Working Toward Nonprofit Equity and Prosperity in Colorado

The Problem: Nonprofit organizations in Colorado rely on grant money from the state to provide essential services and resources to their communities, but the existing grant structure requires organizations to fund their work upfront before being reimbursed through their state grants. 

This essentially creates a pay-to-play system, where organizations with less cash on hand cannot adequately serve their communities.

The Communities Lead, Communities Thrive (CLCT) coalition has proposed legislation that will make grant money more readily available to Colorado nonprofit organizations. CLCT is an organization bringing together groups representing Black, Indigenous, Latino, Asian American and Pacific Islander, LGBTQ+, and rural communities. These communities have historically been left behind, marginalized, and inadequately represented.

Rocky Mountain Equality is a proud-founding member of CLCT and is fighting for a Colorado in which every organization has a chance to thrive. By supporting other nonprofits, we strengthen communities across Colorado. Collaboration and solidarity among nonprofits enhances our ability to influence systemic change and address the root causes of inequity.

HB 25-1101 would mandate that at least 35% of grant money awarded to organizations be made immediately available. This makes it easier for smaller nonprofits to apply for grant resources allowing them to work in a more sustainable way in their service to their communities. The bill also defines a window for reimbursements so that additional funds are not delayed and organizations are not left waiting for the funding that they rely on. In short, it would reduce barriers that often hinder Colorado’s nonprofit organizations from effectively funding efforts to serve their communities.

The Bottom Line: If HB 25-1101 is passed, nonprofits across the state, not just in Denver and Boulder, will be able to maximize their impact in their communities. When nonprofits serving marginalized communities are empowered with the necessary resources, they can amplify their impact, advocate more effectively, and provide more comprehensive services. This leads to stronger, healthier communities where all individuals have the opportunity to thrive.​ All communities should have nonprofit organizations to serve them, including rural communities.

Learn more about CLCT here: https://coclct.org/