We’re Here to Help
Grant Support
Not sure which grant is right for you? Wondering what happens after you apply? We’ve put everything you need in one place — from a quick grant comparison to tips for a strong application to direct access to our team.
We’re Here to Help
What to Expect: The Application Process
While each grant has its own specific steps, here’s the general flow of how OtterCares grant applications work from start to finish.
1
Choose Your Grant
Review the four grant programs and identify which best matches your organization’s work and needs.
2
Submit Your Application
Some grants require a short pre-application first. Others go straight to a full application. Follow the instructions on each grant’s page.
3
Application Review
Our team reviews your application for eligibility and fit. You may be contacted for additional information during this stage.
4
Award Decision
You’ll receive written notification of the decision. If awarded, the next steps and fund disbursement details are included.
5
Reporting
Most grants require an outcome report. We love hearing about your impact and celebrating it with our community.
Before You Apply
Tips for a Strong Application
Applications that are clear, specific, and well-matched to our mission are the ones that stand out. Here’s what we look for.
Check Eligibility
Before You Start
Review the full eligibility requirements on the grant’s page before investing time in an application. Confirm your geographic location, your organization’s status, and that your program’s primary purpose aligns with what we fund. When in doubt, reach out — we’d rather answer your question than have you submit an ineligible application.
Ask Questions
Before You Apply
If your organization qualifies, or you’re unsure which grant is right for you, reach out before you start an application. Our team is happy to have a conversation with you — it’s much easier to answer a question upfront than to address a mismatch after submission.
Know Your
Deadlines
Some grant cycles have firm deadlines. Mark your calendar for the pre-application (where applicable) and the main application deadline. Late submissions are not accepted. The NoCO Fund and Illumination Fund have rolling deadlines, but still have time constraints — be sure to review the requirements.
Be Specific About
Student Impact
Tell us exactly how your program or project puts entrepreneurship or philanthropy directly in students’ hands. Vague descriptions of general youth programming are harder to evaluate than specific descriptions of student-led activity. The more concrete, the better.
Show a Plan for
Sustainability
We love investing in programs that will continue to grow after our grant ends. Show us that you’ve thought about what happens next — how your organization will sustain or expand the program using its own resources and community partnerships beyond our funding.
Tell Us a Real
Story
We are moved by what students actually do, not just what programs plan to do. If you’ve received funding before, lead with what happened — real student outcomes, real community impact, real stories. New applicants: tell us why this program matters to you and what sparked the idea.
grant programs
Find the Right Grant for You
Each OtterCares grant is designed for a different type of need. Use this overview to find the best fit — then visit the grant’s page for full details and application instructions.
long-term programs
Impact Fund
Best For
Nonprofits & schools running K–12 entrepreneurship or philanthropy programs in Larimer or Weld County
AWARD RANGE
$1,000 – $25,000
GRANT CYCLE
2 (Spring & Fall)
PROCESS
Pre-App + Main App
LOCATION
Larimer + Weld County
Two-step application. Pre-applications are reviewed to determine fit before organizations are invited to the mainapplication.
SINGLE-DAY EVENTS
NoCO Fund
Best For
Schools & youth nonprofits hosting a single-day fundraising or community awareness event in Larimer or Weld County
AWARD RANGE
up to $2,000
GRANT CYCLE
Rolling / Monthly
PROCESS
Direct Applicaiton
LOCATION
Larimer + Weld County
Apply at least 60 days before your event and no more than 120 days out. Submitted through Foundation Source online. (emailed applications not accepted)
Hands-on Learning Spaces
Innovation Station Fund
Best For
Schools & nonprofits building or expanding a hands-on makerspace, or creation station in Larimer or Weld County
AWARD RANGE
$1,000 – $15,000
GRANT CYCLE
Annual (Fall)
PROCESS
Pre-App + Main App
LOCATION
Larimer + Weld County
Space must be accessible to the broad school or organization population — not limited to a specific class, club, or group.
Project heart Program
Illumination Fund
Best For
K–12 educators already using Project Heart curriculum whose students are ready to launch a real-world giving project
AWARD RANGE
up to $500 / 2 per year
GRANT CYCLE
Rolling / Now Open
PROCESS
2 Application Steps
LOCATION
National
Requires a free Project Heart educator account and active use of PH curriculum. Both educator and student applications required.
Get In Touch
Still Have Questions? We’re Here.
Submit your question below and a member of our grants team will get back to you within 2 business days.
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Lucy Nuremberg
Grants & Program Manager
Helpful Resources
Illumination Fund
The Illumination Fund for Project Heart projects is applied for directly through the Project Heart platform. Visit myprojectheart.org to get started.
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 empowerment.