CHFA is proud to announce its Round One 2024 Direct Effect Award recipients.
CHFA’s Direct Effect Awards recognize Colorado nonprofit organizations whose missions align with CHFA’s work to strengthen Colorado by investing in affordable housing and community development.
CHFA is donating $1,362,000 to 104 nonprofits through its Direct Effect program in round one, which received 196 applications seeking more than $4.6 million in combined funding.
CHFA is not a state agency and does not receive any direct state or federal appropriations. CHFA is a self-sufficient, quasi-governmental organization serving Colorado. The Direct Effect Awards are funded by directing a portion of CHFA’s program investments and earnings to provide philanthropic support and strengthen the capacity of mission-aligned nonprofits.
This year, CHFA is celebrating 50 years of strengthening Colorado. To commemorate, up to an additional five $50,000 awards will be given during each of the two Direct Effect Awards rounds in 2024 to applications demonstrating an exceptional alignment with CHFA’s mission. CHFA is pleased to announce the following five recipients of $50,000 Direct Effect Awards for 2024 Round One.
2024 Direct Effect Award Round One Recipients
Advocates of Lake County – $50,000
Advocates of Lake County provides trauma-informed services and promotes a community where individuals experiencing violence or housing insecurity may achieve personal autonomy. CHFA’s Direct Effect Award will provide general operating support for The Bridge-Leadville, which offers emergency and transitional support to individuals who are homeless or otherwise housing insecure, and otherwise have incomes below 30 percent Area Median Income. To learn more about Advocates of Lake County, please visit advocatesoflakecounty.org.
CrossPurpose – $50,000
CrossPurpose abolishes economic, relational, and spiritual poverty through career and community development. CHFA’s Direct Effect Award will support their tuition-free Leader program, which provides job training for employment, and their Legacy program, a wealth-building program for Leader alumni that explores financial wellness principles, career and education advancement, and steps toward investing and homeownership. To learn more about CrossPurpose, please visit crosspurpose.org.
Diakonia – $50,000
Diakonia’s mission is to provide needs-based programs and services that equip at-risk youth for a successful transition into adulthood. CHFA’s Direct Effect Award will support the Vocational Training program, which provides Home Builders Institute: Pre-Apprenticeship Certificate Training. This serves as a foot in the door to hundreds of in-demand occupations within the construction trades. To learn more about Diakonia, please visit projectdiakonia.org.
Hilltop Community Resources – $50,000
Hilltop Community Resources provides critical support and services that directly impact affordable housing access and economic development for clients in Mesa, Montrose, Delta, and Ouray counties. CHFA’s Direct Effect Award will support Latimer House, a community-based intimate partner violence and sexual assault response program serving Mesa, Montrose, Delta, and Ouray counties. To learn more about Hilltop Community Resources, please visit htop.org.
Kids First Health Care – $50,000
Kids First Health Care improves the health and wellbeing of all children, regardless of their circumstances, through access to high quality health care. They serve infants, children, and youth in Adams County, regardless of their insurance status or a family’s ability to pay for care. CHFA’s Direct Effect Award will support medical visits for their community's most underserved children. To learn more about Kids First Health Care, please visit kidsfirsthealthcare.org.
The remaining 2024 Round One award recipients are listed below.
5 Loaves Pantry – $7,500
5 Loaves Pantry’s mission is to provide a food source for those experiencing food insecurity, in McClave, Hasty, and the surrounding communities. CHFA’s Direct Effect Award will support Healthy Harvest 2024, allowing 5 Loaves Pantry to purchase locally grown fresh produce, honey, and sunflower oil from local producers in lower Arkansas Valley. To learn more about 5 Loaves Pantry, please visit 5loavespantry.org.
A Precious Child – $20,000
A Precious Child’s mission is to provide children in need with opportunities and resources to empower them to achieve their full potential. CHFA’s Direct Effect Award will support the Family Stability and Empowerment Resource Center programs, which will provide families with holistic resource navigation, support, and referrals to address their points of instability. To learn more about A Precious Child, please visit apreciouschild.org.
African Chamber of Commerce Colorado USA – $10,000
African Chamber of Commerce Colorado USA creates economic growth and investment by empowering the African business community of Colorado. CHFA’s Direct Effect Award will support the Business Recovery program, which helps start-ups and existing businesses continue their post-pandemic path to recovery and growth through access to technical assistance, training, business networking opportunities, and referrals to lenders and other business development resources. To learn more about African Chamber of Commerce Colorado USA, please visit africanchambercolorado.org.
Archway Communities – $10,000
Archway Communities elevates lives by providing access to affordable housing, food security, and the supportive services people need to thrive. CHFA’s Direct Effect Award will support community-informed and enhanced supportive services, bolstering resident engagement and well-being and helping more Archway residents remain stably housed and meet new goals. To learn more about Archway Communities, please visit archwaycommunities.org .
Ascending to Health Respite Care – $15,000
Ascending to Health Respite Care’s mission is to help break the cycle of homelessness through quality healthcare, sheltering, and case management. CHFA’s Direct Effect Award will support the cost of recuperative bed days, which provide step-down medical care for homeless individuals discharging from hospital visits who are too well to remain hospitalized, but who are too fragile to be released to the street/shelter to care for themselves. To learn more about Ascending to Health Respite Care, please visit athrc.com.
Aspire 3D – $10,000
Aspire 3D provides residents of the Loveland Housing Authority with individualized support that promotes increased well-being, independence, and economic security. CHFA’s Direct Effect Award will provide Loveland’s families, veterans, and older adults living in low- to moderate-income communities access to supportive services for individualized success. To learn more about Aspire 3D, please visit aspirenoco.org.
