Program Summary
Shared community leadership of climate solutions is central to Our Climate Future (OCF). To support this, the City of Fort Collins is directly investing in local, community-led groups. The newly funded OCF Community Leadership Grants program is a flexible, low-barrier resource providing equitable access to modest funding ($2,000-$10,000) for groups, organizations, and businesses looking to build capacity for climate leadership to advance the OCF Big Moves . [link ]
Eligibility Summary
To be eligible to receive funds through this program, an applicant must demonstrate a commitment to climate equity in Fort Collins, and explain how their work will advance OCF Big Move 1: Shared Leadership and Community Partnership. Organizations must be located in Northern Colorado and work in Fort Collins. Projects such as one-time events or fundraising events will not be funded. Additional criteria are listed below.
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Criteria
To be considered for funding, organizations MUST:
1.Commitment to climate equity
Partner group/organization has an articulated and demonstrated commitment to: recognizing and addressing the burdens underserved groups experience that are made worse by climate change, while ensuring that people of all identities share the benefits of climate protection efforts.
Grantees must demonstrate how their programs are connected to and serve the Fort Collins community, focusing on those listed below*.
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*Communities identified in OCF as underrepresented in climate action and local government (though not limited to):
People/groups who have experienced systemic and institutional discrimination or marginalization
Community members under age 29
Veterans
People experiencing homelessness
People living in manufactured homes
Commuter communities
Low-income communities
Small businesses
2. Advance OCF Big Move 1: Shared Leadership and Community Partnership
Grant proposal demonstrates methods that advance opportunities and builds capacity* for groups/organizations to lead and partner with community(members)to achieve OCF goals and objectives. Preference will be shown for innovative, people-centered approaches that advance climate equity.
Directly advance leadership in underserved groups. Example: The organization is taking steps to prepare, guide leaders so that their advocacy is no longer needed and leaders will have skills to advocate for themselves.
3. Advance at least one additional Big Move
Grant proposal addresses how the work relates to and furthers one or more Big Moves, in addition to Big Move .
4. Grantee must demonstrate how grant funding will contribute to long-term benefits and/or ongoing efforts to grow the leadership capacity of groups that may include equity-centered learning alongside city staff. Example: Grantee will work with staff to develop a plan for ongoing efforts for growth in the equity learning space within communities they serve.
5. Grantee will provide proof of good financial standing from State of CO
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*Definition:
Capacity building for climate equity - is the process of strengthening the skills, knowledge and resources of underserved groups to help them adapt to climate change and implement projects. Example: "An organization applies for and attains 501(c)(3) status and then can apply for grant funding to scale their activities and impact'.
Requirements for Grantees
Spend grant amount in its entirety by the end of 2024
Report on shared leadership and community partnership learnings.
During this pilot year of the OCF grants program, feedback and lessons learned will be especially important to determine how funds can best meet community needs in the future. Grantees are expected to share impact and lessons learned at the end of the funding term, with support from City staff.
The City of Fort Collins considers applicants without regard to race, ethnicity, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, age, class, sexual identity, mental and physical abilities and ability.