2025 Request for Grant Proposals

Gary Community Ventures currently has a request for grant proposals in these areas:  

• Improving Family Benefit Utilization: Proposals Due at 5PM MT on Feb. 28, 2025
• Scaling Systems to Expand 9th Grade Success: Proposals Due at 5PM MT on Feb. 24, 2025

We look forward to partnering with individuals and or organizations that have a focus in these areas and a commitment to advancing the promise and potential of kids and families who have traditionally not had access to opportunity. We highly encourage those new to Gary and those doing work aligned to the proposal focus areas to consider applying.

Request for Grant Proposals Summaries

Improving Family Benefit Utilization through a County Public Benefits Innovation Cohort

Today, more than $500M in public benefits go unclaimed in Colorado each year. These are taxpayer dollars, allocated by policymakers, that never reach the families who need them most. So why is so much money left on the table? This is the question Gary, in partnership with county agencies, seeks to better understand. Gary invites county human services departments committed to improving family benefit utilization to join a cohort of aligned peers, each setting individual goals, in a combined effort to unlock millions in unclaimed benefits. We anticipate awarding four counties $100,000 each, disbursed over a 24-month term.

To learn more, register here for an optional webinar on January 28 from 12-1PM MST. The webinar will be recorded.

Scaling Systems to Expand 9th Grade Success through a 9th Grade Success Champion

Ninth grade is the “make or break” year for high school students. If students succeed in passing their classes in 9th grade, their chances of high school graduation increase dramatically. Fortunately, there is ample evidence about how to set up 9th grade systems of support for students; and Colorado has many of the ingredients (legislation, state support, and strong technical assistance providers) needed to support school districts with implementing these systems. Our opportunity is to scale these systems, moving them from “new to normal.” Gary is seeking organizations or individuals interested in serving as a 9th Grade Success Champion for Colorado with the goal of significantly expanding 9th grade success systems across the state. We anticipate awarding one organization/individual $150,000/year over two years.

Future Grants & RFPs

Stay tuned for announcements on future requests for grant proposals

In addition to specific requests for grant proposals, we welcome the opportunity to connect with organizations engaged in aligned work at any time. Please feel free to reach out to the contacts below.