CHFA is proud to announce its Round Two 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 $1,476,000 to 115 nonprofits through its Direct Effect program in Round Two, which received 239 applications seeking more than $6.5 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 Two.
2024 Direct Effect Award Round Two Recipients
Achieve – $50,000
Achieve provides paid work experience and job training to individuals with neurodivergences and mental health challenges in Chaffee County and surrounding communities, fostering the development of marketable job and life skills. CHFA’s Direct Effect Award will help expand their Job Skills Program, which addresses the significant challenges neurodivergent individuals face in obtaining and maintaining employment. To learn more about Achieve, please visit achievelifeskills.org.
Mt. Carmel Veterans Service Center – $50,000
Mt. Carmel Veterans Service Center's mission is to provide best practices for military, veterans, and their families through accessible programs, integrated resources, and collaborative partnerships that empower lives and strengthen the community. CHFA’s Direct Effect Award will support Mt. Carmel’s peer-based direct services, which support clients through transition and employment services, behavioral health and wellness programs, case management, resource navigation, emergency needs, housing, budgeting, financial wellness, and legal support. To learn more about Mt. Carmel Veterans Service Center, please visit veteranscenter.org.
Native American Housing Circle – $50,000
Native American Housing Circle is a coalition of Native-led and Native-serving community organizations, community members, and allies. Their mission is to advocate for and create affordable housing opportunities and direct services for Native American people experiencing homelessness and housing instability in the Denver Metro area. CHFA’s Direct Effect Award will provide rent and deposit assistance to individuals and families who are experiencing homelessness or housing instability. To learn more about Native American Housing Circle, please visit www.nativeamericanhousingcircle.org.
Project Angel Heart – $50,000
Project Angel Heart’s mission is to compassionately deliver comfort and support through high-quality nutrition services, including medically tailored meals, while also advocating for the principles of, “Food is Medicine.” CHFA’s Direct Effect Award will support the meal program, which prepares and delivers at least 815,000 meals to more than 5,200 Coloradans living with severe illnesses. To learn more about Project Angel Heart, please visit projectangelheart.org.
Sun Valley Youth Center – $50,000
Sun Valley Youth Center’s mission is to empower youth, families, and communities to reach their God-given potential. They focus on transforming the lives of at-risk youth within a low-income, public housing neighborhood. CHFA’s Direct Effect Award will support their after school and summer programs, which are rooted in Trust Based Relational Intervention and include academic support and enrichment, mental health support, and overcoming obstacles. To learn more about Sun Valley Youth Center, please visit sunvalleyyouthcenter.org.
The remaining 2024 Round Two award recipients are listed below.
A Little Help – $12,000
A Little Help enables older adults to age well in place through providing valuable services that improve their living conditions across Metro Denver, northern Colorado, and the Western Slope. CHFA’s Direct Effect Award will support older adult programming across Colorado by mobilizing community volunteers to address significant service gaps and foster stronger communities. To learn more about A Little Help, please visit alittlehelp.org.
A Safe Place in Pagosa – $7,500
A Safe Place in Pagosa’s mission is to cultivate an environment of success for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) and their community. CHFA’s Direct Effect Award will help hire a direct service provider that is dedicated to helping adults and families with I/DD individuals navigate and enroll in Medicaid programs essential to independence and quality of life. To learn more about A Safe Place in Pagosa, please visit aspenhousepagosa.org.
Abundance Foundation – $7,500
Abundance Foundation walks hand in hand as they guide people out of the darkness of addiction and toxic environments, leading them into the light of a nurturing environment and abundant life. CHFA’s Direct Effect Award will support affordable housing needs for those in early substance abuse disorder recovery. To learn more about Abundance Foundation, please visit abundancefoundationinc.org.
All Access Wellness – $5,000
All Access Wellness creates equitable community access to integrated wellness services. CHFA’s Direct Effect Award will expand their mental health prevention and wellness program for uninsured and under-insured youth and adults living in rural mountain Jefferson and Park County communities. To learn more about All Access Wellness, please visit allaccesswellness.org.
All Roads – $7,000
All Roads’ mission is to create avenues to stable housing for their community's homeless adults, from a foundation of supportive services and safe shelter. CHFA’s Direct Effect Award will support All Roads’ programming, including coordinated entry, housing-focused shelter, permanent supportive housing, outreach programs, housing retention, and day services. To learn more about All Roads (formerly Boulder Shelter for the Homeless), please visit allroadsboco.org.
Almost Home – $8,000
Almost Home’s mission is to empower self-sustainability by providing resource navigation, assistance, and guidance to those experiencing housing instability. CHFA’s Direct Effect Award will help hire case management staff who will provide housing stability services at their mobile housing navigation locations. To learn more about Almost Home, please visit almosthomeonline.org.
AYA Foundation – $7,000
AYA Foundation's mission is to lead an economic revolution by cultivating a vibrant community of Black entrepreneurs, professionals, and leaders who have individual and collective access to capital, resources, and training. CHFA’s Direct Effect Award will support their Nav2Connect one-on-one business coaching program for start-up entrepreneurs. To learn more about AYA Foundation, please visit ayafoundation.org.
Better Tomorrow – $7,500
Better Tomorrow’s mission is to cultivate programs empowering people at risk of harm by advocating for their needs and inspiring courage. CHFA’s Direct Effect Award will support their Queer Futures program, which includes mental health equity work and youth programming. To learn more about Better Tomorrow, please visit bettertomorrowco.org.
BeyondHome – $15,000
BeyondHome’s mission is to restore hope and equip working families experiencing homelessness, or teetering on the brink of it, to become self-sufficient for life. CHFA’s Direct Effect Award will support the self-sufficiency program, which gives families the tools and resources needed to transition from homelessness to a stable, self-sufficient life. To learn more about BeyondHome, please visit BeyondHome.org.
