2026 Community Grants

New Community Grants

CCCF is excited to announce a new, combined grant process for organizations serving the Town of Buena Vista, the City of Salida, and the broader communities of Chaffee, Custer, Fremont, Lake, and Saguache Counties. This consolidated approach brings multiple funding opportunities into a single application, making it easier for nonprofits across our region to access support.

The grant portal for applications can be accessed here:

Grant Portal

Please note - this combines the previous spring and fall grant processes. This is your ONE opportunity in 2026 to apply for $196,944 in funding for community grant opportunities from the following partners:

Sangre de Cristo Electric Association Community Grants – $35,000

  • Eligible communities: Chaffee, Custer, Fremont, Lake, and/or Saguache Counties **Note: funding will be prioritized based on SDCEA service area

  • Focus areas:

    • Community-based Health Programs: Community health clinics, substance abuse prevention/treatment, hotlines, crisis intervention, sexual assault services, protection against abuse

    • Support for Food, Shelter, and Human Services: Food programs/banks/pantries, homeless shelters, temporary housing, children and youth services, family services, family violence shelters, pregnancy centers

    • Disaster Preparedness & Relief Services: Search & rescue, fire prevention, safety education, first aid

    • Animal Protection & Welfare

    • Environmental & Historical Preservation: Efforts to preserve and protect natural environments or historically significant areas/structures

Monarch Mountain Community Outreach Community Grants – $25,000

  • Eligible communities: Chaffee County

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

City of Salida Community Grants – $48,000

  • Eligible communities: City of Salida

  • Focus: Programs or projects that directly benefit the Salida community

Town of Buena Vista Community Grants – $58,944

  • Eligible communities: Town of Buena Vista

  • Focus: Programs or projects that directly benefit the Buena Vista community

CCCF Community Grants Fund – $30,000

  • Eligible communities: Chaffee County

  • Focus areas: Community Health, Community Vitality, and Community Capacity

2026 Community Grant Process

Please review all information carefully before applying.

Timeline

  • January 21, 10:00–11:00 a.m.: Grant Orientation (optional; recording available)

  • January 26 – February 27: Applications open (deadline: Friday, February 27 at 11:59 p.m.)

  • March 2 – April 17: Application reviews and decisions

  • Week of April 20: Grant award notifications issued

  • Funding Disbursement: Approved grants will be paid within 10 business days of a completed grant agreement.

Grant Process

CCCF convenes a Grant Review Committee to evaluate all applications. The process includes:

  1. Initial Staff Screening – Ensures completeness, eligibility verification, Colorado Secretary of State Good Standing, nondiscrimination statement, and financial review.

  2. Committee Review – Individual committee members review and rank applications. Note: No site visits will be conducted, so thorough responses are essential.

  3. Final Recommendations – The committee meets in three work sessions to aggregate rankings, consider program budgets, and finalize funding recommendations.

  4. Funding Disbursement – Approved grants are paid via direct deposit unless a check is requested (check disbursement may take up to four weeks).

Eligibility & Requirements

  • Total Funding Available: $196,944

  • Award Range: While there is no maximum request, the average award in 2025 was $3,708 (ranging from $550 to $12,577). Organizations should request the amount needed to support their work while considering the competitive nature of the program.

  • Eligible Organizations: Must be 501(c)(3), 501(c)(4), 501(c)(6), under fiscal sponsorship, or a government entity in good standing with the IRS and the State of Colorado.

Funding Categories:

Operating Support

  • Open to 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations serving the target communities (50%+ populations served within eligible areas).

  • Funds are unrestricted, though applicants may highlight specific programs.

Project Support

  • Open to faith-based organizations, regional organizations (50%+ populations served outside target communities), 501(c)(4)/(c)(6) nonprofits, and government agencies.

  • Funds are restricted to the project described in the application.

Competitive Applications

Applications demonstrating the following factors will be most competitive:

  • Clearly defined activities addressing an identified community need

  • Measurable outcomes, outputs, and impacts

  • Supporting data to illustrate organizational impact and community need

Applicants are encouraged to review the grant questions and rubric to ensure a strong application.

Grant Reporting Requirements:

  • Funds must be expended and final reports submitted by February 26, 2027.

  • Organizations with outstanding grant reports will not be considered for new funding until past due reports are received.

Contact

For questions, email grants@chaffeecommunity.org. Please allow two business days for a response.

Apply Now

Visit our Grantmaking History Page for information on previous grant cycles including full grant details and link to press release.