Equity in Arts Learning Inaugural Grant Partners

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

Think 360 Arts for Learning Awards nearly $400,000 to Support Equitable Access to Arts Learning across Colorado with Collaborative Funding Partners 

DENVER, CO (May 20, 2024) – The "Equity in Arts Learning for Colorado Youth" grant program is thrilled to announce its 2024-25 funding cycle recipients, in the inaugural year of this new statewide grant. A groundbreaking collaboration led by Bonfils-Stanton Foundation in partnership with Colorado Creative Industries (CCI), Denver Arts and Venues (DAV), the Gates Family Foundation, and The Denver Foundation – is making a significant impact on arts education equity across the state.

Empowering Colorado's Youth Through the Arts | "We're proud to support 21 outstanding organizations working to ensure students who need it most have access to the transformative power of arts learning," said Gina Ferrari, Director of Grant Programs at Bonfils-Stanton Foundation. "These grants support programs that help empower young people across Colorado to develop their creativity and problem-solving skills, while building confidence and empathy."

2024-25 Grantees | Through a competitive selection process, the program awarded grants ranging from $10,000 to $25,000 to 21 organizations representing 10 Colorado counties. These grantees will develop innovative programs that prioritize the distinct needs of students, promote in-depth arts learning, and cultivate meaningful relationships with artists.

Read the complete list of 2024-25 grantees HERE.

Impressive Quality and Statewide Reach | "Our esteemed panelists were impressed with the creative and innovative proposals received in the inaugural year," remarked Daisy McGowan, Executive Director of Think 360 Arts for Learning. "These grants support a diverse array of projects that will reach thousands of underserved youth in urban and rural communities, providing them with vital opportunities to learn from teaching artists in deep and sustained ways in the year ahead."

Investing in the Future | The program is a testament to the power of collaboration. Bonfils-Stanton Foundation is a visionary leader, with an initial three year funding commitment, and multi-year commitments of support from Colorado Creative Industries and Denver Arts and Venues, as well as inaugural year funding partners the Gates Family Foundation and The Denver Foundation.

"This program would not be possible without the investments from our funding partners and the expertise of Think360 Arts. We remain committed to raising even more to expand the program's reach and ensure all Colorado students can experience the joy and benefits of arts education," said Ferrari.

About Equity in Arts Learning for Colorado Youth

The "Equity in Arts Learning for Colorado Youth" grant program is a collaborative effort dedicated to dismantling barriers and ensuring all students have access to high-quality arts education, administered by Think 360 Arts for Learning.

For more information, please visit www.think360arts.org/grant-opportunities.

Contact:

Anthony Grimes, Director of Communication Bonfils-Stanton Foundation
Email: Anthony@bonfils-stanton.org Phone: 303-825-3774 ext. 105

Bethany Laffan, Development & Marketing Coordinator, Think 360 Arts for LearningEmail: bethany@think360arts.org, phone: (720) 702-2483