Black Canyon Boys and Girls Club – $7,500
Black Canyon Boys and Girls Club’s mission is to enable all young people, especially those who need it most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens. CHFA’s Direct Effect Award will support expanded after-school and summer youth mentorship programs in Montrose County. To learn more about Black Canyon Boys & Girls Club, please visit bcbgc.org.
Bridge House – $7,500
Bridge House mission is to believe in, respect, and empower people who are experiencing homelessness. CHFA’s Direct Effect Award will help provide housing for their Ready to Work program, a year-long residential program where clients come off the streets, out of homelessness, and immediately achieve employment and housing within the program. To learn more about Bridge House, please visit BoulderBridgeHouse.org.
Center for African American Health – $10,000
Center for African American Health’s mission is to empower the Black community to make informed health decisions that benefit the whole person through education, collaboration, and advocacy. CHFA’s Direct Effect Award will support resource navigation programming, which coordinates culturally relevant resource navigation assistance, providing linkages to resources related to various Social Determinants of Health. To learn more about Center for African American Health, please visit caahealth.org.
Centro de la Familia – $10,000
Centro de la Familia bridges language and cultural gaps and offers behavioral health and advocacy services to the Hispanic/Latino communities in Southern Colorado. They provide access to vital resources, alleviate hardships, and amplify collective voices. CHFA’s Direct Effect Award will support mental health counselors, youth coordinators, and advocates. To learn more about Centro de la Familia, please visit coscentro.org.
ChildSafe Colorado – $10,000
ChildSafe Colorado’s mission is to break cycles and heal trauma resulting from childhood abuse and neglect with specialized treatment, education, and community outreach. CHFA’s Direct Effect Award will help expand their treatment to Loveland for people who might not otherwise receive help. To learn more about ChildSafe Colorado, please visit childsafecolorado.org.
Colorado Safe Parking Initiative – $10,000
Colorado Safe Parking Initiative’s mission is to advocate for and support the operation of safe parking programs in Colorado, while partnering with vehicle residents on their journey to more stable housing. CHFA’s Direct Effect Award will support case management, including housing search, employment opportunities, health care, and other essential wraparound services. To learn more about Colorado Safe Parking Initiative, please visit colosafeparking.org/.
Colorado Youth for a Change – $20,000
Colorado Youth for a Change’s mission is to address barriers to learning by providing individualized supports throughout pivotal stages of students’ education journeys. CHFA’s Direct Effect Award will support staffing and supplies for programs to increase kindergarten readiness, reading and math proficiency, attendance, school engagement, and graduation for Colorado youth. To learn more about Colorado Youth for a Change, please visit youthforachange.org.
Community Compassion Outreach – $7,500
Community Compassion Outreach assists individuals and families to prevent, survive, and exit homelessness with peer-based recovery support and services for substance use disorders and co-occurring mental health disorders, basic needs, and meals. CHFA’s Direct Effect Award will provide rental assistance for adults who maintain sobriety in substance-free residences in Durango. To learn more about Community Compassion Outreach, please visit communitycompassionoutreach.com.
Community Economic Development of Sedgwick County – $20,000
Community Economic Development of Sedgwick County’s mission is to sustain and grow their county’s economy and quality of life by providing leadership and resources for business creation, expansion, retention, and community development. CHFA’s Direct Effect Award will provide general operations funds for the Little Monkey's Childcare Center. To learn more about Community Economic Development of Sedgwick County, please visit econdevelopsedgco.com.
Community Enterprise Development Services – $12,000
Community Enterprise Development Services’ mission is to support the American Dream of financial self-sufficiency, by assisting refugees, immigrants, and those from underserved communities in Metro Denver who desire to own or strengthen businesses, develop assets, and empower themselves financially. CHFA’s Direct Effect Award will support the Small Business Lending Support program, which aims to address the significant barriers underserved small business owners face in accessing traditional financial services. To learn more about Community Enterprise Development Services, please visit cedsfinance.org.
Cooperating Ministry of Logan County – $20,000
Cooperating Ministry of Logan County’s mission is to provide a coordinated emergency response to individuals and families in need and serve in the capacity as a traveler’s aid. CHFA’s Direct Effect Award will help establish the Homeowner Replace and Repair Impact Assistance Program, designed to help low-income, rural older adults, working families, or individuals that cannot afford to repair and replace water heaters, furnaces, or mobility equipment within their homes. To learn more about Cooperating Ministry of Logan County, please visit coopminlc.com.
Crossroads Safehouse – $7,500
Crossroads Safehouse shelters, supports, advocates for, and empowers all people so they can live free of domestic violence and interpersonal abuse. CHFA’s Direct Effect Award will support the Road to Home program, which provides rapid re-housing, financial assistance, case management, and other supportive services for individuals and families experiencing homelessness due to interpersonal violence. To learn more about Crossroads Safehouse, please visit crossroadssafehouse.org.
The Delores Project – $15,000
The Delores Project’s mission is to build belonging for people experiencing homelessness through the provision and advocacy of safe, dignified, and trauma-informed shelter for women, transgender, and nonbinary individuals, support services, and supportive housing for people of all genders. CHFA’s Direct Effect Award will provide short-term rental assistance to clients who have transitioned from the shelter to independent housing, as well as support the operation of the case management team to provide continued care focused on housing retention. To learn more about The Delores Project, please visit thedeloresproject.org.
Doctors Care – $10,000
Doctors Care provides affordable, high-quality health care and services that promote overall health and wellness for those in need. CHFA’s Direct Effect Award will provide general operating funds to help Doctors Care meet its mission through an integrated primary care clinic, which includes programs to help individuals shop and apply for health insurance plans and address health-related social needs, such as housing stability. To learn more about Doctors Care, please visit doctorscare.org.
