Youth Endowment Series (YES) Grants

The Youth Endowment Series (YES) Grants, administered by Ent Credit Union, are a long-standing funding initiative aimed at supporting nonprofit organizations that positively impact youth across Colorado. Since its inception in 2000, the YES Grants program has awarded more than $2.8 million in total funding to over 350 nonprofit organizations. These funds have enabled recipient organizations to address a broad range of youth needs including shelter for children facing abuse, food security, literacy enhancement, and other essential services that have a life-changing impact on Colorado's young people. The program reflects Ent Credit Union’s commitment to investing in the present and future success of youth and the broader community. The YES Grants program allocates a total pool of $300,000 annually, available to nonprofit agencies operating throughout Colorado. Individual grant awards are capped at $10,000, with applicants encouraged to base their funding requests on actual programmatic needs. Grant funds are flexible in nature and may be used toward both program-specific expenses and general operating costs. Applicants are expected to clearly explain how requested funds will be allocated and to articulate the expected benefits and outcomes of their proposed program work. A hallmark of the YES Grants program is its unique decision-making structure: recipients are selected entirely by an internal committee composed of Ent Credit Union employees. These employees apply to serve on the decision committee and undergo training to ensure fair and informed evaluations. This internal, community-rooted process ensures that funding decisions align with both the values of Ent and the demonstrated needs of youth-serving programs across the state. Applicants are encouraged to submit comprehensive information in their proposals, including the program’s mission, expected impact, and intended use of grant funds. Although submitting a thorough application enhances clarity, it does not guarantee funding, given the competitive nature of the program. In 2025, the YES Grants program received over 300 applications requesting a combined total of more than $3 million in funding. From this pool, 116 organizations were selected for awards, highlighting the selectivity of the process. Applications will reopen in February 2026, with recipients expected to be announced in May 2026. While applications must describe measurable benefits and organizational needs, both new and established programs are welcome to apply. Organizations may submit multiple applications if each proposal pertains to a unique program with clearly distinct objectives. Importantly, each application is reviewed independently, based on the merits of the program itself rather than the nonprofit organization as a whole. Ent Credit Union continues to affirm its dedication to supporting youth through the YES Grants initiative. By directing resources to impactful programs across Colorado, the grant helps strengthen communities and empower nonprofit agencies working on the frontlines of youth development.