Grant Details

Grant Restrictions

Grants are made only to 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations with a 509 (a)(1) or 509 (a)(2) designation or governmental agencies. No grants are awarded to individuals or to organizations/programs utilizing a fiscal agent or sponsor. No grants are awarded for research. No grants are made to “pass through” nonprofit organizations.

At this time CSOF will not consider applications supporting housing or the arts.

Grant Types

Project support grants: funds a particular program or project with expected outcomes

General operating support: allows a grantee to decide how funds are used, though most grantees have conversations about expectations and intended outcomes.

Note: 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations that provide housing may not apply for a general operating grant. Please apply for a program or project grant for other services that satisfy one CSOF’s stated grant priorities

Capital support: for equipment and limited bricks & mortar

Challenge/matching grants: provides funds to an organization with the expectation (or on the condition) that additional funds are raised from other sources

Grant Funding Range

Generally between $5,000 and $25,000 per selected grantee. Multi-year grants or grants larger than $25,000 may be awarded; these are limited by invitation only.

Consecutive Award Limits

Nonprofit organizations are eligible to receive grant funding for three consecutive years. After three years of consecutive funding, the organization must take a year off before they are eligible to apply again.

Grant Cycle

Proposals should be received no later than May 31 at 11:59 PM (Mountain) for the 2026-2027 fiscal year grant cycle. Proposals received after the deadline will not be considered. Grant decisions are made in October.

Application Form and Process

CSOF utilizes an online grant application process. For the 2026-2027 grant cycle, the application portal will be available no later than April 1, 2026.

To access the CSOF’s online grant application, please click the button below. Organizations who have applied using CSOF’s online portal in the past should utilize their existing login. If you need help with your existing login, please contact CSOF at EDCEO@CSOF.org.

For first-time applications, you will be prompted to create an account. Please be certain to retain your login information for future reference. All communication related to your funding request will be sent to the email address associated with the organization’s login and profile.

Beginning in 2026, all applicants must schedule a pre-application phone call with CSOF’s Executive Director. Any application received without first conducting the required call will not be reviewed.

Please be sure to include all requested information by the stated application deadline. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Completed applications will be reviewed by CSOF’s grant selection advisory committee. Applying organizations may be asked to conduct a site visit as part of the committee’s evaluation process. Organizations being considered for a multi-year award will be asked to present to the grant selection committee. Final funding decisions will be made in October 2026.

Grant applications must be submitted by 11:59 PM on May 31, 2026.