Dream Centers – $15,000
Dream Centers’ mission is to provide health and hope to people who are working to rebuild their dreams. CHFA’s Direct Effect Award will support Mary's Home, which provides female-led families a way to overcome homelessness through providing materials, supplies, apartment renovations, and staffing necessary to support residents on their path to sustainable independence. To learn more about Dream Centers, please visit dreamcenters.com.
EarthLinks – $7,500
EarthLinks cultivates transformation and self-worth with people experiencing homelessness and poverty. By creating opportunities through Earth-centered programs, individuals step out of isolation and into community—restoring each other and the planet. CHFA’s Direct Effect Award will support the Workshop program, by helping to deepen case management and increase participant stipends. To learn more about EarthLinks, please visit earthlinks-colorado.org.
Ekar Farm – $15,000
Ekar Farm and Community Gardens is a communal urban farm that works to build community, provide experiential and environmental education for children, and grow sustainably produced fruits and vegetables, expanding access to those in need. Ekar Farm is moving to Aurora and CHFA’s Direct Effect Award will assist with moving costs and get it up and running for 2025 including water, seeds, soil, trees, irrigation supplies, harvest supplies, equipment, storing/packing shed, personnel expenses, and delivery. To learn more about Ekar Farm, please visit ekarfarm.org.
Energy Resource Center – $20,000
Energy Resource Center’s mission is to improve home energy efficiency, conserve energy, promote health, increase comfort, and expand Coloradans’ quality of life. CHFA’s Direct Effect Award will support critical health and safety repairs and home energy efficiency upgrades in Alamosa and Sterling. To learn more about Energy Resource Center, please visit erc-co.org.
Envida – $7,500
Envida's mission is to promote access and support independent living with dignity. CHFA’s Direct Effect Award will promote access to essential services through specialized transportation, benefiting older adults, individuals with disabilities, individuals with low-income, and individuals in rural communities, improving their quality of life. To learn more about Envida, please visit envidacares.org.
Environmental Learning for Kids – $7,500
Environmental Learning for Kids’ mission is to cultivate a diverse community of leaders and environmental stewards by increasing outdoor equity. CHFA’s Direct Effect Award will support the Youth in Natural Resources program, which engages high school students from underrepresented racially diverse communities in environmental stewardship and natural resource careers. To learn more about Environmental Learning for Kids, please visit elkkids.org.
Family Promise of Colorado Springs – $10,000
Family Promise of Colorado Springs’ mission is to provide safe and compassionate temporary shelter for children and their families who are situationally unhoused. CHFA’s Direct Effect Award will support the Interfaith Hospitality Network and Family Day Center in its efforts to coordinate compassionate, safe, and clean temporary housing for families and help them transition into stable housing. To learn more about Family Promise of Colorado Springs, please visit familypromisecos.org.
First Southwest Community Fund – $20,000
First Southwest Community Fund’s mission is to support the entrepreneurial spirit of rural communities by investing in people, culture, and ideas that fuel innovation and financial knowledge by prioritizing access to equitable capital to those who have been traditionally excluded. CHFA’s Direct Effect Award will support the Rural Community Access Plan, which focuses on expanding educational programs, lending services, and grant initiatives to rural communities across Colorado. To learn more about First Southwest Community Fund, please visit fswcf.org.
Food Bank of the Rockies – $17,500
Food Bank of the Rockies ignites the power of community to nourish people facing hunger. CHFA’s Direct Effect Award will help establish a self-sustaining dehydrated fruit program at the Western Slope Distribution Center where they will manufacture and sell products, in turn creating a revenue stream for Food Bank of the Rockies that will be used to support the purchase of local produce. To learn more about Food Bank of the Rockies, please visit foodbankrockies.org.
Food for Hope – $10,000
Food for Hope’s mission is to empower and strengthen the future of our communities by providing nutritious food to children in need. CHFA’s Direct Effect Award will enable key improvements to Food for Hope’s new location, including temperature-controlled storage and sturdy shelving, to ensure that the hub runs efficiently and to increase the amount of fresh, nutritious food distributed. To learn more about Food for Hope, please visit foodforhope.net.
Gateway Domestic Violence Services – $10,000
Gateway Domestic Violence Services’ mission is to prevent and eliminate intimate partner violence through counseling, residential services, and empowering people for social change. CHFA’s Direct Effect Award will support the Housing Navigation program for victims and survivors of domestic violence to reduce barriers that exist between victims and survivors and a safe and stable place to live. To learn more about Gateway Domestic Violence Services, please visit gatewayshelter.org.
Grand County Rural Health Network – $15,000
Grand County Rural Health Network's mission is to work in partnership to advocate for and support the health of their community. CHFA’s Direct Effect Award will support the Patient Navigation program, which helps low-income, unhoused, and underserved residents in Grand and Jackson counties navigate health and human services systems. To learn more about Grand County Rural Health Network, please visit gcruralhealth.org.
Greeley Family House – $10,000
Greeley Family House’s mission is to provide temporary housing and support services for families experiencing housing instability. CHFA’s Direct Effect Award will support the stay of 10 families at the emergency shelter. The 60-day program focuses on the outcome of permanent housing for families through a Housing First model. To learn more about Greeley Family House, please visit greeleyfamilyhouse.org.
Greenhouse Scholars – $10,000
Greenhouse Scholars’ mission is to create a powerful, diverse, committed community to deliver widespread community change at scale, by providing holistic support to low-income, high-performing young role models and their endeavors and by rallying and focusing the community to launch hundreds of change initiatives. CHFA’s Direct Effect Award will support a scholar through the program spanning five years, from high school graduation through college graduation and transition into their Post-College Young Leaders Program. To learn more about Greenhouse Scholars, please visit greenhousescholars.org.
