funding the future
Grants &
Programs
OtterCares invests in young people through two channels: direct grant funding for schools and nonprofits, and our flagship K–12 philanthropy education program, Project Heart. Explore everything we offer below — and find the right opportunity for your organization or classroom.
grant programs
Four Ways We Fund Youth Impact
Each grant program is designed to fund a specific type of work — from long-term programs to single-day events to student-led projects. Find the one that fits your needs, then visit its page for full details and application instructions.
long-term programs
Impact Fund
AWARD RANGE
$1,000 – $25,000
GRANT CYCLE
2 (Spring & Fall)
PROCESS
Pre-App + Main App
LOCATION
Larimer + Weld County
Supports ongoing K–12 programs that make entrepreneurship or philanthropy a meaningful, hands-on part of the student experience. For nonprofits and schools with a clear plan to sustain their program beyond our funding.
SINGLE-DAY EVENTS
NoCO Fund
AWARD RANGE
up to $2,000
GRANT CYCLE
Rolling / Monthly
PROCESS
Direct Application
LOCATION
Larimer + Weld County
Sponsorship funding for single-day fundraising and community awareness events hosted by schools and youth-serving nonprofits. Apply 60–120 days before your event. Evaluated monthly.
Hands-on Learning Spaces
Innovation Station Fund
AWARD RANGE
$1,000 – $15,000
GRANT CYCLE
Annual (Fall)
PROCESS
Pre-App + Main App
LOCATION
Larimer + Weld County
Funds the creation or expansion of hands-on makerspaces, fab labs, and creation stations where students learn by building, inventing, and creating. Space must be broadly accessible within the school or organization.
Project heart Program
Illumination Fund
AWARD RANGE
up to $500 / 2 per year
GRANT CYCLE
Rolling / Now Open
PROCESS
2 Application Steps
LOCATION
National
Small grants for K–12 classrooms using Project Heart curriculum, funding student-led philanthropic projects — materials, field trips, fundraiser matching, and collection drives. Applied for through myprojectheart.org.
NEED HELP?
Grant Support
Not sure which grant is right for your organization? Our team is happy to help you identify the best fit and walk you through the application process.
COMMON QUESTIONS
Grant FAQs
Find answers to the most common questions about eligibility, timelines, reporting requirements, and how to apply for an OtterCares grant.
ottercares projects
Programs That Put the Mission into Classrooms
Beyond grants, OtterCares directly funds and operates education programs that bring philanthropy and entrepreneurship to students at no cost. Our flagship program, Project Heart, is available to any K–12 educator in the country — for free.
our flagship program
Project Heart
A Free K–12 Curriculum That Changes How Students See the World
Project Heart is OtterCares’ open-source philanthropy education program — a complete, grade-by-grade curriculum for Early Elementary through High School, plus K–5 Clubs. It’s free for every educator, built for every classroom, and designed to give students the tools and the permission to make a real difference.
Curriculum
Grades K-12
Complete, grade-appropriate lesson plans for Early Elementary through High School. Each lesson is flexible, discussion-driven, and built to connect students’ passions to real-world change. Use the full curriculum or pick the lessons that fit your goals.
Project Ideas
Ready-to-adapt service project ideas organized by cause area — animals, environment, education, hunger, and more.
Activities
Standalone activities and supplemental resources that work alongside the curriculum or on their own — perfect for filling a class period or sparking a conversation.
Illumination Fund
Apply for up to $500 in grant funding to support your student-led service project. Materials grants and matching grants available.