Saunders Construction Launches New Colorado Nonprofit Grant Program Honoring Founder Richard “Dick” Saunders

Saunders Construction has announced the launch of the Richard C. Saunders Annual Community Grant Program, a new charitable funding opportunity designed to support Colorado nonprofit organizations making a positive impact in their communities. Established in honor of company founder Richard “Dick” Saunders, the grant program reflects a longstanding commitment to community investment, philanthropy and creating opportunities for future generations. The program will provide funding to nonprofit organizations focused on education, mental health and the arts throughout communities where Saunders has a presence and impact.

For more than 54 years, Saunders has partnered with communities across Colorado to build projects that serve people and strengthen neighborhoods. The Richard C. Saunders Annual Community Grant Program extends that commitment beyond construction by investing directly in organizations working to improve lives, expand access to critical resources, and create lasting community benefits.

What Is the Richard C. Saunders Annual Community Grant Program?

The Richard C. Saunders Annual Community Grant Program is a charitable initiative funded by Saunders. One eligible nonprofit organization will receive a grant of up to $10,000 to support program development, project implementation, or general operating expenses. The program was created to advance meaningful, measurable community impact while reflecting Saunders’ core values of Care, Collaboration, Commitment and Community.

What Types of Nonprofit Organizations Can Apply?

The program supports organizations whose missions align with one or more of the following focus areas:

Youth Education & Development

Funding may support nonprofits focused on early childhood education, K-12 learning, post-secondary readiness, workforce development, career exploration, mentoring programs, STEM education, literacy initiatives, and leadership development.

Mental Health

Eligible organizations may provide mental health services, prevention and early intervention programs, wellness initiatives, or increased access to care for youth and families.

Arts & Creative Expression

The grant program also supports organizations expanding access to arts education, creative programming, and community-centered arts initiatives that foster learning, connection and personal growth.

Who Is Eligible for This Colorado Nonprofit Grant?

Organizations must meet the following requirements:

• Be a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in good standing within Colorado.
• Serve communities where Saunders has a presence or impact.
• Demonstrate organizational and financial stability.
• Align with the program’s focus areas.
• Provide required financial and governance documentation.

Applications from individuals, for-profit entities, political organizations, sectarian religious organizations, capital campaigns and organizations with direct conflicts of interest involving Saunders employees are not eligible.

How to Apply

Applications will be accepted via email to Teena Bergstrand, vice president of market strategy and communication. Nonprofits may submit one application per organization each year.

Important Dates

• Application Opens: August 17, 2026
• Application Deadline: October 30, 2026
• Review Period: November 2026
• Executive Team Selection: December 2026
• Grant Recipient Announcement: January 2027
• Funding Distribution: February 2027

Applicants will be asked to submit:

Organizational Information

• Legal name, EIN, mission statement
• Primary contact information

Program or Project Description

• Description of the initiative the funds will support
• Target population and geographic area
• Alignment with one or more focus areas

Statement of Impact

• Community need being addressed
• Anticipated outcomes and how success will be measured

Budget Information

• Total program budget
• Amount requested
• Description of how funds will be used

Supplemental Materials

• IRS determination letter
• Most recent financial statement or Form 990
• Board of Directors list
• Conflict of interest acknowledgment

Download and complete the application here: RCS Grant Program_Application 2026

How Are Grant Recipients Selected?

Applications will be reviewed by members of Saunders’ Executive Team. Evaluation criteria include mission alignment, demonstrated community impact, organizational capacity, fiscal responsibility, long-term sustainability and the strength of the proposed outcomes and budget.

What Are the Requirements for Grant Recipients?

Selected organizations will enter into a grant agreement outlining approved use of funds, reporting requirements and acknowledgment of Saunders’ support. Recipients will be asked to submit a brief, one-page report within 12 months describing how grant funds were used and the impact achieved. Organizations may also be highlighted through Saunders’ communications and community storytelling opportunities.

Apply for the Richard C. Saunders Annual Community Grant Program

Eligible Colorado nonprofits are encouraged to review the program guidelines and submit applications between Aug. 17 and Oct. 30, 2026, for consideration in the inaugural grant cycle. Download and complete the application here: RCS Grant Program_Application 2026