OtterCares Grant Program
NoCO
Fund
The NoCO Fund provides sponsorship for fundraising and community engagement events hosted by schools and youth-serving nonprofit organizations that offer direct services to youth in Larimer or Weld Counties of Colorado. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis and evaluated monthly.
About This Grant
What Is the NoCO Fund?
The NoCO Fund is available only to schools and nonprofit organizations whose primary mission is providing direct services and support to youth. The fund is designed to support single-day charitable events that bring communities together around youth empowerment. Unlike our other grant programs, the NoCO Fund focuses specifically on fundraising drives, awareness events, and community engagement activities—not ongoing programs, curriculum, or general operating support.
If your school or youth-serving nonprofit is hosting a one-time event that raises money for a charitable cause, builds awareness around issues affecting young people, or engages students and families in giving back, the NoCO Fund may be a good fit.
Note: Applying for and/or receiving grants from other OtterCares grant funds does not prohibit an organization from also applying for and/or receiving funding from the NoCO Fund.
Do You Qualify?
Eligibility Requirements
In order to be considered for a grant through the NoCO Fund, the request must meet all of the following criteria:
The event is hosted by and benefits a school or organization that is recognized by the IRS as a 501(c)(3) public charity providing direct services to youth (grades K–12).
The organization provides education or direct services to youth located in Larimer and/or Weld County.
The request includes information about all available sponsorship levels.
The event is taking place in Larimer or Weld County.
The request is submitted at least 60 days and no more than 120 days before the event date.
The requested sponsorship amount does not exceed $2,000.
Timeline
Grant Cycles & Deadlines
Applications for the NoCO Fund are accepted on an ongoing basis and evaluated monthly. Award notification will be sent no later than 45 days after the completed application is submitted.
Application Submission
All NoCO Fund applications must be submitted online through Foundation Source. Emailed applications will not be accepted.
All grant-related correspondence will come from Foundation Source. Please add foundationsource.com to your email provider’s safe sender list.
All grant recognition should be attributed to the OtterCares Foundation.
Post-Event Reporting
All NoCO Fund grant recipients must submit an event report within 30 days following the event.
The details and report form will be emailed to grant recipients following the award notification.
Reports must be submitted prior to application for subsequent NoCO Fund grants.
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
Due to the high volume of requests to the NoCO Fund, each organization may receive only one grant from the NoCO Fund per calendar year.
Please be advised that OtterCares NoCO Fund does not currently fund:
Political campaigns and/or legislative lobbying efforts
Reproductive choice advocacy groups
Long-term or ongoing programs/projects (see Impact Fund)
Direct support for individuals
Building and construction projects
Reproductive choice advocacy groups
Travel expenses
School trips
Get Started
Apply Now!
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Apply at least 60 days before your event and no more than 120 days out.
Quick Facts
Max Amount
Up to $2,000
Cycle
Rolling / Monthly
Notification
Within 45 days
Location
Larimer & Weld Co
Eligible
501(c)(3) or School
Frequency
1 grant per org
Application Checklist
Event hosted in Larimer or Weld County
Organization is a 501(c)(3) serving K–12 youth
Apply 60–120 days before the event
Include all available sponsorship levels in your request
Request does not exceed $2,000
Submit via Foundation Source link (not email)
Other Grant Programs
IMPACT FUND
Hands-on grants for K–12 programs in entrepreneurship and philanthropy.
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.