Important Update:

The Summit Foundation is excited to announce an important update to our grantmaking process. Beginning in Fall 2027, we will transition from two annual grant cycles (fall and spring) to one annual grant cycle each fall.

What's Changing

  • Spring 2026 was our final spring grant cycle
  • Starting Fall 2027, all grant applications will be reviewed in a single annual cycle
  • Organizations that currently apply in spring will transition to the fall cycle in 2027

Why We're Making This Change

This decision reflects our commitment to strengthening community impact through more strategic, holistic grantmaking. A single annual cycle allows us to:

  • Review all applications together within our four Impact Areas, giving us a complete picture of community needs
  • Reduce duplication and more strategically allocate our grant budget
  • Improve consistency through dedicated Impact Area subcommittees
  • Identify partnerships and align funding for organizations serving similar needs
  • Allow more community voice in our grantmaking

Our Commitment to You

We recognize that organizations currently applying in spring will experience a temporary shift in funding timelines—approximately six months. We are committed to working with each organization affected by this change to help plan for a smooth transition.

If you anticipate challenges with this timeline shift, please reach out. We will work together to find solutions.

Single Cycle FAQ Sheet

Questions?

For questions about the grant cycle transition or to discuss your organization's specific situation, please contact:

Kathryn Community Impact Officer, Grants and Nonprofits Email: kathryn@summitfoundation.org Phone: 970-852-4931

 

The 2026 Spring Grant Application is Closed

The Fall Grant Application will open in August 

Click the button below to enter the grant portal. Please don't create a new account if you are past grantee. If you need help accessing your account, email Kathryn Califf, Community Impact Officer Grants and Nonprofits

 click here to start your application

How To Apply For a Grant and Eligibility

We are proud to invest in our community partners by providing grants to local nonprofit organizations in Summit County and our neighboring communities of Lake, Park and West Grand Counties. Nonprofits may apply for a grant from The Summit Foundation once per year, and applications are accepted through our online grant application.

If you are a new grantee to the Summit Foundation, please reach out to Kathryn Califf, Community Impact Officer Grants and Nonprofits to set up a time to discuss your organization and grant request prior to creating a new account in the portal.  


Grant Guidelines

  • Applicants must be a tax exempt 501(c)(3) organization as defined by the IRS.
  • Organizations who are applying for the first time must set up a time to meet with the Summit Foundation prior to submitting a grant request.
  • Organizations must be located within or have active programming in Summit County, Colorado.
  • Organizations serving our neighboring communities of Alma, Fairplay, Kremmling, and Leadville are eligible to apply for a grant from The Summit Foundation in any of our priority impact areas. However, please be aware that grants pertaining to basic needs are prioritized in neighboring communities. The maximum request for neighboring communities is $10,000.
  • Nonprofits may apply once per year in the spring or fall cycle
  • Summit Foundation priority impact areas are:
    • Healthy and Safe Communities
    • Youth Development and Education
    • Arts and Culture
    • Environmental Stewardship
  • The following types of requests are ineligible:
    • Political campaigns on behalf of any issues or candidate
    • Religious programs that require membership in a certain religion or advance a particular religious faith (Faith-based organizations may be eligible if they welcome and serve all members of the community regardless of religious faith, and do not require participation in activities that are specifically religious.)
    • Programs or projects that are complete
    • Programs and/or staff salaries that cannot be sustained without Summit Foundation's investment

General Operating vs program vs capital request Guidelines