The Denver-based Daniels Fund has announced grants totaling $9.5 million to nonprofit organizations working to assist youth, seniors, and people struggling with substance abuse in Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming.

The fund awarded grants to a number of organizations in Colorado, including the Betty Ford Center's Colorado Children's Program, the Colorado 4-H Program, the Dominican Sisters Home Health Agency, and Teach for America. Organizations in New Mexico receiving support included Coming Home Connection, McCurdy Charter School, Veterans Transitional Housing Program, and the New Mexico Coalition to End Homelessness. And in Utah, grants were awarded to the Erin Kimball Memorial Foundation, Utah Food Bank, and Utah Schools for the Deaf and Blind.

In addition, the fund awarded grants in Wyoming to Big Horn County School District #2 for its afterschool program, Casper College in support of its Early Childhood Learning Center, the Food Bank of the Rockies for a capital expansion project, and the Senior Citizens Council.

"Many of our neighbors are struggling out there and these organizations have a proven record of success in helping people rise above whatever challenges they face," said Daniels Fund president and CEO Linda Childears. "We are honored to support their efforts to make life better in communities across the state."