Aurora Economic Opportunity Coalition – $10,000
Aurora Economic Opportunity Coalition strives to promote long-term wealth building within the historically underserved community of northwest Aurora by providing professionals and businesses access to a comprehensive network of valuable resources. CHFA’s Direct Effect Award will help to expand services benefiting underserved residents through shelter, food access, transportation, job connections, protection against wage theft, and health/mental health services. To learn more about Aurora Economic Opportunity Coalition, please visit theaeoc.org.
Boulder County AIDS Project – $15,000
Boulder County AIDS Project’s mission is to provide support, advocacy, and education to those who are living with or affected by HIV, and to serve as an outreach and information center to prevent the further transmission of HIV. CHFA’s Direct Effect Award will provide housing assistance services for low-income people living with HIV in Boulder, Broomfield, Gilpin, and Clear Creek counties. To learn more about Boulder County AIDS Project, please visit bcap.org.
Boulder Food Rescue – $10,000
Boulder Food Rescue aims to create a more just and less wasteful food system. They facilitate the sustainable redistribution of nutritious food that would otherwise be wasted to low-income communities, working with communities to facilitate their own food redistribution and create decentralized systems to bypass barriers to food access. CHFA’s Direct Effect Award will support their food redistribution efforts. To learn more about Boulder Food Rescue, please visit boulderfoodrescue.org.
Boulder Housing Partners Foundation $15,000
Boulder Housing Partners Foundation's mission is to help its residents by mobilizing resources for supportive, life-enriching, and community building services. CHFA’s Direct Effect Award will support staffing for the Bringing School Home Early Childhood program, which fosters partnerships with residents and local organizations to increase opportunities and strengthen the broader community. To learn more about Boulder Housing Partners Foundation, please visit boulderhousing.org/bhp-foundation.
Boys and Girls Club of La Plata County – $5,000
Boys and Girls Club of La Plata County’s mission is to enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, and responsible citizens. CHFA’s Direct Effect Award will support the renovation and outfitting of their new Science and Creativity Center, which will support hands-on exploration and learning in STEM and art making. To learn more about Boys and Girls Club of La Plata County, please visit bgclaplata.org.
Bright Future Foundation for Eagle County – $15,000
Bright Future Foundation for Eagle County’s mission is to transform lives affected by domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, and human-trafficking. CHFA’s Direct Effect Award will support their Ensuring Freedom Housing program and their emergency shelter, BrightHouse. Both programs are designed to offer survivors dignity throughout their stay and/or engagement with the agency as well as survivor-driven choices and effective support. To learn more about Bright Future Foundation for Eagle County, please visit MyBrightFuture.org.
Broomfield FISH – $10,000
Broomfield FISH’s mission is to meet their neighbors’ basic human needs and provide them with hope and tools to rise out of poverty. They are a food and family resource center, and have been working to address housing instability, homelessness, and food security for more than 60 years. CHFA’s Direct Effect Award will help to ensure that the most underserved populations in Broomfield have equitable access to fresh, healthy foods. To learn more about Broomfield FISH, please visit broomfieldfish.org.
Brothers Redevelopment – $15,000
Brothers Redevelopment’s mission is to provide a range of housing solutions for low-income community members, older adults, and people living with disabilities across Colorado. CHFA’s Direct Effect Award will support the Home Modification and Repair and Paint-A-Thon programs, which provide repairs and modifications for low-income, elderly, and disabled homeowners who are unable to pay contractors for these services. To learn more about Brothers Redevelopment, please visit brothersredevelopment.org.
Business Incubator Center – $15,000
Business Incubator Center’s mission is to diversify the economy and cultivate ecosystems that empower entrepreneurship and small businesses. CHFA’s Direct Effect Award will bolster and broaden three transformative programs integral to the entrepreneurial ecosystem: AgriWest initiative, GJmakerspace's youth engagement, and early childcare business support. Each program is designed to catalyze economic development and empower their community. To learn more about Business Incubator Center, please visit gjincubator.org.
Careers in Construction Colorado – $15,000
Careers in Construction Colorado’s mission is to partner with entities that provide educational courses focused on the construction industry to promote the benefits of career opportunities to students, parents, influencers, and educators, as well as develop effective job-placement platforms. CHFA’s Direct Effect Award will provide general operating support for their work which allows students to earn US Department of Labor-recognized pre-apprenticeship certificates, certifying students' skills in a trade. To learn more about Careers in Constructions Colorado, please visit ciccolorado.org.
Chaffee Housing Trust – $15,000
Chaffee Housing Trust’s mission is to promote responsible community development by providing affordable and sustainable homeownership and rentals to qualifying residents. CHFA’s Direct Effect Award will provide support for staffing as the organization sees a projected four-fold increase in their annual home production. To learn more about Chaffee Housing Trust, please visit chaffeehousing.org.
City of Delta – $12,500
City of Delta mission is to foster responsible economic growth and prosperity to create an attractive and vibrant rural community for residents, business owners, and visitors of all ages. CHFA’s Direct Effect Award will help equip their makerspace, a collaborative workspace that will foster creativity, innovation, education, community building, job creation, and workforce development. To learn more about City of Delta, please visit cityofdelta.net.
College Access Navigators – $15,000
College Access Navigators is a youth-centered, grassroots organization that co-creates bright futures with youth through mentoring and leadership development. CHFA’s Direct Effect Award will support the Mentor Fellowship Program, which pairs college-age near-peer mentors with mentees to provide essential support and guidance in navigating the education system and preparing for their future careers. The program has a focus on newcomer and first-generation students. To learn more about College Access Navigators, please visit collegeaccessnavigators.org.
