Virtual Funder Roundtable Resources Page
If you are participating in the San Luis Valley Virtual Funder Roundtables, you will receive an email to select your funder-specific sessions after the pre-training event on January 15, 2026.
At the Virtual Funder Roundtables (VFRTs) you will have the opportunity to introduce yourself to statewide and regional funders, share a bit about your work, ask questions about fit, and speak to your needs and plans.
This three and a half hour session will provide participating grantseekers with the opportunity to connect with up to six funders throughout the morning. Nonprofits will sign up for a time block to introduce themselves to funders of their choice in a small group breakout with other organizations from the same region.
To ensure that you make the most of the VFRTs and that it runs smoothly for all involved, please make full use of the provided resources to do research on participating funders prior to signing up for a specific funder’s session.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs)
What do I need to do to prepare for this event?
Step 1: Register for the event using this page
Step 2: Attend the virtual pre-training on Thursday, January 15, 9-10:30am or watch the recording to help you succeed and answer your questions.
Step 3: After the pre-training, you will research funders you would like to meet with using the Funder Profile Packet.
Step 4: You will be emailed on January 15, to sign up for a timeslot to connect with up to 6 funders!
I signed up for the roundtables, how do I access them?
There are two different sign-up process – the first is here to register for the event itself, and the second is through Sign Up Genius to sign up for specific timeslots with funders. The Sign Up Genius does not open until January 15. You will learn how to use Sign Up Genius and how to access the roundtables at the pre-training.
I thought I signed up for pre-training, I never received a confirmation.
You will receive a reminder email about the pre-training a few days prior to the event.
What’s the difference between the pre-training and the event?
At the pre-training, no funders will be present. The pre-training will be an opportunity to review how to sign up with Funders, how to research funders, and how to log in to the roundtables for the main event. It is required that you either attend the pre-training or watch the recording.
I missed the deadline to register, can I still join?
Unfortunately, the deadline to register is strict. Please email email hidden; JavaScript is required if you have a unique circumstance.
I can no longer attend (or I didn’t attend) the pre-training, can I still participate in the roundtables?
Yes – as long as you watch the pre-training recording. CRC will have access to records of who watched the recording.
Can I sign up my full organization? Or should I sign up individually?
Please sign up individually as you will need your own email account to sign into the event
How many people from my organization can sign up? Should we sign up to see the same funders?
While we do not limit the number of individuals from an organization that can participate, we ask that participating staff sign up to connect with different funders in order to maximize the number of nonprofits that can meet with each funder.
How many funders can I meet with?
You are able to meet with up to 6 funders. You can choose to attend as few or as many as you’d like.
I am not great with technology, should I attend?
Yes! We will be going over all the technical aspects in the pre-training. We will also host office hours on January 20, from 10am-11am.
When do I sign up with Funders?
First, you will need to attend the virtual pre-training or watch the recording. Then, sign up with funders opens on January 15.
Who should I contact if I have questions?
Please email email hidden; JavaScript is required and our team will be monitoring the emails.
What if my organization is not physically located in the San Luis Valley region, but serves a population in the county?
You are able to register for the Virtual Funder Roundtables as long as you work in and/or serve the SLV region.
I’ve never participated in a virtual event like this and I’m a bit nervous. What did last year’s Virtual Funder Roundtables participants say about the experience?
“This is my first VFRT and it has been so smooth it feels like a break from work. I love getting to hear what other nonprofits are doing in the region and learning from how they do their introductions.”
“Great. It was a no, but now I don’t have to waste my time on a lengthy application and can put my time into finding other funding partners”
“Thank you for such a wonderful event. We felt empowered and encouraged by all of our interactions.”
SEARCH PARTICIPATING FUNDERS
How do you find the right funders to speak with at VFRTs? Look for a match between your organization’s mission, programs, and projects and the funder’s primary funding areas. Is there a consistency between the purpose and goals of your project and the funder? Does the funder award the type of grant that you are seeking? Does the funder work in your geographic area? CRC will be providing a snapshot of each funder for participants to review.
As a VFRT participant, you also have a 20% discount to access The Colorado Grants Guide® which provides more in-depth look at each of the Funders as well as more than 1200 Funders and Grants from organizations who provide funding to Colorado nonprofits. We will provide the discount code during the pre-training event!
If you have any questions about the provided resources, please feel free to contact email hidden; JavaScript is required.
HELPFUL DEFINITIONS
Types of Foundations
- Corporate: a company that has started a separate philanthropic entity to award funding that aligns with their work/issue areas
- Operating: 501c branch of a large public entity (hospital, school, university, etc.) which serves as their in-house fundraising arm; generally does not engage in grantmaking
- Private: a foundation usually created via a single contribution/donation from an individual or a business (sale of a hospital, etc.); their funds and programs are managed by trustees or board of directors; giving often aligned to original donor intent
- Community: grantmaking entities seeking to impact their local geographic area; assets come from multiple sources (individuals, families and local businesses) to support a specific community; tend to have broad giving priorities
Types of Grants
- Capital Improvement: funding for long term needs, usually associated with a facility; includes construction, acquisition, improvements
- Emergency Loans/Grants: a one-time grant or loan to help NPO meet a short-term funding crisis
- General Operating: also referred to as unrestricted grants; used to cover daily expenses or administrative costs
- Matching/Challenge: grant with the requirement that the amount be matched dollar-for-dollar; conditional grant that requires the recipient to raise additional funds within a specified period of time to help develop a diversified funding base
- Project/Program Support: a grant to support a specific project or program; money is restricted for this purpose
- Research: a grant to support the costs of studies, surveys, or clinical trials, including demonstration and pilot programs; grants awarded to individuals are usually called fellowships
- Scholarships: a grant award to an individual, usually for education
- Sponsorships: a grant or donation that provides a marketing opportunity for the donor
- Start-up/Seed Money: funding given in support of a new project that may cover salaries and other operating expenses
- Technical Assistance: grants that support operational or management assistance such as fundraising assistance, budgeting and financial planning, legal advice, technical advice, etc.
