Best Chaffee County Grants for Nonprofits in Colorado

The CCCF: First Responder Grants, offered by the Chaffee County Community Foundation, provide funding to enhance first responder capabilities in Chaffee, Custer, Fremont, Lake, and Saguache counties. Eligible organizations, including registered nonprofits and government entities, can apply for up to $1,000 annually to support critical programs and training. However, applications are currently closed as all funds for 2025 have been expended. This initiative aims to bolster community safety and resilience.

The Global Impact Cash Grants by Cisco Systems Foundation support innovative early-stage solutions aimed at addressing significant social problems. Targeting nonprofit and nongovernmental organizations, these grants focus on four key sectors: crisis response, education, economic empowerment, and climate regeneration. Eligible organizations must demonstrate alignment with these areas, particularly serving underserved communities. The foundation seeks to leverage technology for impactful solutions, ensuring sustainability and community resilience through strategic investments.

The Monarch Mountain Community Outreach Matching Donation Program, funded by the Chaffee County Community Foundation, encourages season pass holders and employees to support local charities. Donations between $25 and $500 will be matched dollar-for-dollar, with a maximum of $1,000 per organization annually. This initiative aims to foster community spirit and amplify the impact of individual contributions towards charitable, civic, and educational causes in Chaffee County.

The Sidney Stern Memorial Trust Grant supports charitable, scientific, medical, and educational organizations that are 501(c)(3) certified. This private funder emphasizes impactful service to diverse populations without discrimination. Grants must be utilized within the United States and cannot be awarded to individuals, political candidates, or lobbying efforts. The Trust is dedicated to enhancing the general welfare through soundly-managed initiatives that contribute significantly to community needs.

The CCCF Common Ground Program offers Forest Health and Fire Resilience Project Grants aimed at enhancing forest health and community fire resilience. Eligible projects must demonstrate a collaborative approach and provide community value, such as fuel breaks across public and private lands. Funding ranges from $5,001 to $500,000 per year, with a focus on leveraging resources to maximize impact. This initiative supports various organizations in achieving sustainable land management and protecting vital ecosystems.

The CCCF Common Ground Program offers Sustainable Agriculture grants focused on conservation easements and land acquisition. It aims to enhance forest health, support agricultural viability, and manage outdoor recreation impacts. Eligible applicants include accredited land trusts and government agencies. Grants range from $5,001 to $500,000, requiring detailed proposals and a track record for larger requests. The program encourages collaborative approaches and aims to leverage funding effectively to maximize community impact.

The CCCF's Common Ground Program offers Agricultural Program Grants aimed at enhancing the economic viability of working agricultural lands. This competitive grant initiative seeks applicants who can demonstrate a history of success in similar projects. With funding requests ranging from $5,001 to $500,000, the program emphasizes collaboration and measurable outcomes. Grants aim to strengthen forest health, support rural landscapes, and manage growth impacts, thereby ensuring sustainable agricultural practices in Chaffee County.

The CCCF: Common Ground Program - Agricultural Enhancement Grants aims to support agricultural operations on qualified properties with conservation agreements or public lands. Funded by the Chaffee County Community Foundation, the program encourages sustainable practices to strengthen forest health, protect water quality, and enhance wildlife habitats. Grants range from $5,001 to $100,000 annually, with a focus on projects that demonstrate measurable results and community impact. Collaboration across funding categories and leveraging resources is encouraged.

The CCCF's Common Ground Program offers Forest Health and Wildfire Resilience Planning & Education Grants aimed at enhancing community wildfire resilience and forest health. Eligible applicants include federal and state agencies, nonprofits, and for-profit organizations. Grants range from $5,001 to $100,000 per year, with a focus on collaborative efforts that strengthen landscapes, conserve agricultural lands, and manage outdoor recreation impacts. The program encourages measurable outcomes and partnerships with organizations like the Colorado State Forest Service.

The CCCF: Common Ground Program offers Recreation Impacts Planning and Monitoring Grants to support projects aimed at mitigating the negative effects of outdoor recreation on landscape and watershed health. Grants range from a minimum of $5,001 to a maximum of $50,000 per year. The program seeks to strengthen forest health, conserve agricultural lands, and manage growth impacts, all while ensuring sustainable outdoor recreation through effective planning and community engagement.

The CCCF Common Ground Program offers Recreation Impacts Management Grants aimed at mitigating the negative effects of outdoor recreation on landscapes and watersheds. These grants support projects that enhance forest health, conserve agricultural lands, and promote sustainable land use practices. Eligible applicants include organizations and private landowners working in collaboration with land management agencies. Funding ranges from $5,001 to $100,000 annually, fostering impactful community initiatives in Chaffee County.

The CCCF: Fall Community Grants support local organizations in Chaffee, Custer, Fremont, and Lake Counties, offering two funding options totaling $50,800. Eligible applicants include 501c3, 501c4, or 501c6 organizations, focusing on health, human services, and community development. The average grant awarded in 2023 was $1,600, aimed at fostering community vitality and resilience through diverse initiatives.

