COLead Rural Leaders Collaborative Catalyst Grant Program

The intent of the Catalyst Grant Program is to strengthen the internal capacity of organizations to achieve their goals related to the topics covered in the Rural Leadership Collaborative meetings. This is done through the distribution of capacity-building grants, which will range from $1,000-$10,000, to support the following types of projects:

  • Strategic planning
  • Convening
  • Short-term staffing or contractors
  • One-time operating costs

Eligible Issue Areas
The Catalyst Grants will fund work in rural Colorado to move forward:

  • Housing
  • Childcare
  • Hiring and retaining a rural workforce
  • Leadership pipeline and diversification

Who Can Apply

Only Colorado-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations in good standing with the IRS or a local governmental entity located within the State of Colorado are eligible to apply. All applicants must have had at least one staff member, volunteer, or board member attend the collaborative meeting focused on one of the above issue areas.

Application Information

The Boettcher Foundation will accept applications from organizations and collaborative groups from August 15-September 15, 2022. The application will only be live during this time. Notification of funding will occur on November 18, 2022. This is a competitive process and not all projects will be funded.

Funding Examples for Catalyst Grants

Strategic Planning: The process of identifying elements of a blueprint that helps your organization accomplish its goals.

  • Cost Overview: Costs will range depending on your organizational needs are and how complex the process is. These typically range from $7,500-$15,000.
  • Examples:
    • Creating a 5-year strategic plan
    • Funding a feasibility study

Convening: The process of bringing together people, ideas, and resources to move forward an issue, topic, or opportunity.

  • Cost Overview: A facilitator for a convening typically costs between $1,500 and $2,000 a day in addition to travel costs. Convenings typically also have costs for a meeting space and food.
  • Examples:
    • Co-hosting a conference
    • Facilitator fees for a local convening

Short-term Staffing or Contractors: Employees recruited for short-term employment contracts to meet limited, one-time support needs.

  • Cost Overview: Fees range from $30 to $75 per hour, though may increase to as much as $150 per hour for experienced contractors who have a history of success in their field.
  • Examples:
    • Grant writing and administration
    • Topic area experts for consultation, program set-up, or development
    • Regional coordinators
    • Community outreach partners

One-time Operating Costs: Expenses related to the operation of the organization or program that are not recurring, such as tap fees, application fees, public outreach, or education materials’ expenses.

  • Costs and possible partners are highly variable dependent on the project.
  • Ongoing operating costs will be considered, though it should be noted mini grants are given on a one-time basis.
  • Examples:
    • Maintaining or acquiring fixed assets
    • Printing outreach materials or collateral

To learn more about the leadership collaboratives, contact Curtis Esquibel, curtis@boettcherfoundation.org.