What is GrantCorps?

GrantCorps is dedicated to building the grant capacity of nonprofits across Colorado.

GrantCorps provides information, training, and 1:1 technical support to nonprofits across Colorado in grant research, proposal development, and grant management. We work alongside organizations with less capacity, experiencing barriers accessing public and private grants so they can better secure funding for their communities long-term.   

Additionally, GrantCorps is committed to working with organizations that focus on affordable housing and economic development initiatives. GrantCorps’ target beneficiaries directly align with AmeriCorps priorities for service, including low-income Native Americans, Native Alaskans & Pacific Islanders; low-income individuals with disabilities; individuals & families experiencing homelessness; low-income adults; low-income youth; and low-income communities.  

Our goals are to:

  • Enable more sharing of grant information and resources  
  • Help nonprofits improve their fund-development capacity and systems 
  • Increase the amount of grant funds awarded  
  • Improve grant making practices across Colorado  

What we do…

In 2025, GrantCorps will offer comprehensive grant capacity-building support over two application periods. This fall, the program is a $3k value, and selected organizations will pay a small enrollment fee ranging from $100-$300.

  • Grant Readiness Assessment: a thorough review of the organization’s grant readiness 
  • Colorado Grants Guide® (CGG): a complimentary 3-month subscription & live demo of the site  

15+ hours of grant training including:

  • Get Grants (6 hours) 
  • Program Planning & Evaluation* (3 hours)  
  • Nonprofit Financial Leadership* (3 hours) 
  • Grantwriting 201 (3 hours) 
  • Monthly Funder Connections (as scheduled) 
  • 20% discount to additional CRC trainings in Sept, Oct, Nov 

*these sessions are self-paced and pre-recorded 

  • 8 hours of grant development coaching from CRC’s experienced team 
  • Additional support provided by GrantCorps VISTA members 
  • Peer connection with other grassroots and community-based changemakers 

Program Schedule for 2025 Fall GrantCorps Cohort

Grant Readiness AssessmentFirst week of August

Kick-Off Call – September 4, 9-11AM

Get Grants Training Sept 16 & 18, 9-12PM

CRC Lead & VISTA Connections – 3rd week of Sept – Dec

Program Planning & Evaluationcontent shared Oct 9

Office Hours #1 Oct 16, 12-1 PM  

Nonprofit Financial Leadershipcontent shared Oct 23

Office Hours #2 – Oct 30, 12-1 PM

Grantwriting 201 –  Nov 13, 9-12PM

Office Hours #3 Nov 20, 12-1PM

Program Closure Dec 11, 3-5PM

1:1 coaching sessions will be determined between the team & organizations and will take place during the program cycle.

All services will be provided virtually using Zoom and Microsoft Teams video software. Language interpretation services are available upon request.

Application Information

Due to generous support from the Colorado Housing & Finance Authority, or CHFA, CRC will select 8 organizations to participate in the 2025 Fall Cohort. Applications will be scored in four key areas: capacity; location; experienced barriers; and people served. Additionally, organizations must demonstrate certain “grant-readiness” measures to qualify.  

Applications are now closed for 2025. Applicants will be notified if they are selected to participate in the program the last week of July.

*Organizations that received 1:1 GrantCorps coaching or consultation services in 2023, 2024, or in the spring cohort of 2025 will not be eligible for the program in the fall of 2025. If you applied to a previous cycle and were not selected, you are eligible to apply again. 

GrantCorps FAQ

New in 2025, GrantCorps is requesting a fee. This is in alignment with CRC’s overall fee-for-service philosophy, which includes sliding-scale price points and demonstrates partner organization commitment to the program.

Program fees are due prior to the start dates of either program session in February or September. Finances should not be a barrier to participation. Please contact CRC directly if you have any concerns about program cost.

Cost for the GrantCorps program is determined based on a sliding scale, as listed below:

Organizational Budget Size GrantCorps Program Enrollment Fee
0 – $99,999 $100
$100,000 – $249,999 $150
$250,00 – $499,999 $200
$500,00 – $749,999 $250
$750,000 – $999,999 $300

Selected organizations are required to commit:  

  • Time: The fall cohort runs from August – December 2025 and organizations should expect to commit 5-10 hours/week during this time to: 
  • Attend live trainings, coaching sessions, and office hours. 
  • Watch pre-recorded, self-paced videos. 
  • Do “homework” assigned after trainings and between coaching sessions. 
  • Provide feedback after trainings and at the end of the cohort 
  • Enrollment fee: Selected organizations will pay a small enrollment fee ranging from $100-$300. For the Fall Cohort, the enrollment fee is due by September 3, 2025.   

Cost for the GrantCorps program is determined based on a sliding scale

In 2025, GrantCorps will offer comprehensive grant capacity-building support for up to 24 organizations over two application periods. During the fall cycle this program cycle, 8 12 organizations will be selected to receive support over a period of 5 months. The program launched in the first week of February and closed in June 2025. The first application period opened November 1, 2024, and closed on January 10, 2025. 

 

The second application period opened May 30, 2025 and will close on July 12, 2025.  During this program cycle, 8 organizations will be selected to receive support over a period of 5 months. The program will launch in the first week of September and will close in December 2025. The program schedule for the Fall Cohort was posted at the end of May. 

Application review and selection cycle for 2025: 

  • First cohort = Apply now – start date of February 2025 
  • Application posts: November 1, 2024 (10-week period) 
  • Application due date: January 10, 2025 
  • Application review: Jan 13 – Jan 24 (2 weeks) 
  • Notification of application decisions: week of Jan 27 (last week of Jan) 
  • Second cohort = Apply in May 2025 – start date of August 2025 
  • Application posts: May 30, 2025 (6-week period) 
  • Application due date: July 11, 2025 
  • Application review: July 15 – July 26 (2 weeks) 
  • Notification of application decisions: week of July 29 (last week of July) 

Meet the GrantCorps Team!

