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BRIC Grants

The BRIC Grants Program directs resources to address systemic racism and its impact on Black communities throughout Colorado.

Mural Artist: IAmDetour

BRIC GRANTS PROGRAM INFORMATION

  • What is your relationship and how are you tied into The Denver Foundation?
    The BRIC Fund was established after the murder of George Floyd and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Founded by long-time Denver Foundation staff leader, LaDawn Sullivan, BRIC became an addition to the Foundation’s 20-plus year leadership and racial equity efforts. From June 2020 to August 2022, BRIC was a prioritized focus of LaDawn’s work with the Denver Foundation. In August 2022, BRIC became a fiscally sponsored project of The Denver Foundation – meaning BRIC has more autonomy, making decisions through its advisory board and executive director. The Foundation provides back office support and charitable tax status for donations made to BRIC. The Foundation has also annually invested resources in BRIC since 2020 and is committed to the mission and efforts of BRIC.
  • What are responsive grants?
    Responsive grants are the approved grants from a traditional request for proposals made by a foundation or fund. Typically, the requester provides guidelines and an application to be completed and submitted by a nonprofit (the responder). After a review process, the applicants are notified of the decision – approval or decline.
  • How often are BRIC grants awarded?
    As of January 2023, BRIC grants are awarded once a year, typically in mid-June.
  • Do you award grants outside of Colorado, and if not, do you plan to expand your efforts at some point?
    At this time, BRIC does not award grants outside of Colorado. We do not anticipate expanding geographic boundaries in the near future.
  • We are a new organization and don’t have all the information requested in the guidelines. Can we still apply?
    Incomplete applications will be declined. But, we do encourage that once the guidelines have been met that you apply. Please contact us at info@bricfund.org to talk specifically about your application and next steps.
  • What happens with my donation after it has been made, and how do I ensure it supports nonprofits and the community?
    Your donation is processed and a thank you/charitable deduction receipt will be sent to you via email or mail. Contributions can be earmarked to support programs implemented by nonprofits in the community or your donation can support any of BRIC’s operating expenses and programs.
  • Can you specify where (focus areas) your donation can go towards?
    Yes, though you cannot specifically request your donation support a specific nonprofit that BRIC supports. Donations will support community programs and services focused on – emerging needs, economic opportunities, health, housing, racial justice and youth.
  • Are there similar organizations in other states?
    Yes, BRIC was one of the first of a growing number of Black-focused funds and foundations across the country.
  • Does BRIC have any employment or volunteer opportunities?
    BRIC invites volunteers to help with its annual community gatherings. Also, BRIC has an all-volunteer advisory board. Interested? Please contact us at info@bricfund.org.

BRIC Grants by the Numbers

$5M+

Total Grants from BRIC programs, initiatives, and partnerships
 

BRIC Grants in ACTION

Since 2020, the BRIC Fund has distributed over $5 million to over 400 deserving Colorado Black-led nonprofits that positively impact communities. We are proud to support the following community organizations:

Click here for our list of the Grant Cycle recipients. 

“The BRIC grant funds have helped Thelma’s Dream invest in the long-term sustainability of our organization. We have used the funds to pay for insurance, rent, office supplies and website maintenance. Sustainability is important because we are a resource center that serves at-risk and underserved communities. Without the BRIC grant funds, we would not be able to keep our doors open or maintain our insurance, which is required for our programs. We have been able to use the BRIC grant funds to continue our programming for youth and to maintain consistent resources for our families.”

~ Doretta Tootle – Executive Director and Founder, Thelma’s Dream

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