OtterCares Grant Program
Impact
Fund
The Impact Fund helps bring powerful, hands-on learning experiences to K–12 students — experiences that inspire them to think like entrepreneurs and give back like philanthropists. We partner with schools and nonprofits that help students create, problem-solve, and make a real difference in their communities.
About This Grant
What Is the Impact Fund?
The Impact Fund supports K–12 organizations in Northern Colorado that advance philanthropic or entrepreneurial youth education. We believe every student has the potential to create meaningful change — and the Impact Fund helps educators and nonprofits give them the hands-on experiences to discover it.
Through the Impact Fund, we partner with programs that go beyond the textbook: student-run businesses, school giving initiatives, community service learning, and entrepreneurship challenges that put real responsibility — and real impact — in students’ hands.
Do You Qualify?
Eligibility Requirements
In order to be considered for a grant through the Impact Fund, the request must meet all of the following criteria:
We fund programs that make entrepreneurship or philanthropy a meaningful part of the student experience, using hands-on projects like student-run businesses or giving initiatives. The primary purpose of the program must be student entrepreneurship and/or philanthropy.
We support 501(c)(3) nonprofits and schools that have a clear plan to carry their program forward beyond our funding.
The program serves K–12 students located in either Larimer or Weld counties of Colorado.
Organizations may receive funding for up to two consecutive years, then must take a one-year break before applying for additional funding.
Timeline
Grant Cycles & Deadlines
The Impact Fund has two application cycles each year. Grant awards typically range from $1,000 to $25,000, depending on the program’s reach and scope. If your pre-application meets fund criteria, we will discuss a suitable request amount with you.
Spring 2026 Grant Cycle
Pre-Application Deadline: March 20, 2026
Main Application Deadline: April 20, 2026
Award Notification: May/June 2026
Fall 2026 Grant Cycle
Pre-Application Deadline: Sept. 30, 2026
Main Application Deadline: Oct. 30, 2026
Award Notification: Nov./Dec. 2026
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
Limitations
Funding Requirements & Limitations
An organization may receive a grant from the Impact Fund once per calendar year. All grant recognition should be attributed to The OtterCares Foundation. Approved logos and brand guidelines will be provided via email upon request.
Please be advised that OtterCares does not currently fund the following:
Capital campaigns
Travel
Political campaigns or legislative lobbying efforts
General wages or salaries*
Building and construction projects
Reproductive choice advocacy groups
Single-day events*
*Exception: We may fund salaries for time-limited, transformative roles for one grant cycle. We may also fund single-day events if they are part of a larger student entrepreneurship and/or philanthropy program with intentional programmatic work for students before and/or after the event.
Get Started
Apply Now!
The Impact Fund accepts pre-applications on a rolling basis ahead of each cycle deadline. Submit yours to begin the review process.
Quick Facts
Max Amount
$1,000-$25,000
Cycle
Spring & Fall
Location
Larimer & Weld Co
Eligible
501(c)(3) or School
Frequency
Funding up to 2 years, then
1 year break
Application Checklist
Confirm the program serves K–12 students in Larimer or Weld County
Verify your organization’s 501(c)(3) status or school district EIN
Confirm that student entrepreneurship or philanthropy is the primary purpose of the program
Submit pre-application before the cycle deadline
Await review — we’ll contact you if invited to complete the full application
Other Grant Programs
NOCO FUND
Sponsorship for single-day community events hosted by schools and nonprofits.
INNOVATION STATION FUND
Funding to build hands-on makerspaces, fab labs, and creation stations.
ILLUMINATION FUND
Small grants for student-led service projects that grow out of Project Heart lessons.
Impact Fund Spotlights
Browse these examples from past projects that received Impact 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.