Bonfils-Stanton Foundation, an arts and culture funder in Denver, has announced a new strategic framework centering racial equity.

The new framework reflects what the foundation describes as “a decade-long shift toward prioritizing equitable arts and culture and nonprofit leadership in Denver” that was accelerated by the healthcare disparities made evident by the COVID-19 pandemic and the racial reckoning that followed the murder of George Floyd in 2020.

The framework is organized around four key priorities: fostering a diverse, healthy cultural ecosystem by supporting cultural organizations and arts engagement through grantmaking; nurturing creative, transformational nonprofit leaders and artists; intentionally investing financial assets toward mission-aligned investments managed and run by BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and people of color) owners; and elevating the visibility and value of arts and culture through increased storytelling.

Among several new initiatives, the foundation announced the launch of an equity in arts education grantmaking initiative, a technical assistance grant program, an expansion of the Livingston Fellows program, and programs to invest in historically BIPOC neighborhoods in the Denver area and to provide unrestricted grants to artists who have a social practice as part of their artmaking. In addition, the foundation plans to make multiyear capacity-building investments in smaller organizations led by, informed by, and serving BIPOC, LGBTQ+ and people with disabilities, as well as capital investments to address space affordability for artists and arts organizations.

“Now is always the time to bring our boldest solutions to bear on issues of racism,” said Bonfils-Stanton Foundation CEO Gary Steuer. “We believe that a thriving, just Denver must have a vibrant, diverse, and equitable cultural infrastructure, as well as diverse, empowered, [and] supported nonprofit community leaders.”

(Photo credit: Getty Images/Mesquita FMS)