Funding preference is given to community groups or organizations. This is because we are attempting to foster grassroots action and encourage residents to become more active and integrated into their community across Larimer County.
However, Non-profits or Volunteer Fire Districts will be considered for funding if no community groups apply or are deemed eligible for funding by seasonal deadline.
Residents of Fort Collins and Loveland are considered ineligible to apply. Fort Collins residents can seek funding through the Neighborhood Services-Micro-Grant Program.
Everyone in the neighborhood must be included. While not every neighbor is required to attend, we require that all neighbors must be made aware of the event and invited. Discrimination of any kind is strictly prohibited. Applicants
must be prepared to provide documentation that demonstrates all members of the neighborhood were contacted and invited to receive full reimbursement.
Private Property: If the event is held on private property, the applicant must receive written permission from the property owner.
Permits. If the event is going to require closure of streets (i.e. a neighborhood block party), the applicant must secure a special events permit.
Funding may NOT be used for the following purposes:
- Purchase and/or sale of alcohol or marijuana
- Political Activities
- Maintenance Expenses
- HOA Business Expenses
- Improvements to Private Property
To Receive Full Reimbursement:
In order to receive full reimbursement, within 30 days of the activity/project/event completion, the applicant must do the following:
- Provide a one-two page report of the activity/project/event that includes how the event turned out and describing the impacts of the event on the community
- Turn in a reimbursement package that includes the following required
Documentation:
- All receipts from purchases made for activity/project/event
- Copy of required special events permits (if applicable)
- Documentation demonstrating that all neighbors were made aware and invited to the event
- A completed W-9 Form
Larimer County Office of Emergency Management and Larimer Connects determine the eligibility of Connecting our Communities grants. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis and are evaluated under the following considerations:
- How much the event promotes social connection and resiliency culture
- How well applicants plan to engage their neighbors
- Whether efforts are made to marginalized groups
- Number of people included/size of event
- Creativity of event or activity
- Demonstration of collaboration
- Goals of the event or activity
2023 Recipients
Pinewood Springs Property Owners Association Inc.
Project: Fire & Flood Festivity
Residents in the Pinewood Springs community were highly impacted by the 2013 flood. Years of recovery and rebuilding followed, then the COVID-19 Pandemic hit. Pinewood Springs Property Owners Association planned the community event to bring the community together to commemorate the 10th-year anniversary of the 2013 flood, share stories and experiences and reunite. In addition, to the 10th year anniversary of the 2013 flood, the Pinewood Springs Fire Protection District is having its 50th anniversary of the creation of the District. The event celebrated and honored the Pinewood Springs Volunteer Fire Department which is comprised of community resident volunteers who put in many hours of training each year to protect and save the community from fire and medical emergencies.
Poudre Valley Mobile Home Park
Project: Community Movie Night
Poudre Valley Mobile Home Park created a Community Movie Night to encourage family socializing among neighbors. It enhances neighborhood socialization, that way neighbors are no longer strangers living in the same place, it unites, creates, and strengthens bonds in our community.
Livermore Womens Club
Project: Livermore Summer Celebration with Larimer County OEM
Livermore Womens Club held a celebration and fundraiser event for the Community Hall in addition to offering the community information to increase community connection and community preparedness with the partnership of the Larimer County EOM. There were five booths set up for the participants to gain information on what the county has to help with their community with emergencies. This event also served to let community members know that the Livermore Community Hall will be a center for information during an emergency.
Lakes At Centerra
Project: Lakes at Centerra Block Party
The Lakes at Centerra neighborhood organized a community-focused block party to bring neighbors together to get to know one another, support and promote local businesses, and 1st responders, and raise donations for The Humane Society of Larimer County. They had a local band, food, crafts, and kids activities, Patriotic Pet Parade, booths promoting local businesses, visits from first responders and celebrated getting to know each other with a traditional 4th of July Community Block Party.
2022 Recipients
Red Feather Lakes Property Owners Association
Project: Independence Craft Fair and Community Event
The Red Feather Lakes Property Owners Association held an Independence Day Craft/Artisan Craft Fair located in the Village of Red Feather Lakes with approximately 45 craft booths in 4 locations. Red Feather Lakes Community Association is a non-profit organization that tries to plan and execute events and family outdoor activities with the desire to build a stronger resilient community. This event helped the Red Feather Lakes Property Owners Association increase and boost the social connections in the community.
2021 Recipients
Poudre Canyon Volunteer Fire Protection
Project: Following the COVID-19 Pandemic and evacuations as a result of the Cameron Peak Fire, many members of the community had been feeling isolated, or have not had the opportunity to meet their neighbors. Prior to the construction of the community center in Poudre Canyon, there had not been a good place for the community to gather. The funds were utilized to help cover the costs of an open house so that neighbors could meet neighbors, be provided the opportunity to receive emergency education and resources, and talk through lessons learned from the recent Cameron Peak Fire, and start talking through the possibility of standing up a community hub.
Danielle Ardrey, Horsetooth Neighborhood
Project: A newer resident to Larimer County, Danielle utilized the funding to help with special events insurance in order to host free yoga classes at Blue sky Trailhead as part of a service project for Danielle's yoga teacher training program. Hosting these classes allowed not only Danielle to get to know her new neighbors, but also an opportunity for current neighbors to get better acquainted. This community one of many that was also impacted by COVID and the Cameron Peak Fire, which illuminated the need for connection.
Red Feather Lakes Community Association
Project: The Red Feather Lakes Community Association utilized the funding to support the community Artisan and Craft Fair, which is incredibly important to the community, especially after not being able to host this event previously due to COVID impacts, and to ensure safety in a COVID-19 environment. Funds were used to help for materials for the event, and also to purchase supplies such as masks and hand sanitizer.
Bruns Estates HOA
Project: The Bruns Estates HOA hosts an annual Neighborhood Clean up Day and Picnic to weed, clear ditches, clean up trash, prune and remove vegetation, clean debris, etc. This event is followed by a potluck so neighbors can get to know neighbors, especially newcomers to the community. This event was awarded due to the HOA's emphasis on ensuring social connectedness activities to encourage neighbors to interact and build relationships as much as possible.
2020 Recipients
Titan Flynn, Scouts of America, Troop 195
Project: As part of his Eagle Scout Project, Titan used funds to organize a Pet Preparedness Event available to the community. People were able to receive free pet preparedness kits and interact with emergency services to ask questions or receive additional resources.
Wandering Wildlife Society
Project: Volunteers with the Wandering Wildlife Society conducted outreach and education to visitors around the Estes Park Visitor's Center and Lake Estes Walking Trail throughout the months of July to September regarding elk calving season. This education was to help minimize dangerous interactions between wildlife and community members, and to make sure people are able to enjoy wildlife safely and respectfully.
