Impact Fund

Impact Fund is sponsored by OtterCares Foundation. The Impact Fund provides grants to schools and nonprofits in Northern Colorado to support programs that offer powerful, hands-on learning experiences to K-12 students.

You are using an outdated browser. Please upgrade your browser to improve your experience. OtterCares | OtterCares Impact Fund Grants The Impact Fund helps bring powerful, hands‑on learning experiences to K–12 students—experiences that inspire them to think like entrepreneurs and give back like philanthropists.

We partner with schools and nonprofits that help students create, problem‑solve, and make a real difference in their communities. In order to be considered for a grant through the Impact Fund, the request should meet the following criteria: We fund programs that make entrepreneurship or philanthropy a meaningful part of the student experience, using hands‑on projects like student‑run businesses or giving initiatives.

The primary purpose of the program must be student entrepreneurship and/or philanthropy. We support 501(c)(3) nonprofits and schools that have a clear plan to carry their program forward beyond our funding. The program serves K-12 students located in either Larimer or Weld counties of Colorado.

The Impact Fund has two application deadlines annually. 2026 Spring and Fall Grant Cycles Deadlines are as follows: Pre-application deadline: March 20, 2026 Main application deadline: April 20, 2026 Pre-application deadline: September 30, 2026 Main application deadline: October 30, 2026 Grant Awards typically range between $1,000 and $25,000 depending on program reach and scope.

If your pre-application submission meets fund criteria, we will discuss/suggest a suitable request amount. Funding Requirements & Limitations An organization may receive a grant from the Impact Fund, once per calendar year. Organizations may receive funding for two consecutive years, and then must take a one year break before applying for additional funding.

All grant recognition should be attributed to The OtterCares Foundation. Approved logos and brand guidelines will be provided via email, upon request. Please be advised that OtterCares does not currently fund for the following: Political campaigns or legislative lobbying efforts General wages or salaries Exception : we may fund salaries for time-limited, transformative roles for one grant cycle.

Building and construction projects Reproductive choice advocacy groups Exception : we may fund single-day events if they are part of a larger student entrepreneurship and/or philanthropy program with intentional programmatic work for students before/after the event.