The Community Foundation of Northern Colorado creates transformational community impact by inspiring philanthropy and engaging the region. We work at the confluence of ideas, impact, and solutions and seek to foster collaboration and create a more engaged, philanthropic, and visionary community.
Through its grantmaking, the NoCo Foundation aims to drive impact on issues facing our growing region, as defined in our Northern Colorado Intersections Report. The NoCo Foundation’s discretionary and responsive grantmaking specifically focuses on issues identified in the Sheltering & Caring and Connecting intersections.
Funding Priority Areas:
Community Foundation Grantmaking – Community Funds
NoCo Foundation’s discretionary funding amounts to approximately 2% of total funding and is distributed through a responsive grant process focused on the communities of Berthoud, Estes, Fort Collins, and Loveland. Most of the funding distributed to the community is done through grants made from donor advised and designated funds held at the Community Foundation.
These Community Funds are comprised of philanthropic dollars left by generous donors who held donor advised funds at the NoCo Foundation during their lifetimes and wished to leave a legacy in their community.
At the NoCo Foundation, we seek to ensure these limited dollars are impactful. We believe we can drive greater impact through two grant programs: Intersections Grants and Community Grants.
Intersections Grants:
At least half of the funding available to each Community Fund will be dedicated to 1-3 larger general support grants to organizations working on issues outlined in the Sheltering & Caring and Connecting Intersections.
Application Process:
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- A Letter of Intent will be part of the Intersection Grant process. The LOI will open in the grant portal on July 1, 2024 and be open until July 25th. Organizations will be notified by August 5, 2024 regarding an invitation to submit a full application.
- The full application will open on August 5th and close on August 30th. Questions about the application process may be directed to grants@nocofoundation.org.
- Take the eligibility quiz to get started.
Community Grants:
A portion of each Community Fund’s funding will be available through a streamlined Community Grant process. These grants will range from $2,500 – $5,000 (if you have a smaller, discreet funding need, please reach out to grants@nocofoundation.org to discuss) and can be for general support, program, or project funding. This simple application will open on August 5, 2024 and close on August 30, 2024.
In addition to the priorities noted above, some Community Fund Committees have identified 1-2 additional priorities for Community Grants:
| Berthoud | Estes Valley | Fort Collins | Loveland |
|---|---|---|---|
| No additional priorities | Food Security Music & Arts |
Water Workforce |
Community Engagement |
Grantseeker Frequently Asked Questions
- Is my organization eligible to apply for a grant?
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.
- Are there entities or proposal types that will not be considered?
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
- How often can I apply/reapply?
Due to limited funding available, nonprofits should not expect or depend upon receiving grant support. Beginning in Fall 2024, we will hold one grant cycle per year each fall. Applicants are welcome to apply each year.
- Where can I complete my grant reporting following a grant award?
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 2024 cycle will also focus on projects that center on people experiencing homelessness, especially youth. Applications for the 2024 cycle will be accepted from July 1-26. 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.
