Improving State and Local Policies

We believe that well-designed, adequately funded, and accessible public policies, programs, and systems are key to creating equitable pathways to thriving adulthood, particularly for young people who face the greatest barriers to opportunity.

Unfortunately, the potential of adolescence is often constrained by economic, social, and structural disadvantages, including economic injustice, racism, and discrimination. These powerful societal forces shape the trajectories of young people’s lives, restricting their access to essential opportunities, services, and supports while subjecting them to increased risks, stress, and pressures.

These stark inequities in access to opportunity result in equally stark differences in outcomes, including health, safety, well-being, education, and future employment. For young people experiencing these disparities, challenges are often compounded by the shortcomings of multiple systems, where obstacles in one area can adversely affect outcomes in others.

Public policy advocacy that focuses on influencing decision-makers, laws, and government actions to build more equitable systems and policies has the potential to create broad, lasting, and meaningful change. Through a sustained commitment to advocacy, Caring for Colorado will support its grantee partners in addressing the root causes of inequity and work toward eliminating health disparities, ultimately leading to better long-term outcomes for all young people.

Through an annual call for applications, we prioritize funding for local and state public policy and advocacy initiatives that align with Caring for Colorado’s goals. We focus on organizations with a proven track record in:

• Advancing and Implementing Equity-Centered Policies: Demonstrating a commitment to promoting fairness and addressing disparities in policy development and execution.
• Collaborating with Impacted Communities: Engaging meaningfully with those directly affected to develop and implement effective policy solutions.
• Addressing Root Causes of Inequities: Tackling the fundamental issues that contribute to disparities through thoughtful policy development.
• Building Strong Coalitions: Creating and nurturing partnerships to ensure successful adoption and implementation of policies.
• Utilizing Evidence and Research: Grounding policy solutions in robust evidence and research to ensure effectiveness and relevance.

By supporting organizations that excel in these areas, we aim to drive systemic change and promote equity through effective public policy and advocacy.

Caring for Colorado sets our public policy goals annually, guided by opportunities that align with our mission and have the potential to positively influence systems and policies benefiting young people in Colorado. Our focus is on strategies that:

• Advance and Implement Targeted Policies: Develop and support policies that directly address the social, economic, and community factors affecting the health and well-being of young people and their families.
• Enhance Public Systems and Financing: Work to improve systems and funding across healthcare, child welfare, education, public benefits, and justice to better serve the needs of young people.

By targeting these areas, we aim to drive meaningful change and ensure that policies effectively support the growth and well-being of youth in Colorado.