GRID Alternatives Colorado – $10,000
GRID Alternatives Colorado’s mission is to build community-powered solutions to advance economic and environmental justice through renewable energy. CHFA’s Direct Effect Award will provide critical financial support to meet the rising demand for energy cost relief for families across metro Denver through clean, renewable solar. To learn more about GRID Alternatives Colorado, please visit gridalternatives.org/regions/colorado.
Hearts and Horses – $7,500
Hearts and Horses Therapeutic Riding Center is on a mission to enhance physical, cognitive, and emotional wellbeing through equine partnerships. CHFA’s Direct Effect Award will provide general operating support to provide life-changing therapeutic programs to special populations, including people with disabilities, adults with dementia, Veterans with PTSD, and at-risk-youth. To learn more about Hearts and Horses, please visit heartsandhorses.org.
Help for Abused Partners – $20,000
Help for Abused Partners is dedicated to elimination of domestic violence in all its forms through community education, comprehensive advocacy, and the empowerment of battered persons and their children. CHFA’s Direct Effect Award will support survivor stabilization programs, which provide access to housing alternatives that offer support as survivors work towards stability and rebuild their lives. To learn more about Help for Abused Partners, please visit helpforabusedpartners.com.
Home Builders Foundation – $12,500
Home Builders Foundation’s mission is to build independence, provide opportunities, and elevate the lives of individuals with disabilities and their families throughout the greater Denver metro community. CHFA’s Direct Effect Award will support the Accessible Home Modification program, which provides individuals with physical disabilities and their families with the home modifications needed to maximize security, comfort, independence, and mobility in and out of their homes. To learn more about Home Builders Foundation, please visit hbfdenver.org.
Home Front Military Network – $10,000
Home Front Military Network’s mission is to connect military service members, veterans, and their families to resources offered by trusted community partners and to provide emergency financial assistance. CHFA’s Direct Effect Award will provide navigation support and emergency financial assistance. To learn more about Home Front Military Network, please visit homefrontmilitarynetwork.org.
Homeward Pikes Peak – $10,000
Homeward Pikes Peak mission is to empower individuals and families to access stable housing, increase mental health, recovery, and economic stability. CHFA’s Direct Effect Award will support case management services for the Housing First program. To learn more about Homeward Pikes Peak, please visit homewardpp.org.
Hope Communities – $15,000
Hope Communities mission is to strengthen communities and provide pathways to economic and personal opportunity through affordable housing, educational programs, and support services. CHFA’s Direct Effect Award will support their comprehensive wrap-around services and housing stability program, which addresses the complex needs of individuals and families living in our affordable housing communities and surrounding areas, particularly those facing housing instability and economic barriers. To learn more about Hope Communities, please visit hopecommunities.org.
Housing Solutions for the Southwest – $15,000
Housing Solutions for the Southwest’s mission is to lead the way in providing help, hope, and a seamless system of affordable housing services to communities in southwest Colorado. CHFA’s Direct Effect Award will support the agency’s HUD Housing Counseling services. To learn more about Housing Solutions for the Southwest, please visit swhousingsolutions.com.
Hunger Free Colorado – $7,500
Hunger Free Colorado's mission is to connect people to food resources to meet existing needs and drive policy, systems, and social change to end hunger. CHFA’s Direct Effect Award will support the Client Services team’s work to assist Coloradans access to SNAP through a food resource hotline, mobile outreach, and partnerships with organizations throughout the state. To learn more about Hunger Free Colorado, please visit hungerfreecolorado.org.
Ithaka Housing – $15,000
Ithaka Housing’s mission is to help people escape the cycle of poverty and homelessness, secure stable long-term housing, and achieve a self-directed vision for their lives. CHFA’s Direct Effect Award will support the senior housing program, which serves older adults experiencing homelessness, low-income, and disabilities by improving health and quality of life, connecting them to resources and long-term housing stability. To learn more about Ithaka Housing, please visit ithakahousing.org.
JUST Living Recovery – $5,000
Just Living Recovery is dedicated to creating a clean sober-living residential environment for recovery and healing from substance abuse, especially for LGBTQ+ and BIPOC communities. CHFA’s Direct Effect Award will support affordable and supportive recovery residence and programming. To learn more about JUST Living Recovery, please visit justlivingrecovery.org.
Kavod Senior Life – $7,500
Kavod Senior Life provides life-enriching experiences to older adults through a broad range of housing and support services that reflect the spiritual, social, and cultural values of Jewish tradition. CHFA’s Direct Effect Award will expand the impact of its Food Pantry program, minimizing barriers that residents face in accessing proper nutrition and self-care products. To learn more about Kavod Senior Life, please visit kavodseniorlife.org.
Kids At Their Best – $18,000
Kids At Their Best’s mission is to inspire, educate, and empower young people from families with low income to build resilience and strengthen their life trajectory. CHFA’s Direct Effect Award will provide six AmeriCorps members with a housing stipend and offer a financial literacy class with a focus on home buying to AmeriCorps members, staff, young professionals, and community members. To learn more about Kids At Their Best, please visit kidsattheirbest.org.
Latina SafeHouse – $12,500
Latina SafeHouse empowers Latina survivors of domestic violence through culturally competent, bilingual, and trauma-informed services. CHFA’s Direct Effect Award will support Mi Casita, which focuses on providing immediate access to safe, affordable housing and equipping survivors with tools for long-term economic self-sufficiency. To learn more about Latina SafeHouse, please visit latinasafehouse.org.
