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.
Through its grantmaking, the Foundation aims to:
- Build a culture of philanthropy
- Improve quality of life to create a more vibrant community
- Encourage community building and cohesiveness
- Support strategic, transformational, or catalytic projects
- Strengthen the capacity of the local nonprofit sector
- Support endowment-building efforts through challenge grants
- Support high-impact work resulting in meaningful outcomes
- Leverage additional resources to create a “multiplier” effect
- Encourage collaboration among nonprofit organizations
Grants awarded from the community funds listed below must be used for the benefit of residents of that community.
In addition to the broadly stated Foundation goals above, some communities have additional specific priorities and guidelines. Explore these below and if your organization and project align with one of these opportunities, navigate to our Grant Portal to apply for a grant. To view a list of the grant application questions, click here.Communities
Upcoming Grant Cycle Dates
| Cycle | Cycle Opens | Cycle Closes | Notifications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall 2022 | August 3, 2022 | August 31, 2022 | December 2022 |
| Spring 2023 | February 1, 2023 | February 28, 2023 | June 2023 |
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 18 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.
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 on the belief that every person should have a place to call home, and grants from the fund support organizations and programs that promote this belief. 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.
Kayla Marie Adsit Memorial Foundation
The Kayla Marie Adsit Memorial Foundation Fund was founded in 2009 with the mission to provide support to Poudre School District students to more fully participate in their school’s music programs. The vision is 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.