OtterCares Grant Program
Innovation Station
Fund
The Innovation Station Fund provides grants to schools and nonprofits in Larimer and Weld counties to create or enhance hands-on learning spaces where young people invent, explore, create, and develop entrepreneurial skills.
About This Grant
What Is an Innovation Station?
An Innovation Station is a hands-on learning environment where students learn by doing, making, designing, and creating. These spaces encourage curiosity, creativity, problem-solving, and resilience, helping students turn ideas into action.
You may call yours a makerspace, fab lab, creation station, innovation lab, or something else entirely. Whatever the name, the goal is the same: to provide meaningful, hands-on experiences that foster innovation and an entrepreneurial mindset.
Watch this video to learn more about Innovation Stations
Do You Qualify?
Who Can Apply
Organizations must meet the following criteria:
The organization is recognized by the IRS as a 501(c)(3) public charity (public schools do qualify under their school district’s EIN).
The organization serves K-12 youth in Larimer or Weld Counties.
The request proposes the creation or enhancement of a hands-on learning space that incorporates entrepreneurial learning experiences.
The Innovation Station will be accessible to a broad student population rather than a single class, club, or small group.
The organization identifies a designated project champion who will be responsible for the successful implementation and ongoing use of the space.
STAND OUT
Priority Considerations
Priority consideration may be given to applicants that:
Do not currently have an Innovation Station or require significant upgrades to an existing space.
Integrate the Innovation Station across multiple grade levels, classrooms, or programs.
Partner with local businesses, industry professionals, or community organizations.
Incorporate entrepreneurship experiences that help students develop skills such as innovation, leadership, problem-solving, opportunity recognition, and product development.
Timeline
Grant Cycles & Deadlines
The Innovation Station Fund offers funding opportunities through one annual grant cycle each fall. Organizations may receive one Innovation Station Fund grant every three years.
2026 Grant Cycle
Pre-Application Deadline: September 30, 2026
Main Application Deadline: October 30, 2026
Site Visits: Scheduled as needed following award notification
Note: Applicants must submit a Pre-Application Form by the deadline above. Site visits may be requested by OtterCares Foundation staff at times mutually convenient for both parties — they help celebrate successes, measure impact, and verify that funding was used as approved.
the details
Funding Information
Grants typically range from $1,000 to $15,000.
Organizations may receive one Innovation Station Fund grant every three years.
Funding opportunities are offered through an annual Fall grant cycle.
Ready to Apply?
Start with a pre-application. If your program meets fund criteria, we’ll reach out to discuss the full application and a suitable grant amount.
Questions? Email Lucy Nuremberg via our contact form
after you’re awarded
Grant Recipient Expectations
Grant recipients are required to:
Submit a post-implementation grant report.
Demonstrate a long-term plan for the Innovation Station, including equipment and space maintenance, staff training, ongoing usage, and organizational support for at least three years.
Participate in a site visit if requested by OtterCares Foundation staff. Site visits help celebrate successes, measure impact, and verify that funding was used as approved.
Attribute all grant recognition to the OtterCares Foundation. Approved logos and brand guidelines are available upon request.
Limitations
Funding Requirements & Limitations
The Innovation Station Fund does not support the following:
Traditional science labs
Technology devices or multimedia equipment that will only be used for general purposes by the organization (e.g., computer carts)
Projects that do not support hands-on learning, innovation, creativity, and entrepreneurship outcomes
Please be advised that OtterCares does not currently fund the following:
Political campaigns and/or legislative lobbying efforts
Reproductive choice advocacy groups
Direct support for individuals
Building and construction projects
Travel expenses
Organizations redirecting funding outside of Larimer or Weld counties
Get Started
Apply Now!
Applications are accepted through one annual Fall grant cycle. Start with a pre-application — we’ll reach out if your program is a fit. See Grant Cycles & Deadlines for this year’s dates.
Quick Facts
Max Amount
$1,000-$15,000
Cycle
Annual (Fall)
Location
Larimer & Weld Co
Eligible
501(c)(3) or School
Frequency
1 grant / 3 years
Pre-App Due
Main App Due
Application Checklist
Organization is a 501(c)(3) or public school
Space will serve youth in Larimer or Weld County
Space incorporates entrepreneurial learning experiences
Innovation Station is accessible to a broad student population (not just one class, club, or group)
A designated project champion is identified for implementation and ongoing use
Submit pre-application by the due date
Be prepared for a potential site visit
Other Grant Programs
IMPACT FUND
Hands-on grants for K–12 programs in entrepreneurship and philanthropy.
NOCO FUND
Sponsorship for single-day community events hosted by schools and nonprofits.
ILLUMINATION FUND
Small grants for student-led service projects that grow out of Project Heart lessons.
Innovation Station Fund Spotlights
Browse these examples from past projects that received Innovation Station Fund grants, and spark your imagination about what’s possible when students channel their passion into action.
Our Impact in Action
Making a Difference Together
Every year brings new opportunities to dig deeper into our mission and create lasting and impactful change in our communities. From developing fresh resources for Project Heart to expanding our reach across Northern Colorado, we continually double down on our commitment to youth changemakers.