Lighthouse – $7,500
Lighthouse’s mission is to provide safe, affordable, and supportive housing to individuals in recovery from addiction, particularly those transitioning from incarceration or homelessness. CHFA’s Direct Effect Award will provide scholarships for housing, utility, and food costs for a resident in their program. To learn more about Lighthouse, please visit lighthouseftc.org.
Loaves and Fishes Ministries of Fremont County – $10,000
Loaves and Fishes Ministries of Fremont County’s mission is to share the love of God by helping individuals with their basic needs. CHFA’s Direct Effect Award will be used to help unsheltered individuals transition into housing and provide wrap around support once they are housed. To learn more about Loaves and Fishes Ministries of Fremont County, please visit lfministries.org.
Maiker Housing Partners – $7,500
Maiker Housing Partners’ mission is to disrupt generational poverty through socially conscious community development in Adams County. CHFA’s Direct Effect Award will support the Housing Stability Task Force and the structural shifts to the Family and Community Vitality program, helping to reduce eviction rates and increase housing stability through innovative case management, providing member-centered stabilization services focused on resource navigation, resource partnership, and community organizing. To learn more about Maiker Housing Partners, please visit maikerhp.org.
Maslow Academy of Applied Learning – $7,500
Maslow Academy of Applied Learning’s mission is to provide caring, responsive social, emotional, and educational programming that allows young children and their families to thrive through engaged children, teachers, and families. CHFA’s Direct Effect Award will support their workforce training program, including group trainings, individual trainings, and a director-level apprenticeship and mentorship. To learn more about Maslow Academy of Applied Learning, please visit maslowacademy.com.
The Matthews House – $7,500
The Matthews House’s mission is to empower youth and families through connection, self-efficacy, and independence. CHFA’s Direct Effect Award will be used to support resource navigation to secure safe and affordable housing and provide wrap-around case management services to maintain housing at their youth and young adult overnight shelter and daytime drop-in center. To learn more about The Matthews House, please visit theMatthewsHouse.org.
Mercy Housing Mountain Plains – $10,000
Mercy Housing Mountain Plains’ mission is to create stable, vibrant, and healthy communities by developing, financing, and operating affordable, program-enriched housing for families, seniors, and people with special needs who lack the economic resources to access quality, safe housing opportunities. CHFA’s Direct Effect Award will support a Health Navigator who will provide health and wellness services and work with partners to provide onsite health education, preventive care, health clinics and screenings, and mental health services to residents. To learn more about Mercy Housing Mountain Plains, please visit mercyhousing.org/mountain-plains.
Metro DEEP – $10,000
Metro DEEP’s mission is to build generational wealth in Colorado’s African-descended community through their programs, partnership ecosystem, and future orientation and mindset development. CHFA’s Direct Effect Award will be used to support equitable access to economic development and housing support programs. To learn more about Metro DEEP, please visit www.metrodeep.com.
Mile High United Way – $10,000
Mile High United Way’s mission is to unite people, ideas, and resources to advance the common good. CHFA’s Direct Effect Award will support Bridging the Gap, a program serving young adults experiencing homelessness which is grounded in safe, stable housing and bolstered through wraparound services connecting participants to basic needs, education opportunities, and workforce preparation. To learn more about Mile High United Way, please visit unitedwaydenver.org.
Minds Matter Colorado – $10,000
Minds Matter connects driven and determined students from low-income families with the people, preparation, and possibilities to succeed in college, create their future, and change the world. CHFA’s Direct Effect Award will support their mentorship program, which works to disrupt systemic inequities imposed upon low-income youth in Colorado. To learn more about Minds Matter Colorado, please visit mindsmatterco.org.
Mongolian School of Colorado – $5,000
Mongolian School of Colorado’s mission is to teach and instill Mongolian language, history, culture and traditional values to the future generation. CHFA’s Direct Effect Award will support the Youth Development program by expanding workshops and launching a new initiative focused on individualized college preparation. To learn more about Mongolian School of Colorado, please visit mongolianschoolofcolorado.org.
Montbello Organizing Committee – $15,000
Montbello Organizing Committee is a community organization whose purpose is to galvanize and cultivate Montbello stakeholders and resident leaders to proactively address the critical issues affecting their quality of life. CHFA’s Direct Effect Award will support the Building Community Wealth initiative, which is building an economic system that puts communities’ voices first by providing training, employment, and ownership opportunities for residents to thrive. To learn more about Montbello Organizing Committee, please visit montbelloorganizing.org.
Mountain Family Center – $10,000
Mountain Family Center’s mission is to build strength and develop self-reliance for individuals and families through responsive and collaborative services. CHFA’s Direct Effect Award will support the Housing Stabilization program which provides rental and mortgage assistance for residents to maintain their housing and eventually achieve financial stability and independence. To learn more about Mountain Family Center, please visit www.mountainfamilycenter.org.
Mountain Resource Center – $10,000
Mountain Resource Center’s mission is to engage their community with essential services that empower all people to thrive. CHFA’s Direct Effect Award will provide general operating support for their programs including community health, family education, case management, and workforce development. To learn more about Mountain Resource Center, please visit mrcco.org.
My Father's House – $12,000
My Father’s House provides transitional housing, job placement assistance, life-skills training, and a supportive community to men on parole so they can lead whole and productive lives. CHFA’s Direct Effect Award will support their four transitional homes in the Denver metro area serving men coming out of the judicial system currently on parole. To learn more about My Father's House, please visit myfathershousedenver.org.
Neighbor to Neighbor – $20,000
Neighbor to Neighbor opens doors and advances lives from homelessness through homeownership by providing sustainable housing, supportive services, and education to families and individuals primarily in Larimer County. CHFA’s Direct Effect Award will go toward preserving and procuring stable housing for low-income individuals and families. To learn more about Neighbor to Neighbor, please visit n2n.org.
