March 2026 Newsletter: Funding Updates, Important Deadlines, and More!
03 23, 2026 News

March 2026 Newsletter: Funding Updates, Important Deadlines, and More!

839K Distributed in 2026

2026 Funding Update

We are so excited to announce we have already distributed $839,000 in first 80 days of 2026. This puts the Grand Foundation on track to surpass giving in 2025, making it our most successful year of giving yet.

This funding will reach every corner of Grand County, our funds support a wide range of critical needs including childcare, youth opportunities, mental and behavioral health services, housing assistance, education, environmental stewardship, and financial stability for local families. From initiatives like housing assistance for the local workforce and youth activity scholarships to mental health services and town-based community funds, the Grand Foundation continues to ensure that resources are responsive, flexible, and aligned with the evolving needs of the county.

Learn More About our Grants


It’s Scholarship Season!

As the end of the school year quickly approaches, it’s time to start thinking about the next step, whether that means a university, community college, or trade school. The Grand Foundation is proud to support local students as they pursue their educational goals by offering a variety of scholarship opportunities for Grand County graduates.

Applications for all scholarships listed below are due Wednesday, April 1, 2026. We encourage students and families to review the opportunities and apply for any scholarships that align with their goals and qualifications

 

Grand Foundation Scholarship

This scholarship is for those who believe in giving back to the community through volunteerism.

 

Colorado Community College Scholarship

This scholarship is for those who will be attending any Colorado Community College.

 

Charlene J. Heins Scholarship

This scholarship is for a full year’s tuition for a student attending Colorado State University.

 

Opportunity for Youth Scholarship-4 Year University

This scholarship is for a 4-year College Scholarship. This is a need-based scholarship for those who want to go to a 4-year university but need financial assistance.

 

Opportunity for Youth Scholarship-2 Year Trade School

This scholarship is for a 2-year Trade School Scholarship. This is a need-based scholarship for those who want to go to trade school but need financial assistance.

 

Apply Now

*For families making $90K or less collectively, please note you can apply for a state tax credit on your 2026 tax return (HB-1340).  If you take this credit your scholarships (if for tuition) will only be able to be applied after 64 credit hours have been taken. 


 

    Upcoming Grant Deadlines 

Upcoming Events

 

Opportunity for Youth Fund

April 1, 2026

GAP Fund for Youth

April 15, 2026

Community Priorities Fund

April 17, 2026

Grand Foundation Annual Grant

May 1, 2026

Winter Park Housing Assistance Fund  

May 15, 2026

23rd Annual Grand Gala

May 1, 2026

Join us at our annual gala presented by Big Valley Construction, benefitting the Grand Foundation and the Grand County Co-Responder Program

27th Annual Grand Classic

June 19-20, 2026

Join us at our annual golf tournament presented by Steffen Builders and Big Valley Construction, benefitting the the Grand Foundation and Fraser Valley Metropolitan Recreation District.


Grantee Highlight Series

Sustainable Grand

Sustainable Grand is a nonprofit dedicated to making Grand County a more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly place to live and work. Sustainable Grand supports households and businesses in lowering energy bills through promoting energy assessments, financial assistance, and providing educational programming about reducing greenhouse gas emissions. This strengthens economic resilience and environmental stewardship across our community.

This year, Sustainable Grand received support through the Grand Foundation’s Board of County Commissioners, Town of Winter Park, Town of Grand Lake, and Town of Granby grants, enabling the organization to expand its outreach and deepen its impact countywide.

“The Grand Foundation grants have enabled us (through marketing and outreach) to triple the number of energy assessment program participants in 2025 vs 2024. This has significantly increased our impact throughout Grand County, reducing energy bills and helping protect the planet,” said Executive Director, Helen Brown.

Grand Foundation grants also supported the development of SustainableGrand.org as a community resource for energy information. The site offers a rebate calculator, contractor lists, free energy coaching, and up-to-date educational resources. In 2025, over 3,300 residents accessed information through the website, 58 households completed energy assessments and implemented improvements, and over 100 community members attended workshops focused on practical, low-cost energy-saving strategies. These efforts contributed to an estimated reduction of 1,337 metric tons of CO₂e: the equivalent of removing 302 gas-powered vehicles from the road!

Supporting partners like Sustainable Grand who are helping residents save money and build a more sustainable future for Grand County represents the Grand Foundation’s mission of proactively addressing environmental needs. Sustainable Grand’s work demonstrates how local action can deliver measurable environmental impact while strengthening the well-being of our entire community.


  • March 2026 Newsletter: Funding Updates, Important Deadlines, and More!
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Upcoming Events

6/19/2026

27th Annual Grand Classic

Enjoy Tournament Play at Two Mountain Courses Over Two Days Friday, June 19th & Saturday, June 20th If y...

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5/1/2026

23rd Annual Grand Gala

You're cordially invited to the Grand Foundation's May Day Celebration. Our Secondary Beneficiary: ...

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