Cohort-Based Peer Opportunities

Planned Giving

In early 2025, we partnered with the Colorado Planned Giving Roundtable (CPRG) to host our first-ever Planned Giving Cohort. Over six weeks, nonprofit leaders gained tools and strategies to build or strengthen their planned giving programs — and the feedback was outstanding.

I loved learning about this topic and now feel empowered to put what I learned into action. Each presenter brought a different aspect to planned giving, yet it all tied in so well.
-Claire

Check back at the end of the year for the next cohort application to open.

You don’t have to navigate planned giving alone. Our team includes a planned giving expert who can provide you with resources to help you launch a program from scratch or enhance what you already have in place. See below for a few resources to get started, and email us anytime at info@nocofoundation.org to connect.

ED Peer Network

We host a monthly gathering for nonprofit executive directors to connect, share ideas, and learn together. Topics are shaped by the interests and needs that emerge from the group.

In my 3 years (admittedly not too long) as an ED, this group has given more life and support than any other I’m a part of. To have a space to voice needs, share stories, and safely vent to those who stand the greatest chance of understanding has been invaluable to me. Thanks to the NOCO Foundation for facilitating this for us.
– Kate

Advocacy 101

We have partnered with Larimer County and Colorado Nonprofit Association to deliver several Nonprofit Advocacy 101 sessions and will continue to offer these virtually on a regular basis.

The early sessions have explored the basics of nonprofit advocacy, including an overview of the Colorado General Assembly, strategies for finding and tracking legislation, essential dos and don’ts for engaging with policymakers, and practical steps to start making an impact.

Soon we will launch our Advocacy 201 Workshop program to provide participants with more hands-on, real-life experience.

Board Impact Accelerator

Nonprofit leaders often feel too stretched to devote time to board development – but a strong board is not a luxury. It is a strategic multiplier. This 8-session leadership series helps leaders build, lead and leverage a high-functioning Board of Directors. Through tools, peer learning, and targeted practice, leadership learn how to turn their boards into powerful partners. We’re currently piloting this program and will accept applications for the next cohort in late 2026. 

Capacity Matching Building

We offer 50% matching grants to support nonprofits in partnering with expert consultants to tackle unique challenges.

The program is designed to be responsive to what your organization needs. We can connect you with a consultant or support work with someone you’ve already identified.

The first step is to reach out to discuss the type of capacity building work your planning. Reach out to grant@nocofoundation.org to learn more.

Funding for this program is limited. Maximum matching amount is currently $5,000.

Nonprofit Revolving Loan Program

The NoCo Foundation is pleased to offer below market rate revolving loans to support nonprofit growth and opportunity.

The NoCo Foundation will consider loans that have a high likelihood of returning invested capital and a financial return determined by the Foundation Impact Committee, which will depend upon the degree of financial risk.

Stay tuned for information about changes we’re making to this revolving loan program.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Both registered nonprofits and government organizations are eligible to apply.
  • Criteria includes:
    • A 3-year operating history as a 501(c)3 public charity or government equivalent.
    • Annual operating budget of at least $500,000.
    • Audited financial statements for the last three years.
    • No prior loan defaults.
    • In good standing with the IRS.
    • Have an identifiable source of stable income or asset base for repaying the NoCo Foundation’s investment.
    • The NoCo Foundation prefers to invest in entities with a prior history of repaying invested capital and/or entities led by a management team with such experience.
    • No more than one outstanding loan from the Foundation at any one time.

Duration: Loans will generally call for payment in full within five years. However, the NoCo Foundation may extend duration on a case-by-case basis.

Amount: Preferred loan amounts are between $50,000 and $350,000, and no borrower can make up more than 10% of the Program’s total allowable pool unless approved by the NoCo Foundation’s Board of Trustees.

Allocation: The NoCo Foundation does not seek to diversify across all asset classes; the allocation is driven by the underlying investment opportunities.

Sources and Uses: It is required that a project has an identifiable and approved/pledged source of funds to complete the project prior to the issuance of a loan.

Loans typically range from $50,000 and $350,000.

  • First, you will be asked to submit a Letter of Intent (LOI) to provide initial information for the NoCo Foundation to assess the viability and fit of the project.
  • If the organization is determined to be a viable candidate for a loan from the NoCo Foundation, its representatives will be invited to submit a full application.
  • The NoCo Foundation will review the application, with consideration of the organization’s strength, community impact, and the organization’s ability to repay the loan.
  • Organizations may have an opportunity to present their project to the NoCo Foundation. These presentations last around 20 minutes and are followed by a Q&A period.
  • The NoCo Foundation will make every attempt to make a final decision within 45 days of receiving the full application. If the loan is not approved within 90 days for any reason, the applicant may be asked to submit updated materials.
  • Applicants will be informed if the application has been approved or denied. If approved, the loan will enter the legal review and document preparation stages.
  • Once loan terms are approved, the NoCo Foundation will prepare all necessary documents, including, but not limited to: Note and Security Agreement, Deed of Trust, Guarantees and Funds will be disbursed upon receipt of all required documents.