ParadigmONE – $10,000
ParadigmONE’s mission is to provide community support, services, and advocacy for adults and youth recovering from substance abuse, mental health disorders, homelessness, and re-entry challenges associated with the criminal justice system by providing an engaging environment that supports growth of body, mind, and spirit. CHFA’s Direct Effect Award will help establish a sober living home in Colorado Springs. To learn more about ParadigmONE, please visit hazelbrookcommunity.org.
Peak Education – $10,000
Peak Education walks alongside youth as they prepare to pursue the education and training they need to reach their dreams, illuminating the possibilities after high school, guiding them as they chart their course, and providing support, resources, and skills to equip them for the journey. CHFA’s Direct Effect Award will support programming that leads to student growth and change including social skills and mental health; self-advocacy and life skills; postsecondary and career preparedness; community engagement. To learn more about Peak Education, please visit peakedu.org.
Pikes Peak Habitat for Humanity – $15,000
Pikes Peak Habitat for Humanity brings people together to build homes, communities, and hope. CHFA’s Direct Effect Award will support the Home Repair program, which supports older adults, veterans, and cost-burdened families. To learn more about Pikes Peak Habitat for Humanity, please visit pikespeakhabitat.org.
Pikes Peak United Way – $10,000
Pikes Peak United Way’s mission is to enhance youth success and family stability in the Pikes Peak Region by leading and lifting the most vulnerable in the community with mentorship, life resources, and real job opportunities. CHFA’s Direct Effect Award will support the Family Success Center, a place where families and students can achieve their goals by connecting with the resources, training, and support they need to reduce barriers and increase their chances for success. To learn more about Pikes Peak United Way, please visit ppunitedway.org.
The PLACE – $15,000
The PLACE ignites the potential in youth to create self-determined, fulfilled lives. CHFA’s Direct Effect Award will provide general operating support to help The PLACE continue providing wraparound programming and services for youth experiencing homelessness in the Pikes Peak region. To learn more about The PLACE, please visit theplacecos.org.
Prairie Rose Development Corp. – $7,500
Prairie Rose Development Corps.’s mission is to stimulate the creation, prosperity, and economic welfare of diverse small businesses creating sustainable, living-wage jobs within their communities. CHFA’s Direct Effect Award will support their work as a Kiva Hub Partner, creating a character based, no-interest, no-collateral, no-credit-needed, pathway for small businesses financing. To learn more about Prairie Rose Development Corp., please visit prairierosedevelopment.org.
Pride of the Glens – $5,000
Pride of the Glens is a resident-led coalition improving the quality of life and advancing equity in Dacono and surrounding areas. CHFA’s Direct Effect Award will support the Pride of the Glens Community Center and the resident leadership development. To learn more about Pride of the Glens, please visit prideoftheglens.com.
Project Self-Sufficiency of Northern Colorado – $20,000
Project Self-Sufficiency’s mission is to assist low-income, single parents in their efforts to achieve economic independence and become free from community and government assistance while building and maintaining strong, healthy families. CHFA’s Direct Effect Award will support single parents through housing navigation, cash assistance to maintain housing and for housing-related expenses. To learn more about Project Self-Sufficiency of Northern Colorado, please visit bringthepower.org.
Response – $12,500
Response works with their community to end domestic and sexual abuse and to support survivors in achieving their own safety and empowerment. CHFA’s Direct Effect Award will provide general operating funds for the Halle Center for Hope and Healing, which will open in January 2025 and increase the organization’s transitional housing capacity. To learn more about Response, please visit responsehelps.org.
Restoration Outreach Programs – $15,000
Restoration Outreach Programs’ mission is to meet needs, build relationships, and restore lives through Christ within the East Colfax community. CHFA’s Direct Effect Award will support the Resource Ministries program, a collection of community-driven initiatives designed to address the unique challenges faced by vulnerable populations in the East Colfax area, including newly arrived migrants and individuals experiencing homelessness. To learn more about Restoration Outreach Programs, please visit ropserves.org.
Rise Above Colorado – $7,500
Rise Above Colorado is a statewide prevention organization that impacts teen perceptions and attitudes about the risks of substance misuse to empower youth to make healthy connections, decisions, and change so youth realize their full potential by gaining knowledge and skills to make positive choices for their future. CHFA’s Direct Effect Award will provide stipends for youth participating in the Teen Action Council. To learn more about Rise Above Colorado, please visit riseaboveco.org.
Roaring Fork PreCollegiate – $7,500
Roaring Fork PreCollegiate’s mission is to support students to choose the post-secondary path that is best for them through high school and college advising, access to relevant resources, and experiential opportunities. CHFA’s Direct Effect Award will provide general operating funds to help students graduate high school, access post-secondary education, and embark on career paths that lead to stable, higher-paying jobs. To learn more about Roaring Fork PreCollegiate, please visit rfprecollegiate.org.
The Rock Foundation – $10,000
The Rock Foundation’s mission is to provide reentry services to justice involved individuals seeking restoration and purpose. CHFA’s Direct Effect Award will help with the expansion of their program to promote effective and successful reentry for eligible young adults ages 18 to 24. To learn more about The Rock Foundation, please visit therockfound.org.
Rocky Mountain Equality – $8,500
Rocky Mountain Equality’s mission is to work collaboratively to create connections and provide advocacy, education, research, cultural events, and responsive programs and services that ensure LGBTQ+ people, families, and communities thrive. CHFA’s Direct Effect Award will provide security deposit assistance and eviction prevention to local families facing rent challenges. To learn more about Boulder Pride dba Rocky Mountain Equality, please visit rmequality.org.
