Search Through Chaffee County Grants for Nonprofits in Colorado

Chaffee County Community Foundation

Vision

CCCF envisions a resilient Chaffee County where residents, nonprofits, businesses, and governments are thriving, interconnected, and well resourced.

Our Mission

CCCF acts as a catalyst to inspire positive change through the power of philanthropy to enrich the lives of all people in Chaffee County.

First Responders Grants

In partnership with Sangre de Cristo Electric Association (SDCEA), CCCF is proud to announce funding for initiatives, equipment, training, or programs that enhance the ability of first responders to protect and serve.

Monarch Mountain Community Outreach Matching Donation Program

Monarch Mountain Community Outreach, believes a community thrives when everyone plays a role in creating positive change. That’s why we’re inviting you, our dedicated season pass holders and employees, to champion causes that inspire you! Together, we can amplify the impact of your generosity.

When you support charitable, civic, or educational organizations with a financial contribution, Monarch Mountain Community Outreach will match your donation dollar-for-dollar up to $500 to qualifying organizations. It’s our way of helping you make a bigger difference for the causes that matter most to you.

Let’s work together to build a stronger, more vibrant community—one inspired act of generosity at a time

Funding

Monarch Mountain Community Outreach will match donations between $25 and $500 per season pass holder or employee, per calendar year based on the day the match application is submitted. An individual organization may receive up to $1,000 in total matching funds per calendar year.

Charitable Contributions

Costco Wholesale’s primary charitable efforts specifically focus on programs supporting children, education, and health and human services in the communities where we do business. Throughout the year we receive a large number of requests from nonprofit organizations striving to make a positive impact, and we are thankful to be able to provide support to a variety of organizations and causes. While we would like to respond favorably to all requests, understandably, the needs are far greater than our allocated resources and we are unable to accommodate them all.

Warehouse Donations:

Warehouse donations are handled at the warehouse level - please consult your local warehouse for up-to-date information regarding their donations contacts and review process.

Grant Applications

If the request is under consideration, you may be contacted by staff for any additional information needed. Applications are reviewed within 4-6 weeks, and decisions are made based on several factors, including: type of program; identified community need not otherwise available; indication that evidenced based data will establish measurable results of intended outcomes; community collaboration; broad base of financial support; project budget and operating expenses.

Mission

The DanPaul Foundation will use its resources to help train teachers and parents in early childhood development, protect children from abuse and neglect, stimulate children's personal social responsibilities, and offer them opportunities for enrichment and growth.

The Foundation will also encourage children to be concerned and informed about the environment and the underprivileged, particularly with regard to clean air and water, and adequate housing and nutrition for all.

Beliefs

The DanPaul Foundation believes that children should have ample opportunities for enrichment in their lives, and thus strives to provide many different ways to enrich and expand children's minds through direct programs and monetary support to organizations doing similar work.

We have provided or currently provide grants related to the following program areas:

• Workshops, Conferences, + Seminars: We strive to offer educational workshops, conferences, and seminars for parents and teachers on topics related to early childhood development.
• Student Scholarships: We aim to help students attending post-secondary education institutions by providing need-based and academic scholarships.
• Scientific Endeavors: We desire to advance scientific endeavors which seek to improve the quality of life for everyone in the world.
• Clean Air + Water: We hope to pass on knowledge and practical life skills to youth regarding their personal responsibility to the environment, teaching them about issues surrounding clean air and water.
• Child Advocacy: We believe in protecting children from abuse and neglect and particularly love to support programs that provide education and assistance to children as well as organizations advocating or caring for vulnerable children.
• Homelessness: We want to encourage young people to take a personal interest in seeing that adequate housing and proper nutrition, especially for the underprivileged and homeless, are available.
• Poverty + Neglect: We seek to help those in poverty as well as educate youth about their responsibility to consider the underprivileged and take care of those most in need of life's basic essentials like adequate housing and proper nutrition.
• Refugee Enrichment: We wish to help refugee youth by supporting programs that provide them enrichment and help them transition to life in a new country.

The DanPaul Foundation provides grants to 501(c)3 tax-exempt non-profit organizations as defined by the IRS. The Foundation is interested in providing funding to programs that directly serve the health, education, development, and welfare of the world's youth.

