Council Community Grant Program

The Council Community Grant Program is administered by the Town of Castle Rock, Colorado, and is funded entirely through the town’s General Fund. This initiative demonstrates Castle Rock’s commitment to fostering community development and supporting local nonprofit organizations that directly enhance the town’s quality of life. The total annual funding allocation for the program is capped at $20,000, and grants are distributed quarterly with a maximum of $6,000 allocated per quarter. Individual nonprofit organizations may apply for up to $1,000 per calendar year. The program places a strong emphasis on community-driven efforts and ensures funds are distributed equitably to organizations that make meaningful contributions to the town's residents. The primary objective of the Council Community Grant Program is to support nonprofit-led, community-based projects that enhance the well-being and engagement of Castle Rock residents. Priority is given to programs benefiting youth, seniors, and those with an environmental or sustainability component. The grant is not intended to support ongoing or repetitive expenses; instead, it seeks to support unique, impactful initiatives that offer measurable community benefit. A key addition in 2026 is the exclusion of typical youth and high school sports and activities unless the proposed project offers a non-repetitive or unique contribution to the community, reinforcing the town’s focus on distinctive and value-adding proposals. Eligibility for the program is limited to nonprofit organizations with valid IRS Affirmation Letters. Starting in 2026, organizations that have received the grant for two consecutive years are required to take a one-year break before reapplying. This ensures broader distribution and encourages new applicants. Preference is now also given to nonprofits located within Castle Rock, as well as those that have not previously received the grant. The competitive nature of the program underscores the importance of demonstrating both community impact and organizational credibility. Applications may be submitted on an as-needed basis but are reviewed quarterly by the Castle Rock Town Council. Applicants must ensure their submission aligns with one of the four quarterly deadlines: February 20, May 22, August 14, or November 13 in 2026. The corresponding Town Council meetings for grant review are scheduled approximately one month later for each quarter. Applications that are not approved may be resubmitted for consideration in the next cycle, provided the proposed project remains valid. All applicants are required to have a representative present at the Town Council meeting where their application is reviewed. This requirement supports transparency and allows the council to engage directly with applicants about the intended use of funds and the anticipated community benefits. Submissions may be mailed directly to the Finance Department at Town Hall. Although no electronic application portal is specified, mail submission is explicitly outlined, indicating a traditional approach to application processing. Key contact information for the program includes the Finance Department of the Town of Castle Rock, located at 100 N. Wilcox St., Castle Rock, CO 80104, reachable at 720-896-8696. No direct email or named contact is provided. The application process does not appear to include pre-application steps such as letters of intent or concept papers. However, applicants should plan accordingly to attend the appropriate council meeting and submit in advance of the quarterly deadlines. The grant operates on a recurring quarterly basis, providing multiple opportunities throughout the year to engage with the program and contribute to Castle Rock’s community enrichment goals.

A representative must attend the Town Council meeting during the review of their application.