Vanguard Skin Specialists and clara are grateful for the many organizations that help make our community and world a better place.

Give Thanks is our annual initiative to recognize local charities and organizations that make a significant impact.

When does Give Thanks take place?

Applications will open May 1, 2025 and will remain open until 12 AM on October 1, 2025. Awards will be announced on a rolling basis through the year. Final award announcements will be made in November.

What are the grant sizes this year?

Grants will range from $5,000 to $15,000. All awarded charities will be showcased on Vanguard and Clara’s social media platforms and through displays in our offices.

Who is eligible to apply?

Must be a registered 501c3 or school. Organizations cannot be a non-operating foundation and must have an active Board of Directors.

The headquarters for the organization or the beneficiaries of the programs must be located in a county where Vanguard Skin Specialists has an office–Douglas, El Paso, Fremont, Lincoln, Otero, Pueblo, and Teller Counties.

The primary work of the organization must fit at least one of the categories below.

Category 1: Locally based organization with national or international beneficiaries:

• Reduce extreme poverty (as defined by UN) by addressing root causes of poverty.
• Improve the rights and opportunities for women and children so that they can receive an education, livelihood, and life free from abuse.
• Provide individuals with clean water, food, shelter, and medical care in a manner that promotes long-term, sustainable community improvement.
• End the trafficking and abuse of humans.

Category 2: Organization that serves beneficiaries located in Douglas, El Paso, Fremont, Lincoln, Otero, Pueblo, or Teller counties:

• Serve vulnerable children and youth.
  • Organizations that support the most vulnerable children in our communities, such as those in foster care or unstable home situations, so that the children can grow up in a safe environment.
  • Organizations that provide food, shelter, and healthcare to infants, children, and youth who would otherwise not have access to those resources.
  • Organizations that support underserved, undereducated, and/or at-risk youth by providing opportunities in education, youth development, workforce readiness, or youth mentorship.
  • Schools or school programs where >80% of students are on free or reduced lunches.
• Break the cycle of poverty
  • Organizations that effectively move people towards economic self-sufficiency.
  • Organizations that provide services, training, and education to low-income individuals so that they have opportunities for advancement.
• Improve access to healthcare
  • Organizations that provide basic medical care to those who would otherwise lack access to care.
  • Organizations that assist individuals in need with access to healthcare through transportation, language translation, etc.
• Protect human rights
  • Organizations that prevent the abuse, trafficking, or slavery of human beings, as well as assisting the victims.
• Honor those who have served our community and country.
  • Organizations that provide education, job training, and basic human services for military veterans and their families.

How can my organization apply for a grant?

The application will open on May 1, 2025. Please click here on or after this date to complete the application.

Application requirements include:

• Eligibility verification
• Description of your organization and the impact it makes (500 words or less)
• Description of how your organization would use a grant (250 words or less)
• Description of your organization for social media (75 words or less)
• High resolution organization logo (PNG or JPG preferred)
• Two years of financial statements
• OPTIONAL video showcasing your organization and its impact (3 minutes or less)

Contact Us

Questions about this year’s Give Thanks campaign may be directed to media@vanguardskin.com.

---

About clara

clara is medical grade skincare brought to you by Vanguard. All proceeds or 20% of retail sales (whichever is higher) are donated to charity. A portion of the profits funds the Give Thanks campaign.
www.shopclara.com

About Vanguard Skin Specialists

Vanguard Skin Specialists is a leading dermatology, plastic surgery, and aesthetic practice with locations throughout southern Colorado. Vanguard is committed to providing exceptional patient outcomes in a caring environment. Vanguard’s mission is to make a positive impact on our patients, our community, and our world.
www.vanguardskin.com