Rural Communities Resource Center – $10,000
Rural Community Resource Center provides advocacy, support, and education to create systems change and develop programs that promote the physical, emotional, and economic health of the northeast Colorado. CHFA’s Direct Effect Award will help provide funds for emergency needs, including past due housing mortgage or rent payments. To learn more about Rural Communities Resource Center, please visit rcrcenter.org.
SAINT Volunteer Transportation – $7,500
SAINT Volunteer Transportation's mission is to help seniors and people with disabilities maintain their independence and self-sufficiency by providing connections to the community through free, personalized, door-to-door transportation. CHFA’s Direct Effect Award will help provide staffing support for the administrative tasks needed to run the program. To learn more about SAINT Volunteer Transportation, please visit saintvolunteertransportation.org.
The Savings Collaborative – $8,000
The Savings Collaborative builds financial resilience and wealth across generations by making it easy for people left out of mainstream banking to save money, develop healthy financial habits, and access safe and affordable capital. CHFA’s Direct Effect Award will help expand their financial coaching program to include entrepreneurial and small business development support. To learn more about The Savings Collaborative, please visit savingscollaborative.org.
SECORCares – $7,500
SECORCares’ mission is to care for people faced with suburban poverty, restoring hope and dignity, and guiding them toward a self-sufficient life. CHFA’s Direct Effect Award will support the Free Food Market that helps families with low-income shop for food. To learn more about SECORCares, please visit SECORCares.com.
Senior Support Services – $10,000
Senior Support Services is Denver’s only day shelter exclusively for people aged 60 and over. They seek to make each day better and safer for older adults experiencing housing instability, food insecurity, and other effects of poverty. CHFA’s Direct Effect Award will be used to bolster the meals program, and to maintain their building as a safe and welcoming place for clients. To learn more about Senior Support Services, please visit seniorsupportservices.org.
Silver Key Senior Services – $20,000
Silver Key Senior Services’ mission is to serve in partnership with their stakeholders to support a healthy quality of life for seniors, allowing them to age safely with dignity and independence. CHFA’s Direct Effect Award will support their Wraparound Support program, designed to holistically address the needs of seniors in El Paso County. To learn more about Silver Key Senior Services, please visit silverkey.org.
Solid Rock Community Development Corporation – $7,500
Solid Rock Community Development Corporation's mission is to address and dismantle concentrated poverty in Southeast Colorado Springs through leading and building strong partnerships that invest in projects which improve our community's economy and overall quality of life. CHFA’s Direct Effect Award will support the Food Center, which helps households achieve food security. To learn more about Solid Rock Community Development Corporation, please visit solidrockcdc.com.
Southwest Improvement Council – $15,000
Southwest Improvement Council’s mission is to empower individuals, improve the quality of life, and advance human rights by addressing inequities in communities in Southwest Denver. CHFA’s Direct Effect Award will support their capacity to positively impact the older adult populations through addressing food insecurity and social isolation. To learn more about Southwest Improvement Council, please visit swic-denver.org.
Special Kids Special Families, Inc. – $20,000
Special Kids Special Families mission is to promote, strengthen, and support individuals with disabilities, their families, and caregivers. CHFA’s Direct Effect Award will support Zach’s Place, the only licensed childcare facility in the Pikes Peak Region that offers specialized child and respite care for youth with disabilities ages at low or no cost to the parents. To learn more about Special Kids Special Families, Inc., please visit sksfcolorado.org.
Steamboat Reading, Inc. – $7,500
Steamboat Reading, Inc.’s mission is to create a community of support for struggling readers and their families through one-on-one tutoring, formal evaluations, advocacy, parent education, and dyslexia awareness. CHFA’s Direct Effect Award will provide general operating funds for their one-on-one tutoring program. To learn more about Steamboat Reading, Inc., please visit steamboatreading.org.
Sun Valley Kitchen and Community Center – $12,000
Sun Valley Kitchen and Community Center’s mission is to create a safe and supportive place to explore life’s possibilities and to serve children and families with food and love. CHFA’s Direct Effect Award will support the youth development job training programming to include essential life skills such as time management, stress management, goal setting, and effective communication while providing paid job training, internships, financial literacy, college preparation, professional development, and emotional and psychological well-being. To learn more about Sun Valley Kitchen and Community Center, please visit feedingsunvalley.com.
TARA Historical Society – $7,500
TARA Historical Society is dedicated to preserving the past, present, and future of the rural region of Archuleta and La Plata Counties, while serving as a community gathering space, food pantry, thrift store, library, and historical museum. CHFA’s Direct Effect Award will support the food pantry and their ability to purchase local food for clients. To learn more about TARA Historical Society, please visit facebook.com/search/top?q=tara%20community%20center.
TGTHR – $7,000
TGTHR’s mission is to build community, empower young people, and put an end to youth homelessness. CHFA’s Direct Effect Award will support permanent supportive housing in Denver and Boulder, including case management, behavioral health, and substance use counseling, plus pro-social activities that build a community of belonging for young people. To learn more about TGTHR, please visit tgthr.org.
The Thrive Network – $15,000
The Thrive Network’s mission is to engage, educate, and empower individuals to unlock their potential, build resilient businesses, and strengthen under resourced communities through entrepreneurship. CHFA’s Direct Effect Award will support their free intensive program for entrepreneurs with hands-on education, mentorship, and networking opportunities. To learn more about The Thrive Network, please visit thethrivenetworks.org.
Town of San Luis – $12,000
The Town of San Luis’ mission is to promote the public health, safety, and welfare of the residents of the Town of San Luis. CHFA’s Direct Effect Award will be used to outfit their new commercial kitchen space with cookware, kitchenware, and dinnerware. The kitchen space will be used for events and to support caterer and food entrepreneurs in San Luis. To learn more about Town of San Luis, please visit facebook.com/thetownofsanluisco.
