FAQ

Eligibility Requirements

• Eligible applicants include IRS 501(c)(3) public charities, governmental, or public entities. Private non-operating foundations are not eligible. Groups or organizations without IRS 501(c)(3) designation may apply with a fiscal sponsor.
• Grantees must use grant proceeds only for the stated purpose of the grant or for charitable and educational activities consistent with the organization’s tax-exempt status.
• Grants from the community foundation’s discretionary funds are exclusively for activities or projects in Boulder County and/or for the benefit of people in Boulder County.
• The community foundation does not make grants to organizations where grant money from our discretionary or field of interest funds would be used to further a particular religious doctrine.

Visit the Grant Portal to create an account or log in to a preexisting account and follow the instructions below to apply for a current grant opportunity. 

• New applicants will need to create an new account upon first log in. Once you click on create a new account, ensure that you register as an organization. Your organization’s EIN number will be needed for this step.
• Returning applicants (2023 and thereafter) should log in with previously used credentials.
• The community foundation does not make grants to organizations where grant money from our discretionary or field of interest funds would be used to further a particular religious doctrine.
• After your account has been established, click on Opportunities.
• The Grant Applicant User Guide provides step-by-step instructions for logging into the new grant system. Please refer to the User Guide for details on creating an account, starting and submitting a grant application, navigating the grant portal, and account and password assistance. 

A donor-advised fund or DAF is like a personal savings account dedicated to charitable giving — allowing flexibility and efficiency while providing you the greatest tax benefits on your contributions. Start by opening a fund with cash, securities, or other assets, and receive immediate tax benefits while allowing your charitable funds to grow tax-free! Make grants on your own or lean on the expertise of the team at the community foundation to inform your giving. With your fund, you maximize your benefits and your giving, so you can give anywhere, at your pace, while your fund fees support your local community. 

Types of Funds

Invested Fund (Endowed)

Designed to make a long-term impact, an endowed fund provides an ongoing source of funding for charitable grants by preserving the principle of the fund, and allowing only a portion of the fund’s earnings, up to 5%, to be made out in grants each year. Endowed funds are often established by individuals, families, and corporations interested in long-term, sustainable charitable giving.

Invested Fund (Non-Endowed)

An invested non-endowed fund offers flexibility and simplicity, allowing donors to grow their funds without restricting their annual giving. Like an endowed fund, this fund is invested and grown tax-free, but unlike an endowed fund, there are no restrictions on annual giving, allowing donors to make grants up to the full amount of their fund. Non-endowed funds are a great option for donors interested in growing their fund without restrictions on their annual grantmaking. 

Gift Fund

A gift fund is not invested or endowed. Rather, a gift fund maintains all funds in cash for grantmaking. This option allows donors to make as big of an impact as soon as they want relative to the size of their DAF while also preserving the ability to make immediate short-term distributions. 

Contact us at philanthropicservices@commfound.org or by calling 303-442-0436 to chat with a staff member. 

Through a partnership with Community Foundation Boulder County, local businesses and civic leaders can make a meaningful difference in the Boulder County community. Grounded in equity, our sector-leading approach works with your organization to understand your goals and develop strategic initiatives that support all of Boulder County. We draw upon our deep well of grantmaking experience, deep ties to local nonprofits, and our background working with government, philanthropic, and private institutions to create meaningful, lasting change. Working together, we can galvanize resources and support equitable solutions for all who live and work in Boulder County. 

Community Partners make a significant, annual financial contribution to support events and programs of the foundation. There are five annual giving levels:  

Diamond Partners – $50,000
Platinum Partners – $25,000
Gold Partners – $15,000 
Silver Partners – $10,000
Bronze Partners – $5,000
Copper Partners – $2500