Grants range from a few hundred dollars up to $15,000 per calendar year.

About

Our Vision

CCCF envisions a resilient Chaffee County where residents, nonprofits, businesses, and governments are thriving, interconnected, and well resourced.

Our Mission

CCCF acts as a catalyst to inspire positive change through the power of philanthropy to enrich the lives of all people in Chaffee County.

Special Grant cycle: Food Access Emergency Grants

In response to the expected delays in SNAP benefits and increasing food insecurity, CCCF is launching Food Access Emergency Grants for food providers in Chaffee County.

Process

A total of $50,000 is currently available for funding. This amount may extended as community fundraising efforts continue, there are continued delays in SNAP benefits and other factors increasing food insecurity. Awards will be processed as quickly as possible.

Global Impact Cash Grants

Identifying and incubating innovative early-stage solutions. We identify, incubate, and develop innovative early-stage solutions with the highest potential for impact. Global Impact Cash Grants go to nonprofit organizations (NPOs) and nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) that address a significant social problem. We're looking for programs that fit within our investment sectors, focus on the underserved, and use technology to improve the reach and efficiency of services.

We accept applications year-round from eligible organizations. A brief Letter of Inquiry (LOI) is used to determine whether your organization will be invited to complete a full application. Please expand and carefully review each of the three sections below to learn more

Our priority social impact sectors

We focus on investing in innovative, tech-enabled solutions to the challenges and opportunities that matter most to communities in need, prioritizing four social impact sectors:

Cisco Crisis Response

Mobilizing to provide essentials to communities in need and those in crisis, including food, housing, secure connectivity, and disaster relief

By leveraging Cisco’s people, technology, financial resources, and strategic partnerships, we help strengthen community resilience and drive long-term recovery from crises.

Education

Supporting students, teachers, and schools by increasing engagement, building skills, promoting subject mastery, and expanding their capacity to thrive

Cisco is committed to inclusive access to digital skills training and supporting those who use technology to educate. Through programs like Cisco Networking Academy and social investments in education, we create new opportunities for individuals to thrive.

Economic Empowerment

Transforming communities through skill development, long-term career opportunities, entrepreneurship, and access to financial products and services

Strategic grants that unlock economic prosperity and growth for individuals and communities.

Climate Regeneration

Building an inclusive, regenerative, and resilient climate future through education, regenerative agriculture, conservation, protection, and clean energy solutions

Our efforts began in 2021, when the Cisco Foundation committed US$100 million over 10 years to fund nonprofit grants and impact investing in climate solutions. 

Michael & Susan Dell Foundation Grants

The Michael & Susan Dell Foundation only accepts unsolicited proposals for specific areas within the education, family economic stability and childhood health sectors in select countries where we work, namely the United States, India and South Africa.

As a guideline, the foundation does not fund more than 25% of a project’s budget or more than 10% of an organization’s total annual operating expenses.

The Michael & Susan Dell Foundation has always recognized the power of providing grants to partner organizations that we knew were already working hard to improve the lives of urban children living in poverty. By aligning with organizations that are already making a difference, we continue to make an immediate impact on the lives of thousands of children.

Foundation priorities:

We fund social enterprises that directly serve or impact children or youth from urban low-income communities in the areas of education, health, and family economic stability (including livelihoods and financial inclusion). These social enterprises may be structured as for-profit or nonprofit entities.

Partnerships

We collaborate with a range of organizations focused on creating opportunities for children and families living in urban poverty, with a deep emphasis on measuring impact. Our funding advances projects already making an impact in education, health, and family economic stability. Through these enduring and long-standing partnerships, we create lasting change together.

The Chaffee County Community Foundation (CCCF) inspires local philanthropy, empowers the community by investing in the local nonprofit sector, and plays a leadership role in navigating community crisis. CCCF supports our nonprofit organizations, connects donors to community needs, manages permanent charitable funds, and brings people together to solve community problems. 

Chaffee County Community Awards

The Heart of the Rockies Chamber of Commerce, Chaffee County Community Foundation, and Central Mountain Small Business Development Center are proud to announce the 2026 Chaffee County Community Awards. This annual event celebrates individuals, businesses, and organizations that are making a significant impact in our community. 

