Community Connections Grants
We support initiatives and infrastructure projects that foster stronger connections between individuals and organizations. Our Community Connections grants provide one-time funding for projects or buildings that unite and enhance communities. These grants often help fund the construction of facilities with multi-use spaces, bring together nonprofit organizations and cross-sector partners in shared locations, or make strategic investments that elevate successful initiatives to the next level. We offer three funding cycles each year, where we accept inquiries through a Grant Inquiry Form. Grant awards typically range from $20,000 to $75,000.
Overview
Recent projects funded through the Community Connections Grant include:
- Boys & Girls Club of the San Luis Valley (Alamosa, CO): A renovated 13,000 square-foot building in Downtown Alamosa, the Nonprofit Hub houses administrative offices for the Boys & Girls Club and provides affordable and flexible space for numerous other nonprofit partners including SLV Go! and the Southwest Conservation Corps.
- Colorado Mesa University (Grand Junction, CO): The largest venue of its kind between Denver and Salt Lake City, the Moss Performing Arts Center will serve the university’s Theatre Arts program and provide a world-class venue to attract performers and artists to the Western Slope.
- Food Bank of the Rockies (Aurora, CO): This expanded facility, replacing the organization’s Denver warehouse, will help meet the critical need for fresh and nutritious food supplied to local food pantries across Colorado and Wyoming.
- Colorado Education Initiative (Statewide): The Rural Superintendent Academy is a professional development program that supports new, experienced, or aspiring rural superintendents and district administrators to expand their leadership expertise.
Eligibility and Criteria:
Colorado-based nonprofit organizations are eligible to apply. After a competitive review, inquiries that most align with the Community Connections focus area will be invited to submit a full proposal.
Grants will be awarded after a competitive review.
Please note that the Boettcher Foundation does not fund, or prioritize funding, for the following:
- General operating support
- Ongoing cultural, social, and human service programming
- Fundraising events
- Foundations or funds that provide financial assistance to individuals
- Capital projects and programs for religious purposes
- Organizations primarily serving animals
- Capital projects at K-12 charter, public, or private schools
- Hospital facilities
- Affordable housing (standalone)
- Emergency service equipment or vehicles
Timeline to Apply - 2025
Note: We prefer that organizations only submit one application of either grant opportunity (Rural Catalyst grant OR Community Connections grant) per cycle.
Staff will review inquiries during the acceptance windows, typically responding within six weeks of receipt, to inform organizations if they will be invited to submit a full application. Questions about the grants process for Community Connections Grants can be emailed to grants@boettcherfoundation.org.
Additional Types of Grants
Rural Catalyst Grants
Leadership Practitioner Catalyst Grants
The Leadership Practitioner Catalyst Grant Program strengthens the capacity of leadership organizations that are working to create a more inclusive and accessible leadership ecosystem in Colorado.