The Rural Catalyst Grant Program, administered by the Boettcher Foundation, is designed to enhance the internal capacity of organizations as they strive to achieve the objectives set during the Foundation's Rural Leadership Collaborative meetings. These quarterly meetings serve as a platform for rural leaders to explore strategies that benefit their organizations, communities, and regions. The grants, ranging from $1,000 to $10,000, support strategic planning, convening, short-term staffing or contractors, and one-time operating costs. The focus areas eligible for funding include affordable rural housing, childcare, workforce retention and hiring, leadership development, mental health, rural placemaking, and inter-community collaboration. Eligibility is extended to organizations that have participated in the Foundation’s Rural Collaborative meeting on these issues and prioritize those based in or serving rural Colorado. Applications are evaluated based on strategic relevance to the organization and the potential impact on the specified issue areas.
