INTRODUCTION

The Millennium Trust was established as a permanent fund of The Community Foundation to serve the needs of Boulder County into the future. It was created by donations from thousands of Boulder County residents who each gave their last hour of income in 1999 to help meet the needs of the new millennium in the areas of the arts, environment, civic involvement, education, and/or health and human services. Since its inception, the Millennium Trust has awarded more than $871,000 in grants to the community. Each year, Millennium Trust donors are selected at random to serve on the Millennium Trust Advisory Committee. This group determines the Millennium Trust funding priorities for the year and makes grant recommendations to The Community Foundation Board of Trustees.

FUNDING FOCUS FOR 2013

Boulder County is a beautiful place to live, rich in natural beauty and abundant natural resources. A substantial body of research affirms the health benefits of time spent in natural surroundings. Researchers have found that spending time in nature strengthens a person's immune system, reduces stress hormones, lowers blood pressure, and improves social interactions. Furthermore, it may reduce obesity; improve mental health and learning, increase empathy, and increase connectedness and community.

This year, the 2013 Millennium Trust Advisory Committee is seeking Letters of Interest about programs and projects that take advantage of our rich natural heritage in helping to heal and strengthen our community and its residents. Examples of challenges to be addressed include but are not limited to those facing returning veterans; teen depression and suicide; healthy lifestyles for different population groups; or furthering community integration for isolated groups like immigrants, seniors, etc. PLEASE NOTE: All programs/projects must address involvement with nature.

We are particularly interested in projects or programs that are innovative, collaborative, and have the potential to demonstrate a high impact in Boulder County.

Millennium Trust Grant Timeline:

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

• Projects must meet the funding focus for 2013
  
• Applicants can be any non-profit organization with an IRS 501(c)(3) designation or any governmental or public entity. (Groups or organizations that do not have IRS 501(c)(3) designation may only apply in partnership with one of the nonprofit designations listed above.)
  
• The group or organization must provide services or conduct the proposed activities within Boulder County for the benefit of Boulder County residents.
  
• The Community Foundation Serving Boulder County does not make grants to organizations where grant money would be used to further a particular political or religious doctrine.

The Millennium Trust will award a total of $80,000 in grants in 2013. Grant requests will be considered within the range of $15,000 - $80,000.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Nonprofit, governmental or other public groups interested in applying for grants from the Millennium Trust are invited to submit a letter of intent describing the proposed project.  The Millennium Trust Advisory Committee will review the letters of intent and choose a number of finalists to submit a full application.   Applicants should submit via email each of the following:

1. Letter of Intent- A letter of intent, which should be no longer than two typed pages and should include:
1. How the proposal meets the funding focus for 2013
2. Why the project is important for participants and other residents of Boulder County
3. What the project will accomplish, how it will be accomplished, & timeframe for completion
4. Who will be involved in the project (collaborations, key community members, etc.)
5. How to keep the project going in the future/sustainability (if applicable)
6. How much money is requested
2. Organization Summary – From the Colorado Common Grants Application
3. Budget- One page listing expenses and brief descriptions of how each expense supports the proposal
4. Tax Status- Proof of your tax-exempt status

Please submit your materials electronically to
You will receive a return email confirming that your letter has been received. If you have any questions, please contact:

Elvira Ramos, Director of Programs

OR

Stefan Reyes, Grants Administrator

Thank you!