The Community Foundation of Northern Colorado creates transformational community impact by inspiring philanthropy and engaging the region. We value fostering collaboration and inspiring community action, serving as a trusted steward, and creating a more engaged, philanthropic, & visionary community. The Foundation makes grants twice a year through our Community Funds that benefit Berthoud, Estes Park, Fort Collins, Loveland, and our larger Northern Colorado region.
Click here to view the 25 grant recipients selected in June 2023.
Through its grantmaking, the Foundation aims to:
- Support strategic, transformational, or catalytic projects
- Support high-impact work resulting in meaningful outcomes
- Encourage collaboration among nonprofit organizations
Grants awarded from the community funds listed below must be used for the benefit of residents of that community.
Funding approaches and available funds vary between our four communities. In addition to the broadly stated Foundation goals above, some communities have additional specific priorities and guidelines. Please review your community’s grant guidelines below for more detail. If your organization and project align with one of these opportunities, navigate to our Grant Portal to apply for a grant. View the list of grant application questions.
How it works
Nonprofits can apply to one of our four Community Fund grants. After the application period closes, volunteer committees from each community review the grant applications and make grant recommendations. Once these grants are approved, applicants are notified of the decisions. Those who are awarded will be asked to complete a grant terms agreement form before receiving funding. Questions? Email [email protected].
Communities
- Organizations may apply for a grant up to $10,000; grants awarded in recent years have ranged from $1,000 – $5,000.
- View detailed grant guidelines for Berthoud
- Organizations may apply for a grant up to $15,000; grants awarded in recent years have ranged from $500 – $10,000.
- In addition to the broadly stated Foundation goals above, special funding is available for:
- Affordable/workforce housing
- Vulnerable families and individuals
- Big Thompson Canyon history, preservation, recreation, and education
- View detailed grant guidelines for Estes Valley
- Organizations may apply for a grant up to $25,000; grants awarded in recent years have ranged from $1,500 – $25,000.
- In addition to the broadly stated Foundation goals above, special funding is available for:
- Youth programs
- Senior programs
- Educational opportunities
- Health and human services
- Dental health (can support throughout Larimer County)
- View detailed grant guidelines for Fort Collins
- Organizations may apply for a grant up to $25,000; grants awarded in recent years have ranged from $2,500 – $25,000.
- In addition to the broadly stated Foundation goals above, preference will be given to projects that are high impact and transformational which are also capital projects for:
- Support and education of downtown revitalization and development
- Youth programs
- Educational opportunities
- View detailed grant guidelines for Loveland
- Grant applications are by invitation from the committee, and grant requirements can be viewed online here.
- For more information, visit the Sterling Community Fund webpage.
- Please contact John Chapdelaine at (970) 580-1013 or [email protected] with questions.
Upcoming Grant Cycle Dates
| Cycle | Cycle Opens | Cycle Closes | Notifications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall 2023 | August 3, 2023 | August 31, 2023 | Late October 2023 |
| Spring 2024 | February 1, 2024 | February 28, 2024 | Late April 2024 |
Grantseeker Frequently Asked Questions
The Community Foundation makes grants to 501c(3) charitable entities, educational institutions, churches, or government entities that are in good standing with the IRS. If you are group, club, association, or organization that does NOT fit this criteria, but are seeking funding for a charitable project, consider partnering with a 501c(3) OR government agency that can be your fiscal sponsor and apply on your group’s behalf.
The Foundation typically does not fund:
- Individuals
- Businesses/for-profit companies
- Private foundations
- Political lobbying/candidate campaigns for political office
- Sponsorships, tables, or tickets for special events or fundraising events
- Debt retirement/deficit financing
Due to limited funding available, nonprofits should not expect or depend upon receiving grant support. Preference will be given to organizations that have not received a grant in the last 12 months. In addition, organizations may only apply to one community fund per cycle. Additionally, if your entity has received a previous grant from the Community Funds, grant reporting must be up to date. If you do not receive a grant during the current application cycle, you may reapply during the next cycle.
All grant reporting will now be within the Grant Portal. You’ll see a link to your grant “follow-up” assignments on your applicant dashboard.
Additional Grant Opportunities
GroupGives
The GroupGives Fund serves as the charitable arm of The Group Real Estate. The fund was founded to help people get into and stay in their homes through education, home maintenance/improvement, and financial assistance. Grants from the fund support organizations and programs that promote this mission. Apply for a grant.
Loveland Generations
The Loveland Generations Fund was founded in 2000 to support projects and organizations that benefit Loveland residents. Preference is given to proposals that specifically serve Loveland youth. The 2023 cycle will also focus on projects that center on people experiencing homelessness, especially youth. Applications for the 2023 cycle will be accepted from July 3-28. Apply for a grant.
Kayla Marie Adsit Memorial Foundation
The Kayla Marie Adsit Memorial Foundation Fund was founded in 2009 with the vision that one day, all school-age children in the Fort Collins, Colorado area will have equal access to a quality music education and the music programs at their schools or nonprofit organizations will be thriving learning and cultural performance centers.
The Kayla Marie Adsit Memorial Foundation Fund is a component fund of the Community Foundation of Northern Colorado and operates a semi-annual grant cycle. Grant funding is made through grants to individual schools, or other non-profits, for the purpose of supporting their students / clients. The fall application cycle is August 1 – October 1. The spring application cycle is December 1 – February 1. You can request up to $500.00. Begin your grant application here.
NoCo CARES (Community Awareness of Resources, Enrichment, and Services)
The mission of NoCo CARES is to promote awareness of philanthropic needs in Northern Colorado as we aim to educate and inspire others to make a difference in our community. NoCo CARES, in partnership with TPC Colorado, hosts quarterly gatherings featuring local nonprofit organizations. Attendees receive an opportunity to learn about the mission and vision behind various local nonprofits as well as an awareness of the needs within our community and ways to help (monetary, volunteer opportunities, or otherwise). Visit the NoCo CARES page for more information.