NWCDC and YVCF Launch Grants Collective to Create More Grant Writing Capacity

January 9, 2025

(Craig, Colorado) Northwest Colorado Development Council (NWCDC) in partnership with the Yampa Valley Community Foundation (YVCF) launched an initiative called the Grants Collective to increase grant writing and management capacity for regional nonprofits, local governments, and businesses interested in hiring grant writers. The Grants Collective is a network of grant professionals who can develop proposals for federal, state, and local grants. The list includes grant writers who are for hire as contractors and some who could provide some pro-bono work. Across the region, organizations are in need of increased capacity related to grant writing but may not have the ability to hire a staff member. The Grants Collective helps meet that need, matching organizations to the resources they need. We are currently seeking more grant professionals to join the Collective

“One of the biggest challenges identified by our communities, businesses, and nonprofits is the need for grant writers and managers to secure more funding for our region,” said Tim Redmond, NWCDC Chair and Routt County Commissioner. “The NWCDC is proud to launch this database in partnership with YVCF to enhance efforts to bring more funding into Northwest Colorado.” 

The Grant Collective gathers information that is self-reported by grant professionals and organizes the contacts into a database hosted on the NWCDC website. The database is not intended to be a comprehensive listing nor do we attest to the validity of the information that was submitted by the individuals. Neither NWCDC nor YVCF endorse any individuals or organizations who represent themselves as grant professionals. We recommend organizations create an internal process to vet contract grant professionals.   

“Among nonprofits, grants from government or foundations can represent one-third or more of the organization's total annual income," said Greg Hamilton, YVCF Director of Grantmaking. "We expect the Grant Collective resource will help connect the charitable, community-focused work of these organizations—plus small businesses and governmental programs—with this critical funding source. When these organizations are better funded, our whole community benefits."

NWCDC and YVCF are seeking interested grant professionals who would like to be listed in our Grant Collective database free of charge. Applicants need to fill out the following Google Form.

The NWCDC serves the counties of Moffat, Rio Blanco, and Routt, and their seven communities, which face the closure of two coal-fired power plants and four coal mines. Enhancing grant writing capacity for our communities allows Northwest Colorado to receive more funding for community development and economic development projects to address the challenges of the coal transition. 

About NWCDC

Northwest Colorado Development Council (NWCDC) is an intergovernmental agreement between Moffat, Rio Blanco, and Routt Counties and their member communities, Craig, Hayden, Meeker, Oak Creek, Rangely, Steamboat Springs, and Yampa. These communities work collaboratively to diversify the regional economy and to support workforce development, affordable housing, access to child care, and regional transportation. Learn more, visit our regional website NorthwestColorado.org.

About YVCF

The Yampa Valley Community Foundation believes in a thriving and connected Yampa Valley where there are opportunities and resources for all. YVCF leads transformational change throughout Moffat and Routt counties by engaging donors in purposeful philanthropy, empowering local nonprofit organizations, inspiring impactful grantmaking, and collaborating to build vibrant communities. Learn more at yvcf.org