Colorado Changemakers Collective – $10,000
Colorado Changemakers Collective’s mission is to create a social network by providing high-quality services to their community for wealth, creating a dignified life for Promotoras through training, and economic opportunities. CHFA’s Direct Effect Award will provide general operating support for their programming focused on aiding their community to obtain affordable rental housing and development for economic strength. To learn more about Colorado Changemakers Collective, please visit colectivacreandocambios.org.
Colorado Futuretek – $5,000
Colorado Futuretek’s mission is to provide enrichment training and resources to help African American and other underrepresented minority youth obtain marketable skills in the IT and computer industries and support them in developing interpersonal and entrepreneurial skills. They also work to elevate senior citizens by providing basic computer and smartphone training and assistance to increase their knowledge and comfort with technology. CHFA’s Direct Effect Award will support their 2024 programming for students and older adults. To learn more about Colorado Futuretek, please visit cftek.org.
Colorado Homeownership Coalition – $20,000
The Colorado Homeownership Coalition aims to stabilize families, neighborhoods, and communities across Colorado through sustainable homeownership. They support individuals and families experiencing financial instability to allow them to achieve their potential. CHFA’s Direct Effect Award will support the Mortgage Assistance program, which creates a temporary bridge via grant funds to help stabilize a temporary financial situation and avoid consequences of ongoing housing expense delinquency and foreclosure. To learn more about Colorado Homeownership Coalition, please visit chchelps.org.
Colorado Immigrant Justice Fund – $10,000
Colorado Immigrant Justice Fund provides legal education and resources for asylum seekers to help them obtain freedom, independence, and a pathway to becoming contributing members of society in the United States. CHFA’s Direct Effect Award will provide asylum seekers with access to legal resources, setting them on a path to safety, stability, and economic opportunity. To learn more about Colorado Immigrant Justice Fund, please visit coloradoimmigrantjusticefund.org.
Colorado Poverty Law Project – $10,000
Colorado Poverty Law Project's mission is to prevent homelessness through legal representation, education, and advocacy. CHFA’s Direct Effect Award will support their Legal Representation and Limited Legal Services, Housing Navigation Program, Young Adult Legal Services, and Self-Help Legal Services programs. To learn more about Colorado Poverty Law Project, please visit copovertylawproject.org.
The Community Firm – $10,000
The Community Firm partners with low-income and working people to build economic and racial equity by confronting economic abuse and investing in community wealth. CHFA’s Direct Effect Award will support the Community Economic Defense Project’s Eviction Legal Defense program, which provides legal representation to Coloradans facing eviction. To learn more about The Community Firm, please visit cedproject.org.
Community Food Bank – $15,000
Community Food Bank provides a short-term supply of nutritious food, and access to available hunger relief resources, to any Mesa County community member experiencing need. CHFA’s Direct Effect Award will support the Food Access program, which includes a no-qualifications weekly client choice pantry, a home delivery program, and a Harvest Mobile Market bringing local produce and protein directly to neighborhoods across Mesa County. To learn more about Community Food Bank, please visit foodbankgj.org.
Covered Colorado – $10,000
Covered Colorado’s mission is to empower sex trafficking survivors to achieve healing and self-sufficiency. CHFA’s Direct Effect Award will support the general operations of their residential program, Covered House, including food, clothing, transportation, access to healthcare, mental health services, trade school/college tuition, education resources, and personnel costs. To learn more about Covered Colorado, please visit coveredcolorado.org.
The Cycle Effect – $10,000
The Cycle Effect’s mission is to empower young women through mentorship and mountain biking to create brighter futures and build stronger communities. CHFA’s Direct Effect Award will support the Girls Mountain Bike Mentorship Program, which creates transformative change in the lives of young women and their families in rural communities across Colorado’s Western Slope. To learn more about The Cycle Effect, please visit thecycleeffect.org.
Delta Health Foundation – $7,500
Delta Health Foundation’s mission is to inspire generosity and support, as well as remarkable care in their community, through Delta Health. CHFA’s Direct Effect Award will support continued education scholarships for Delta Health employees, to create access to higher-income careers, job security, and new opportunities for members of their rural community. To learn more about Delta Health Foundation, please visit foundationdeltahealth.org.
Denver Asset Building Coalition – $10,000
Denver Asset Building Coalition’s mission is to provide free tax preparation, financial education, and other asset-building services in the Denver metro area to help low-income and underserved people become economically self-sufficient. CHFA’s Direct Effect Award will support their Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program, which is vital in fostering economic stability and financial empowerment among low-income individuals and families in the Denver metro area. To learn more about Denver Asset Building Coalition, please visit denverabc.org.
Denver Metro Fair Housing Center – $7,500
Denver Metro Fair Housing Center works to eliminate housing discrimination and ensure equitable housing opportunities for all people and communities through its education and outreach, public policy advocacy, enforcement, and compliance programs. CHFA’s Direct Effect Award will support their programs to provide educational classes, testing, and enforcement activities. To learn more about Denver Metro Fair Housing Center, please visit dmfhc.org.
Denver Scholarship Foundation – $10,000
Denver Scholarship Foundation inspires and empowers Denver Public Schools students to enroll in and graduate from postsecondary institutions of higher education, by providing the tools, knowledge, and financial resources essential for success. CHFA’s Direct Effect Award will support the Student Success Program, a comprehensive platform of continual student support beginning in high school and continuing throughout college and into early career for Denver youth whose demographics are under-represented in college and disproportionately over-represented in unemployment and low-wage occupations. To learn more about Denver Scholarship Foundation, please visit denverscholarship.org.
