards $40,000 to senior-level social sector leaders to recognize their contributions to the field. Eligible candidates must be nominated by a community member.
- 2025 Arts & Culture Rapid Response Grant provides Denver-area arts and culture organizations with up to $20,000 to help mitigate “a loss of revenue due to federal policy changes and related impacts.”
The Bonfils-Stanton Foundation also uses its endowment for Impact Investing.
Important Grant Details:
Grants typically range between $5,000 and $350,000, although they have reached as high as $1 million. The foundation awarded over $3.9 million in grants in a recent year and held more than $89 million in assets. Grantmaking focuses on Denver, Colorado, and all grants must benefit residents of Colorado. Learn more about this funder’s local giving on the awarded grants page of its website.
This foundation accepts unsolicited grant applications from nonprofits.
- New grantseekers should complete the Grant Interest Form before applying.
- Deadlines vary by program.
- Direct general questions to the staff at admin@bonfils-stanton.org or (303) 825-3774.
PEOPLE:
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