Grant Process
The Eagle River Fund
Overview
The Eagle River Fund supports eligible entities as they engage in work that protects the watershed's natural infrastructure, as well as water quality and quantity.
Eligibility
The Eagle River Fund grants awards to eligible charitable entities engaging in projects that are included in community plans for the Eagle River.
It is the intent of the Fund to award initial or supplemental funding to eligible organizations that will enable such organizations to leverage the Eagle River Fund grant to obtain funds from other organizations and sources.
Reporting
Projects that receive Eagle River Fund awards will be required to provide regular reporting on progress.
How To Apply
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The Eagle River Fund’s competitive grant cycle is open Feb. 2 - 27, 2026.
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Prior to applying, please contact Melanie Smith at smith@eagleriverco.org to discuss project ideas and eligibility.
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The grant application utilizes the Western Colorado Community Foundation Grant Portal, which requires applicants create a profile and/or log in.
Apply for an Eagle River Fund Grant
THE COMPETITIVE GRANT CYCLE IS OPEN FEB 2 - 27, 2026.
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The Eagle River Fund advances work that protects the watershed's natural infrastructure, as well as water quality and quantity. Launched in 2024, the Fund ensures that a healthy, flowing Eagle River remains the thriving center of our communities for generations to come.
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Eligible applicants must reference the issue or project this work addresses within the Eagle River Community Water Plan or other published plans, and, if possible, the submission should be referenced in the list of Community Water Plan Implementation Strategies/Appendix P. Projects that incorporate meaningful education/outreach efforts, research, scoping, and planning may be considered.
It is the intent of the Fund to provide initial or supplemental funding to eligible organizations that will enable such organizations to leverage the Eagle River Fund grant to obtain funds from other organizations and sources. Therefore, applicants must already have identified and/or secured funding outside the Eagle River Fund grant. ​
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Applicant Eligibility
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Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofits, public entities such as municipalities and special districts, and private entities working in partnership with an eligible fiscal sponsor.​
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Grant Timing
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The grant opportunity opens February 2, 2026, and the deadline to apply is Friday, February 27, 2026, by 5:00 p.m. MST.
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For the 2026 competitive funding round, projects should be designed for completion within 12–18 months.
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Post-work reporting will be required of grant recipients.
Additional Information
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Prior to submitting an application, interested organizations should contact Melanie Smith at smith@eagleriverco.org to discuss project ideas and eligibility.
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The grant application utilizes the Western Colorado Community Foundation Grant Portal. Log in or create a profile on the portal platform here. Questions about the online application system may be directed to Sarah Fuller, Program Officer at Western Colorado Community Foundation, (sfuller@wc-cf.org), or Talitha Costello, Database and Records Associate, (tcostello@wc-cf.org).​
About the Western Colorado Community Foundation
The Western Colorado Community Foundation (WCCF) is a force for good—amplifying generosity and sparking lasting change across its seven-county region. Managing more than $187 million in assets and distributing over $8.3 million annually in grants and scholarships, WCCF builds lasting connections that unite people, partners, expertise, and resources to strengthen western Colorado for generations to come. Learn more at wc-cf.org.