The Golden Community Foundation (GCF) offers the Community Impact Grant Program to support organizations in their efforts to positively impact the quality of life and future prospects for residents in the Golden community. The program is designed to provide funding to initiatives that align with GCF's mission of advancing the economic and cultural vitality of Golden. The grants can be applied to one of two categories: Capacity-Building Grants or Program Grants. These grants aim to enhance organizational effectiveness or to fund innovative community-based programs that address pressing needs.

The program has specific criteria for selection. Successful proposals must align with one or more of GCF’s Funding Priorities, which include fostering community well-being and cultural vitality. Additionally, the proposal must articulate a well-defined community need, outline clear actions to meet that need, and leverage existing partnerships or funding to maximize the impact of the proposed project. Applicants must also define how success will be measured and demonstrate sustainability through additional funding or long-term planning.

The Capacity-Building Grants are focused on strengthening an organization’s ability to achieve its mission. This could include training for leadership and staff, development of governance strategies, and improvements in systems such as financial management, marketing, and technology. The goal is to increase the organization's sustainability and efficiency, ensuring it can continue to serve the community effectively. For example, the grant can be used to fund board training, succession planning, or staff development.

Program Grants, on the other hand, are aimed at funding programs that address the community's urgent needs or advance the civic and cultural vitality of Golden. This might include initiatives focused on basic needs such as food, healthcare, and housing, or programs that enhance the city’s culture and heritage. The program also supports pilot or demonstration projects and ongoing initiatives that provide critical services to the community.

Applications for the Community Impact Grants will be accepted starting January 21, 2025. The application deadline is March 7, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. Following the submission deadline, the GCF’s Board of Directors and Advisors will conduct interviews with applicants through March and April 2025. The final selection process will involve a review panel made up of GCF’s Board Directors and staff, who will make the final funding decisions. Grantees will be notified of the status of their applications in late April 2025.