Engage With Us

Coming Soon: The SCFD Wonder-Cast

Get your airpods, headsets, or speakers ready... a brand-new podcast will be hitting the airwaves this fall! The SCFD Wonder-Cast will introduce you to the folks who work behind the scenes at our funded partners to create the wonder we all associate with our region's amazing arts, culture, and science programming. Stay tuned!

SCFD Staff in the Spotlight: Tim Murphy

This month's SCFD Staff in the Spotlight feature is Program Officer, Tim Murphy! Tim worked in nonprofit fundraising for MSU Denver, the Colorado Symphony, and The Center on Colfax prior to joining SCFD. Here are a couple things you may not know about him, in his words:


The best part of Tim's job:

"I love working at SCFD and there are so many good things about my job. First and foremost, my coworkers. It’s a pleasure to work with such smart, talented, and dedicated people and I’m lucky to call them friends. Beyond my team, I find it rewarding to help organizations get the grant funding they need to produce amazing arts, culture and science. I worked in nonprofit fundraising for years and I know how difficult it can be to navigate grant processes. And personally, I love discovering new organizations in the district and getting to know the work they do."


A recent, memorable experience with arts, culture, or science:

"The most memorable arts and culture experience I’ve had happened last December when my partner and I spent the holidays in London and Paris. In London, we saw Les Misérables in the West End and were completely blown away by the incredible cast and stunning staging. It was such a powerful, emotional experience that stayed with us long after the final curtain call. A few days later, we traveled to Paris and spent a full day exploring the Louvre Museum. I was immediately struck by its sheer size—it’s absolutely massive! I could have spent an entire week there and still not have seen all the masterpieces on display. One highlight was finally seeing the Mona Lisa in person, a moment that felt almost surreal."


Tim's current favorite show:

"I love sci-fi shows like Foundation, Invasion, and Murderbot, but I am most excited for the Great British Bake Off to be back for another season!"


If SCFD had an office talent show, Tim would wow everyone with:

"Bartending, lol... During COVID, I perfected my Cosmopolitan recipe and it’s a favorite with friends and family."


A fun fact:

"I am obsessed with tennis! I started playing when I was 10 years old and play whenever I can. It’s fun, challenging, and fantastic exercise."


Tim's definition of Culture For All:

"To me, 'Culture for All' means ensuring true access for everyone. SCFD exists to benefit all residents of the district, regardless of who they are or where they live. Whether through traveling exhibits, low-cost or free performances and activities, sensory-friendly programs, or dance classes for people with disabilities, SCFD-funded organizations excel at creating opportunities that reach as many people as possible."


Want to learn even more about Tim? Read his bio here.

Reminder: Eligibility Applications Are Open Until 9/10

The 2025 Eligibility Application is still open! Eligibility is the first step in the SCFD funding process. Be sure to share this with other organizations you know of who might be eligible!


Applications are due by Wednesday, September 10 at 4:00 p.m. For more information, visit the webpage below.

SCFD Virtual Office Hours

As a reminder, SCFD staff are now hosting virtual office hours! You can book time with our staff from 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. on the first and third Thursday of each month. We are here for you, so feel free to use this time for whatever you need from meet-and-greets, discussions about grants or programming, catch-ups, and more. Use the following links to set up a meeting one week in advance:


Kirsten Lang, Program Officer:

Book time with Kirsten Lang


Tim Murphy, Program Officer:

Book time with Tim Murphy


Dana Manyothane, Program Officer:

Book time with Dana Manyothane


Emma Mantooth, Communications Manager:

Book time with Emma Mantooth


Not sure who to reach out to? Send us a short message about what you’re looking to discuss at scfd@scfd.org and we can get you booked with the correct person. We look forward to chatting with you soon!

What you need, when you need it

Just a friendly reminder that we are continuing to add information, tutorials, grant deadlines, and other important details to pages dedicated to your tier of partnership with the district. Please use these resources to help answer your questions. 


Tier I | Tier II | Tier III 

Resources for Good

Making Space: Resilience in the Arts

The Mexican Cultural Center and the Lone Tree Arts Center will be co-hosting an afternoon of fellowship, dialogue, and networking around the theme of resilience in the arts at 3:30 on September 11, 2025 at the Lone Tree Arts Center. This free event for artists, creators, and arts professionals will feature a panel discussion including Manuel Aragon, Johnny Nichols, Jr., Courtney Ozaki, and Ben Raanan with moderation by Rachel Garcia. A happy hour networking reception will follow!

Submit Your Denver Arts Week Events and Deals Today!

It’s that time of year – Denver Arts Week returns November 7-16! Please submit events and deals to the Denver Arts Week site. By submitting your organization's events, they will be displayed and promoted throughout Visit Denver’s Denver Arts Week marketing campaign. Participation is FREE, and you can submit as many events and deals as you’d like!

 

What is Denver Arts Week?

  • Now in its 19th year, Denver Arts Week is a celebration of all things arts & culture in The Mile High City.
  • Features more than 600 events throughout the city and metro area.
  • Spanning all arts and cultural genres including visual arts, performing arts, film and literature, music and more.
  • Promoted via extensive local and regional marketing campaigns that link to the Denver Arts Week website.
  • New this year: Denver Arts Week rebranded! Feel free to utilize the new logo as you market events related to the program.

 

Questions? Please email Abby Schirmacher.

Spread the Word

SCFD Communications Committee Breakfast: October 30, 2025

The annual breakfast for SCFD's Communications Committee will be held on Thursday, October 30 from 8:30 - 10:00 a.m. at the SCFD Office.


This is a great opportunity to network with other committee members, hear important SCFD communications updates, and talk shop about all things comms. Not already a member of the committee? We'd love to have you!

SCFD 101: Updated Communicator's Toolkit Materials

Over the next year, we will be sharing a series of infographics about the basics of SCFD's history, structure, and impact. These can be used in your organization's communications from social media posts to PowerPoint presentations in addition to the other materials already in the toolkit. The first series of graphics are available in the Communicators Toolkit linked below.


Bookmark this folder for new info-graphics and email emma@scfd.org if you would like to be added to the SCFD Communications Committee for updates.

New Staff? Make Sure They're Signed Up for SCFD Email Communications!

As the 2025 grant cycle continues, please ensure that any new staff at your organization who might be involved with SCFD funds sign up for our email communications. We send regular updates to organizations by Tier regarding grant deadlines, trainings, and more.

News from the Board

September Board Meeting

The next meeting of the SCFD Board of Directors will be hosted at Filipino-American Community Center at 1 p.m. on September 25, 2025. Get information for joining meetings and see the full calendar of 2025 board meetings.

News You Can Use

Did you know you can stay up to date on all things SCFD more than just once a month through our newsletter? Check out our News You Can Use webpage! You can click below to see some of SCFD's most recent headlines:

SCFD | scfd.org