Community Grants Program

The Telluride Foundation's Community Grants program is one of its fundamental programs, supporting the vibrancy of the community as well as core safety net programs. The Foundation has distributed over $38 million in grants to the region since its inception in 2000.

Geographic Scope: San Miguel, Ouray, and west Montrose counties, as well as Rico. Organizations serving Telluride, Rico, Ouray, Ridgway, Norwood, Nucla, Naturita, and Paradox are eligible.

Funding Areas:

• Human services (28%)
• Arts and culture (18%)
• Education (18%)
• Early childhood development (16%)
• Athletic groups (15%)
• Environment/animals (5%)

Eligibility:

• Any qualified nonprofit organization that serves individuals in San Miguel, Ouray, and/or west Montrose counties or Rico
• Programs and activities must be consistent with the Foundation's mission
• Organizations can apply for general operating support or capital projects

Award Details:

• Individual grants range from $1,900 to $90,000
• The Foundation expects to award up to $1.5 million in the 2015 cycle (largest cycle ever)
• Capital projects are eligible (buildings, equipment, vehicles)

New Policies:

• One-in-Five Year Off Policy: Nonprofits are encouraged to take one year off in five from applying for grants. This reinforces nonprofit sustainability by encouraging financial reserves, diverse revenue streams, and earned income opportunities, reducing dependency on a single funder.
• Grant Outcome Measures: All applicants must report on projected grant outcomes and indicators, which will be used to evaluate program performance during the following year. Outcome measures have been developed for every nonprofit sector through a three-year collaborative process.

Contact Information:

• Telluride Foundation
• 220 E. Colorado Avenue, Suite 106, PO BOX 4222
• Telluride, CO 81435
• Phone: 970-728-8717
• Fax: 970-728-9007
• Email: info@telluridefoundation.org
• Website: www.telluridefoundation.org
• Programs Director: April Montgomery (april@telluride.dreaminblog.com)

Review Process:

• Applications reviewed by a seven-member Grants Committee (all board members)
• Committee makes recommendations to the full Board of Directors for final approval
• Board meeting typically held in December
• Awards announced in late December

Application Process

Deadline: Typically October 26 at 5:00 p.m. MST

Application Format: Entirely electronic

Steps:

1. Visit www.telluridefoundation.org
2. Click on "Our Work"
3. Click on "Community Grants"
4. Scroll down to "Community Grants Application"
5. Complete the online application
6. Submit electronically

Required Information:

• Grant outcome measures and projected indicators for your program
• Demonstration of how programs/activities align with Foundation mission
• Financial information
• Program effectiveness data
• Organizational sustainability information

Support Available:

• Webinar available on Foundation website reviewing:
  • New components of the application
  • Criteria and guidelines
  • Application process walkthrough
  • Questions and answers
• Staff available for questions

Contact for Questions:

• April Montgomery, Programs Director
• Phone: 970-728-8717
• Email: april@telluride.dreaminblog.com

Review Timeline:

• Applications due: October 26 at 5:00 p.m.
• Grants Committee review: November-December
• Board approval: December meeting
• Awards announced: End of December