Doors 2 Success – $15,000
Doors 2 Success assists Mesa County residents to achieve economic independence and empower them to stabilize and improve their lives and the lives of their children through education, training, referrals, and other supportive services tailored to their individual household needs. CHFA’s Direct Effect Award will support the Service-care Coordination program, which provides residents with access to on-site and community-based health and wellness services, involving clients in their care plans, and helping clients access health care via transportation referrals or driving clients to appointments. To learn more about Doors 2 Success, please visit doors2success.org.
Eagle Valley Community Foundation – $10,000
Eagle Valley Community Foundation provides access to programs and resources that support wellness, healthier food, and other essential needs in their community while embracing individual dignity and a commitment to sustainability and quality. CHFA’s Direct Effect Award will be used for uplifting existing infrastructure to optimize the effectiveness of their food distribution and support services for individuals experiencing homelessness. To learn more about Eagle Valley Community Foundation, please visit eaglevalleycf.org.
Early Connections Learning Centers – $10,000
Early Connections Learning Centers’ mission is to provide high-quality, comprehensive early care and education to all children. CHFA’s Direct Effect Award will help support their high quality, comprehensive early care and education program that focuses on school readiness, helping young children develop the skills, and attributes the need to learn and succeed. To learn more about Early Connections Learning Centers, please visit earlyconnections.org.
Entryway – $10,000
Entryway transitions individuals and families at risk of or experiencing homelessness to economic self-sufficiency by providing career training, full-time employment, and housing opportunities in partnership with the real estate industry. CHFA’s Direct Effect Award will support job training, job placement programs, and affordable housing services for situationally homeless people and their families in Colorado. To learn more about Entryway, please visit entrywaytalent.org.
EUREKA! McConnell Science Museum – $10,000
EUREKA! McConnell Science Museum’s mission is to inspire a passion and respect for math and science in their community. CHFA’s Direct Effect Award will support their efforts in providing more equitable access to hands-on STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and math) learning opportunities and educational enrichment for youth in Mesa County by providing tuition reduction for students and families. To learn more about EUREKA! McConnell Science Museum, please visit eurekasciencemuseum.org.
Extreme Community Makeover – $10,000
Extreme Community Makeover coordinates volunteer teams to partner with Denver residents to improve their own homes and neighborhoods. CHFA’s Direct Effect Award will support the Adopt-a-Block program, which cultivates community among residents, neighborhoods, and networks of local resource providers, and connects residents to a permanent path towards healthy, hopeful, and stable lives. To learn more about Extreme Community Makeover, please visit extremecommunitymakeover.org.
Focus Points Family Resource Center – $15,000
Focus Points Family Resource Center’s mission is to build better communities by strengthening families in Globeville and Elyria-Swansea, Montbello, Commerce City, and Aurora. CHFA’s Direct Effect Award will provide general operating funds to support Focus Points’ holistic programs to address health and economic inequities, helping low-income families meet their immediate basic needs while acquiring the tools and support to achieve long-term stability. To learn more about Focus Points Family Resource Center, please visit focuspoints.org.
Forge Evolution – $5,000
Forge Evolution empowers youth to develop resiliency through inspiration, accountability, and connection to create a stronger community. CHFA’s Direct Effect Award will support the Life Skills Mentoring program to help youth in the Teen Court/Restorative Justice Sentencing program acquire the skills necessary to succeed in life. To learn more about Forge Evolution, please visit forgeevolution.org.
Foster Alumni Mentors – $10,000
Foster Alumni Mentors (FAM) creates a community of belonging and a network of support for those who have experienced foster care. CHFA’s Direct Effect Award will help enhance supportive housing services. In partnership with the Grand Junction Housing Authority and other community partners, FAM works to identify eligible Alumni and assist them one-on-one in acquiring and maintaining stable housing. To learn more about Foster Alumni Mentors, please visit fosteralumnimentors.org.
Fremont County Economic Development Corporation – $15,000
Fremont County Economic Development Corporation is a professional economic development organization focused directly on business attraction, retention and expansion. CHFA’s Direct Effect Award will help them launch TradeSTART, an initiative aiming to address three critical issues: the housing shortage, lack of skilled workers, and limited economic opportunities in Fremont County, with a primary focus on serving economically distressed and underserved individuals. To learn more about Fremont County Economic Development Corporation, please visit fremontedc.com.
Fresh Food Connect – $10,000
Fresh Food Connect’s mission is to grow a more local and resilient food system by connecting gardeners with their communities. CHFA’s Direct Effect Award will support their Colorado Expansion Project, which seeks to expand access to fresh, homegrown produce to 200 ZIP Codes in Colorado through outreach activities to build the FFC Colorado Gardener Network and increase donations of homegrown produce across the state. To learn more about Fresh Food Connect, please visit freshfoodconnect.org.
The Garage Workspace – $10,000
The Garage Workspace’s mission is to foster rural innovation through dynamic collaboration. They provide a supportive environment for individuals and businesses to thrive, offering flexible workspaces, resources, and networking opportunities. CHFA’s Direct Effect Award will provide general operating funds to help maintain their space's accessibility and functionality, ensuring entrepreneurs, small businesses, nonprofits, and community members have the resources and support they need to thrive. To learn more about The Garage Workspace, please visit thegarageworkspace.org.
The Gathering Place – $15,000
The Gathering Place (TGP) is a community of safety and hope where positive relationships, choice, and essential resources transform lives. CHFA’s Direct Effect Award will help provide low-barrier resource navigation, wellness programs, and housing-focused case management to help more than 100 unhoused people move to permanent housing annually and will support hundreds more in gaining long-term stability and security. To learn more about The Gathering Place, please visit tgpdenver.org.
