CLCT Statement on the Conclusion of Colorado’s Legislative Session

DENVER, CO–As Colorado’s legislative session comes to a close, Communities Lead Communities Thrive (CLCT), a coalition of nonprofits addressing systemic challenges faced by historically excluded communities in Colorado, today expressed disappointment in the lack of progress on legislation that would break down barriers to state grant funding for organizations serving communities on behalf of the state.

“With no movement or progress this legislative session, we are no closer to dismantling the systemic barriers small nonprofits face to equitably access state grant funding,” said Marco Dorado, CLCT Managing Director. “At a time when public resources are tightening at the federal and state levels, it’s more important than ever to streamline access to state dollars for the nonprofits doing essential work across Colorado. That’s why CLCT exists – to help elevate the voices of small nonprofits and advocate for policies that ensure efficiency and access to public funding to support their critical work.”

A broad coalition of nonprofits, including CLCT and its members, advocated for House Bill 25-1101, which would create an upfront 35% retainer for nonprofits awarded state grants. Nonprofits doing important work in their communities currently go through a cumbersome reimbursement process that can place a disproportionate burden on small and historically underfunded nonprofits, often limiting their ability to participate in state grant programs.

“It was a tough legislative and fiscal environment, but we are not deterred,” said Dorado. “We will continue to grow our coalition of nonprofits and gather feedback about the challenges they face in the state grant process, and bring forward meaningful, community-driven solutions to these challenges.”

House Bill 25-1048 to establish a centralized database of state grants, rather than the current department-by-department approach, also failed to gain traction in a tight budget year.

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