CLICK HERE to watch the 2026-2027 Colorado Combined Campaign Application Walkthrough.

Nonprofit Application

Click here to access your 2026 Colorado Combined Campaign Application.

Apply to the CCC: May 4, 2026 – May 29, 2026.

Thank you for your interest in the Colorado Combined Campaign (CCC), the workplace giving campaign of State of Colorado government employees! The current application period is open from May 4 – May 29. If you have any questions about your application or eligibility, please contact CHC: Creating Healthier Communities at ccc@chcimpact.org.

CCC Application Information & FAQ

1. Who Is Required To Apply?

• All prospective nonprofits are required to submit a new application each year, regardless of prior-campaign status. Also, Federations/Umbrella Organizations apply on behalf of themselves as well as their member nonprofits.

2. Who is Eligible?

• ​The types of 501(c)(3) nonprofits that are eligible for CCC funding are:

• Federation/Umbrella Organizations, such as local United Ways across Colorado that serve as agents for other nonprofits;
  • A Federation/Umbrella Organization is an entity that meets several criteria. It is registered as a nonprofit organization in Colorado by obtaining a Certificate of Registration from the Secretary of State’s office, is exempt from federal income tax under Internal Revenue Code 501(a) as described in Section 501(c), serves as the agent for a group of at least seven (7) charitable organizations and otherwise meets the criteria established in CCC Bylaws. The Advisory Committee, at its discretion, may grant a waiver of this seven-organization requirement should circumstances indicate that the waiver serves the purpose of the CCC.

• Colleges, Universities, and State Service Organizations (CU/SSO), such as nonprofits who are not members of a federation/umbrella and whose work is closely aligned with some unit of state government;
  • ​A CU/SSO is an entity that meets several criteria: It has registered as a nonprofit organization in Colorado by obtaining a Certificate of Registration from the Secretary of State; is exempt from federal income tax under Internal Revenue Code 501(a) as described in Section 501(c)(3); is directly associated with a department of the State of Colorado government or can clearly document service to the State of Colorado or Colorado communities; and, otherwise meets the criteria established in CCC Bylaws.

• Non-Federation Nonprofits are nonprofits which are neither members of a federation/umbrella organization nor closely aligned with some unit of state government but can clearly document its service to the State of Colorado or its community.

3. How Much Does It Cost?

• To support the administration and management of the application system, a $100.00 application fee per applicant will now be required. This fee will contribute directly to the infrastructure and resources necessary to ensure a smooth and efficient process.

Please note the following:

• CHC Federated Partners will have this fee covered by CHC.
• Federations/Umbrella Applicants may choose to:
  • Cover the $100.00 fee (per partner) on behalf of their partners, or
  • Collect the fee directly from their partner charities.

We appreciate your cooperation and understanding as we work to enhance the campaign experience for all participants.

4. What Is The Application Timeline?

• May 4, 2026: Application Period Opens
• Midnight May 29, 2026: Deadline to submit an application
• June 2026: Applications will be initially processed by CHC staff.
• June 2026: CCC Advisory Committee Members will review and approve applications. CHC staff will email applicants regarding any necessary follow-up.
• July 2026: CCC Advisory Committee Members will complete one last review and approval of applications that required follow up. Applicants will be notified of their status no later than the third week of July.

5. How To Apply?

• The 2026-2027 CCC Application opens on May 4, 2026 and closes May 29, 2026.

6. What Are The Application Requirements?

• Organization Contact Information
• Previous Year Participation Status
• Organization Type Identification
  • Federation/Umbrella; or
  • CUSSO/Non-Federation Nonprofit
• Bylaws Certifications
• Narrative Responses
  • History of Service Within the Past 12 Months
  • Reporting and transparency
• State Department Relationship (CU/SSO applicants only)
• Statement of Local Presence (out-of-state applicants only)
• Disbursement Procedures and History (federation/umbrella applicants only)
• Financial Documents & Information
• IRS Form 990 (dated within 18 months of January 1, 2026)
• Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) compliance
  • Recent audit or financial review (required for federation/umbrella applicants only)
• Administration Fundraising Ratio
• AFR Above 35% Explanation
• Nondiscrimination Policy Attestation (New Applicants Only)
• Nonprofit Informational Worksheet (3 Tabs)
• Organizational Information Tab
• Colorado Secretary of State Business Standing & Registration Status Tab
• Periodic Report Number and Link to Good Standing business summary page
• Renewal ID Number and Link to Registration Statement for Colorado Charitable Organizations
• Marketing Materials (Optional; Federations only, CU/SSO+ applicants provide this information in the webform)
• Comments or Considerations (Optional)

7. What Are The CCC Bylaws & Nondiscrimination Policy?

• The CCC bylaws were last revised in August 2025. Read Section IV for a full list of eligibility requirements.

• For inclusion in the CCC, all charitable organizations based in Colorado must ensure and certify that they have a posted notice that summarizes the discriminatory or unfair practices prohibited by the law per Colorado Civil Rights Commission Rules (3 CCR 708). Notice must include contact information for filing a complaint.

• Example Colorado Anti-Discrimination Poster
  Click here to see an example of Colorado’s anti-discrimination in employment poster, published by the Civil Rights Division of the Department of Regulatory Agencies.

• In lieu of a posted notice, agencies based outside of Colorado must maintain non-discrimination policies with respect to employees, clients served, and volunteers consistent with local, state and Federal law which have been voted on and approved by the agency’s board of directors or governing body.

• All agencies must provide a signed affirmation of non-discrimination with respect to employees, clients served, and volunteers consistent with all applicable local, state and Federal laws.

8. How Can I Find Secretary of State Information?

• Here are step-by-step instructions, including screenshots, to help you find information required for the application on the Colorado Secretary of State website:
  • Business Standing Information
  • Charity Solicitation Registration

9. Where Can I Download Templates?

• Click the name of the document to download the template for your application:
  • 2026-2027 Nonprofit Informational Worksheet
  • AFR Above 35% Explanation Form
  • Nondiscrimination Attestation Form (New Applicants Only)