GoFarm – $15,000
GoFarm’s mission is to train and support local farmers, connect communities with local agriculture, and increase equitable access to nutrient-rich food grown in Colorado. CHFA’s Direct Effect Award will support GoFarm’s work to increase the number of farms owned and operated by historically marginalized peoples and increase the local food supply by training beginning farmers in sustainable farming methods. To learn more about GoFarm, please visit gofarm.org.
Grand Foundation – $10,000
Grand Foundation seeks to improve the quality of life in Grand County by proactively addressing current and future needs in the areas of health and human services, arts and culture, education, sports and recreation, and environment. CHFA’s Direct Effect Award will support the Grand County Housing Assistance Fund (GCHAF), which leverages funding to create a resource for rent, down payment, and mortgage support for individuals working in Grand County. To learn more about Grand Foundation, please visit grandfoundation.com.
Growing Home – $7,500
Growing Home advances equity in the areas of food, housing, parenting education, and lifelong stability to create lasting change for the future. CHFA’s Direct Effect Award will support the Housing Stability program to directly assist participants struggling with their rent, mortgage, and utility expenses. To learn more about Growing Home, please visit growinghome.org.
Hands of the Carpenter – $15,000
Hands of The Carpenter offers hope to single women with dependent children, while providing automobile services, partnering in their efforts to be employed and pursue economic self-sufficiency. CHFA’s Direct Effect Award will support automotive services for working single mothers, which addresses the often-overlooked barrier of unreliable transportation. The programs provide immediate and long-term services including vehicle assessment, repairs, maintenance, and related car care education. To learn more about Hands of the Carpenter, please visit handsofthecarpenter.org.
Harmony Acres Equestrian Center – $10,000
Harmony Acres Equestrian Center’s mission is to create a place where people and animals come together for the purpose of healing; to educate the community as to the value of every individual life. Harmony Acres serves financially disadvantaged Mesa County residents struggling with various physical, cognitive, and mental and behavioral challenge and disabilities. CHFA’s Direct Effect Award will support programming for veterans and children. To learn more about Harmony Acres Equestrian Center, please visit harmonyacresec.org.
The Hive DGO – $7,500
The Hive DGO strives to support journeys in self-discovery by providing a brave and inclusive space for under-resourced and underrepresented youth. The Hive DGO has empowered Durango's youth with internships and jobs, emphasizing mentorship, creativity, and cultural diversity. CHFA’s Direct Effect Award will provide support as they relocate to a larger space. To learn more about The Hive DGO, please visit thehivedgo.org.
HomesFund – $10,000
The mission of HomesFund is to build diverse and resilient communities by supporting the development of affordable housing programs and empowering residents with the financial resources and educational tools to achieve homeownership in Southwest Colorado. CHFA’s Direct Effect Award will support their Construction Loan Down Payment Assistance program to assist low-income households with the construction and acquisition of manufactured homes in Southwest Colorado. To learn more about Homesfund, please visit homesfund.org.
Homeward Alliance – $7,500
Homeward Alliance exists to empower individuals and families who face homelessness to survive, more forward, and thrive. CHFA’s Direct Effect Award will support staffing for a housing-focused Resource Navigator that will empower individuals and families experiencing homelessness to move into permanent housing and, for those who are at high-risk of homelessness but housed, regain stability in their permanent housing. To learn more about Homeward Alliance, please visit homewardalliance.org.
HomewardBound of the Grand Valley – $15,000
HomewardBound of the Grand Valley’s mission is to be unrelenting, audacious, and impatient in our pursuit of eliminating the unwanted condition of homelessness in the Grand Valley. CHFA’s Direct Effect Award will support their emergency shelter, which meets the basic needs of each homeless individual and family that arrives by providing clean beds, a safe place to be during daytime hours, meals, clothing, hot showers, and toiletries. To learn more about HomewardBound of the Grand Valley, please visit homewardboundgv.org.
Hope House of Colorado – $7,500
Hope House Colorado empowers parenting teenage moms to strive for personal and economic self-sufficiency and to understand their significance in God’s sight, resulting in a healthy future for them and for their children. CHFA’s Direct Effect Award will be used to support eviction mitigation services, including housing navigation services. To learn more about Hope House of Colorado, please visit hopehousecolorado.org.
Housed, Working and Healthy – $15,000
Housed, Working and Healthy helps people on their path toward self-sufficiency with a culinary program that provides job training and mental health support, leading to sustained employment. CHFA’s Direct Effect Award will provide general operating funds for their programming, including housing, transportation, culinary workforce training, internships, mental health, employment, and other services. To learn more about Housed, Working, and Health, please visit housedworkingandhealthy.org.
The Initiative – $7,500
The Initiative’s mission is to empower victims and create a bridge to close the gap for people with disabilities through the discovery of self-resiliency by providing support and services. CHFA’s Direct Effect Award will support their Direct Service Program, including emergency housing, short-term housing, long-term housing, and legal assistance. To learn more about The Initiative, please visit theinitiativeco.org.
The Inn Between of Longmont – $10,000
The Inn Between of Longmont’s mission is to provide affordable housing and promote stability to diverse families and individuals by utilizing community resources, advocacy, and life skills training. CHFA Direct Effect Award will help stabilize low-income households facing homelessness, who earn less than 40 percent area median income, with affordable rental housing and with support services that empower them to develop self-sufficiency. To learn more about The Inn Between of Longmont, please visit theinnbetween.org.