Alex McHenry  (she, her, hers)

Director of Programs and Development

Alex joined Community Resource Center (CRC) in 2020, bringing over twelve years of experience in education, leadership, and community engagement. As a leader, Alex stives to create teams that are transparent, community-driven and collaborative. A natural and authentic relationship builder, Alex has spent her career in the nonprofit sector connecting people and galvanizing groups to work together for community growth. As the Director of Programs, Alex provides strategic oversight to CRC’s core program areas including Grant Services, Rural Action Network, and Civic Engagement and Advocacy. Born and raised in Denver, Alex’s passion for community engagement has also been shaped by her time living in Kenya and Malaysia. Alex has a masters’ degree in Conservation Leadership, is a graduate of the Family Leadership Training Institute (FLTI) and is passionate about working at a systems level to tackle complex social issues. In her free time Alex enjoys all outdoor activities and spending time with her family.

Marcy Mitchell (she, her, hers)

Manager of Programs and Communications

Marcy has lived in Southwest Colorado for over 20 years and has assisted numerous small businesses and nonprofit organizations with marketing, web development, and administration. With her experience as a former Executive Director, grant writer, small business development advisor, and business owner, Marcy brings an array of experiences to help nonprofits impact their communities. She has served on several nonprofit boards and community organizations including the Community Foundation Serving SW Colorado, Early Childhood Council of Archuleta County and the CRC steering committee for Southwest Rural Philanthropy Days. Marcy joined CRC as Colorado Grants Guide Manager in 2024 and is excited to help nonprofits expand their grant funding and resources. Marcy and her husband have three grown children and one grandchild. In her free time, she loves hiking, skiing, climbing Colorado’s 14ers, and traveling.

Ariel Chukwuma (she, her, hers)

Grantwriting Specialist VISTA

Ariel Chukwuma is an environmental justice advocate who focuses on sustainable practices and community empowerment. With a degree in Environmental Science and Inequality Studies from Duke University, Ariel has led initiatives addressing the intersection of environmental and social justice issues, particularly for BIPOC communities. She has experience in community engagement, research, and event coordination, all aimed at creating equitable and inclusive environmental solutions. Ariel is passionate about fostering sustainable change and supporting underrepresented voices in the fight against climate and socioeconomic challenges.

Tanisha Medina (she, her, hers)

Statewide Data Analyst VISTA

Tanisha (she/her/hers) is a recent graduate with a B.S. In Applied Mathematics from the University of Northern Colorado. She brings a strong foundation in data collection, data cleaning and data analysis. She is eager to apply her skills as an intern and gain valuable experience.

Avery Saenz (she, her, hers)

Grantwriting Specialist VISTA

Avery (She/her/hers) grew up in Cordele, GA, a rural town where her parents settled after traveling as migrant crop workers. She enjoyed the slow country life, spending most of her childhood outside with their small farm animals. Since she was a child, Avery always dreamed of moving to the city. In 2015, she moved to Colorado to be closer to her family, specifically her Abuelita.
Avery completed her undergraduate degree at the University of Colorado, majoring in Sociology and minoring in Economics. Her passions and career aspirations have always been geared towards helping people and communities with limited resources. She is passionate about world travel, personal/emotional development, and writing. In her free time, Avery enjoys watching novelas with her Abuelita, taking her dogs to the park, and reading books.

Steve Williams (he, him, his)

Statewide Data Analyst VISTA

Stephen Williams Jr. is a dedicated IT professional, mentor, and humanitarian with a strong background in technical support, database management, and community service. Originally from Memphis, TN, and now residing in Colorado Springs, CO, he is passionate about using technology to solve problems, improve efficiency, and make a positive impact on others.

Stephen holds a Bachelor of Arts in Business Information Systems and is currently pursuing a Master’s in Information Systems Management at the University of Arizona Global Campus. As a mentor at the university, he actively supports students by providing guidance on coursework, technical skills, and career preparation. His passion for helping others extends beyond academics, as he is committed to humanitarian efforts that promote education, technology access, and community development.

Stephen’s dedication to continuous learning and service drives his work. Whether through mentorship, technology, or humanitarian initiatives, he strives to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives. Outside of work and studies, he enjoys exploring new technologies, spending quality time with family, and collaborating on creative projects.

Resources

This Toolkit has been established to assist smaller nonprofits serving rural communities and organizations that focus efforts on underserved workforce populations, in navigating the State & Local Fiscal Recovery Fund grant application and reporting process. The guide was developed in partnership between Community Resource Center & the Colorado Workforce Development Council. 

Helpful Links

State & Local Fiscal Recovery Fund (SLFRF) Info Session Video: In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, national, state, and local governments are being charged with supporting communities in their response and recovery. The State & Local Fiscal Recovery Funds, or SLFRF, is one mechanism that is directing funds to state, local, and Tribal governments across the country to support their response to and recovery from COVID-19. In this session we cover the offerings, eligibility, and requirements of the State & Local Fiscal Recovery Fund (SLFRF) as well as resources to assist nonprofit organizations with limited fund development capacity to seek and apply for these government grants.

Colorado Grants Guide: developed by the Community Resource Center (CRC), is the state’s leading online resource for funding research. This database contains hundreds of profiles of local foundations and trusts, corporations, national funders, government agencies and religious organizations that support Colorado nonprofits. These profiles are updated regularly, so as to always provide the most relevant information available.

Have questions?

Contact Us!

Alex McHenry, Director of Programs & Development: email hidden; JavaScript is required, tel: 720.637.8396. 

2025 Funders of GrantCorps