What is the Giving Circle Grant Program?

The nonprofit Community NEST Resale Shop is proud to reinvest earnings from store sales into grants that can improve the quality of life and foster a sense of belonging in our community.

What kind of proposals are you looking for?

The Community NEST will fund grant requests that reflect the core values of NEST: Nurture, Elevate, Serve, and Teach. We’re looking for proposals that align with one or more of these core values and show a clear plan to enhance quality of life and help our community thrive.

You can find an application at our website conifercommunitynest.org You can also request an application from the store manager on dutyCompleted applications can be emailed to us at communitynestgrants@gmail.comYou can also return the application in store to the manager on duty.

How much can I request?

We ask that your proposal support the amount you request, and that you justify this amount in terms of requirements and expected community impact. We do not have a formal limit.

Who decides on the awards?

The Community NEST Board has selected a group on volunteers who make up the Programs & Giving Committee. This Committee will review each proposal, interview finalists, and make the final decision about awards.

What’s the deadline?

Key dates for our grant cycles are as follows:Summer/Fall Application Process: For programs running January 1 – June 30Applications must be received by September 30Applications will be reviewed by the Board, interviews for shortlisted candidates will be scheduled: OctoberGrant winner announced by November 30Winter/Spring Application Process: For programs running July 1 – December 31Applications must be received by March 31Applications will be reviewed by the Board, interviews for shortlisted candidates will be scheduled: April Grant winner announced by May 31

How can I get more information?

Email us at communitynestgrants@gmail.com

COMMUNITY GRANTS

Semi-Annual Grant Application

We are currently accepting applications for our Semi-Annual grant program!

Applications will be accepted online

September 1 - 30, 2026

We ask that you review the application process and "tips for success" below before completing your application.

If you have any questions or need support with your application, you may reach out to us directly at communitynestgrants@gmail.com.

Apply Now

How it Works

Applications submitted by the deadline will be reviewed by the Community NEST Programs & Giving Committee, all of whom are volunteers and are deeply connected to our mountain community.

Two grants periods 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

Applications must be received by September 30, 2026
Applications will be reviewed by the Board, interviews for shortlisted candidates will be scheduled: October 2026
Grant winner announced by November 30, 2026

Winter/Spring Application Process: For programs running July 1, 2027 – December 31, 2027

Applications must be received by March 31, 2027
Applications will be reviewed by the Board, interviews for shortlisted candidates will be scheduled: April 2027
Grant winner announced by May 31, 2027

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:

Focus on proposals that are specific and measurable
Propose programs that would not happen without this specific funding
Apply regardless of the type of organization you represent. Nonprofits, schools, businesses, individuals, and government entities are all welcome to apply.
Clearly explain how you will measure impact to the community
List the line items the grant will fund

DON’T:

Request funding for ongoing operating expenses (e.g. utilities, internet or software license fees, rent, salaries)
Just say you’ll “build community” or offer other generalizations about impact
Request funds for a geographic area outside of the 285 Corridor communities specified on the application (Conifer, Bailey, Pine, Evergreen, Morrison, Indian Hills/Kittredge)
Hesitate to reach out if you need support or have questions.

What else do I need to know?

Complete an application that tells us how you plan to impact the community.
Explain which NEST values you’re supporting
What service or product do you plan to deliver?
How you will staff your project
How will you measure success – that is, how will you know you are making an impact?
How much money you need to deliver on your commitments
Include links to all that apply: website, social media, press coverage, other media.
Bonus points for keeping your application short, sweet, and to the point!