SPARK Change Fund
Introducing CHEER Colorado's new SPARK Change Fund!
If you’re a grassroots or local nonprofit working to improve the lives of LGBTQIA+ community members in Colorado, we want to hear from you! This is your chance to access funding dedicated to projects that uplift, empower and impact Colorado’s LGBTQIA+ community. Let's dive into how you can apply for up to $2,000 to support your important work!
The Timeline - Mark Your Calendar!
Here’s what the journey to your grant looks like—don’t worry, we’ll be with you every step of the way!
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July: The application period is open until mid-August! Start gathering your materials, writing that awesome proposal, and getting ready to submit.
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August-September: CHEER Colorado will review all applications. We review all applications with care and will be in touch if we need anything.
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September: We’ll announce the award recipients!
Eligibility - Are You Ready?
Before you grab your application form, make sure your organization meets the following criteria. If you're checking all the boxes, then you’re ready to go!
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Based in Colorado: Your nonprofit needs to be based in the beautiful state of Colorado (and we love seeing how you’re making a local impact!).
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501(c)(3) Status: You must be a nonprofit organization exempt from federal taxes under section 501(c)(3). Or, if you're partnering with a fiscal sponsor, you need to have one in place—don’t worry, we’ve got a checklist for that!
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LGBTQIA+ Focus: The project needs to serve the LGBTQIA+ community in Colorado. We’re here for love, inclusion, and progress!
For this grant we are focusing our efforts on supporting smaller and mid-sized LGBTQ+-focused organizations with annual budgets of $400,000 or less.
The Fine Print
After receiving your grant, here’s what’s expected to keep things rolling:
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Final Report: A final report is due one year after the grant award, or when the project is completed, or the funds are fully used. This report will show the full impact of the project and how well the funds contributed to your goals.
How to Apply - Let’s Do This!
Ready to apply? Here’s your step-by-step guide:
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Get Your Docs Ready: Make sure you have your 501(c)(3) status (or fiscal sponsor details), your project plan, and your budget outline.
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Complete the Application: Tell us all about your amazing project and how it’ll benefit the LGBTQIA+ community in Colorado. Be clear about how you plan to use the funding and the positive outcomes you’re expecting.
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Submit by the Deadline: Make sure to submit your application before the end of the open period—Mid August—so you don’t miss out!
Once you’ve submitted, sit back, relax, and wait for the good news. We’ll be reviewing applications, and you’ll hear from us by September with the final decision.
Contact Us!
Have questions? Don’t hesitate to reach out! We’re here to help you navigate the application process and ensure your nonprofit has the support it needs. You can always reach us at board@cheercolorado.org



