Funds to support Youth Performing Arts in Colorado

The Denver Foundation invites nonprofit organizations to apply for the Bowen Family Performing Arts Fund, a grant opportunity designed to support youth performing arts education in the Metro Denver area. The fund honors Gwen “Miss B” Bowen, who dedicated over five decades to teaching dance in Denver and inspiring thousands through her school and outreach work. This funding program aims to enhance access to performing arts education for elementary and middle school students, especially those from historically disadvantaged or underserved communities. The fund emphasizes support for programs that promote ballet, tap, jazz, opera, musicals, symphonic music, and theater. Grants will range between $5,000 and $15,000. Organizations must be based in or actively work within the seven-county Metro Denver region and be a 501(c)(3) nonprofit or have a qualifying fiscal sponsor. Funding is not guaranteed for previous awardees, and all applicants must clearly align with the mission of promoting performing arts education for youth. The current application cycle opened on June 2, 2025, and will close on July 15, 2025. Applications must be submitted through The Denver Foundation’s grant portal. Interested applicants should register on the portal in advance to ensure timely submission. No pre-application deadlines or specific application questions are listed in the fund description. However, the foundation emphasizes that a strong application will clearly demonstrate the teaching and appreciation of the performing arts and connect with the fund’s mission. Applicants may contact the foundation via email at [email protected] or call 303.300.1790 with questions. The fund is anticipated to recur annually, with the next cycle expected in June 2026.