Integrated Community – $15,000
Integrated Community assists and supports immigrants as they integrate, contribute, and maintain their independence in our Northwest Colorado community. CHFA’s Direct Effect Award will support Language Services and Community Case Management, crucial initiatives aimed at supporting immigrants and non-English speaking community members in the Yampa Valley. To learn more about Integrated Community, please visit ciiccolorado.org.
Intercambio – $10,000
Intercambio’s mission is to bring English learners and community volunteers together in language classes and gatherings to build skills, confidence, and life-changing connections. CHFA’s Direct Effect Award will support Intercambio’s relationship-based English classes, which help adult immigrants build English skills, confidence, and connections to succeed, improving their lives and supporting their families for generations. To learn more about Intercambio, please visit intercambio.org.
International Association for Refugees – $12,000
International Association for Refugees accompanies asylum seekers and refugees through the process of survival, recovery, and integration. CHFA’s Direct Effect Award will support the Fort Morgan Housing Initiative to create a housing community that serves as a supportive environment in which an individual or family can save money and work towards long-term goals, specifically homeownership. To learn more about International Association for Refugees, please visit iafrcolorado.org.
Jeffco Eats – $7,500
Jeffco Eats’ mission is to reduce the number of children experiencing hunger in Jefferson County and to increase nutritional intake through healthy, quality foods. CHFA’s Direct Effect Award will support Jeffco Eats’ food distribution programs for low-income children and their families. To learn more about Jeffco Eats, please visit jeffcoeats.org.
Jobs of Hope – $12,500
Job’s of Hope’s mission is to restore hope and transform the lives of individuals involved in the justice system. CHFA’s Direct Effect Award will be used to support Project Restoration's costs and expenses associated with offering case management, peer counseling, life skills instruction, mental health counseling, and sobriety discussion groups. To learn more about Jobs of Hope, please visit jobsofhope.org.
Kiowa County Economic Development Foundation – $5,000
Kiowa County Economic Development Foundation’s mission is to actively promote and manage growth and development for Kiowa County while preserving the unique rural atmosphere and quality of life inherent throughout the history of Kiowa County. CHFA’s Direct Effect Award will support the salary of their Housing Director. To learn more about Kiowa County Economic Development Foundation, please visit kcedfonline.org.
Kit Carson Rural Development – $15,000
Kit Carson Rural Development is organized to promote, beautify, and assist in the betterment of the communities of Kit Carson and Wild Horse and the surrounding areas, also to encourage, nurture, and enable perpetual leadership therein creating local initiative to preserve the quality of life for future generations. CHFA’s Direct Effect Award will support the Special Project Coordinator, bolstering the organization’s capacity to address critical community needs and advance its mission. To learn more about Kit Carson Rural Development, please visit kitcarsonruraldevelopment.com.
LA Clinica Tepeyac – $10,000
The mission of LA Clinica Tepeyac is to inspire health, wellbeing, and humanity in our community, through all of life’s stages. CHFA’s Direct Effect Award will support a project to facilitate the optimization of internal processes and systems, enabling Tepeyac to navigate the challenges of rapid growth while upholding its commitment to quality care. To learn more about LA Clinica Tepeyac, please visit tepeyachealth.org.
LIFT-UP – $15,000
LIFT-UP is the leader in providing equitable food security for individuals and families: educating, building understanding, and support to end hunger from Parachute to Aspen, Colorado. CHFA’s Direct Effect Award will support their food security program through providing funds for operations, food procurement, and infrastructure enhancement. To learn more about LIFT-UP, please visit liftup.org.
Lotus Foundation – $5,000
Lotus Foundation provides confidential advocacy and case management services to survivors of human trafficking with the goal of seeing each survivor leading a safe, healthy, and independent life. CHFA’s Direct Effect Award will support rental assistance, transportation, and emergency stays in local hotels. To learn more about Lotus Foundation, please visit LotusFoundationCO.org.
Montessori del Mundo – $7,500
The mission of Montessori del Mundo (MdM) is to prepare all students for success in college and the future bilingual workforce and to build a strong, educated, bilingual community. CHFA’s Direct Effect Award will provide tuition support for their early childhood education program, providing support for students who would otherwise not have access to quality early childhood education. To learn more about Montessori del Mundo, please visit montessoridelmundo.org.
Monument View Bible Church - Five Loaves and Two Fishes Food Pantry – $10,000
Monument View Bible Church - Five Loaves and Two Fishes Food Pantry’s mission is to demonstrate the love of Jesus Christ by compassionately providing food for their community. CHFA’s Direct Effect Award will help purchase a walk-in cooler to store perishable foods. To learn more about Monument View Bible Church - Five Loaves and Two Fishes Food Pantry, please visit mvbcfruita.org/pantry.
Morgan County Economic Development Corporation – $15,000
Morgan County Economic Development Corporation engages the public and private sectors in actions focused on attracting and supporting business growth that benefits the residents and communities of Morgan County. CHFA’s Direct Effect Award will support the ROOTS76 Mobile VR Lab, a transformative educational initiative designed to equip high school students with essential trade skills through immersive virtual reality technology. To learn more about Morgan County Economic Development Corporation, please visit morgancountyinfo.com.
Mountain Youth – $5,000
Mountain Youth’s mission is to continuously and collaboratively improve the lives of youth in the most powerful ways possible. CHFA’s Direct Effect Award will support Tu Guía, a youth-led, adult-supported program developed to pair local high school and college-aged tutors with elementary and middle school-aged students who need academic assistance. To learn more about Mountain Youth, please visit mountainyouth.org.
