Central Mountain Region, CO — The Chaffee County Community Foundation (CCCF) is pleased to announce the 2026 grantmaking schedule, offering a range of funding opportunities that support nonprofits, community partners, first responders, youth programs, and grassroots initiatives across Central Colorado.
CCCF is launching a new approach to community grants in 2026 with one application to access five funding opportunities. Potential applicants are encouraged to check out the updated timeline and start preparing their organization profile in the grants portal. It will be important for applicants to be caught up on any past due reports before being considered for a new grant. Full details and application information for all grant opportunities can be found at www.chaffeecommunity.org/grants. Technical support is available by emailing .
“We are grateful for the generosity of all of the funding partners who are investing in the local community through grant making.” shared Betsy Dittenber, Executive Director, CCCF. “As the funding landscape continues to become tighter locally and regionally, local directed giving efforts are more critical than ever.”
COMPETITIVE GRANT OPPORTUNITIES:
- A Combined Regional Process:CCCF is launching a streamlined, regional Community Grants process designed to make applying for funding easier and more efficient for nonprofits. This combined program serves organizations within the Town of Buena Vista, the City of Salida, and the broader communities of Chaffee, Custer, Fremont, and Lake Counties. Applications open January 26 – February 27.
This new unified application replaces previous spring and fall cycles and represents one comprehensive opportunity in 2026 to compete for an estimated $196,000 in grant funding from these partners:
- Sangre de Cristo Electric Association Community Grants
- Monarch Mountain Community Outreach Community Grants
- City of Salida Community Grants
- Town of Buena Vista Community Grants
- CCCF Community Grants Fund
- First Responder Grants:Funded by the Sangre de Cristo Electric Association, these grants support first responder agencies serving Chaffee, Custer, Fremont, Lake, and Saguache Counties with equipment, training, and capacity-building needs. Applications open January 26 and will be reviewed on a rolling basis until funds are fully awarded.
The SDCEA 2026 community giving programs (First Responder, Matching Grants and Fall Competitive Grants) are funded through grants from the cooperative’s business partners, unclaimed or donated capital credits, and members who voluntarily round up their monthly bills to the nearest dollar through the Power of Change program. Funding does not come from regular electricity payments or SDCEA’s general fund.
- Dan Daly Opportunity Fund:Established in 2024 in memory of Dan Daly’s passion for youth wrestling, this fund supports high school wrestling programs across Colorado, helping student athletes access resources and pursue excellence. Applications open March 1 – April 30.
- Arkansas River Valley LGBTQ+ Grants:Funding is available for organizations offering inclusive programs, affirming services, and safe spaces that support LGBTQ+ individuals and communities. Applications open June 8 – July 10.
- Monarch Mountain Community Impact Grants: Funded generously by Monarch Mountain and Monarch Employees, the Monarch Mountain Community Outreach grants support one to two major community projects that reflect Monarch Mountain’s core values and create broad, lasting community benefit. Applications open July 27 – August 28.
- Chaffee County Common Ground Competitive Grants:Chaffee County partners with CCCF to administer the tax funded Common Ground program. Chaffee County is expected to announce the process for new applications in Summer 2026.
ONGOING GRANT OPPORTUNITIES
CCCF is honored to work with local partners to offer ongoing support through rolling grant applications for a variety of focus areas. These opportunities are available until funds are exhausted.
- Monarch Mountain Community Outreach Grants – Matching Donations: Season Pass Holders & Employee matching donations. Accepted on an ongoing basis while funds last.
- Childcare Workforce Investment Grants: Funding to support early childhood centers to invest in and retain qualified staff. Applications accepted on rolling basis until close June 2026.
- Community Pet Fund: Two funding options to assist in emergency care for companion animals. More information available at https://www.chaffeecommunity.org/cpf.
- Sangre de Cristo Electric Association (SDCEA) Matching Grants: Matching grant funds for SDCEA members and employees making contributions to local causes.
About the Chaffee County Community Foundation
The Chaffee County Community Foundation strengthens communities by connecting people, ideas, and resources. Through collaborative grantmaking, capacity building, and regional partnerships, CCCF works to make it easy to give back and empower local organizations to thrive.
