How will the true needs of disproportionately affected Coloradans be reflected as funding decisions are made?
Community voice is critical to ensuring that the most pressing needs of Coloradans being disproportionately affected by COVID-19 are met. Community voice feedback will be shared with the Decision and Allocations Committee prior to each deadline and will guide the prioritization of funding. In addition to diverse review committees, multiple points of community input will inform funding decisions, including:
- Ongoing input from a group of community voice liaisons who are committed to supporting the Fund.
- Gathering input from organizations who have a particular emphasis on equity and inclusion issues, and also serve individuals and communities disproportionately impacted by COVID-19.
- Reviewing and synthesizing recent survey data on community needs related to COVID-19 to inform funding decisions.
- Sharing survey analyses with existing community advisory groups (e.g., local and state offices of emergency management, chambers of commerce) across Colorado for input on missing areas of need or perspectives.
What are the eligibility criteria for funding?
Community-based organizations in Colorado who are eligible to apply must meet the following three criteria areas: 1) organization type, 2) populations served and 3) alignment with one of the Fund’s three funding priority areas of Prevention, Impact and Recovery. See the section called Eligibility and Funding Priorities above for details on each criteria area.
How much funding will be dispersed through the fund?
The Fund continues to grow daily thanks to generous donors. Funds will be allocated by priority area based on highest needs. For the first deadline, up to 50% of the Fund total will be allocated to the Prevention and Impact priorities, combined. Because the COVID-19 pandemic is constantly evolving, fund distribution percentages will be determined ahead of each deadline.
How much funding may an eligible organization apply for?
The maximum grant size is $25,000. This may increase or decrease over time, depending on funds raised.
Can an eligible organization apply for funding during each cycle?
Organizations may only apply for one grant within one funding priority per deadline. If an organization is successfully funded in the first two deadlines and funding is available, they may reapply after 30 days of expending the received funds. Each deadline is based on availability of funds. Note: Any existing grantee who reapplies for a second grant is required to share brief reporting information in the application to understand what the funds were used for and if the intended purpose was met. Additional deadlines and opportunities for secondary applications will be dependent upon funding availability.
Will there be funds available after May?
The intent is to continue replenishing funds as long as the Governor’s office deems it necessary.
If I receive funding in the third or fourth deadline, may I reapply?
If funds are available to support additional deadlines beyond May 30, it is possible that organizations who are successfully funded past the second deadline may reapply, but that is not known at this time.
How long will it take before I know if my grant request is approved and when I will receive funds?
Awards will be determined, communicated and dispersed within 14 days of each application deadline.
How can the grant funds be used?
All funds disbursed will be general operating, unrestricted support. Funded organizations will have full discretion to use the dollars as needed, within the scope of the fund.
How long will it take to receive the funds once our grant request is approved?
Mile High United Way will disburse funds within three days of receiving list of decisions from the Decision and Allocation Committee, but no later than 14 days from the application deadline.
As a grantee of the fund, what am I required to report?
All grantees will report back by Nov 30, 2020, on the number of people served and a narrative about how the funds were used to benefit communities.
If I’m not eligible for this fund, are there others available for me to apply to?
Local funding resources: : A number of responsive funds have been established in Colorado. Philanthropy Colorado is keeping this list updated.
Issue-specific funding resources: The COVID-19 Emergency Hunger Relief Fund will provide flexible resources to entities working to support the food and nutritional needs of communities at greater risk of the economic consequences of the outbreak. The Fund strengthens work already happening in our communities and increases the capacity of local organizations to respond to emerging needs. Funding may be used to cover operating costs, including food, staff, packaging, safety supplies, food transportation, client communications, etc. Learn more and apply.
Who is making decisions about grant awards?
A Decision and Allocation Committee is responsible for reviewing grant recommendations and making final grantmaking decisions. Three grant review committees – one per funding priority — are responsible for reviewing grant requests and making funding recommendations for consideration by the Decision and Allocation Committee.
Will review committee members be aware of any potential financial conflicts of interest?
Yes, each member will sign a conflict of interest disclosure form and recuse themselves from any potential conflicts of interest related to funding decisions.
May I contact a member of a review committee to discuss my application?
No, we ask that you not contact members of the review committees for anything related to the Fund. All committee members are being asked to avoid personal engagement with applicants in advance of the awards being made.
Who are members of the grant review committees?
Following are the current grant review committees. Note: the composition of each may be adjusted throughout the life of the Fund. Please do not contact individual members of the review committees related to the Fund.
Decision and Allocation Committee:
- Roxane White, Co-Chair
- Rick Sapkin, Co-Chair
- Danielle Oliveto, Governor’s Office
- Kyle Hybl, El Pomar Foundation
- Paul Major, Telluride Foundation
- Karen McNeil-Miller, The Colorado Health Foundation
- Christine Benero, Mile High United Way
- Carlos Martinez, Colorado Latino Foundation
- Cheryl Zimlich, Bohemian Foundation
Prevention Grant Review Committee:
- Mark Andersen, Craig-Scheckman Family Foundation
- Andrew Paredes, Housing Finance & Sustainability, Department of Local Affairs
- Mike Imhof, Vail Foundation
- Shelley Marquez, Wells Fargo
- Gwyn Barley, The Colorado Trust
- Kate Siegel-Shimko, Office of the Governor
- Barbara Grogan, Grogan Family Foundation
- Jay Seaton, Grand Junction Sentinel
- Roxane White, Co-Chair
Impact Grant Review Committee
- LaDawn Sullivan, Denver Foundation
- Amy Latham, The Colorado Health Foundation
- Analysse Escobar, Governor’s Office
- Brittany Bowlen, Denver Broncos
- John Farnam, Morgridge Family Foundation
- Christine Scanlan, Keystone Foundation
- Dick Monfort, Colorado Rockies
- Chantal Unfug, Department of Local Affairs
- Adeeb Kahn, Delta Dental
- Bill Long, Former Bent County Commissioner
- Blanca O’Leary, Western Slope Community Leader
- Erin Ulrich, Blueprint for Hunger
Recovery Grant Review Committee
- Robin Finegan, Geospiza, Inc
- Lindy Eichenbaum-Lent, Rose Community Foundation
- Anne Miller, Colorado Resilience Office, Department of Local Affairs
- Javier Soto, Denver Foundation
- Stephanie Donner, Emily Griffith Technical College
- Amy Batchelor, Anchor Point
- Beth Ganz, Katz-Amsterdam Family Foundation
- Debra Brown, Good Business Colorado
- Martha Johnson, La Plata County & San Juan County, Director of Human Services
- Taylor MacLemore, Able Co.
- Laura Warren, GiveWise
Community Voices Liaisons
- Sarah Lipscomb, Colorado Department of Human Services
- Louise Myrland, The Women’s Foundation of Colorado
- Brad Clark, Gill Foundation
- Dana Scott, Colorado Department of Education
- Sarah Andrews, Office of Economic Development and International Trade