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Strategic Recommendations

Pulled from Part 3 of the SungateKids Grant Strategy Report with supporting actions from the calendar section.

Top 5 Must Pursue Grants

Colorado Crime Victim Services (VOCA): This is the lifeblood of our direct services, funding core staff and operations. Losing or reducing VOCA would directly cut interviews and therapy. We have a proven track record (received $314K in 2025), child abuse victims are a priority category, and success is high if we deliver a data-rich, compliant renewal.

Local VALE Grants (18th & 23rd JDs): Offender-fee dollars covering victim advocates and forensic interviewers. Renewal gaps would create immediate staffing holes, so treat both cycles as non-negotiable—cultivate each board, highlight district-specific outcomes, and submit polished, on-time applications.

Arapahoe County Aid to Agencies: One of the few unrestricted local sources underwriting trauma therapy, advocacy, and prevention in our busiest county. Pursue annually with Arapahoe-specific outcomes, reinforcing partnerships and demonstrating the program’s behavioral health impact.

Caring for Colorado – Youth Health & Well-Being: Statewide youth funder uniquely aligned with our trauma-informed services. Target a multi-year request (e.g., bilingual therapist or teen counseling expansion) that advances equity, cites measurable outcomes, and meets their youth well-being priorities.

Denver Post Season To Share: High-profile unrestricted dollars supporting low-income families. Craft a standout LOI proving we exceed the 60% low-income threshold, blend compelling stories with social-emotional outcomes, and leverage the visibility boost that comes with funding.

Worth Exploring

Denver Children’s Foundation: LOI-driven access to $10K–$25K and a network of emerging philanthropists; tailor a compelling, youth-centered story.

OVW Children & Youth Program: Partner with a domestic violence agency for a three-year collaborative serving child witnesses.

Daniels Fund: Cultivate an invitation for a catalytic capital or capacity investment.

NCA Member Subgrants: Pursue annual mini-grants for equipment, telehealth, and innovation.

Chick-fil-A True Inspiration Awards: Secure operator nomination and mobilize a community voting plan for a potential six-figure windfall.

Skip / Monitor

OJJDP Regional CAC Program: Built for regional TA hubs—outside our scope as a direct service CAC.

OJJDP National Subgrants: Highly competitive federal enhancements better accessed through NCA or state channels.

OVW Grants to Engage Men & Youth: Mission drift; focuses on engaging men as allies rather than serving abused children.

Buell Foundation: Prioritizes early childhood education; low fit for forensic/therapy services.

HUD/Housing Grants: Housing outcomes fall outside SungateKids’ mandate—support partners instead of leading.

Immediate Actions (Next 30 Days)

  • Assign VOCA renewal team by Nov 15 – Owner: ED & Grants Manager. Begin compiling 2025 service data and narrative updates.
  • Engage youth advisors for the TGYS proposal by Nov 30 – Owner: Program Director. Satisfy youth-led requirements with an advisory session.
  • Secure a Chick-fil-A operator conversation by Dec 5 – Owner: Development Director. Confirm interest in a True Inspiration nomination.
  • Gather low-income client data and prep Season To Share LOI materials by Dec 15 – Owner: Grants Manager. Validate 60% low-income threshold.
  • Schedule thank-you/briefing meetings with Arapahoe and Douglas County contacts within 30 days – Owner: ED. Reinforce relationships and capture intel.
  • Ensure FY2025 audit/financial statements are on track by Dec 31 – Owner: CFO. Keep documentation ready for early 2026 applications.

Capacity Building Priorities

Relationships to Develop

  • Daniels Fund program officer (facility tour in early 2026).
  • Colorado Children’s Alliance leadership to amplify CAC funding needs.
  • Corporate partners such as KeyBank and Xcel Energy community giving leads.

Documentation to Prepare

  • Updated outcomes one-pager with metrics, citations, and quotes.
  • Current equity and inclusion statement covering language access and cultural responsiveness.
  • Refreshed MOUs/letters with law enforcement, DA’s Office, and MDT partners.

Partnerships to Formalize

  • School district collaborator (e.g., Cherry Creek Schools) for youth-led prevention projects.
  • Domestic violence agency MOU to bolster OVW competitiveness.
  • Mental health provider partnership (e.g., AllHealth Network) for long-term counseling pipelines.