96 nonprofits receive funding to expand access to affordable health care, help residents navigate health coverage and create stronger community connections
ARVADA, Colo., (Aug. 12, 2026) — Colorado Gives Foundation has awarded $3.5M to 96 nonprofits working to help Jefferson County residents access the care, coverage and connections that support holistic wellbeing.
This work comes at an important time. Changes to Medicaid are creating uncertainty for many residents, while access to mental health, dental and other essential services remains a challenge. At the same time, we know health is shaped by more than healthcare. Connection, belonging and strong communities also play a critical role in overall wellbeing.
The applications revealed where nonprofits are seeing the greatest needs among the people they serve. The three most common areas of focus were:
- Affordable health care: providing low- or no-cost mental, physical and dental health care.
- Social connection: helping people build meaningful relationships and reduce isolation.
- Health coverage: helping residents enroll in and access needed healthcare services.
Overall, nonprofits are focused on meeting immediate needs through direct services and one-on-one support while helping residents build greater stability and connection over time.
“Health is about more than what happens in a doctor’s office,” said savinay nathan, community impact vice president at Colorado Gives Foundation. “It’s about whether people can access the care they need, understand their health coverage and have meaningful relationships that help them feel connected to their community. These nonprofits meet people where they are and provide the support that helps our neighbors thrive.”
With support from the Lutheran Legacy Fund, a fund held at Colorado Gives Foundation, an additional $1.5 million doubled the funding available for health initiatives this year. The Lutheran Legacy Fund promotes health and wellness and the prevention of sickness and disease in communities served by Lutheran Hospital, with priority given to community-based initiatives that address emerging needs.
The impact we anticipate
Together, this year’s Health Grant recipients will help more Jefferson County residents access the care, coverage and connections that support holistic wellbeing.
More people will keep or gain health coverage. Funded nonprofits expect to help thousands of residents enroll in Medicaid, understand their benefits and have consistent access to the health care they need even as requirements change.
More people will access affordable care. Grantees expect to provide tens of thousands of low- or no-cost mental, physical and dental health services, including services in mountain communities where transportation, distance and provider shortages can make care harder to access.
Mental health will remain a priority. Mental health services were the most common type of care proposed by applicants, with a particular focus on youth, mountain communities and residents who are uninsured or have difficulty finding providers who accept their insurance.
Dental care will reach people with limited options. With fewer organizations providing dental services, funded programs will help fill important gaps for older adults, veterans, people with disabilities and others with limited or no dental coverage.
More people will have opportunities to build lasting relationships. Grantees will create ongoing opportunities for connection through mentoring, tutoring, volunteer groups and ongoing community activities.
Communities will build connections across generations and backgrounds. Programs such as mentoring, caregiving networks and home-sharing will bring together people of different ages, cultures and life experiences.
From healthcare access to community connection
The organizations receiving funding reflect the range of approaches needed to support holistic wellbeing across Jefferson County. Some examples include:
Mountain Resource Center will expand mental health support in Jefferson County’s mountain communities by combining therapist-led counseling with volunteer opportunities that help residents build stronger social connections.
JUST Living Recovery will help people in recovery access health care and Medicaid while creating opportunities to build community through volunteer projects and local events.
Eaton Senior Communities Foundation will support older adults in affordable housing by helping them navigate enrollment and use of Medicaid benefits, as well as how to access health care services, while reducing isolation through volunteer and community engagement opportunities.
Revel will improve access to health care for neurodivergent adults through Medicaid navigation and direct services while promoting greater understanding of the importance of social connection.
See the Complete List of 2026 Health Grant Recipients
Colorado Gives Foundation focuses its efforts on three main areas: collective wellbeing, economic freedom and vibrant communities. The Health Grants support the Foundation’s commitment to vibrant communities by expanding access to resources that support mental, social, spiritual and physical health throughout Jefferson County.
Colorado Gives Foundation remains committed to serving Jefferson County and creating a community where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. Learn more about the Foundation’s work in Jeffco at ColoradoGivesFoundation.org/impact-areas.
About Colorado Gives Foundation
Colorado Gives Foundation connects people, ideas and Colorado nonprofits to make good happen. Colorado Gives Foundation is a Jefferson County grant maker, investing more than $10 million annually to Jeffco-serving nonprofits committed to ensuring that all of Jeffco is thriving. We also work statewide to build the capacity of nonprofits and donors via ColoradoGives.org, nonprofit endowments and donor services. Through ColoradoGives.org, we make it easy for people to donate to the causes they care about, enabling meaningful change to help our neighbors thrive. Colorado Gives Foundation is where donors find and discover the community impact that matters most to them, which is good for everyone.
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