Award Categories: Heart of the Rockies Chamber Awards; Small Business Development Center Award; and Chaffee County Community Foundation Awards (Volunteer of the Year; Philanthropist of the Year; and Organization of the Year).

Nominations are open to nominate a deserving individual, business, or organization.

Heart of The Rockies Chamber Award

Cornerstone Award: The Cornerstone Award honors an individual for their long-term community support and dedication. This award is for a person who serves as a “cornerstone” – someone who helps our community not only survive but thrive. Please nominate someone who has exemplified long-term community support and dedication to the Chaffee County community.

The Heart of the Rockies Chamber will also select the following awardees internally:

• Business of the Year: Selected by the Chamber Board from the businesses of the month.
• Wanted Award: Selected by the Heart of the Rockies Chamber Vaqueros. Over the years, the Vaqueros have given this award to some of the most well-known and outstanding pillars of our community. And while the name may suggest that this award honors a celebrated criminal, it actually goes to, “wanted citizens”… those individuals that we Want and Need here in Salida.

The Chaffee County Community Foundation (CCCF) inspires local philanthropy, empowers the community by investing in the local nonprofit sector, and plays a leadership role in navigating community crisis. CCCF supports our nonprofit organizations, connects donors to community needs, manages permanent charitable funds, and brings people together to solve community problems. 

Chaffee County Community Awards

The Heart of the Rockies Chamber of Commerce, Chaffee County Community Foundation, and Central Mountain Small Business Development Center are proud to announce the 2026 Chaffee County Community Awards. This annual event celebrates individuals, businesses, and organizations that are making a significant impact in our community. 

Award Categories: Heart of the Rockies Chamber Awards; Small Business Development Center Award; and Chaffee County Community Foundation Awards (Volunteer of the Year; Philanthropist of the Year; and Organization of the Year).

Nominations are open to nominate a deserving individual, business, or organization.

Small Business Development Center Award

Entrepreneur of the Year Award (North & South Chaffee County):

This award celebrates outstanding entrepreneurial achievement in Chaffee County.

Presented by the Colorado Small Business Development Center serving the Central Mountains, it honors two businesses—one in the northern part of the county and one in the southern part—who embody the true spirit of entrepreneurship.

The Chaffee County Community Foundation (CCCF) inspires local philanthropy, empowers the community by investing in the local nonprofit sector, and plays a leadership role in navigating community crisis. CCCF supports our nonprofit organizations, connects donors to community needs, manages permanent charitable funds, and brings people together to solve community problems. 

Chaffee County Community Awards

The Heart of the Rockies Chamber of Commerce, Chaffee County Community Foundation, and Central Mountain Small Business Development Center are proud to announce the 2026 Chaffee County Community Awards. This annual event celebrates individuals, businesses, and organizations that are making a significant impact in our community. 

Award Categories: Heart of the Rockies Chamber Awards; Small Business Development Center Award; and Chaffee County Community Foundation Awards (Volunteer of the Year; Philanthropist of the Year; and Organization of the Year).

Nominations are open to nominate a deserving individual, business, or organization.

Chaffee County Community Foundation Awards

Organization of the Year: This award recognizes an outstanding nonprofit organization that has served Chaffee County with innovation, demonstrated high impact programming, and dedication to constant improvement. This organization is making a significant contribution to the vitality of our local community by meeting a significant need with effective solutions. In your nomination for this award, please describe specifically how they have implemented innovative, high-impact solutions to meeting a specific need in our community.  

The Chaffee County Community Foundation (CCCF) inspires local philanthropy, empowers the community by investing in the local nonprofit sector, and plays a leadership role in navigating community crisis. CCCF supports our nonprofit organizations, connects donors to community needs, manages permanent charitable funds, and brings people together to solve community problems. 

Chaffee County Community Awards

The Heart of the Rockies Chamber of Commerce, Chaffee County Community Foundation, and Central Mountain Small Business Development Center are proud to announce the 2026 Chaffee County Community Awards. This annual event celebrates individuals, businesses, and organizations that are making a significant impact in our community. 

