Our Story
We believe one young and inspired mind can change the world.
It’s a simple conviction, but it shapes everything we do. When students are trusted with real responsibility, challenged to think bigger, and shown that their ideas truly matter, something powerful happens—they rise. And more importantly, they carry that confidence with them long after the moment has passed.
Since 2009, OtterCares has been igniting that spark in (or equipping) kids, classrooms, and communities, unlocking potential, building belief, and inspiring the next generation to step up and create something extraordinary. Join us in turning possibility into impact.
2009
Year Founded
15+
Years of Impact
100K+
Youth Reached
1.5 Million
Hours of student programming funded
6.5M
Grant dollars awarded
Our History
Where It All Began
Nancy Richardson founded OtterCares to invest in education and empower youth to create lasting change through philanthropy and entrepreneurship. Since 2009, we have equipped kids, classrooms, and communities to recognize their true potential to make a difference.
What started as a vision for what young people could achieve has grown into a foundation that reaches thousands of students across Northern Colorado and beyond — through grants, programs, and our flagship education initiative, Project Heart.
Our Purpose
One Inspired Mind Can Change The World
We believe one young and inspired mind can change the world. The OtterCares Foundation inspires students to become entrepreneurs and philanthropists who create lasting and impactful change in their communities.
Every grant we fund, every classroom we support, every student we equip is a bet on the future — placed deliberately, with full confidence in what young people can accomplish when given the tools, the resources, and someone who believes in them.
OtterCares Manifesto
A Declaration for Lasting Change
We’re doing tomorrow today. Because the thing about tomorrow, ready or not, it’s already here. So we’re frontloading the future by teaching kids to be entrepreneurs, philanthropists, makers, doers and givers — today.
See, tomorrow is theirs anyway. And we’re privileged to inspire, prepare, teach, engage, equip and entrust them with everything we’ve got. Instead of crossing our fingers and hoping for the best or sticking our head in the sand and wishing for yesterday, we’re stacking the deck and betting on the bright side.
Sound like a nonprofit? It is. But make no mistake: We don’t give handouts. We don’t give hand ups. We give boosts. Boosts of confidence. Boosts of inspiration. Boosts of rocket-fueled passion aimed for the stratospheres of success. Three. Two. One. Blast off!
Light the fuse, press ignition and pass the wheel. It’s their turn to fly this crazy craft called Tomorrow toward a bigger, better, brighter future for all of us.
But alas, it’s here now. So to create the kind of change that lasts, we’ve got to…
#IgniteTomorrowToday
Meet the Team
Linda Crum
Executive Director
Linda is a passionate advocate for youth empowerment, blending decades of experience in nonprofit leadership, athletics, and character development to inspire the next generation of changemakers. As Executive Director of the OtterCares Foundation, she leads bold initiatives that spark entrepreneurial…
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Lucy Nuremberg
Grants and Programs Manager
As the Grants and Program Manager, Lucy Nuremberg leads the foundation’s grantmaking efforts, partnering with applicants and grantees to empower today’s youth to become the entrepreneurs, philanthropists, and innovators of tomorrow. With a background in childcare and education nonprofits, Lucy brings…
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Kelsey Ransom
Director of Programs and Partnerships
Kelsey joins the OtterCares Foundation with over a decade of experience in relationship development with K-12 educators and educational program management and implementation. As the Programs and Partnerships Director, Kelsey oversees our Project Heart philanthropy education program and provides…
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Madison Polansky
Employee Engagement and Programs Manager
Madison is dedicated to fostering connections between people and opportunities. As the Employee Engagement and Programs Manager at OtterCares, she excels in linking Otter Ambassadors and employees with schools and nonprofits, leveraging their time and talents for impactful community…
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Not Sure Where to Start?
Let’s Find the Right Fit
Choosing a grant shouldn’t feel overwhelming. Our team will help you find the fund that matches your idea, understand what’s needed, and put your strongest application forward — so more of your energy goes toward what matters most: inspiring kids.