COMMUNITY FUNDING

The Colorado Blueprint to End Hunger invests in local communities to increase healthy food access, advance food justice, and support community-owned food systems across Colorado. Since becoming an organization in 2019, the Blueprint has invested a total of ~$17.6 million in 1,580 grant awards to 554 different organizations through 2023.

As part of our commitment to equity, we provide accessible funding opportunities and distribute grants to support community-based organizations, particularly those traditionally overlooked for funding, who are leading day-to-day work in their local areas and neighborhoods.

Our grant initiatives are intentionally designed to minimize barriers, with only limited requirements to encourage, instead of deterring or disqualifying, interested applicants. As part of this equity-centered process, we ensure shared opportunities for community members to lead decision-making around around grant program development and distribution of funds. We also continuously evaluate our grant distribution programs to ensure they are effective, efficient, and equitable. 

Community Food Grants

The annual grant program supports food pantries and food banks with funding to purchase and distribute local, fresh, and culturally relevant foods in our communities — while also also championing local agriculture. The Colorado Blueprint to End Hunger administers the program in partnership with the Colorado Department of Human Services.

Microgrants to Increase Healthy Food Access in Local Communities

The Colorado Blueprint to End Hunger partners with funders and other entities to provide microgrants to support grassroots organizations, initiatives, and leaders in Colorado communities. Past microgrant initiatives have supported small projects that aim to increase the number of Coloradans who can access affordable, nutritious food in their local communities. 

Colorado’s COVID-19 Emergency Hunger Relief Fund

Beginning in 2020, the Colorado Blueprint to End Hunger administered an emergency hunger relief fund during COVID-19. While not established to operate as a funder, the Blueprint saw this as an opportunity to ensure available funds were invested into communities hardest hit by the pandemic — and bridge the gap and create connections between philanthropic and community organizations. Through nine rounds of funding, the Blueprint distributed a total of $5.3 million to 536 organizations.

Looking for more funding options? We also share other grant opportunities — ranging from local to international — in our bi-weekly newsletter. Please sign up to stay informed!