DURA Community STAND Grant Program | 2026

The Community STAND (C-STAND) program is a grant initiative from the Denver Urban Renewal Authority (DURA) designed to support the small businesses, nonprofits and Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) that help anchor Denver’s neighborhoods.

Launched in 2024, C-STAND was created to extend the benefits of urban renewal beyond bricks and mortar, investing directly in the organizations that preserve culture, create stability and keep communities vibrant. In its first year, the program awarded 13 grants totaling $524,014, supporting projects across historically underinvested areas of Denver.

Building on that momentum, DURA is offering two rounds of C-STAND grants in 2026, expanding opportunities for eligible organizations to access funding that helps them remain and grow in their original communities. Applications for round one are due March 6th, 2026. See below for additional key dates.

• • Visit the Application Hub ➔ to access all essential C-STAND documents, resources, and submission materials in one place. 
• • Click Here To Apply ➔ to review current funding opportunities, download application materials and sign up for updates when new grant rounds open.
• • Register for C-STAND Events ➔ join our Community Investment team on February 12 for a virtual workshop.
• • Access C-STAND Support ➔ to connect with the Community Investment Team for technical assistance and view recorded workshops. 
• • For additional support, contact [email protected]

Program Purpose

C-STAND supports projects that help community-serving organizations remain anchored in their neighborhoods while strengthening the existing community fabric. Grant funding may be used for a variety of eligible project costs that support stabilization, long-term presence and positive community impact.

Supported projects may include physical improvements, equipment purchases, costs associated with securing or owning space and other investments that enhance an organization’s ability to serve its community. DURA is open to creative proposals and encourages applicants to share how their project supports neighborhood stability, preserves community culture and advances the goals of the C-STAND program.

Grant funds are available to eligible organizations located within an existing Urban Renewal Area (URA) or within one-half mile of a URA.

Eligibility

C-STAND funds the following types of organizations:

• • Small businesses with $2 million or less in annual gross revenue
• • Nonprofits designated by 501C 3 status with $5 Million or less in gross revenue, including religious organizations and Registered Neighborhood Organizations (RNOs)
• • Organizations incubated by a 501(c)(3)
• • Business Improvement Districts (BIDs)

Priority consideration will be given to organizations that:

• • Have multigenerational or longstanding roots in the community
• • Propose projects to be completed within one year of agreement execution
• • Preserve neighborhood character, culture or history
• • Operate in neighborhoods that have historically lacked investment

All projects must be located within the City and County of Denver and inside a URA or within one-half mile of one.

Eligible Project Types

C-STAND supports a wide variety of projects. DURA is open to different ideas and will explore opportunities to provide unique investment in small businesses, nonprofits and business improvement districts (BIDs).

Past Awarded Projects

• • Furniture for organization – interior or exterior
  • Check out our work with Urban Sanctuary ➔
• • Façade Improvements
• • Landscaping
• • Community Garden or Pocket Park
• • Safety Improvements: camera, lights, equipment
• • Business Equipment: Printers, restaurant equipment, manufacturing machine
• • Costs associated with purchasing (owning) a space in your neighborhood
• • Cultural Markers such as a park bench or signage
• • Physical Building Improvements- Roofing, FF&E, HVAC, etc.
• • Corridor Greening and Furniture
• • Alley Clean-Up/ Beautification
• • Public Art installations
• • Window replacement
• • Graffiti removal
• • Design Fees for improvements and expansion
• • Marketing costs (events excluded)
• • Real Estate Purchase

DURA welcomes creative proposals and encourages applicants to share the specific needs of their organization and community.

Any organization applying for these grant resources must be located in the City and County of Denver and be either within an existing URA or within one-half mile of an existing URA.

Confirm you’re eligible and begin the application process

C-STAND will not fund:

• • Operating expenses
• • Rental assistance
• • Business or personal tax support
• • Events or one-time activations
• • Partisan or religious events

Grant Amounts

Eligible applicants may receive grants ranging from $10,000 to $50,000, depending on project scope and demonstrated community benefit.

Application Process

Organizations interested in C-STAND funding must submit a proposal outlining how grant dollars will be used and the anticipated community impact of the project.

Application Process

Organizations interested in C-STAND funding must submit a proposal outlining how grant dollars will be used and the anticipated community impact of the project. Submit project proposals in the application form. 

DURA will release a Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) for each grant round, which will include:

• • Application deadlines and key dates
• • Eligibility requirements and location maps
• • Required materials and evaluation criteria

Application Timing

Round 2 C-STAND Proposal Schedule