Our grant cycle is closed for 2025.

In 2026 we are moving to the following grant cycles. Please note that we will only accept letters of inquiry during these open windows. Any letters of inquiry sent outside of these timelines will not be considered. 

The Richard Reed Foundation seeks out smaller, forward-thinking, non-profit organizations that are looking to create better communities through outreach and programs in areas of mental health, child health and development, community welfare, animal welfare, and community environmental impact.

The foundation’s geographical focus is Colorado and Northern California. We do not accept letters of inquiry outside of these areas. 

What we’re looking in a potential grantee:

• Alignment with the foundation’s mission and interests
• Proven track record of success with programming
• Clearly presented goals, objectives and strategies
• Demonstrated financial need
• Sustainable and diversified funding streams
• Effective and qualified leadership
• Ongoing organization & program evaluation
• Community support through donations, volunteer engagement and partnerships
• Utilization of best practices and principles across all levels of the organization
• Organizational transparency

Example Programs We Have Funded

• Mental health
• Family support services for those facing critical illness
• Homeless self-sufficiency
• Animal rescue/shelters and sanctuaries
• Adaptive sport organizations
• Programming for at-risk youth
• Environmental & sustainability education and programming

We Do Not Fund the Following

• Start-up organizations
• Programs/organizations outside of Colorado and Northern California
• Internationally focused programs
• Religious organizations
• Endowments, debt reduction, or loans
• Grants or money to individuals
• Organizations with annual revenue in excess of $5 million
• Organizations that discriminate in any way
• Political causes, candidates or campaigns
• Film and production non-profits
• Charter schools, private schools, childcare programs and other similar organizations
• Medical research and hospitals
• Immigration focused organizations

We accept grant requests for both specific programs/projects and general operating expenses within our funding areas. We do provide matching grants. Please remember to submit your letter of inquiry within one of the two grant cycles listed above. We will not accept LOI’s outside of these dates. 

Can we apply for more than one grant in a calendar year?

Sorry, but only one application per organization is accepted per calendar year. If your organization is facing an unusual hardship, we might consider an additional grant on a case by case basis. 

Does our grant have a deadline that it needs to be spent by?

No, however if you apply for a new grant, you will be required to fill out a report for any previously awarded grant before a new request is considered.

What should we include in our Letter of Inquiry?

In your LOI, we’d like a good introduction to your organization, including information such as: your mission, year founded, tax-exempt status, staff size, an overview of what programs & services you offer, numbers served, geographic focus, and target & beneficiary populations. We’d also like to know the amount of the grant you’d be requesting and the nature & purpose of requested funds.

What if our organization does not have a 990 form?

If your organization is not required to fill out a 990 form, we can discuss alternative financial documents, just let us know when applying for your grant.