CCCF Monarch Mountain Impact Grants

The Monarch Mountain Impact Grant Program is administered through a partnership between Monarch Mountain Community Outreach and the Chaffee County Community Foundation, a regional philanthropic organization focused on strengthening nonprofit capacity and community wellbeing in Chaffee County, Colorado. Monarch Mountain Community Outreach, established in 2004 by resort owners and employees, has contributed significant financial support to local charitable efforts, and this grant program represents a targeted initiative to fund projects that align with its core community values. The program is designed to support nonprofit-led initiatives that enhance environmental sustainability, recreation opportunities, humanitarian efforts, and the development of a strong and supportive local community. The purpose of the Impact Grant Program is to provide funding for specific projects that address identified community needs within Chaffee County. Applicants are expected to clearly articulate the problem or opportunity being addressed, describe the activities to be undertaken, and demonstrate how the project will produce measurable outputs and outcomes. Funding may be requested for either new or existing programs, though applicants proposing existing programs must explain how the grant will expand or strengthen their impact. Public-private partnerships are encouraged, provided that the applying entity is an eligible nonprofit organization or has secured an appropriate fiscal sponsor. Funding for the program is limited, with a total of 15000 dollars available for distribution across one to three awards. Individual grant requests must fall within the range of 5000 to 15000 dollars, depending on the scope and scale of the proposed project. Funds are intended to directly support project implementation and must be used in alignment with the stated goals of the program. There is no stated matching requirement for this funding opportunity. Approved grants are disbursed via direct deposit within ten business days after the execution of a formal grant agreement. Eligibility for the program is restricted to organizations that are recognized as 501(c)(3) nonprofit entities or that operate under an eligible fiscal sponsor. Applicants must be in good standing with both the Internal Revenue Service and the Colorado Secretary of State. Projects must directly benefit residents of Chaffee County and align with one or more of the program’s funding priorities. Organizations with outstanding reporting obligations from previous grants administered by the Chaffee County Community Foundation are not eligible until all requirements have been satisfied. Additionally, applicants must commit to completing funded activities and submitting a final report by July 30, 2027. The application process begins with the opening of submissions on July 27, followed by a submission deadline of August 28 at 11:59 pm. Applications are reviewed through a multi-step process that includes administrative screening for completeness and eligibility, staff evaluation and ranking using a formal rubric, and final review by Monarch Mountain Fund Advisors. In some cases, applicants may be contacted for follow-up questions or site visits conducted via phone, email, virtual meeting, or in person. Competitive applications will demonstrate a clear understanding of community need, well-planned activities, measurable outcomes, and supporting data that validates both organizational capacity and project relevance. Award notifications are expected during the first week of November, following a review period spanning September and October. Once selected, recipients must complete a grant agreement before funds are released. The program operates on an annual cycle, with application periods and deadlines recurring each year around late July through late August. Questions regarding the application process may be directed to the program administrators via email, with responses typically provided within two business days. This structured process ensures transparency, accountability, and alignment with community priorities throughout the grantmaking cycle.

Clearly define the community need provide measurable outcomes and include supporting data demonstrating organizational effectiveness