The Foundation focuses primarily on mission-related, targeted priorities and proactively seeks organizations and programs to support.

Working cooperatively with other agencies and organizations, the Foundation identifies community needs that can be significantly impacted by contributing financial and other resources.

Prior to applying for a grant on the Foundant portal, nonprofit organizations must call the Executive Director to have a conversation about the organization and the focus of their proposed grant proposal.

Grant Restrictions

Grants are made only to 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations with a 509 (a)(1) or 509 (a)(2) designation or governmental agencies. No grants are awarded to individuals. No grants are awarded for research. No grants are made to “pass through” nonprofit organizations. No grants are awarded for housing or the arts.

Grant Types

Project support grants: funds a particular program or project with expected outcomes

General operating support: allows a grantee to decide how funds are used, though most grantees have conversations about expectations and intended outcomes. 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations that provide housing may not apply for a general operating grant. They may apply for a program or project grant if they provide other services that satisfy one of the grant priorities.

Capital support: for equipment (and limited bricks & mortar)

Challenge/matching grants: provides funds to an organization with the expectation (or on the condition) that additional funds are raised from other sources

Grant Range

Generally between $5,000 and $25,000 per selected grantee. Multi-year grants or grants larger than $25,000 may be awarded; these are limited by invitation only.

Consistency of Grants

Nonprofit organizations that receive a grant award for three consecutive years, must take a year off before they are eligible to be considered for another grant award.

Grant Cycle

Proposals should be received no later than June 6th at 5 p.m. for the 2025-2026 fiscal year grant cycle. Proposals received after the deadline will not be considered. Grant decisions are made in October/November.

Application Form and Process

Our Foundation now utilizes an online grant application process using both the Colorado Common Grant Application and the Colorado Common Grant Report. Please click the button below to access the online application. You will be prompted to create an account—once you do so, please be certain to retain your login information for future reference. The email you submit on the login page is the email address we will use to communicate with you. If all required information is not submitted, the proposal will not be reviewed.

For any questions or issues regarding this new online process, please contact:

Doris Ralston
Executive Director & CEO
719.635.9057
DRalston@csof.org