COMMUNITY GRANTS
Semi-Annual Grants
Welcome to Community NEST — a nonprofit organization dedicated to building a stronger sense of community and belonging.
Founded in 2024, our mission is to serve our neighbors along the 285 corridor by providing a central space to
Nurture, Elevate, Serve, and Teach.
Through our work, we fund grant requests that reflect these core values and show a clear plan to enhance quality of life and help our community thrive.
NURTURE
Creating a welcoming environment where everyone feels valued, supported, and surrounded by kindness.
ELEVATE
Strengthening the community through vibrant events, impactful programs, and opportunities to grow together.
SERVE
Ensuring that every donation and effort goes back into the community, providing essential resources.
TEACH
Offering a space for learning, sharing, and growing — where knowledge and support uplift everyone.
LEARN MORE ABOUT US
Visit us on Instagram and Facebook to see our mission, vision, and values in action. Or stop by and meet us in person!
All About Our Grants
How it Works
Applications submitted by the deadline will be reviewed by the Community NEST Board of Directors, all of whom are volunteers and are deeply connected to our mountain community.
Two grants will be awarded each year. Grantees are expected to report out regularly on progress towards stated goals and will also be required to contribute volunteer hours or services in-kind to the all-volunteer run Community NEST. Grant amounts will vary according to an applicant’s potential to impact our community through any combination of Nurture, Elevate, Serve, and Teach.
Who Can Apply
We welcome applications from nonprofits, government entities, businesses, and individuals. We prioritize applications from our neighbors along the 285 Corridor and projects that will benefit these communities.
Timing and Process
Key dates for our grant cycles are as follows:
Summer/Fall Application Process: For programs running January 1, 2027 – June 30, 2027
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Applications must be received by September 30, 2026
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Applications will be reviewed by the Board, interviews for shortlisted candidates will be scheduled: October 2026
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Grant winner announced by November 30, 2026
Winter/Spring Application Process: For programs running July 1, 2027 – December 31, 2027
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Applications must be received by March 31, 2027
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Applications will be reviewed by the Board, interviews for shortlisted candidates will be scheduled: April 2027
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Grant winner announced by May 31, 2027
To be considered for a grant, complete this online application by the deadline for the grant period you are applying for.
Requirements
Promotion:
We are all in it together to foster community and a sense of belonging. To that end, we will want to shout your success from the rooftops!
Grantees must be willing to co-market with the NEST: including but not limited to a press release, photos, video, joint social media posts.
Volunteering Hours or in-Kind Skills (in lieu of volunteering):
We are a 100% volunteer-run organization. We have no paid staff and as such rely on the skills and goodwill of our volunteer community. We welcome grantees into our “flock” and require them to be active members of the NEST volunteer “squad.” Your volunteering can take different forms; we’ll work with you to figure out the best way for you to contribute to the NEST. Depending on the size of your organization/nature of applicant, this can look like shifts in the store, special event support, donated time for “handyperson” tasks, IT or e-commerce support. Together, once selected, we’ll figure out what makes sense for you and for the Community NEST.
Reporting Out Results:
We’ll be excited to hear about your progress in each of the six months of the grant. Before the start of your program, we’ll agree on the best format for tracking progress and results. Funds must be completely utilized during the covered grant period.
Do's and Don't's of a Successful Application
DO:
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Focus on proposals that are specific and measurable
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Propose programs that would not happen without this specific funding
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Apply regardless of the type of organization you represent. Nonprofits, schools, businesses, individuals, and government entities are all welcome to apply.
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Clearly explain how you will measure impact to the community
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List the line items the grant will fund
DON’T:
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Request funding for ongoing operating expenses (e.g. utilities, internet or software license fees, rent, salaries)
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Just say you’ll “build community” or offer other generalizations about impact
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Request funds for a geographic area outside of the 285 Corridor communities specified on the application (Conifer, Bailey, Pine, Evergreen, Morrison, Indian Hills/Kittredge)
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Hesitate to reach out if you need support or have questions.
What else do I need to know?
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Complete an application that tells us how you plan to impact the community.
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Explain which NEST values you’re supporting
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What service or product do you plan to deliver?
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How you will staff your project
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How will you measure success – that is, how will you know you are making an impact?
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How much money you need to deliver on your commitments
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Include links to all that apply: website, social media, press coverage, other media.
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Bonus points for keeping your application short, sweet, and to the point!
Where Do I Apply?
You may also pick up and/or drop off an application in store.
Thank you for your interest!
If you have questions or need support with your application, please contact us at communitynestgrants@gmail.com.