Award Categories: Heart of the Rockies Chamber Awards; Small Business Development Center Award; and Chaffee County Community Foundation Awards (Volunteer of the Year; Philanthropist of the Year; and Organization of the Year).

Nominations are open to nominate a deserving individual, business, or organization.

Chaffee County Community Foundation Awards

Philanthropist of the Year: This award recognizing an outstanding donor who's giving has made a significant impact in Chaffee County. This individual, family, company or organization serves as exemplars of generosity through outstanding charitable support, leadership & service. In your nomination for this award, please describe specifically how this donor has provided substantial financial support, has created demonstrated impact through their giving, and has inspired or encouraged philanthropy in others. 

The Chaffee County Community Foundation (CCCF) inspires local philanthropy, empowers the community by investing in the local nonprofit sector, and plays a leadership role in navigating community crisis. CCCF supports our nonprofit organizations, connects donors to community needs, manages permanent charitable funds, and brings people together to solve community problems. 

Chaffee County Community Awards

The Heart of the Rockies Chamber of Commerce, Chaffee County Community Foundation, and Central Mountain Small Business Development Center are proud to announce the 2026 Chaffee County Community Awards. This annual event celebrates individuals, businesses, and organizations that are making a significant impact in our community. 

Award Categories: Heart of the Rockies Chamber Awards; Small Business Development Center Award; and Chaffee County Community Foundation Awards (Volunteer of the Year; Philanthropist of the Year; and Organization of the Year).

Nominations are open to nominate a deserving individual, business, or organization.

Chaffee County Community Foundation Awards

Volunteer of the Year: This award recognized an outstanding individual who is volunteering their time and talent in the nonprofit sector in Chaffee County. This individual is making a significant contribution to our community through dedication, service, innovation, leadership and collaboration in their volunteer roles. In your nomination for this award, please describe specifically how the nominee has demonstrated dedication, service, innovation, leadership and/or collaboration in their volunteer role.

The Foundation is dedicated to providing financial assistance to organizations committed to improving our world. Solutions to the problems of today's world still lie in the values of innovation, practicality, hard work, and compassion.

The Foundation considers applications for grants in the following areas:

• Education
• Social Service
• Health care
• Civic and cultural
• Environmental

The categories above are not intended to limit the interest of the Foundation from considering other worthwhile projects. In general, the Foundation guidelines are broad to give us flexibility in providing grants.

The majority of our grants are made in the U.S. However, like Dr. Scholl, we recognize the need for a global outlook. Non-U.S. grants are given to organizations where directors have knowledge of the grantee.

Chaffee County Community Foundation

Our Vision

CCCF envisions a resilient Chaffee County where residents, nonprofits, businesses, and governments are thriving, interconnected, and well resourced.

Our Mission

CCCF acts as a catalyst to inspire positive change through the power of philanthropy to enrich the lives of all people in Chaffee County.

Spring Municipal Grants

CCCF is excited to announce $146,592 in available funds for our spring municipal grant cycle for organizations serving the Town of Buena Vista and the City of Salida. Includes $55,776 for organizations serving the Buena Vista Community and $90,816 for those serving the Salida Community.

While there is no maximum award, the average grant award last year was $4,314. The lowest amount awarded was $1,200 and the highest amount awarded was $17,500. Organizations are encouraged to set their request at the amount needed to support their organization while keeping in mind the total amount of funds available. Due to the competitive nature of this grant and the limited funds, not all proposals will be funded and requests may be prorated.

Operating Support

All 501c3 non-profit organization serving Buena Vista & Salida (50%+ populations served located within one or both municipalities) will be applying for operating support. Applicants are welcome to highlight specific programs in their request, however if awarded the funds will be unrestricted.

General operating grants support an organization’s overall activities, including operating expenses and overhead.

Chaffee County Community Foundation

Our Vision

CCCF envisions a resilient Chaffee County where residents, nonprofits, businesses, and governments are thriving, interconnected, and well resourced.

Our Mission

CCCF acts as a catalyst to inspire positive change through the power of philanthropy to enrich the lives of all people in Chaffee County.

