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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 efforts on Colorado’s economic recovery and on underserved workforce populations as well as 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 for up to 24 organizations over two application periods including access to information & resources, training, and 1:1 coaching & technical support. The program is a $10k value, and selected organizations will pay a small enrollment fee ranging from $100-$300.

  • 20% off a new Colorado Grants Guide® Membership
  • Grant Readiness Assessment

15 hours of grant training including:

  • Get Grants 101 (6 hours)
  • Program Planning & Evaluation (3 hours)
  • Nonprofit Financial Leadership (3 hours)
  • Grantwriting 201 (3 hours)
  • Monthly Funder Connections (as scheduled)
  • Up to 10 hours of 1:1 grant coaching provided by a GrantCorps Consultant
  • Up to 10 hours of additional support provided by GrantCorps VISTA Members

Program Schedule for 2025 Spring GrantCorps Cohort

Kick-Off Call – March 6, 9-11AM

Training #1 – Get Grants 101 – March 11 & 13, 9-12PM

Office Hours – April 10, 12-1PM

Training #2 – Program Planning & Evaluation – April 24, 1-4PM

Training #3 – Nonprofit Financial Leadership – May 8, 1-4PM

Office Hours – May 22, 12-1PM

Training #4 – Grantwriting 201 – June 5, 9-12PM

Office Hours – June 18, 12-1PM

Program Closing Call & Celebration – June 26, 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

The application period for the Spring Cohort closed on January 10, 2025. During this program cycle, 12 organizations will receive support over a period of 5 months. The program will launch in the first week of February and will close in June 2025.

The second application period will open May 1, 2025, and will close on July 12, 2025.  During this program cycle, 12 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 will be posted on May 1.

*Organizations that received 1:1 GrantCorps coaching or consultation services in 2023 or 2024 will not be eligible for the program in 2025.

**If applicants prefer to complete the application via phone, please let us know by calling: 720-885-9889.

Meet the GrantCorps Team!

Katy Pepinsky  (she, her, ella)

Program Director – Grant Services

Katy (she/her/ella) joined Community Resource Center (CRC) in 2022 and has brought her experiences and skills she developed as a former Executive Director, grant writer, trainer, and facilitator to her work. For over twenty years, Katy has worked with a diverse array of non-profit and service organizations to help build more resilient communities. As Program Director of Grant Services Katy works to build the capacity of Colorado nonprofits to access and manage public and private grant funds. Her deep commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion guided the development and launch of CRC’s GrantCorps project, which works to build more equitable access for small, rural, BIPOC- led and serving nonprofits. A longtime resident of Durango, Colorado, Katy is passionate about providing resources and tools to leaders across rural Colorado. Katy holds a master’s degree in Extension Education from Colorado State University and a Professional Non-Profit Management Certificate, from Fort Lewis College. Ella habla español.

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.

Lori Sharp (she, her, hers)

Principal, ThinkSharp! Consulting
Grant Consultant, GrantCorps

Lori is the founder of ThinkSharp! Consulting. Lori has over 10 years of grant management and NPO consulting experience, and her work has led to increased and stable funding for each client she works with. She prides herself on her client and funder relationships, strategic thinking and planning, and ability to represent her clients with integrity and passion.

Sarah Shikes (she, her, hers)

Owner, Aspire Nonprofit Consulting, LLC
Grant Consultant, GrantCorps

Originally from Denver Colorado, Sarah Shikes (she/her/hers) has worked in the nonprofit sector for over 25 years. Through her experience she has developed a deep understanding for what it takes to run a successful nonprofit organization and what pitfalls to watch out for when considering sustainability and capacity. The majority of Sarah’s career has been spent in the roles of associate director, operating officer, and executive director at Denver based nonprofit organizations specializing in early childhood education and social justice. Most recently Sarah served as the executive director for Centro Humanitario Para Los Trabajadores providing leadership and strategic direction in alignment with the national movements advocating for the rights and wellbeing of immigrant workers.

In 2024, Sarah graduated with a Master of Public Administration (MPA) from the University of Colorado Denver, she earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Foreign Languages from Pitzer College, Claremont, CA in 1993. Following college Sarah spent three years living in San Jose, Costa Rica working for the Institute for Central American Development Studies, and sharpening her skills to become fluent in Spanish.

Sarah now works as a consultant supporting community efforts that promote belonging and equity for all residents. Outside of her consulting work Sarah spends time with family and friends, volunteering, traveling, taking “urban hikes” around the city and occasional get-a-ways to the Colorado mountains.

Amy Stahlin (she, her, hers)

Director, ThinkSharp! Consulting
Grant Consultant, GrantCorps

Amy Stahlin is a Director at ThinkSharp! Consulting who specializes in grant writing and event direction for rural nonprofits.  Following a lifetime of volunteer involvement in nonprofit organizations, she joined the ThinkSharp! team in 2020. She started her grants career in academia as the Director of Prestigious Grants and Scholarships at a private university in Washington, DC. She moved to Montrose in 2015 and quickly recognized the vital community work that was happening in local nonprofits. Her favorite part of her job is helping rural nonprofits bring in the kind of funding that elevates their mission and ensures that they will be able to help their community for years to come. 

Amy has also been a professional dancer, a CrossFit coach, a natural parenting consultant, and a writer. She graduated from Emory University, then went to The Catholic University of America to pursue her graduate degree in Irish and Southern Literature. After a lifetime in big cities on the East Coast, she has happily settled into to her rural Colorado mountain life. She loves to explore the best places on the western slope with her husband and teenage kids—skiing, rafting, hiking, and going to amazing bluegrass festivals. 

Resources

State & Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLFRF) Colorado Nonprofit Subrecipient Toolkit

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!

Katy Pepinsky, Program Director – Grant Services: katy.pepinsky@crcamerica.org, tel: 720.885.9889. Ella habla español.

GrantCorps FAQ

New in 2025, GrantCorps is requesting a fee for program enrollment. 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 August. 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

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

The second application period will open May 1, 2025, and will close on July 12, 2025.  During this program cycle, 12 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 will be posted on May 1.

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 1, 2025 (10-week period)
    • Application due date: July 12, 2025
    • Application review: July 15 – July 26 (2 weeks)
    • Notification of application decisions: week of July 29 (last week of July)

In order to participate, partners will be asked to provide:

  • A completed GrantCorps Application,
  • A contact person within the organization who is ready and willing to participate in the program, and
  • A signed Services Agreement, sent to the contact person after their intake meeting, that outlines the terms and expectations of both participants and the GrantCorps team during service.
  • The program fee. Program fees are due prior to the start dates of either program session in February or August.

2025 Funders of GrantCorps