We’re Here to Support Chaffee County
All grant opportunities are announced on our website, Facebook page, newsletter, and through press releases. To be added to our newsletter list, please email admin@chaffeecommunity.org.
The grant portal for applications can be accessed here:
Grant Schedule
Click on each grant title below to view full details, eligibility criteria, and application guidelines. Funding opportunities and timelines may be updated throughout the year, so please check back regularly for the most current information.
If you have questions about any of CCCF’s grant processes, please email grants@chaffeecommunity.org.
2026 Competitive grants:
Community Grants: We are excited to launch a new, combined grant process for organizations serving the Town of Buena Vista, the City of Salida, and the broader communities of Chaffee, Custer, Fremont, and Lake Counties. This consolidated approach brings multiple funding opportunities into one application to better support nonprofits across our region. Applications open January 26 - February 27.
First Responder Grants: These grants provide funding to support first responders in Chaffee, Custer, Fremont, Lake, and/or Saguache Counties. Applications open January 26 and are accepted on a rolling basis until all funds have been awarded.
Dan Daly Opportunity Fund: Funding for Colorado High School wrestling programs. Applications open March 1 - April 30.
Chaffee County Common Ground Program: Funding for organizations working to strengthen forest health and reduce wildfire danger, conserve and support agricultural lands and rural landscapes, and manage the impacts of growth and recreation impact. 2026 Grant Process TBD.
LGBTQ+ Grants: Funding for supporting organizations in projects that offer supportive spaces and inclusive services for the LGBTQ+ Community. Applications open June 8 - July 10.
Monarch Mountain Community Impact Grants: Funding for 1-2 high impact projects that align with Monarch Mountain’s core values. Applications open July 27 - August 28.
2025 Special Grant Cycle
Food Access Grants: These grants offer emergency funding for food providers serving Chaffee County. Applications are currently accepted and will close on December 31, 2025.
ongoing grants:
Monarch Mountain Community Outreach Grants:
Matching Donations: Season Pass Holders & Employee matching donations. Accepted on ongoing basis while funds last.
Childcare Workforce Investment Grants: Funding to support early childhood centers to invest in and retain qualified staff. Applications 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.
The SDCEA 2025 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.
Current Grant Opportunities:
2025 SPECIAL GRANT CYCLE: FOOD ACCESS EMERGENCY GRANTS
In response to the expected delays in SNAP benefits and increasing food insecurity, CCCF is launching Food Access Emergency Grants for food providers in Chaffee County.
PROCESS
Applications will open November 1 - December 31, 2025. Organizations currently operating a food access program can apply for up to $5,000 in relief. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. A total of $50,000 is currently available for funding. This amount may extended as community fundraising efforts continue, there are continued delays in SNAP benefits and other factors increasing food insecurity. Awards will be processed as quickly as possible.
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
Eligible applicants include:
Organizations operating pantries, meals, backpack programs or other food access.
Preference is given based on the number of individuals served through the program and programs that are low barrier (i.e. do not require membership, etc.)
GET STARTED
Review the Application Questions
Login to the Grants Portal (or create an account)
Starting 11/1 - Complete your application.
Need Support? Contact us at grants@chaffeecommunity.org for help with your application.
2026 Community grants
Full details—such as eligibility, key dates, and application questions—will be posted here by mid-December 2025. Please check back for updates.
Visit our Grantmaking History Page for information on previous grant cycles including full grant details and link to press release.
2026 First responder grants
Detailed information—including eligibility criteria, timeline, and application questions—will be posted by mid-December 2025.
Visit our Grantmaking History Page for information on previous grant cycles including full grant details and link to press release.
Ongoing Grant Opportunities:
Childcare Workforce Investment Grants: Licensed early childcare centers serving Chaffee County residents can apply for grants of between $2,000 to $10,000 per center per rolling calendar year to advance the professional development and retention of qualified staff members.
Funding: Up to $75,000 available July 1, 2024 - June 30, 2026.
Applications: Accepted on a rolling basis
Visit the Childcare Workforce Investment Grant Page for more Information.
Community Pet Fund: CCCF offers two opportunities to preserve the human-animal bond for pet emergencies and unsheltered community members seeking care for their pets. Offered in partnership with the Ark-Valley Humane Society to provide funding for life-saving veterinary care to Chaffee County pets.
Funding: Community Pet Fund applicants are eligible for up to $500 per pet or 1/2 the veterinary bill. Low Income Community Pet Fund applicants are eligible for up to $500 per pet.
Applications: Accepted on a rolling basis
visit chaffeecommunity.org/cpf for details and to apply to the two funds.
Sangre De Cristo Matching Grants: If you are a member or employee of SDCEA, when you support charitable, civic and educational organizations through financial contributions, SDCEA will match your donation, based on the criteria outlined below, to qualifying organizations.
Matching Grants are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis from a limited pool of funds established annually by the SDCEA Board of Directors and administered through the Chaffee County Community Foundation. The SDCEA Board of Directors reserves the right to suspend, amend or terminate the grants program at any time without notice. Sangre de Cristo Electric Association, Inc. and the Chaffee County Community Foundation do not support organizations that engage in discriminatory practices. Matching Grants are 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.
Funding: $6,000 available for 2025
Applications: Accepted on a rolling basis
Visit the SDCEA’s Website for details and to initiate your matching grant.
Past Grant Cycles & Recipients:
CCCF is honored to have partnered with funders, businesses and individual to have invested 3.5 million dollars in the Upper Arkansas River community since 2018. Visit the Grantmaking History Page for a complete list of our past grant processes and awardees.
Grant Payment Procedures:
Organizations are encouraged to enroll in automatic payments through a secure ACH process for timely receipt of grant funding. Please download the Blank ACH Form and return to CCCF along with a voided check to enroll.
For further information regarding CCCF grants, please contact us at admin@chaffeecommunity.org or 719-204-5071.