2026 First responder grants program

In partnership with Sangre de Cristo Electric Association (SDCEA)

CCCF is pleased to launch the First Responder Grants Program, created to support the critical work of first responder organizations serving our region. Please review the following information carefully before applying.

Timeline & Application Process

  • Grant Amount: Up to $1,000 available per approved request

  • Total Funding Available in 2026: $5,000

  • Application Opens: January 26, 2026

  • Application Type: Rolling; awarded first come, first served until all funds are depleted

Process:

  1. Applicants submit through the CCCF grant portal.

  2. CCCF staff review applications for eligibility.

  3. Upon approval, a grant agreement will be sent to the applicant.

  4. Payment will be processed within 10 days of receiving the signed agreement.

  5. Appeals or rare circumstances will be forwarded to the Grants Committee for a final determination.

Eligibility Criteria

Eligible applicants include registered 501(c)(3), 501(c)(4), 501(c)(6), faith-based, and government organizations that provide first responder services within Chaffee, Custer, Fremont, Lake, and/or Saguache Counties.

Applicants may request up to $1,000 per calendar year to support their first responder programs.

All applicants must meet the following requirements:

  • Active First Responder Services:
    The applicant must actively provide first responder services, including but not limited to fire, medical, police, search and rescue, or other emergency response services dispatched to the scene of an accident or emergency.

  • Use of Funds:
    Requests must be for materials, training, gear, equipment, or other expenses directly related to providing first responder services in the eligible service area.

  • Compliance:
    Organizations must comply with all applicable federal and state laws governing the use of private foundation funds.

  • Use Within One Year:
    Funds must be spent within 12 months of receipt.

  • Specific Funding Request:
    Applications must clearly outline the intended use of funds. All grants will be restricted to the purposes described in the application.

Grant Exclusions

Funding will not be awarded to:

  • Political organizations or social clubs

  • Any organization working against the interests of the donor

  • Organizations with conflicts of interest involving the donor

  • Organizations that prohibit individuals from serving on staff, volunteering, or receiving services based on religion

Reporting Requirements

A brief grant report is due one year after funds are awarded, detailing how the funds were used.

Important:
Organizations that received funding through the 2025 First Responder Grants Program, or any other CCCF-managed grant process, must be current on all required grant reporting. Organizations with outstanding or past-due reports will not be considered for new funding until all reporting obligations have been fulfilled.

If you have questions, please contact grants@chaffeecommunity.org. Please allow up to three business days for a response.

Apply here

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

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