Quick Stats
- Annual Giving: $500,000 (discretionary funds)
- Success Rate: 72% (based on available data)
- Decision Time: 16 weeks (4 months)
- Grant Range: $1,000 - $10,000
- Geographic Focus: Boulder County, Colorado exclusively
Contact Details
Website: https://www.commfound.org Phone: 303-442-0436 Email: philanthropicservices@commfound.org Address: 1123 Spruce Street, Boulder, CO 80302
Overview
Founded in 1991, Community Foundation Boulder County has grown into a significant philanthropic force in Colorado, managing nearly $98 million in assets and distributing approximately $500,000 annually through its discretionary grantmaking funds. Under the leadership of CEO Tatiana Hernandez, the foundation has embraced trust-based philanthropic practices, simplified application processes, and increased its focus on equity and community-led solutions. The foundation has granted $157 million since its founding to nonprofits focused on health and human services, basic needs, education, civic engagement, arts and culture, and environmental causes. The foundation operates with a strongly community-driven approach, engaging more than 80 Boulder County volunteers who contribute over 2,500 hours annually reviewing grant proposals and making funding recommendations.
Funding Priorities
Grant Programs
- Community Trust: $3,000 - $9,000 (general operating support for Boulder County nonprofits)
- Application: March-April annually (online portal, fixed deadline)
- Equity Funds (BRAVO, Open Door, Veterans): $1,000 - $5,000
- Application: August annually (online portal, fixed deadline)
- 15 Forever Fund: Variable amounts (youth-led philanthropy for mental health)
- Application: Managed by youth cohort
Priority Areas
- Animal care and welfare
- Arts and culture
- Civic engagement
- Education
- Environment
- Health and human services
- Latino communities (BRAVO Fund)
- LGBTQ+ individuals (Open Door Fund)
- Veterans and families (Veterans Fund)
What They Don't Fund
- Private non-operating foundations
- Activities outside Boulder County
- Programs not benefiting Boulder County residents
- Unsolicited proposals outside application periods
Governance and Leadership
CEO Tatiana Hernandez brings extensive philanthropic experience from Knight Foundation ($100M+ portfolio) and emphasizes: "The foundation is not neutral when it comes to standing with the most vulnerable, advancing equity, and championing resident leadership."
Board Chair: Scott Beard Board Vice-Chair: Deb Gardner
Application Process & Timeline
How to Apply
Applications accepted ONLY through online grant portal during designated periods. The foundation does not accept unsolicited requests, letters of interest, or proposals outside application windows.
Decision Timeline
- Community Trust: 4 months (April deadline → August announcement)
- Equity Funds: 2-2.5 months (August deadline → November announcement)
Success Rates
72% success rate based on available data (131 grants awarded from 181 applications)
Reapplication Policy
No explicit waiting periods documented. Annual cycles suggest reapplication possible in subsequent years.
Application Success Factors
The foundation has embraced trust-based philanthropy with:
- Simplified, shortened applications
- General operating support prioritized
- Flexible reporting options (blog posts, videos, conversations)
- No progress reports required for Community Trust
Strong applications demonstrate:
- Clear Boulder County impact and community connections
- Alignment with equity priorities and resident leadership
- Community support and involvement
- Understanding of foundation's values of supporting vulnerable populations
Key Takeaways for Grant Writers
- Timing Critical: Applications only accepted during specific windows (Community Trust: March; Equity Funds: August)
- Boulder County Focus Essential: All activities must benefit Boulder County residents
- General Operating Welcome: Request unrestricted funding without detailed project specs
- Community Review: Write for 80+ community volunteers, not just staff
- Equity Matters: Highlight support for underserved populations and resident leadership
- 72% Success Rate: Well-aligned applications have strong chances
- Network Beyond Application: Build relationships for discretionary/DAF support opportunities
References
- Community Foundation Boulder County website: https://www.commfound.org (accessed March 3, 2026)
- Grantmaking page: https://www.commfound.org/our-work/grantmaking/
- 2025 Community Trust announcement: https://www.commfound.org/blog/community-foundation-boulder-county-announces-2025-community-trust-granteesannouncing-the-2025-community-trust-grantees/
- 2024 Equity Funds announcement: https://www.commfound.org/blog/community-foundation-boulder-county-announces-the-2024-equity-funds-grantees/
- CEO Tatiana Hernandez profile: https://www.commfound.org/staff/tatiana-hernandez/
- Grant Portal Details: https://www.commfound.org/blog/grant-portal-and-application-details/
- ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer: https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/841171836
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