The Get Grounded Foundation
In 2015, GFM|CenterTable established the Get Grounded Foundation, a private 501(c)(3) providing community grants for innovative and entrepreneurial programs that directly support the healthy development of Denver and Boulder metro area youth in the areas of child abuse and neglect prevention, childhood food insecurity and youth mental health.
We’re proud to say that since inception, we’ve been able to provide $453,000 in grants to support the healthy development of youth in the Denver or Boulder metro areas.
The Get Grounded Foundation 2024 grant application is now closed. Please check back for information on the 2025 grant application and for a list of 2024 grantees.
Grant Funding Overview
Programs should be innovative or entrepreneurial in nature. In other words, the organization should be launching a new program (or trying a new method/approach) that directly supports youth OR expanding a program that was previously funded by the Get Grounded Foundation. Organizations applying for funding must:
- Demonstrate a history of working directly with children and youth (birth to 18)
- Explain how funding for the new program will help them better serve youth and families
- Provide evidence that they have the capacity and are ready to launch or expand their program(s)
- Be able to demonstrate impact within a year of receiving funds
In 2024, our average grants will be $2,500. Previous grantees are eligible to apply for funding if they can demonstrate that additional support would further strengthen their program that was launched with an initial grant from the Get Grounded Foundation, or they can show they are launching a new program that aligns with the criteria.
Download the Get Grounded Foundation Checklist
Past & Present Get Grounded Foundation Grantees
- A Precious Child*
- African Community Center
- Amp the Cause to End Hunger
- Art Students League of Denver*
- Augustana Arts
- Aurora Arapahoe Battered Women’s Shelter*
- Autism Society of Colorado
- Black Parents United Foundation*
- Boulder Voices for Children (CASA)*
- The Bridge Project
- Child Advocates – Denver
- CASA of Jefferson and Gilpin Counties
- Child and Family Advocacy Program*
- Children’s Farms of America
- CMDance*
- Cobbled Streets
- Colorado Coronavirus Relief Fund
- Colorado Humanities
- Colorado Meth Project, Inc.*
- Colorado Uplift*
- Connect Our Kids
- Denver Adolescent Response Team (DART)
- Denver Children’s Advocacy Center*
- Denver City Lax*
- Denver Indian Family Resource Center
- Denver Inner City Parish*
- Denver Kids (formerly Denver Urban Scholars)
- Denver Young Artists Orchestra*
- Developmental FX*
- Extended Hands of Hope
- Family Tree
- Food for Thought – Denver*
- Foster Together Colorado
- Friends of Slavens School (FOSS)
- Gateway Domestic Violence Services
- Girls on the Fly*
- Havern School
- Hunger Free Colorado*
- Illuminate Colorado*
- Jeffco Action Center*
- Mercy Housing Mountain Plains*
- Mile High United Way
- Mirror Image Arts
- Mount Saint Vincent
- PCs for People
- PlatteForum*
- Playworks
- Project 1.27*
- Project PAVE*
- Rise Above CO
- Rise Against Suicide
- Spirit of the Sun
- Share Our Strength’s Cooking Matters Colorado
- SOAR
- STAR Institute*
- Struggle of Love Foundation
- Tennyson Center for Children
- The Urban Farm
- Thriving Families
- Whiz Kids Tutoring*
- Youth Seen
- Zuma’s Rescue Ranch*
*2023 grantees
The Sam Aden Kindness Fund
Jackson “Sam” Aden came into this world on March 31, 2009, in St. Petersburg, Russia as Frolov Igor Mikhailovich, and joined the family of our founder, Laura Love, on December 1, 2010, as their amazing “Iggy.” While Sam left this earth on May 4, 2023, his 14 years were full of big love, mischief, random acts of kindness, laughter (he had the best laugh), a love of his heritage and a passion for philosophical discussions about life. We will continue to honor his legacy through the Sam Aden Kindness Fund, where 100% of the donations – and all future donations – support youth mental health awareness and fund other critical mental health resources and support systems.
More than $345,000 raised
$21,500 provided for special inaugural grants in 2023, including grants to:
- Blue Channel Therapy
- The Child Mind Institute
- Cobbled Streets
- Havern School
- Rise Against Suicide
- Robbie’s Hope
- Youth Seen
The “Random Acts of Samness” Day
On December 1, 2023 more than 75 people participated in the first annual “Random Acts of Samness” Day. Each person was given $100 from Sam’s family and asked to spread kindness in their own unique way.
We heard so many inspiring and creative stories of how the funds were used across Colorado, Arkansas, Wisconsin, Oklahoma, California, Texas, Egypt, Copenhagen, Brazil and beyond!
Let this be a reminder that simple acts of kindness can make an enormous difference in someone’s life.
2nd Annual Sam’s Day of Stoke & Sleep In for Sam
Join us for a day of skiing, laughter, and connection as we come together to honor Sam and raise awareness for youth mental health. Sam’s Day of Stoke is a celebration of everything Sam loved—skiing, snowboarding and spreading kindness.
Event Details
- When: Friday, January 31, 2025
- Where: The Legendary Beach at Arapahoe Basin Ski Area
- What: A day to hit the slopes, connect with others and celebrate life
How You Can Support
1. Join Us on the Slopes:
Bring your friends and family for a day of fun, connection, and kindness.
2. Sleep In for Sam:
If you can’t make it to the event, you can still make an impact by supporting Sleep In for Sam. Sam loved to sleep as much as he loved the snow, and this virtual fundraiser is our way of including everyone in the mission.
Our goal is to raise $15,000 to support youth mental health programs through the Get Grounded Foundation and The Sam Aden Kindness Fund.
Why It Matters
Sam’s Day of Stoke is more than an event—it’s a movement to spread kindness, build connections and prioritize mental well-being.
Get Involved
Spread the word, invite your loved ones, and join us in making this the most stoked day yet. Whether you’re shredding the slopes or supporting from afar, your involvement means the world.
Let’s kick off 2025 with kindness in our hearts and a commitment to taking care of ourselves and others.
TheP.O.V.
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