Spring Municipal Grants

CCCF is excited to announce $146,592 in available funds for our spring municipal grant cycle for organizations serving the Town of Buena Vista and the City of Salida. Includes $55,776 for organizations serving the Buena Vista Community and $90,816 for those serving the Salida Community.

While there is no maximum award, the average grant award last year was $4,314. The lowest amount awarded was $1,200 and the highest amount awarded was $17,500. Organizations are encouraged to set their request at the amount needed to support their organization while keeping in mind the total amount of funds available. Due to the competitive nature of this grant and the limited funds, not all proposals will be funded and requests may be prorated.

Project Support

Faith-based organizations, regional organizations (those with 50%+ populations served located outside of Buena Vista or Salida), nonprofit organizations holding a 501c4 or 501c6 designation, and government agencies are invited to apply for project support.

If awarded, the funds will be restricted to the charitable project described in the application.

Project grants support a specific project or activity of the grantee, and are tied to a specific, project-based outcomes.

The Lawrence Foundation is a private family foundation focused on making grants to support environmental, human services and other causes.

The Lawrence Foundation was established in mid-2000. We make both program and operating grants and do not have any geographical restrictions on our grants. Nonprofit organizations that qualify for public charity status under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code or other similar organizations are eligible for grants from The Lawrence Foundation.  

Grant Amount and Types

Grants typically range between $5,000 - $10,000. In some limited cases we may make larger grants, but that is typically after we have gotten to know your organization over a period of time. We also generally don’t make multi-year grants, although we may fund the same organization on a year by year basis over a period of years.

General operating or program/project grant requests within our areas of interests are accepted. In general, regardless of whether a grant request is for general operating or program/project expenses, all of our grants will be issued as unrestricted grants.

Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation Grant

The Foundation will consider requests to support museums, cultural and performing arts programs; schools and hospitals; educational, skills-training and other programs for youth, seniors, and persons with disabilities; environmental and wildlife protection activities; and other community-based organizations and programs.

Common Ground Program

Chaffee County Community Foundation is honored to partner with Chaffee County and the Chaffee County Citizens Advisory Committee to administer the Chaffee County Common Ground Program funds.

Program Goals

• Strengthening forest health and reducing wildfire danger
• Conserving and supporting agricultural lands and rural landscapes
• Managing the impacts of growth

Competitive Grant Program Goals

• Strengthen forest health to protect the community from a large wildfire, protect water quality, and enhance wildlife habitat through planning and execution of forest treatment activities.
• Conserve and support working ranches, farms and rural landscapes through conservation easements and tools that enhance economic viability and longevity of working lands.
• Protect landscapes and watershed health from negative impacts of outdoor recreation use through management, hardening, restoration, and education to disperse use and support conservation values.
• Encourage action at scale across the landscape, to include landownership/management boundaries.
• Encourage collaborative thought and action across funding categories.
• Fund successful programs.
• Maximize impact by working to leverage overall Chaffee Common Ground funds by at least 2-1 through cash and in-kind matches on all combined programs (exceptions are permitted for individual programs).

Agricultural Enhancement Grants

Agricultural Enhancement Grants are for projects that support agricultural operations on qualified properties with conservation agreements in place or on public lands. 

Funding

• Request minimum: 5,001 per year
• Request maximum: $100,000 per year

For proposals of $50,000 or more, the applicant demonstrates a track record of success with a program of similar scope and scale.

Common Ground Program

Chaffee County Community Foundation is honored to partner with Chaffee County and the Chaffee County Citizens Advisory Committee to administer the Chaffee County Common Ground Program funds.

Program Goals

• Strengthening forest health and reducing wildfire danger
• Conserving and supporting agricultural lands and rural landscapes
• Managing the impacts of growth

Competitive Grant Program Goals

• Strengthen forest health to protect the community from a large wildfire, protect water quality, and enhance wildlife habitat through planning and execution of forest treatment activities.
• Conserve and support working ranches, farms and rural landscapes through conservation easements and tools that enhance economic viability and longevity of working lands.
• Protect landscapes and watershed health from negative impacts of outdoor recreation use through management, hardening, restoration, and education to disperse use and support conservation values.
• Encourage action at scale across the landscape, to include landownership/management boundaries.
• Encourage collaborative thought and action across funding categories.
• Fund successful programs.
• Maximize impact by working to leverage overall Chaffee Common Ground funds by at least 2-1 through cash and in-kind matches on all combined programs (exceptions are permitted for individual programs).

