[Western Colorado Community Foundation](https://wc-cf.org)

May 15, 2026 (LOI, first notification) | June 12, 2026 (LOI, second notification) | July 17, 2026 (Final submission, 5:00 pm MT)

Typical grants range from $1,000–$5,000; small capital requests up to $25,000; generally one grant per organization per year.

Supports organizations providing essential safety net services to vulnerable populations in seven western Colorado counties.

--- ## Description The Western Colorado Community Foundation's 2026 Community Grants program is designed to sustain and strengthen essential safety net services for vulnerable populations across its seven-county service area (Delta, Eagle, Garfield, Mesa, Montrose, Ouray, and Rio Blanco). The program responds to local challenges arising from federal funding cuts, state budget shortfalls, and shifting policies, with priority given to organizations addressing basic needs such as hunger, housing, and family services. The competitive process begins with a Letter of Interest (LOI); selected organizations are invited to submit a full application. --- ## Due Dates - **May 15, 2026:** LOI deadline for first notification window (notification by May 20, 2026) - **June 12, 2026:** LOI deadline for second notification window (notification by June 17, 2026) - **July 17, 2026:** Final submission deadline for Community Grants 2026 (all submissions due by 5:00 pm MT) --- ## Funding Amount - **Typical grant size:** $1,000–$5,000 - **Small capital requests:** Up to $25,000 - **Award frequency:** Generally, organizations receive funding through this process no more than once per year. --- ## Eligibility - **Eligible applicants:** - 501(c)(3) public charities - Organizations serving a charitable purpose (e.g., schools, government entities, or churches with charitable programs) - **Geographic requirement:** Must have offices and/or provide services in one or more of the following counties: Delta, Eagle, Garfield, Mesa, Montrose, Ouray, or Rio Blanco. - **Registration:** Must be registered and in good standing with the Colorado Secretary of State. - **Ineligible entities:** - Private foundations and private operating foundations - Organizations engaging in lobbying activities - Individuals - Requests for budget shortfalls, operating reserves, or fundraising events --- ## Application Process 1. **Letter of Interest (LOI):** Submit via the [WCCF online grant portal](https://www.grantinterface.com/Home/Logon?urlkey=westcocf) by one of the LOI deadlines. 2. **Notification:** If selected, organizations will be invited to submit a full application. Notification is provided within five days after each LOI deadline. 3. **Full Application:** Complete the full application as directed if invited. 4. **Review:** Applications are reviewed competitively, with priority for organizations providing basic needs to vulnerable populations. 5. **Decision:** Funding decisions communicated after review. **Required materials:** - Organizational and project details as outlined in the LOI/application portal - Proof of eligibility (e.g., IRS determination letter, Colorado Secretary of State registration) --- ## Additional Information - Both general operating and project support are eligible, as well as small capital needs (under $25,000). - Organizations may apply for other WCCF grant processes in addition to the Community Grants program. - For more details, review the [Community Grants Criteria Checklist (PDF)](https://wc-cf.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Community-Grants-Criteria-2026.pdf) and [FAQs (PDF)](https://wc-cf.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Community-Grants-FAQs.pdf). --- ## External Links - [WCCF Community Grants main page](https://wc-cf.org/explore-funding) - [Online grant portal (application submission)](https://www.grantinterface.com/Home/Logon?urlkey=westcocf) - [Community Grants Criteria Checklist (PDF)](https://wc-cf.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Community-Grants-Criteria-2026.pdf) - [Community Grants FAQs (PDF)](https://wc-cf.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Community-Grants-FAQs.pdf) - [Exempt Organization Types (IRS)](https://www.irs.gov/charities-non-profits/exempt-organization-types) - [IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search](https://apps.irs.gov/app/eos/) --- ## Contact Information | Name/Role | Contact Details | |---------------------|------------------------------------------------| | WCCF Main Office | Phone: 970-243-3767 | | Mailing Address | PO Box 4334, Grand Junction, CO 81502 | | General Inquiries | [Contact Form](https://wc-cf.org/contact/) | | Database Associate | Talitha Costello, tcostello@wc-cf.org |

Community Grants 2026

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