We invest in the power of community

Founded and funded by and for Denver, we turn our community’s desire to help into action to address Denver’s mental health and substance misuse needs.

See our impact

News + Events

DSST: Cole helps students build confidence beyond the classroom

Oct 24, 2026

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vWg_eYfrREs&t=3s Check out DSST: Cole Middle and High School’s feature on 9NEWS! The story highlights Youth Building Legacy Now (YBLN), a student-led peer mental health program empowering young people to build leadership skills,...

Peer-led support groups at Denver high school help students focus and mature

Oct 22, 2026

Author: Byron Reed October 22, 2036 | 9News DENVER — A school-based program that brings peer mental health support and leadership training to students at DSST: Cole Middle and High School is helping them focus in class and prepare for life after graduation. The...

Sharing Mental Health Resources with Denver through Univision

Oct 14, 2026

Caring for Denver Foundation Program Officer Juan Escobedo recently participated in an interview with Univision to discuss mental health care and resources available to Denver families. During Mental Illness Awareness Week, the conversation highlighted the importance...

Help shape
our work

We listen to Denver’s communities, those with lived experience, and those doing the work to understand how mental health and substance misuse show up in our lives. Your insight and experience helps reveal what data alone can’t. Take this short survey to help shape our funding priorities. We regularly review responses to ensure our decisions reflect community needs.

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What we accomplished in 2025

88,367

Denverites reached through
Caring for Denver funding

7,198

reduced substance misuse
(across grantees reporting)

4,476

improved mental health
(across grantees reporting)

Denver’s Stories of Progress

How Trusted Relationships Support Youth Mental Health | Fully Liberated Youth

Progress doesn’t always happen in a straight line. For young people navigating trauma and complex life challenges, it can take time, trust, and consistent support to recognize their emotions, build healthier coping...

How Trusted Relationships Support Youth Mental Health | Fully Liberated Youth

Progress doesn’t always happen in a straight line. For young people navigating trauma and complex life challenges, it can take time, trust, and consistent support to recognize their emotions, build healthier coping...

Expanding Mental Health Support for Growing Families

Thriving Families supports women, children, and families during pregnancy and the postpartum period—a critical window that shapes a child’s long-term development. Caring for Denver funds Thriving Families’ WiseWellness program, which provides...

MSU Denver Expands Mental Health Workforce Program

As demand for mental and behavioral health services continues to grow, Metropolitan State University of Denver's College of Health and Human Sciences is helping prepare the next generation of providers. In May 2026, Caring for Denver renewed its investment with...

Metropolitan State University

Through the Building Denver’s Mental Health Workforce grant, MSU Denver students are training to become the next generation of mental health and substance misuse care professionals serving our community.
This grant supports student preparation, builds a sustainable pipeline of health workers, and strengthens connections with community organizations serving Denver residents citywide.