Give Next

Give Next FAQ


How Does Give Next Work?

Each classroom is designated $5,000 for Give Next grantmaking from local donors. Give Next students:

Share what they know about their community.

Attend the Give Next Kickoff Day in early fall.

Work with their peers to identify community needs that are important to them and create mission statements to guide their grantmaking.

Research nonprofits, volunteer, and meet local nonprofit leaders.

Raise additional money for grantmaking through crowdfunding, art sales, in-school fundraisers, etc.

Review applications and award grants at a ceremony at the end of the school year.


What Are Give Next Student Outcomes?

Give Next seeks to:

Shift Power Center youth voice to embrace their role in strengthening community.

Build Understanding Encourage youth to examine complex social issues.

Connect Build strong, positive relationships with peers and connection to community.


How Can I Become a Classroom Donor?

The Give Next Advisory Committee raises all classroom donations through generous local donors.

See Become A Classroom Donor


Who is Involved?

Give Next is a successful partnership of community volunteers and organizations.

Community Foundation of Northern Colorado: Manages classroom donations, grant applications and nonprofit awards.

Estes Park, Poudre, and Thompson School Districts, Administrators, and Teachers: Commit to delivering all Give Next requirements.

Give Next Students: Research community issues and nonprofits, evaluate grant applications, fundraise additional dollars and recommend grants.

Nonprofits: Interact with Give Next students in various ways throughout the program, including hosting or making visits, providing volunteer opportunities, and attending award ceremonies.

Bohemian Foundation: Manages and funds the program design and implementation as well as the evaluation aspects of the program.

Give Next Advisory Committee: Secures all classroom donations, lends expertise, and assists with events throughout the year.

Please See the Partners tab for more information


What is the History of Give Next?

Give Next grew from a community discussion to create a philanthropic movement, inspire giving and foster youth community engagement. In developing Give Next, community leaders wanted to honor the belief that giving takes many forms, feels good to do, and builds a strong community.

The curriculum is adopted from the Oregon Community Foundation’s Community 101 program, which was modeled after the El Pomar Youth in Community Service (EPYCS) program pioneered by El Pomar Foundation in Colorado.

United Way of Larimer County administered the program as a three-year pilot beginning in 2012. Because of its great impact and success, the program continues to thrive under the direction of Bohemian Foundation, the Community Foundation of Northern Colorado and a committed group of community volunteers who serve as Give Next’s Advisory Committee.


How Can My School Participate?

Middle or high schools seeking to add a community service-learning component to a classroom or group can reach out to Give Next to discuss participation. At this time, middle and high schools in Estes Park, Poudre and Thompson School Districts may apply to participate. There can only be one Give Next classroom in a given school. See the Partners tab for the list of current schools.

The Give Next application and selection process begins early in the spring semester for the following academic year. There can only be one Give Next classroom in a given school. See the Partners tab for the list of current schools.

Please contact to learn more.