Local Programs Receive $1 Million to Tackle Barriers to Jobs and Stability

ARVADA, Colo. (Oct. 8, 2025) – In a move to help people build stronger careers and financial stability, Colorado Gives Foundation has awarded 32 grants to nonprofits, totaling $1,043,400, to support workforce development programs. These grants are designed to provide Jefferson County (Jeffco) residents with the essential tools and training needed to secure employment and earn a livable wage. A livable wage ensures a full-time worker can meet their family’s basic needs like housing, food, transportation and healthcare without needing outside assistance. For a single adult with no children, this is around $27 per hour, while for a family with one working adult and one child, it rises to $43 per hour.* 

“Workforce development isn’t just about teaching skills or helping people get jobs — it’s about removing the barriers that stand in the way of a stable future,” said savinay nathan, community impact vice president for Colorado Gives Foundation. “Many of the organizations we support work closely with employers to make sure training leads to real job opportunities and that successful pilot programs can grow to help even more people.”

“It’s exciting to support organizations that are helping people build skills and connecting them with other essential services so they can succeed,” added nathan. “These services are often referred to as ‘wraparound services’ that address the whole person and include things like housing, child care or career coaching. By supporting nonprofits with this broader approach, we’re creating real opportunities for people to thrive.”

Among the organizations receiving funding is the Mountain Resource Center which is expanding its Job Training Program in rural Jeffco by providing a 24-week, paid, part-time training opportunity for people to gain technical and soft skills to help them earn livable wages.

Another example is Thrive – Transformation at Work, a nonprofit that helps people who aren’t earning a livable wage prepare for jobs and become financially independent by offering training, guidance and a supportive community to overcome barriers to employment. Barriers include things like limited skills or education, lack of child care and transportation, disabilities or criminal records.

Colorado Gives Foundation’s next grant opportunity will open in early 2026 and is focused on housing.  

For a full list of award recipients and to learn more about the programs making a difference, visit ColoradoGivesFoundation.org. 

* According to 2025 MIT’s Living Wage Calculator for Jefferson County.

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Reporter Resources

Thrive – Transformation at Work is a grant recipient and has given permission to use any of the interview footage below. Also, we can connect you with Angela for an interview about how Thrive has changed her life. Contact Cindy Matthews at 720-898-5909 or use the form link below for story assistance.

Angela’s Story: Talk to Angela, who transformed her life through Thrive. Once an incarcerated high school dropout and single mother relying on public assistance, Angela received a scholarship to participate in the program — and it changed everything. Today, she is off assistance, working full time, and pursuing homeownership. Angela’s story is a powerful example of how the program helps individuals move beyond surviving to truly thriving.

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 over $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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