Northwest Colorado Health – $15,000
Northwest Colorado Health’s mission is to improve quality of life for all Northwest Colorado residents by providing comprehensive health resources and creating an environment that supports community wellness. CHFA’s Direct Effect Award will support the Aging Well program, which helps to address the many barriers and struggles that our older adult population faces living in rural and frontier areas in Northwest Colorado. To learn more about Northwest Colorado Health, please visit northwestcoloradohealth.org.
Pagosa Springs Community Development Corporation – $20,000
Pagosa Springs Community Development Corporation works to enhance the quality of life for the citizens of Pagosa Springs and Archuleta County by creating jobs, encouraging new capital investment, and creating a business-friendly community. CHFA’s Direct Effect Award will help to build internal capacity by hiring staff to assist with grant execution and compliance. To learn more about Pagosa Springs Community Development Corporation, please visit pagosaspringscdc.org.
Partners in Housing – $10,000
Partners in Housing guides families in housing crisis from insecurity to stability, self-reliance, and prosperity. CHFA’s Direct Effect Award will support two program components essential to client’s success – Employment Assistance through the Work It! Program, and Budget and Credit Counseling. To learn more about Partners in Housing, please visit partnersinhousing.org.
Prodigy Ventures – $10,000
Prodigy Ventures provides personal development and hands-on learning in a Prodigy enterprise where young adults build a foundation of mindsets and skills for sustainable lives, economic mobility, and to go forth and enrich their city. CHFA's Direct Effect Award will support Prodigy Ventures' two high-standard social enterprise coffeehouses offering apprenticeships to young adults from Denver disconnected from traditional school and work structures. To learn more about Prodigy Ventures, please visit prodigyventures.org.
Pueblo Rescue Mission – $20,000
Pueblo Rescue Mission works to empower and improve the lives of unsheltered adults in Pueblo through the provision of food, shelter, and navigational support services. CHFA’s Direct Effect Award will provide case management for their Step Back In program, which provides the foundation of support that the adult unhoused community in Pueblo needs to transition to stable housing. To learn more about Pueblo Rescue Mission, please visit thepueblorescuemission.org.
Raising A Reader Aspen to Parachute – $7,500
Raising A Reader Aspen to Parachute’s mission is to foster early literacy bonds between children and their parents to ensure that all young children from Aspen to Parachute develop a love of books and the skills to become successful readers. CHFA’s Direct Effect Award will support the Bolsitas Rojas Program with bilingual program coordinators, who are trusted members of their communities, and purchasing the materials, books, healthy snacks, and resources to make the program engaging for children ages 0-5 and their parents. To learn more about Raising A Reader Aspen to Parachute, please visit rar4kids.org.
Reading Partners Colorado – $7,500
Reading Partners Colorado’s mission is to help children become lifelong readers by empowering communities to provide individualized instruction with measurable results. CHFA’s Direct Effect Award will provide general operating costs to support the program, which aims to serve 600 students through individualized tutoring and literacy support in the 2024-2025 school year. To learn more about Reading Partners Colorado, please visit readingpartners.org/colorado.
Recovery Resources – $20,000
Recovery Resources empowers people to overcome adversity by writing a new story of recovery and resilience. CHFA’s Direct Effect Award will support their Intensive Wrap-Around Services program, which supports vulnerable individuals to achieve positive long-term health outcomes, self-sufficiency and greater overall wellbeing. To learn more about Recovery Resources, please visit recoveryresourcescolorado.org.
Resilience1220 – $10,000
Resilience1220’s mission is to provide free counseling services to youth ages 12-20 in the mountain communities west of Denver. CHFA’s Direct Effect Award will support a master’s level therapist working in Gilpin County to provide individual youth therapy, lead a monthly art group and a five-week resilience series, and deliver presentations to discuss parenting in the digital age and challenges military families face and how to provide support and resources to these families in the community. To learn more about Resilience1220, please visit resilience1220.org.
REVEL – $10,000
REVEL’s mission is to bridge the gap to adulthood for teens and adults with autism and intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) to live meaningful, enriched lives. CHFA’s Direct Effect Award will support the Rev Up Employment program, designed to empower individuals with I/DD by providing them with access to meaningful employment opportunities. To learn more about REVEL, please visit revelinlife.org.
Rising Up – $12,500
Rising Up's mission is to create long lasting, innovative solutions to eliminating homelessness, hunger, and poverty in Morgan County. CHFA’s Direct Effect Award will provide $1,000 per month to support the Lunch with Neighbors programs and supplement community donations to provide five hot lunches per week to up to 25 people per day or 500 meals per month. To learn more about Rising Up, please visit risingupmorgancounty.com.
Riverside Education Centers – $10,000
Riverside Education Centers provides Mesa County students with high-quality academic and extracurricular experiences during out-of-school time to foster individual growth and to create community within a safe, diverse, equitable, inclusive environment. CHFA’s Direct Effect Award will provide general operating funds to ensure that programming can continue to be offered to more than 1,200 K-12 students at 16 sites. To learn more about Riverside Education Centers, please visit rec4kids.com.
Rocky Mountain Employee Ownership Center – $10,000
Rocky Mountain Employee Ownership Center’s mission is to build a more just and sustainable economy through employee ownership. CHFA’s Direct Effect Award will support the launch and development of a gourmet mushroom-growing cooperative in Alamosa, allowing workers to relaunch a cooperatively owned mushroom farm, representing a significant step toward economic empowerment and community resilience in Alamosa. To learn more about Rocky Mountain Employee Ownership Center, please visit rmeoc.org.
