GRANTS FOR MANITOU SPRINGS COMMUNITY PROJECTS
The Manitou Springs Community Foundation awards grants up to $2,500 to organizations, programs, and projects that strengthen our community's connections, stewardship, and well-being. Grants are reviewed quarterly, with awards announced the following month. Read the full policies below to see if your project qualifies.
Grant Application
Grant Policies
• Except in emergency situations, the Foundation funds organizations, programs, or projects, rather than individuals.
• Grants are generally reviewed every quarter and will be announced the following month.
• Grant amounts are limited to $2,500.00 unless projects are accepted into our community philanthropy solicitation process.
• The MSCF grants may not be used to reimburse already expended funds.
• Grants will be awarded as a means to forward the mission of MSCF – “Inspire and strengthen community connections, stewardship, and well-being,” and to positively impact Manitou Springs, consistent with that mission.
• Whenever possible, the Foundation will leverage community resources in awarding grants.
• Applicants will be required to provide information about how grant funds are to be spent.
• Although not required for a grant, the corporate status of the applicant may be requested, along with additional documentation.
Up to $2,500 per project, unless accepted into our community philanthropy solicitation process.
Every quarter, with results announced the following month.
Generally no — MSCF funds organizations, programs, or projects rather than individuals, except in emergency situations.
FUNDED PROJECTS
Our Foundation provides financial resources and sponsorship for community projects that promote community connections, stewardship, and well-being. We work closely with our local government, school district, and existing community organizations. In building this Foundation, we hope to be a model of robust participatory processes in which all residents who choose to be involved are valued. As a volunteer run community foundation, we truly appreciate your time, talent, and treasure. We are delighted to work with individuals and families to design personalized legacies or make-a-difference gift programs.
The Manitou Springs Community Foundation provided a grant to the Manitou Springs School District to build the Mustang Way trail from the High School to the Intemann Trail. Students, Pikes Peak Trail CATS, Friends of the Peak, Friends of Red Rock Canyon, and other volunteer groups spent over 202 volunteer workdays completing the trail.
The trail is 1130 feet long with an average grade of 8%, which is good for hikers, bikers, and nature lovers. It replaces an eroded and unsafe trail that developed because students and local people in the community need that connection.
Manitou Springs desired to be among those forward thinking cities that wanted to act locally to effect globally. By enhancing our natural environment, the belief was we could make Manitou Springs a more “Pollinator friendly” city. The creation of Manitou Springs Pollinator district was an outgrowth of work begun in 2018 by the Manitou Springs Pollinator Project. Their mission is “to enhance the natural environment of Manitou Springs to make it a more pollinator friendly city”. In September of 2019, Manitou Springs City Council Adopted a Resolution Establishing the Commitment to Have a Sustainable Environment and An Ambitious Response to Climate Change for the City of Manitou Springs.
In April, 2023, Manitou Springs became the first certified Pollinator District in the World. 2023 was the third year of this Festival. To ensure the success of the National Pollinator Week and the Manitou Springs Pollinator District, this organization needed funds for a professional event planner, advertising, website and outreach which the Manitou Springs Community Foundation supported.
Manitou Springs' vibrant music scene was disrupted by the pandemic, with two popular venues, Swirl and The Townhouse, forced to halt live performances for over two years. Recognizing the importance of live music in fostering community connections and enhancing social vitality, the Manitou Springs Community Foundation stepped in to address the financial barriers faced by these venues and local musicians.
To revitalize the music scene, the Foundation provided funding for local businesses enabling them to resume live performances. Additionally, the Foundation increased support for two outdoor concert series, the Library Lawn Concert Series and The Manitou Springs Summer Concert Series, ensuring fair compensation for the musicians.