The Innovation Station Fund provides grants to schools and nonprofits in Larimer and Weld counties to create or enhance hands-on learning spaces where young people invent, explore, create, and develop entrepreneurial skills.
What is an Innovation Station?
An Innovation Station is a hands-on learning environment where students learn by doing, making, designing, and creating. These spaces encourage curiosity, creativity, problem-solving, and resilience, helping students turn ideas into action.
You may call yours a makerspace, fab lab, creation station, innovation lab, or something else entirely. Whatever the name, the goal is the same: to provide meaningful, hands-on experiences that foster innovation and an entrepreneurial mindset.
Who Can Apply?
Organizations must meet the following criteria:
- The organization is recognized by the IRS as a 501c3 public charity (public schools do qualify under their school district’s EIN)
- Serve youth in Larimer or Weld Counties
- Propose the creation or enhancement of a hands-on learning space that incorporates entrepreneurial learning experiences
- Make the Innovation Station accessible to a broad student population rather than a single class, club, or small group
- Identify a designated project champion who will be responsible for the successful implementation and ongoing use of the space
Priority Consideration
Priority consideration may be given to applicants that:
- Do not currently have an Innovation Station or require significant upgrades to an existing space
- Integrate the Innovation Station across multiple grade levels, classrooms, or programs
- Partner with local businesses, industry professionals, or community organizations
- Incorporate entrepreneurship experiences that help students develop skills such as innovation, leadership, problem-solving, opportunity recognition, and product development
Funding Information
Grant Funding Limitations
- Grants typically range from $1,000 to $15,000
- Organizations may receive one Innovation Station Fund grant every three years
- Funding opportunities are offered through an annual Fall grant cycle
The Innovation Station Fund does not support the following:
- Traditional science labs
- Technology devices or multimedia equipment that will only be used for general purposes by the organization (ex: computer carts)
- Projects that do not support hands-on learning, innovation, creativity, and entrepreneurship outcomes
Grant Recipient Expectations
Grant recipients are required to:
- Submit a post-implementation grant report
- Demonstrate a long-term plan for the Innovation Station, including equipment and space maintenance, staff training, ongoing usage, and organizational support for at least three years
- Participate in a site visit if requested by OtterCares Foundation staff. Site visits help celebrate successes, measure impact, and verify that funding was used as approved
- All grant recognition should be attributed to the OtterCares Foundation. Approved logos and brand guidelines are available upon request
Please be advised that OtterCares does not currently fund for the following:
- Political campaigns and/or legislative lobbying efforts
- Reproductive choice advocacy groups
- Direct support for individuals
- Building/construction projects
- General operating support/unrestricted funds
- Travel expenses
- Organizations redirecting funding outside of Larimer or Weld counties