The CCCF: Common Ground Program - Mini Grants offers funding up to $5,000 for one- to two-year projects aimed at enhancing forest health, reducing wildfire risks, and supporting agricultural lands. This program encourages collaboration and innovative solutions to address community needs while promoting environmental sustainability. Eligible applicants include federal and state agencies, nonprofits, and for-profit organizations. The foundation seeks to leverage resources through cash and in-kind matches, enhancing the impact of funded projects.

The Women's Development Initiatives Grant Program, funded by Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold Foundation, focuses on enhancing education and economic opportunities for women in various communities. This initiative aims to empower women through skills training, small business development, and leadership programs, ultimately fostering their participation in economic growth. Eligible organizations must directly serve women and girls in specified locations, demonstrating measurable impacts and sustainability beyond funding.

The Lawrence Foundation is a private family foundation established in 2000, dedicated to granting funds for environmental and human services causes. Eligible organizations include 501(c)(3) nonprofits and public schools, with grants typically ranging from $5,000 to $10,000. The foundation supports unrestricted grants for various projects, including disaster relief and environmental programs, but does not fund individuals or for-profit entities. Applications are evaluated based on alignment with the foundation's priorities.

The Chaffee County Community Foundation proudly presents the 2026 Community Awards, celebrating outstanding individuals, businesses, and organizations making a significant impact in our community. Categories include the Heart of the Rockies Chamber Awards and various accolades such as Volunteer of the Year and Philanthropist of the Year. Nominations are now open for those deserving recognition for their dedication and contributions to the Chaffee County community. Join us in honoring those who help our community thrive.

The Chaffee County Community Awards recognize outstanding contributions from local businesses and individuals, with a special focus on the Small Business Development Center Award. This award honors entrepreneurial achievement in Chaffee County, celebrating businesses that demonstrate growth, innovation, and community impact. Nominations for deserving candidates are currently open, allowing the community to acknowledge those who make a significant difference. Join us in celebrating excellence and community engagement in Chaffee County.

The Chaffee County Community Foundation Awards: Organization of the Year recognizes outstanding nonprofits in Chaffee County. This award honors organizations that demonstrate innovation and high-impact programming, significantly contributing to community vitality. Nominations are open for deserving individuals, businesses, and organizations making a positive difference. The event is part of the annual Chaffee County Community Awards, celebrating those who enhance local philanthropy and empower the community through effective solutions.

The Chaffee County Community Foundation Awards recognize exceptional contributions to local philanthropy. The Philanthropist of the Year award honors individuals or organizations whose generosity has significantly impacted Chaffee County. Nominations are open for those who have demonstrated outstanding charitable support and leadership. This annual event, organized by the Heart of the Rockies Chamber of Commerce and partners, celebrates the vital role of philanthropy in fostering community resilience and addressing local needs.

The Chaffee County Community Foundation (CCCF) is excited to announce the 2026 Community Awards, celebrating outstanding contributions by individuals and organizations in Chaffee County. The Volunteer of the Year award recognizes an exceptional individual dedicated to making a difference in the nonprofit sector through service, innovation, and leadership. Nominations are now open for those who embody these values and significantly impact our community, encouraging local philanthropy and collaboration.

The Dr. Scholl Foundation offers grants annually to IRS 501(c)(3) organizations, primarily focusing on U.S. applicants. The foundation supports projects in education, social services, healthcare, civic and cultural initiatives, and environmental efforts. While the grant cycle runs from October 1 to March 1, it encourages innovative solutions to global challenges. Only one application per organization is accepted each year, and funding is limited to one year. Unqualified organizations, including political entities, are ineligible.

City of Salida Community Grants 

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Programs or projects that directly benefit the Salida community

Sangre de Cristo Electric Association Community Grants

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Town of Buena Vista Community Grants

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Programs or projects that directly benefit the Buena Vista community

Monarch Mountain Community Outreach Community Grants

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Aligns with Monarch Mountain’s core values of environmental sustainability, recreation, humanitarian efforts, and fostering a supportive community

The O'Reilly Automotive Foundation Grant focuses on enhancing community welfare through philanthropic initiatives that support economic stability, workforce development, health services, and disaster relief. Established in 2020, the Foundation seeks to empower underrepresented individuals and organizations in the U.S. by addressing vital community needs. It particularly aims to provide assistance to nonprofits that foster positive change and improve quality of life for those in need, ensuring a lasting impact in local communities.

The Food Access Emergency Grant by the Chaffee County Community Foundation aims to support food providers in Chaffee County as they respond to increasing food insecurity and delays in SNAP benefits. With $50,000 available for funding, eligible organizations can apply for up to $5,000 to enhance their food access programs. This initiative reflects CCCF's commitment to philanthropy and community resilience, ensuring that all residents have access to essential resources.