Agricultural Program Grants

Agricultural Program Grants are to support planning and partnerships that provide services to enhance economic viability and longevity of working agricultural lands. Applicants must be a qualified organization.

Funding

• Request minimum: 5,001 per year
• Request maximum: $500,000 per year

For proposals of $50,000 or more, the applicant demonstrates a track record of success with a program of similar scope and scale.

Site visits may be requested by the Chaffee Common Ground Citizens Advisory Committee for any project to assess need, progress or completion of work. These requests will focus on complex projects applying for or funded at $100,000 or more.

Common Ground Program

Chaffee County Community Foundation is honored to partner with Chaffee County and the Chaffee County Citizens Advisory Committee to administer the Chaffee County Common Ground Program funds.

Program Goals

• Strengthening forest health and reducing wildfire danger
• Conserving and supporting agricultural lands and rural landscapes
• Managing the impacts of growth

Competitive Grant Program Goals

• Strengthen forest health to protect the community from a large wildfire, protect water quality, and enhance wildlife habitat through planning and execution of forest treatment activities.
• Conserve and support working ranches, farms and rural landscapes through conservation easements and tools that enhance economic viability and longevity of working lands.
• Protect landscapes and watershed health from negative impacts of outdoor recreation use through management, hardening, restoration, and education to disperse use and support conservation values.
• Encourage action at scale across the landscape, to include landownership/management boundaries.
• Encourage collaborative thought and action across funding categories.
• Fund successful programs.
• Maximize impact by working to leverage overall Chaffee Common Ground funds by at least 2-1 through cash and in-kind matches on all combined programs (exceptions are permitted for individual programs).

Forest Health and Fire Resilience Project Grants

Forest Health and Fire Resilience Project Grants are for the execution of treatment activities that enhance forest health and community fire resilience. Treatments on private lands are only considered as part of a larger project that provides value to the community, such as a fuel break that crosses public and private lands in areas identified as high priority in the Community Wildfire Protection Plan. Treatment for fire resilience is completed only through qualified organizations such as Colorado State Forest Service, Colorado Firecamp, Natural Resource Conservation Services (NRCS) or similar.

Funding

• Request minimum: 5,001 per year
• Request maximum: $500,000 per year

For proposals of $50,000 or more, the applicant demonstrates a track record of success with a program of similar scope and scale.

Site visits may be requested by the Chaffee Common Ground Citizens Advisory Committee for any project to assess need, progress or completion of work. These requests will focus on complex projects applying for or funded at $100,000 or more.

Common Ground Program

Chaffee County Community Foundation is honored to partner with Chaffee County and the Chaffee County Citizens Advisory Committee to administer the Chaffee County Common Ground Program funds.

Program Goals

• Strengthening forest health and reducing wildfire danger
• Conserving and supporting agricultural lands and rural landscapes
• Managing the impacts of growth

Competitive Grant Program Goals

• Strengthen forest health to protect the community from a large wildfire, protect water quality, and enhance wildlife habitat through planning and execution of forest treatment activities.
• Conserve and support working ranches, farms and rural landscapes through conservation easements and tools that enhance economic viability and longevity of working lands.
• Protect landscapes and watershed health from negative impacts of outdoor recreation use through management, hardening, restoration, and education to disperse use and support conservation values.
• Encourage action at scale across the landscape, to include landownership/management boundaries.
• Encourage collaborative thought and action across funding categories.
• Fund successful programs.
• Maximize impact by working to leverage overall Chaffee Common Ground funds by at least 2-1 through cash and in-kind matches on all combined programs (exceptions are permitted for individual programs).

Forest Health and Wildfire Resilience Planning & Education Grants

Forest Health and Wildfire Resilience Planning & Education Grants are for planning of treatment activities that enhance forest health and community wildfire resilience. Applicants must be a qualified organization; individual landowners are encouraged to work with the Colorado State Forest Service, Colorado FireCamp or a similar organization.

