Building Resilient Community-Based Organizations Program

The Building Resilient Community-Based Organizations (BRCBO) program is a grant initiative launched by the Office of Strategic Partnerships & Resilient Communities (SPARC) in Adams County, Colorado. The program is designed to support community-based organizations (CBOs) that serve residents of Adams County by enhancing their long-term organizational resilience, leadership capacity, and operational systems. Through a cohort-based structure, BRCBO provides not only direct funding but also tailored strategic planning, executive coaching, peer learning, and professional development opportunities aimed at strengthening organizational effectiveness. BRCBO accepts applications from eligible community-based organizations that are in one of three key stages of development: Emerging, Transformation, or Optimization. The program is specifically designed to help these organizations clarify strategic goals, adapt to operational changes, and improve internal processes. To ensure meaningful participation and development, awarded organizations must be prepared to engage fully with SPARC staff and pre-selected consultants over a six- to twelve-month period. Activities will include strategic planning sessions using the ToP® Strategic Planning Method, individual executive coaching, and full-day workshops focused on leadership, board development, fundraising, storytelling, and action planning. Each awarded organization will receive $12,000 in discretionary funding, payable after completing approximately 50% of the program requirements. These funds must be used to support professional development and capacity-building activities, such as additional trainings, coaching, or workshops, aligned with the organization’s long-term goals. The funding is non-renewable in the same program year, and organizations can only participate for up to two consecutive years, after which they must take a year off before reapplying. The program’s 2026 cycle opens for applications on Friday, February 13, and closes on Friday, March 13, at 4:59 p.m. MST. Two virtual Q&A sessions will be held—on Monday, February 23 and Monday, March 2 from noon to 1 p.m.—to support applicants with the submission process. Applicants must RSVP to receive calendar invites and links for these sessions. Award decision notifications will be made in April. Applications are reviewed for organizational readiness, alignment with program goals, and capacity to commit to the program’s time requirements. Applicants must comply with all Adams County grant policy guidelines and demonstrate financial and operational transparency. Selected organizations will be required to participate in regular program monitoring, including financial reporting and performance evaluations carried out by Adams County and designated reviewers. Past participants may apply again, although priority is given to first-time applicants. The BRCBO program plays a crucial role in strengthening Adams County’s nonprofit ecosystem. By investing in leadership and infrastructure, the program helps ensure that organizations are equipped to respond to both everyday community needs and emerging crises. For more information or to express interest in future cohorts, applicants are encouraged to contact SPARC via email at [email protected].