Misused public funds
Denver auditor finds Caring for Denver Foundation, which distributes a dedicated city tax, spent taxpayer dollars on alcohol and meals with lax grant review
Confidence: Confirmed · 1 sourceCity and County of Denver · Sep 22, 2026
Subject of this story
Caring for Denver Foundation
Also named
Oversight
Denver Auditor's Office
What happened
A Denver Auditor's Office audit released February 19, 2026 found Caring for Denver Foundation, the nonprofit that distributes revenue from Denver's dedicated marijuana sales tax for mental health and addiction services, spent thousands of taxpayer dollars on alcohol and meals and was lax in vetting grant recipients. The findings, covered independently by CBS News Colorado, 9News, Denver Gazette, Colorado Public Radio and The Denver Post, prompted the Denver City Council to consider new spending and oversight guardrails for the foundation. Caring for Denver said it is making changes in response.
Sources (1)
SourceCaring for Denver Foundation audit report, published February 2026, listed in the Denver Auditor's Office official audit reports.
Response
Caring for Denver Foundation
Statement given
Contacted and responded — exact wording not on record.
What happened next (0)
No outcome recorded yet.