Funding

• Request minimum: 5,001 per year
• Request maximum: $100,000 per year

For proposals of $50,000 or more, the applicant demonstrates a track record of success with a program of similar scope and scale.

Common Ground Program

Chaffee County Community Foundation is honored to partner with Chaffee County and the Chaffee County Citizens Advisory Committee to administer the Chaffee County Common Ground Program funds.

Program Goals

• Strengthening forest health and reducing wildfire danger
• Conserving and supporting agricultural lands and rural landscapes
• Managing the impacts of growth

Competitive Grant Program Goals

• Strengthen forest health to protect the community from a large wildfire, protect water quality, and enhance wildlife habitat through planning and execution of forest treatment activities.
• Conserve and support working ranches, farms and rural landscapes through conservation easements and tools that enhance economic viability and longevity of working lands.
• Protect landscapes and watershed health from negative impacts of outdoor recreation use through management, hardening, restoration, and education to disperse use and support conservation values.
• Encourage action at scale across the landscape, to include landownership/management boundaries.
• Encourage collaborative thought and action across funding categories.
• Fund successful programs.
• Maximize impact by working to leverage overall Chaffee Common Ground funds by at least 2-1 through cash and in-kind matches on all combined programs (exceptions are permitted for individual programs).

Recreation Impacts Management Grants

Recreation Impacts Management Grants are for the execution of projects that protect landscape and watershed health from negative impacts resulting from outdoor recreation use. Applications must be from a qualified organization or private landowners with a nexus to public land access and in collaboration with a qualified land management agency, such as US Forest Service, Colorado Parks and Wildlife or Bureau of Land Management.

Funding

• Request minimum: 5,001 per year
• Request maximum: $100,000 per year

For proposals of $50,000 or more, the applicant demonstrates a track record of success with a program of similar scope and scale.

Common Ground Program

Chaffee County Community Foundation is honored to partner with Chaffee County and the Chaffee County Citizens Advisory Committee to administer the Chaffee County Common Ground Program funds.

Program Goals

• Strengthening forest health and reducing wildfire danger
• Conserving and supporting agricultural lands and rural landscapes
• Managing the impacts of growth

Competitive Grant Program Goals

• Strengthen forest health to protect the community from a large wildfire, protect water quality, and enhance wildlife habitat through planning and execution of forest treatment activities.
• Conserve and support working ranches, farms and rural landscapes through conservation easements and tools that enhance economic viability and longevity of working lands.
• Protect landscapes and watershed health from negative impacts of outdoor recreation use through management, hardening, restoration, and education to disperse use and support conservation values.
• Encourage action at scale across the landscape, to include landownership/management boundaries.
• Encourage collaborative thought and action across funding categories.
• Fund successful programs.
• Maximize impact by working to leverage overall Chaffee Common Ground funds by at least 2-1 through cash and in-kind matches on all combined programs (exceptions are permitted for individual programs).

Recreation Impacts Planning and Monitoring Grants

Recreation Impacts Planning and Monitoring Grants are for planning and project development to protect landscape and watershed health from the impacts of outdoor recreation use. 

Funding

• Request minimum: 5,001 per year
• Request maximum: $50,000 per year

Common Ground Program

Chaffee County Community Foundation is honored to partner with Chaffee County and the Chaffee County Citizens Advisory Committee to administer the Chaffee County Common Ground Program funds.

Program Goals

• Strengthening forest health and reducing wildfire danger
• Conserving and supporting agricultural lands and rural landscapes
• Managing the impacts of growth

Competitive Grant Program Goals

• Strengthen forest health to protect the community from a large wildfire, protect water quality, and enhance wildlife habitat through planning and execution of forest treatment activities.
• Conserve and support working ranches, farms and rural landscapes through conservation easements and tools that enhance economic viability and longevity of working lands.
• Protect landscapes and watershed health from negative impacts of outdoor recreation use through management, hardening, restoration, and education to disperse use and support conservation values.
• Encourage action at scale across the landscape, to include landownership/management boundaries.
• Encourage collaborative thought and action across funding categories.
• Fund successful programs.
• Maximize impact by working to leverage overall Chaffee Common Ground funds by at least 2-1 through cash and in-kind matches on all combined programs (exceptions are permitted for individual programs).