Tri-County Health Network – $10,000
Tri-County Health Network’s mission is to collaborate with their communities to improve health for everyone. CHFA’s Direct Effect Award will support intensive, wraparound Care Coordination services for Spanish-speaking community members, offering one-to-one direct care coordination and resource navigation services to help community members access holistic health and social determinant of health resources. To learn more about Tri-County Health Network, please visit tchnetwork.org.
Tri-Lakes Cares – $15,000
Tri-Lakes Cares’ mission is to empower families and individuals to reach toward a better tomorrow. CHFA’s Direct Effect Award will support food market operations, direct financial assistance, and case management support. To learn more about Tri-Lakes Cares, please visit tri-lakescares.org.
United Way of Pueblo County – $15,000
United Way of Pueblo County’s mission is to serve as a trusted community leader by leveraging resources in support of collaborative solutions. CHFA’s Direct Effect Award will support the Nonprofit LEAD Center, which serves as a central hub for convening, strategizing, collaborating, and increasing partnerships, innovation, and capacity for area nonprofit organizations. To learn more about United Way of Pueblo County, Colorado, please visit pueblounitedway.org.
Urban Peak – $10,000
Urban Peak ignites the potential in youth to exit homelessness and create self-determined, fulfilled lives. CHFA’s Direct Effect Award will support case management, life skills groups, education and employment support, physical and mental health support, and transitional affordable housing. To learn more about Urban Peak, please visit urbanpeak.org.
Vail Valley Charitable Fund – $7,500
Vail Valley Charitable Fund’s provides direct aid to residents facing financial burdens due to medical crises or long-term illness. CHFA’s Direct Effect Award will support their childhood and adult dental programs. To learn more about Vail Valley Charitable Fund, please visit vvcf.org.
Valley Food Partnership – $10,000
Valley Food Partnership’s mission is to connect local agriculture and local people. CHFA’s Direct Effect Award will support the Cultivating Farmers and Ranchers that Thrive program, which supports aspiring, beginning, and newly active farmers and ranchers to be successful in their business endeavors, impacting the social, financial, and environmental aspects of farmers and ranchers. To learn more about Valley Food Partnership, please visit valleyfoodpartnership.org.
Valley Settlement – $10,000
Valley Settlement’s mission is to listen to Latina families, and create opportunities for early childhood and adult education, connection, and growth, so children and families can thrive. CHFA’s Direct Effect Award will provide program support for their 2Gen programs that address systemic racial and ethnic, economic, and education disparities faced by Latina/o immigrant families. To learn more about Valley Settlement, please visit valleysettlement.org.
Vive Wellness – $10,000
ViVe Wellness’s mission is to foster health equity through physical and emotional wellness in their community. CHFA’s Direct Effect Award will support the Workforce Pathways program, which enhances training and employment services for youth and adults, particularly from Latino migrant and underserved BIPOC communities. To learn more about Vive Wellness, please visit vivewellness.org.
Warren Village – $15,000
Warren Village exists so low-income, single-parent families can achieve sustainable personal and economic self-sufficiency. CHFA’s Direct Effect Award will support the Adult Self-Sufficiency program, which provides targeted support to unhoused or unstably housed parents and children. To learn more about Warren Village, please visit warrenvillage.org.
We Fortify – $15,000
We Fortify’s mission is dedicated to breaking the cycle of generational poverty and homelessness. CHFA’s Direct Effect Award will provide general operating funding for its Working Fusion at Mill Street village, which provides dignified housing within a supportive village of trauma-responsive services, improving access to medical and mental health services, social connections, life skills, education, career development and living wage employment for trauma-impacted and at-risk young adults ages 18 to 25. To learn more about We Fortify, please visit wefortify.org.
WeeCycle – $7,500
WeeCycle’s mission is to recycle essential baby gear and match it to Colorado families in need. CHFA’s Direct Effect Award will support their Essential Baby Gear program, which provides free essential baby gear such as car seats, strollers, cribs, formula, diapers, safety gates and more to families with low-income through a network of partner organizations. To learn more about WeeCycle, please visit weecycle.org.
Weld Food Bank – $15,000
Weld Food Bank’s mission is to lead and engage their community in the fight against hunger. CHFA’s Direct Effect Award will help address food insecurity in Weld County by helping to procure healthy foods for distribution through their direct service programs, designed to alleviate hunger for children, adults, and seniors in the community. To learn more about Weld Food Bank, please visit weldfoodbank.org.
West Mountain Regional Housing Coalition – $10,000
West Mountain Regional Housing Coalition believes a regional approach that leverages the skills and resources of their communities is the foundation for increasing affordable housing. CHFA’s Direct Effect Award will be used to provide rental assistance. To learn more about West Mountain Regional Housing Coalition, please visit wmrhousing.org.
Whiz Kids Tutoring – $5,000
Whiz Kids Tutoring’s mission is to offer one-to-one tutoring, positive mentoring relationships, and spiritual nurture to students below the literacy and poverty lines. CHFA’s Direct Effect Award will support their programs focused on improving literacy, strengthening math skills, completing homework, and creating strong mentoring relationships. To learn more about Whiz Kids Tutoring, please visit whizkidstutoring.com.
Work Options – $15,000
Work Options’ mission is to help people overcome barriers to sustainable employment by building confidence while providing resources and culinary job training. CHFA’s Direct Effect Award will support the Culinary Job Skills Training program, which provides targeted support for hard-to-employ adults in metro Denver who face substantial barriers to employment. To learn more about Work Options, please visit workoptions.org.