Expand your pool of donors
Gunnison Valley Giving Connection
CFGV is thrilled to offer the Gunnison Valley Giving Connection to facilitate fundraising requests from nonprofits and other charitable entities that serve Gunnison County. Our Community Grants program can’t meet every funding need for charitable activities in the Valley, so we created this program to allow community members to easily find and connect with opportunities to fund worthy causes.
The Giving Connection offers three different broad categories of grants:
NOW—Didn’t see that coming…
Emergent organizational needs not anticipated in your budget.
THRIVE—So all may thrive…
Creative approaches to bridging, bonding, and helping all community members thrive.
WISH—Imagine what we could do with…
Moonshot ideas, dream pilot projects, facility/equipment upgrades, etc.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why submit a request for funding?
Fundraising can be challenging. The Giving Connection was created to help local organizations connect directly with community donors through a simple, low-fee platform. Compared to most crowdfunding sites, the administrative fee is significantly lower, and donations made through CFGV are tax-deductible.
How is this different from CFGV’s Community Grants cycle?
Community Grants is a foundational CFGV program with defined guidelines, eligibility requirements, and one annual application cycle. The Giving Connection is different in several ways:
- Requests may be submitted year-round.
- There is no specific funding cap or match requirement.
- A broader range of entities may be eligible.
- Funding is not guaranteed; success depends on donor support.
The Giving Connection is designed to be flexible and responsive, particularly for timely or project-based needs.
Is my organization or group eligible to apply?
Eligible applicants include:
- 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations
- Government entities
Other entities conducting charitable work in the Gunnison Valley may be eligible, though additional reporting requirements would apply. Individuals and for-profit businesses are not eligible.
Eligible applicants may submit up to two requests per calendar year.
What types of projects or programs are a good fit?
The Giving Connection is intended for one-time needs or specific projects rather than ongoing general operating support.
Requests must:
- Align with one of the three categories (Thrive, Wish, or Now)
- Serve a charitable purpose in the Gunnison Valley
- Be submitted by an eligible applicant
How do I submit a request?
Requests are submitted online. You will first submit a brief inquiry using the embedded form on this webpage, and then, if deemed eligible, be invited to submit a full application.
Application Instructions
STEP 1: Submit an inquiry to CFGV about your Giving Connection project using the form below.
STEP 2: If staff determines your organization and project are eligible, you will receive an invitation email with a link to the online application form.
STEP 3: Fill out the online application. Download a template (for planning purposes only!) below to learn what the application asks.
STEP 4: Submit!
STEP 5: Wait to hear back from CFGV staff (within ten business days). Staff may have questions or request modifications to your request to better demonstrate your need for funding.
Does prior funding history with CFGV matter?
No. Whether an applicant currently has a CFGV grant, has previously been denied funding, or has never applied through Community Grants does not impact eligibility for the Giving Connection.
What is my organization’s role in promoting the campaign?
Applicants are responsible for the majority of marketing and outreach for their Giving Connection campaign. While CFGV promotes Giving Connection projects broadly, the success of an individual request depends largely on the applicant’s efforts to engage supporters and connect with donors.
When will funds be distributed?
Requests remain active on the Giving Connection for up to three months or until the funding goal is met, whichever comes first. While CFGV doesn’t typically grant extensions, we may consider them depending on circumstances. CFGV is also open to increasing a fundraising goal if a project sees strong early momentum.
Once the request is removed from the site, CFGV will disburse the amount raised, less the administrative fee (currently 1.5%), within ten business days. Requests for expedited payments for emergent projects will be considered.
Are there Reporting requirements?
At this time, there are no formal reporting requirements for 501(c)(3) organizations. Other eligible entities may be asked to submit limited financial documentation to confirm that funds raised were used for the purpose described in their Giving Connection request. We also welcome and encourage the submission of photos, stories, or testimonials highlighting the impact of your Giving Connection campaign on your organization and the community.
All participating organizations are required to retain records and copies of fundraising materials related to their campaign for a period of three (3) years.
Are there guidelines for fundraising or promotion?
To make the best use of an opportunity with the Giving Connection, an applicant may want to undertake some form of marketing or promotion for their campaign, which might include, but is not limited to, things such as social media posts, emails, or flyers. If the applicant chooses to fundraise or promote their Giving Connection project, there are specific requirements they must follow. Download the current guidelines below.