Sustainable Agriculture - Conservation Easement & Acquisition Grants

Sustainable Agriculture - Conservation Easement & Acquisition Grants are for conservation easements and land acquisition. Applicants must be a qualified organization, such as an accredited land trust or government agency. 

Funding

• Request minimum: 5,001 per year
• Request maximum: $500,000 per year

For proposals of $50,000 or more, the applicant demonstrates a track record of success with a program of similar scope and scale.

Site visits may be requested by the Chaffee Common Ground Citizens Advisory Committee for any project to assess need, progress or completion of work. These requests will focus on complex projects applying for or funded at $100,000 or more.

Common Ground Program

Chaffee County Community Foundation is honored to partner with Chaffee County and the Chaffee County Citizens Advisory Committee to administer the Chaffee County Common Ground Program funds.

Program Goals

• Strengthening forest health and reducing wildfire danger
• Conserving and supporting agricultural lands and rural landscapes
• Managing the impacts of growth

Competitive Grant Program Goals

• Strengthen forest health to protect the community from a large wildfire, protect water quality, and enhance wildlife habitat through planning and execution of forest treatment activities.
• Conserve and support working ranches, farms and rural landscapes through conservation easements and tools that enhance economic viability and longevity of working lands.
• Protect landscapes and watershed health from negative impacts of outdoor recreation use through management, hardening, restoration, and education to disperse use and support conservation values.
• Encourage action at scale across the landscape, to include landownership/management boundaries.
• Encourage collaborative thought and action across funding categories.
• Fund successful programs.
• Maximize impact by working to leverage overall Chaffee Common Ground funds by at least 2-1 through cash and in-kind matches on all combined programs (exceptions are permitted for individual programs).

Mini Grants

Mini Grants are for one- to two-year projects requesting $5,000 or less that advance the goals of Chaffee Common Ground through the grant programs outlined above. The intent is to support small projects and allow more participation through a simplified application process.

Project Impacts

• Improve forest health
• Reduce wildfire risk
• Increase fire resilience
• Improve wildlife habitat
• Protect or improve wildlife migration
• Support working ranches or farms
• Enhance economic viability and longevity of working agricultural lands
• Protect rural landscapes
• Improve or protect water quality
• Improve or protect wetlands
• Improve or protect riparian areas
• Protect watershed health from outdoor recreation uses
• Protect agricultural water rights
• Improve or protect groundwater recharge
• Manage the impact of recreation on the environment and forest health
• Manage waste (human waste, trash from outdoor recreation)
• Decrease erosion or sediment caused by outdoor recreation
• Outdoor recreation user education
• Improve or protect scenic views

Funding

Requesting $5,000 or less

Multi-year funding requests are considered for multi-year projects. All grants are subject to annual appropriations by the Chaffee Board of County Commissioners. Progress reports are required to access ongoing funding.

Women's Development Grants Program

We are committed to investing in efforts that increase education and economic opportunities for citizens in our operating communities. In particular, we want to ensure that women have suitable, relevant, functional opportunities to be full participants in economic development and attain greater levels of prosperity. When women gain skills, they gain confidence, increase their productivity, mentor others, raise their income levels and reinvest in their children’s education, their family’s health, and economic activities at the community level.  

The Freeport-McMoRan Women’s Development Grants support organizations providing women and girls with opportunities to:

• Advance attainment, matriculation or graduation via college/career readiness and/or leadership/character development
• Create or expand businesses via small business development training and access to capital programs
• Increase financial capability and employment via education or workforce skills training

The Dudley T. Dougherty Foundation Vision

The Dudley T. Dougherty Foundation, "A Foundation for All", was established in 2002. It was begun in order to give a clear voice for those who wish to be a part of the many, worthy, forces for change in our world.

We are a foundation whose purpose is to look ahead towards the future, giving the past its due by remembering where we came from, and how much we can all accomplish together. We aim to make the critical difference on our planet by recognizing and having respect for our ever changing world. We respect all Life, the Environment, and all People, no matter who they are.