Celebrating Alameda

Alameda Ave Community Grants in Lakewood, Colorado

ALAMEDA CONNECTS 2026 “CELEBRATING ALAMEDA” COMMUNITY GRANTS PROGRAM FOR JEFFCO PUBLIC SCHOOLS, 501 (c) (3) NONPROFIT ORGANIZATIONS AND SMALL BUSINESSES.

Our “Celebrating Alameda” Community Grants program offers competitive small grants of $500 each to public schools, nonprofit organizations, and small businesses within the Alameda Corridor area of central Lakewood, CO. Priority is given to projects and improvements that focus on building community and enhancing the business, cultural, and social climate along the Alameda Corridor, ensuring they provide a clear benefit to the public good.

All grants must align with the mission of Alameda Connects: to foster opportunity and prosperity by cultivating connections through celebrating our vibrant Lakewood community. Grant applications should be for specific projects or programs rather than routine operational expenses.

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Applying for the Grant

Grant Program
The “Celebrating Alameda” Community Grants program supports community-based initiatives and local businesses by funding projects that strengthen the community, improve quality of life, promote sustainable economic development, and nurture vibrant neighborhoods.

Grant Award Criteria

Must be a public school, non-profit service organization, or small business with a West Alameda Ave. connection and local impact.
Must be members of Alameda Connects
Must tie to a “public good” component in one or more of the objectives listed above.
Must complete the submission process and follow guidelines.
Must acknowledge the source of funds to the organization’s membership/stakeholders—either by posting recognition on social media and/or including recognition of the grant award on the event website.
Must agree to reporting requirements: Notification of project completion within 30 days of the target date, including a summary of results and at least two digital photos. Email notification, summary of results, and photos to acteam@alamedaconnects.org.
Awards will be based on the impact of the project, the determination of the organization’s ability to execute, and the availability of funds.
Prior Grant Awardees may apply in consecutive years, but this may influence approval, as the grant committee’s goal is to disburse funds to as many groups as possible.

Application Process
Please read the grant criteria first and then express your interest by filling out Part One: Grant Interest Form. Grant awards are subject to the availability of funds. Partial awards are possible.

2026 Grant Schedule

- Through April 3 – Grant Interest Forms are available online. Once submitted, someone will follow up to help you apply.
- April 10 – “Celebrating Alameda” Community Grants program applications due to Alameda Connects by 5 PM, April 10. Applications must be submitted through the online submission page that will be sent to you after expressing interest in our grants.
- April 10-17 – All applicants to set up ACH to streamline process.
- April 17 – Grant recipients announced.
- April 18 – Grant funds are disbursed via ACH.
- June 30 – Celebrating Alameda grant-funded projects must be completed or risk clawback provisions.

For questions about this program, please contact Rachel Griffin at the Alameda Connects office at (303) 274-1807 or rachel@alamedaconnects.org with the subject line “Celebrating Alameda Grant”.

EXPRESS INTEREST

Ideas for the Celebrating Alameda Grant

Jefferson County Public Schools

Permanent pantries of essential items to support students with food, clothing, hygiene products, and school supplies.

Murals and other public art such as student-led aesthetic improvements to exterior walls.

Improvements to playgrounds, outdoor seating, specialized classroom equipment, or building repairs.

Support for student-run organizations, leadership programs, or specialized materials for after-school groups.

Family engagement hubs that bring families into the school for community support and networking.

Mentorship programs that connect students with local seniors or professionals for skill-sharing and storytelling.

Cultural heritage events celebrating the diverse backgrounds of the students through shared food, history, or traditional events.

Student-led community services where students design and execute outreach that benefits the surrounding neighborhoods.

Nonprofit Organization Support including 501c3s, neighborhood and civic organizations

Arts and cultural events, workshops, or festivals that celebrate the history and diversity of the area.

Collaborative initiatives that establish spaces or systems to connect people with social services and health and human services.

Skill-building series (e.g., financial literacy, urban gardening, local history) that bring people together to learn.

Community space improvements such as vegetable gardens, neighborhood tool libraries, or shaded rest areas.

Bilingual and inclusive outreach to help residents, regardless of language or background, feel invited to participate in corridor life.

Improved “eyes on the street” with improved lighting, signage, or permanent hardware designed to increase pedestrian safety and neighborhood monitoring.

Business Promotional/Community-Building Support

Employee or business-owner education tuition at the Small Business Development Center or trade groups.

Improved “eyes on the street” through improved lighting, signage, security, technology, designed to increase pedestrian safety and neighborhood monitoring.

Development and marketing of community-building promotional events

ADA compliance by adding patio seating, bike racks, or permanent ramps at entryways.

“Shop Local” initiatives or joint events where businesses partner to create a unified identity.

Creating bridges between local businesses and students for job shadowing, mentorship, work experience or career paths.

Transforming areas into “third spaces” where neighbors feel welcome to linger and interact, even without a purchase.

What Our Grant Recipients Say

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“We used our grant to upgrade the façade of our property facing Alameda with new LED architectural sconces. The new light improved our curb appeal, added illumination to the area, and helped us achieve our energy efficiency goals.”

Max de La Bruyere, Property Owner
Lafayette Property Company

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“Our parking lot lighting at Lakewood City Center was outdated, leading to high energy costs and providing low visibility and security. With our grant we replaced all 28 of the old fixtures with new, energy-efficient LED lights. We saw utility savings and improved the overall brightness and safety of our property. The result is a more modern, secure environment that we are now using as a selling point to attract new tenants and assure our current businesses that we are invested in drawing in more customers.”

Erik Swanson, Property Owner
Lakewood City Center

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“We were very excited to receive our Alameda Connects grant! Our exterior sign blade had our logo from 7 years ago on it, so we updated it to our “new” one to make our branding more uniform. We also got a sandwich board where we can have quotes of inspiration. We have had multiple shares of this on social media. This not only makes people feel inspired, but it also gives us more visibility.”

Valerie Savarie, Owner
Valkarie Gallery

Express Your Interest for the "Celebrating Alameda" Grant Today!

Don’t miss this opportunity to secure funding for your project. Complete the grant application now and take the next step towards making your vision a reality. At Alameda Connects and the ACBID, we’re here to support your growth and innovation.

Express Your Interest Here

Connecting Alameda

One of many Alameda Grants

Alameda Connects aims to empower local organizations and businesses by providing financial support for projects that enrich the community. Our goal is to cultivate a vibrant and sustainable environment in Lakewood, Colorado, by funding initiatives that align with our mission of community engagement and development. For over 20 years, the Alameda Grant Programs have been dedicated to nurturing the heart of Lakewood.

Between Alameda Connects and the Alameda Corridor Business Improvement District, we have numerous grants built around the themes of beautification, sustainability, security, and community development. We strive to support projects that address community needs, promote inclusivity, and foster a sense of belonging. Discover more of our Connecting Alameda Grant opportunities here.

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