GCF: Helping Hands Grants

Overview

_NOTE: Applications will be accepted throughout the year and are available based on remaining funding. We encourage applicants to submit a brief LOI that gives an overview of the organization and outlines the requested funds prior to applying to make sure that the project is a good fit.  If LOI is approved, the applicant will need to submit an online application._

Who We Are

“For the Good of Golden"

Since 1970, the Golden Civic Foundation (GCF) has been a catalyst for lasting, positive change in our community. We partner with residents, businesses, government, schools, and nonprofit organizations to ensure that essential programs and services work together to strengthen Golden’s vibrant character and quality of life.

Our story began in the late 1960s when Golden faced significant challenges: nearly 40% of downtown storefronts were vacant, and existing businesses struggled to survive. Recognizing the need for civic improvements amid limited public funding, a group of visionary leaders—including Heinie Foss, Fred Pattridge, and Joe Meyer—founded the Golden Civic Foundation in 1970 to invest in the town’s potential.

Through the decades, GCF has evolved to meet Golden’s changing needs, providing over $19 million in grants, loans, and support for local businesses, nonprofits, and schools. From revitalizing downtown to fostering civic engagement and funding essential community projects, our mission is to preserve and enhance what makes Golden special. Together, we aim to secure a bright future for generations to come.

Helping Hands Grants

The Golden community is, and always has been, one that helps a neighbor. Helping Hands Grants are intended to help with unexpected expenses that impact an organizations' ability to meet their mission, manage an unbudgeted, unforeseen, and time-sensitive emergency or take advantage of an unanticipated opportunity that will enhance their work in Golden.

Organizations receiving Helping Hands Grants are eligible for special grants from the GCF every other year..

Criteria

Helping Hands Grants will be evaluated using the following criteria: A strong proposal will:

* Demonstrate an unanticipated, immediate, and time-sensitive need.
* Preserve or enhance an organization’s ability to meet its mission.
* Leverage community support for the project and the organization.
* Articulate how an investment would support program sustainability or the financial stability of the organization.

Eligibility

_You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website._

* In order to be eligible, an applicant organization must be classified as a 501(c)(3) by the Internal Revenue Service or be a local government agency or public school.
* Applicant organizations must operate within the City of Golden and funds must be used for the benefit of Golden citizens.
* An organization that receives a Helping Hands Grant can only apply every other year.

Ineligibility

* We Do Not Fund:
* Deferred building maintenance
* Deferred technology upgrades
* Capital campaigns
* Religious initiatives
* Individuals
* Debts
* Past due tax return and audit needs
* Work that has already been completed
* Budget deficits or funding shortfalls; this Grant is designed to help nonprofits with unbudgeted and unexpected expenses, not to fill in for unmet revenue projections.
* The Golden Civic Foundation will not consider grants to organizations which discriminate on the basis of age, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, national origin, religious affiliation, or presence of a disability.