2026 Community Partners Grant Program

The Community Partners Grant Program is a city-sponsored funding initiative administered by the City of Wheat Ridge, Colorado, to support non-profit agencies and programs that benefit and improve the health and wellness of Wheat Ridge residents. The City of Wheat Ridge is committed to enhancing the quality of life for its community, and this grant program serves as a key method for investing in non-denominational and non-sectarian organizations that are organized in the State of Colorado and do not receive other allocated funding from the City. The primary goal of this grant program is to provide resources to organizations whose services and programs directly enhance the quality of life for residents. Applications for the 2026 Community Partners Grant Program are now being accepted, and interested organizations must submit their funding requests for 2025 programming. The application process begins on June 1, 2025, and concludes on July 25, 2025. Organizations applying for funding must ensure that their programs or services are in alignment with the objectives and eligibility criteria as outlined by the grant program, including the stipulation that they do not receive other forms of allocated city funding. All applications are reviewed by the Community Partners Grant Program Committee, which evaluates proposals based on adherence to established guidelines and the degree to which they benefit the Wheat Ridge community. The program prioritizes organizations that provide measurable benefits to Wheat Ridge residents, particularly in areas that improve health, wellness, and quality of life. Following the application period, presentations to the grant committee are scheduled for August 19, August 26, and September 2, 2025. After this review, the committee presents its funding recommendations to the Wheat Ridge City Council in September or October 2025 for inclusion in the city’s 2026 budget. Once the city budget is adopted, applicants are notified of award decisions in November or December 2025, and funding is distributed during the first quarter of 2026 upon contract execution. In the most recent cycle, a total of $200,000 was recommended for distribution to 39 organizations, with individual awards ranging from $1,000 to $12,800, and a median award of $4,500. However, the awards for 2025 were ultimately reduced by 10% per organization due to budgetary adjustments. All funding must be used for programmatic purposes that align with the grant’s objectives, and organizations must meet the specified eligibility requirements to apply. The grant does not require matching funds, and the number of awards and award amounts are determined annually based on available city budget and committee recommendations. Applications are submitted through an online portal linked on the city’s website. Additional resources, such as a webinar recording about the 2026 application process, are made available to applicants to assist them in preparing competitive submissions. All communications regarding the program, including questions about eligibility or the application process, can be directed to the Assistant City Manager, Marianne Schilling, or the Management Analyst, Cole Haselip, whose contact information is publicly provided. The program is not open to organizations outside the State of Colorado or to those that receive other forms of Wheat Ridge municipal funding. All deadlines and requirements are strictly enforced, and late or incomplete applications may not be considered.

Review the 2026 CPGP Application webinar recording for guidance.