Rocky Mountain Partnership – $10,000
Rocky Mountain Partnership’s mission is to unite decisionmakers and stakeholders, including those most impacted, to create a future where the full potential of every young individual is realized, contributing to the growth and prosperity of their community and region. CHFA’s Direct Effect Award will support their expert Coordinating Team, which provides crucial support, facilitation, and project management to partners working to enhance a robust network of training, education, and skill development for youth that aligns with the demands of high-growth industries. To learn more about Rocky Mountain Partnership, please visit rmpartnership.org.
STRiVE – $15,000
STRiVe is a partnership of people supporting people offering a variety of services to help families and support individuals with developmental disabilities. CHFA’s Direct Effect Award will support their Group Employment program, which provides clients with technical and soft skill training, and work experience at a STRiVE-owned and operated enterprise and Supported Community Employment, where clients are employed with an established employer in the community. To learn more about STRiVE, please visit strivecolorado.org.
Sunshine Home Share Colorado – $10,000
Sunshine Home Share Colorado’s mission is to ensure quality of life for older adults and strengthen communities through a safe home-sharing model, supportive economic empowerment, and connections to resources and services. CHFA’s Direct Effect Award will support their home matching program as well as their financial wellness and empowerment program. To learn more about Sunshine Home Share Colorado, please visit sunshinehomeshare.org.
Surface Creek Community Services - Cedaredge Food Bank – $10,000
Surface Creek Community Services - Cedaredge Food Bank’s mission is to assist in alleviating hunger for those in need in the Surface Creek Valley. CHFA’s Direct Effect Award will allow them to purchase and provide much more fresh, organic, and nutritional foods from local and regional producers. To learn more about Surface Creek Community Services - Cedaredge Food Bank, please visit cedaredgefoodbank.com.
Tall Tales Ranch – $7,500
Tall Tales Ranch actively partners with adults living with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) in their pursuit of full and enriched lives by creating and sustaining a radically inclusive community and opportunities. CHFA’s Direct Effect Award will support the Tall Tales Coffee Company program, an exciting new workforce development and employment program, creating opportunities for greater financial independence, increased confidence, and continued development of life, social, and professional skills. To learn more about Tall Tales Ranch, please visit talltalesranch.org.
United Way of Weld County – $10,000
United Way of Weld County’s mission is to improve lives by mobilizing the caring power of the community. CHFA’s Direct Effect Award will support the Housing Navigation Center, which is an essential component to the Weld’s Way Home community-wide initiative of ending homelessness in Weld County. To learn more about United Way of Weld County, please visit unitedway-weld.org.
UpRoot Colorado – $15,000
UpRoot Colorado’s mission is to increase the nutrition security of Coloradans by harvesting and redistributing surplus, nutrient-dense foods while supporting the resilience of farmers. CHFA’s Direct Effect Award will help increase organizational capacity and support programming on the Western Slope by establishing a new Program Manager position in rural Delta County. To learn more about UpRoot Colorado, please visit uprootcolorado.org.
We Don't Waste – $15,000
We Don’t Waste increases food access and protects the planet by rescuing and repurposing food, while educating and advocating to increase food security and decrease food waste. CHFA’s Direct Effect Award will support the Mobile Food Market program, a farmers’ market-style event providing nutritious food directly to families and individuals living in Denver’s food deserts. To learn more about We Don’t Waste, please visit wedontwaste.org.
Westside CARES – $10,000
Westside CARES provides care and compassion to our neighbors in need. CHFA’s Direct Effect Award will help families acquire or maintain their housing through rental assistance or housing navigation program and ancillary programmatic supports like application fees and documentation procurement. To learn more about Westside CARES, please visit westsidecares.org.
Wezesha Dada Center – $7,500
Wezesha Dada Center’s mission is to empower women who identify as BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, people of color) – and others who have faced systemic disadvantages – to achieve economic prosperity by providing diverse economic development programming, facilitating community-building, promoting whole-person wellness, and fostering community investments. CHFA’s Direct Effect Award will support a cooperative incubator program with the goal of empowering women newcomers, asylum seekers, and those who have previously encountered employment barriers to establish cooperative enterprises in Colorado. To learn more about Wezesha Dada Center, please visit yourwdc.org.
Women's Resource Center in Durango – $10,000
Women's Resource Center in Durango advocates for the personal empowerment and economic self-sufficiency of women and girls in La Plata County. CHFA’s Direct Effect Award will provide general operating funds to support robust programs and services that empower clients to take control of their lives and create action steps for change. To learn more about Women's Resource Center in Durango, please visit WRCdurango.org.
Wray Community Learning Center – $10,000
Wray Community Learning Center’s mission is to create a stable, secure, enriching environment for children and a valuable resource for parents and the community. CHFA’s Direct Effect Award will provide general operating funds for this rural childcare facility located in eastern Colorado. To learn more about Wray Community Learning Center, please visit wraykids.com.
YOLO Foundation – $10,000
YOLO Foundation helps people experiencing hardships find safe housing and empower them with the tools and skills necessary for successful living. CHFA’s Direct Effect Award will help provide scholarships for justice involved participants, and transportation to help equip residents with the necessary tools and resources to empower them to maintain a drug and alcohol-free life, leading to improved overall well-being. To learn more about YOLO Foundation, please visit theyolofoundation.org.
Young Americans Center for Financial Education – $7,500
Young Americans Center for Financial Education’s mission is to develop the financial literacy of young people through real-life experiences and hands-on programs purposefully designed to enable them to prosper in the free enterprise system. CHFA’s Direct Effect Award will support Young AmeriTowne, an immersive, hands-on and experiential learning experience designed to instill lifelong literacy around healthy financial habits and attitudes around money management, economics, civics and philanthropy for 5th grade students. To learn more about Young Americans Center for Financial Education, please visit yacenter.org.