MICRO-GRANTS | denver-calc

THE 2025 CALC MICRO-GRANT PROGRAM IS NOW CLOSED

The 2025 CALC Micro-Grant program is now closed. Please see 2025 program information below and click here to subscribe to the newsletter to get updates about the program in 2026.

The Denver Department of Transportation & Infrastructure (DOTI) and Denver Community Active Living Coalition (CALC) are excited to offer Micro-Grants to help individuals, businesses, and organizations deliver their own projects that serve Denver communities. The Micro-Grant specifically funds grassroots projects that encourage active transportation and make Denver’s streets safer, more vibrant, and more connected.

Individuals may apply for up to $500 in project funding, to be distributed via gift card(s). Upon completion of the project and a project reflection form, Individuals will receive an additional, final payment of $75.

Organizations or Businesses with a valid W-9 may apply for up to $1500 in project funding, to be distributed via check or ACH. Upon completion of the project and a project reflection form, Organizations/Businesses will receive an additional, final payment of $500.

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communitystreets@denvergov.org

(720) 865-8716

Requirements

Eligible projects will:

Primarily serve those who live within the City & County of Denver.
Align with one of the Micro-Grant fundable themes.
Follow project requirements.

Requirements for ALL projects:

Permission to host the project at the selected location
Upload of a Certificate of Insurance
Upload of a current signed W-9 with address that matches
the address filed with the Colorado Secretary of State.
(Organization/Business applicants)
Plans for ensuring physical safety
Plans for participation consent
Plans for protecting personal information

Additional requirements:

(based on project type/risk assessment)

Permit(s) to host the project at a public location
Office of Special Events permit
Community Streets approvals
Auto Insurance Policy
Workers Compensation Insurance Policy
Artwork review

Limitations

The Micro-Grant cannot fund projects that:

Are for an individual or business benefit only. (Examples: personal bikes, recreational fees for an individual).
Are outside of City & County of Denver limits, unless they specifically serve people who live in Denver.
Go against or lead to individuals failing to adhere to current laws or public health guidelines.
Install any unpermitted furniture or infrastructure that would impede local traffic in the Right-of-Way.
Include music or video/movie licensing.

Example Projects by funding theme

Vibrant Denver Funding Notice: At this time, all available Vibrant Denver funds have been utilized due to high demand. If you would like to be placed on the waitlist in the event that additional funds become available, please contact communitystreets@denvergov.org.

Safe Routes to School: Projects in this theme support active transportation options at a Denver school or are focused on youth, such as walk/bike/roll to/from school programs or safety education events.

Vision Zero: Projects in this theme aim to increase safety of Denver's transportation network or relate directly to the safety of streets, curbside spaces, or public transportation.

Vibrant Denver: See note above
Projects in this theme will beautify streets, relate to DOTI and Denver climate goals, or encourage people to travel outside of cars.

Examples:

Walking, rolling, biking, or transit to/from school programs
Before or after school bike and pedestrian safety education events

Examples:

Community walking, rolling, biking or transit tours
Neighborhood walk/bike delivery services
Community-led placemaking and traffic calming initiatives, including Asphalt Art projects like intersection murals

Examples:

Community clean-ups that improve wastewater/runoff quality
Solid waste recycling events or activities
Projects that enhance engagement with active DOTI transportation and infrastructure projects
Creative projects related to transportation and infrastructure will be considered

Phase I: Project Proposal

Step 1: Proposal (Eligibility Form and Application)

Applicants will use a free Submittable account to fill out an Eligibility Form to ensure projects match with program guidelines and funding themes.
Eligible applicants will automatically have access to fill out the Project Proposal Form in Submittable.
After the project proposal is submitted, proposals will move through an Internal Review.

Step 2: Internal Review

The Micro-Grant team reviews project proposals on an ongoing basis in the order they are received.
Once alignment with the program is confirmed, applicants will be notified of their continuation to the Micro-Grant Project phase.
Aligned projects will be assigned a Grant Officer to help deliver a successful project and meet project requirements.

Phase II: Micro-Grant Project

Step 3: Preparation

Grantees will meet with Grant Officers for a phone call, video call or in-person meeting at least once during project preparation.
Grantees will upload all outstanding contracting documents (W9, proof of insurance, etc.) and complete consultation with their Grant Officer to receive project funding.
Project funding is sent to Grantees via check or direct deposit for organizations, or gift card(s) for individuals.

Step 4: Implementation

Grantee completes Micro-Grant project within 90 days of receiving their project funding.

Step 5: Reflection

Grant Officer will send Grantee a post-project reflection in Submittable that must be returned within 2 weeks of project completion.
After project reflection is complete, Grantee will receive final payment.

Resources:

Proposal Preview – Individual (for reference only)
Proposal Preview – Organization (for reference only)
Reflection Preview – Individual (for reference only)
Reflection Preview – Organization (for reference only)

Community Streets permitting information
Office of Special Events permitting information
Denver Parks & Recreation permitting information
Keep Denver Beautiful support for cleanup projects
Denver Bike Parking permitting information

To report an issue to the City of Denver, please use the Online Services Hub to submit a 311 Request using this link or use your mobile phone to text the word "hello" to 439311 (or HEY311).

Ready to Apply?

Open the CALC Micro-Grant Application in Submittable.