Funding the Future: How We’re Making Gratitude Village Possible

When people hear about Gratitude Village Colorado, the vision excites them: a fully accessible, multigenerational, sustainable cohousing community where belonging and affordability go hand in hand. But the next question almost always follows: How will this actually be funded? It’s a great question—and one we love to answer. Because Gratitude Village isn’t just a beautiful dream; it’s a carefully crafted plan with real-world financing behind it. Transparency matters, so today we’re pulling back the curtain on how we’re making this project possible.

A Mixed-Income Model for Lasting Affordability

At the heart of Gratitude Village is our mixed-income approach. We know affordability is one of the biggest barriers to housing today. That’s why up to 50% of our homes will be permanently affordable, ensuring a diverse, inclusive community for families, singles, adults with disabilities and seniors alike. Affordable homes will be available through tools like Community Land Trusts (CLTs), deed restrictions, and co-op models, which keep prices stable for the long haul. Meanwhile, the other half of the homes will be market-rate—providing balance, financial sustainability and cross-subsidy within the community. This model has been proven across the country to work, and it allows Gratitude Village to thrive financially while staying true to our mission.

Member Contributions: Building with Sweat and Savings

Another core piece of our financial structure is member contributions. Founding Members play an essential role in the early stages of any cohousing community. Their deposits fund design, permits and legal work—the upfront costs required before construction can begin. At Gratitude Village, Founding Members make an initial $5,000 deposit, followed by staged deposits over 18–24 months, ranging from a total of $75,000 to $210,000 depending on the size and price of their home. These funds go directly toward their down payment and secure their priority in unit selection.

For those still exploring their involvement, we offer Explorer Memberships as a step into the journey. Explorers can attend community meetings and events, get to know future neighbors, and review our business plan and financials. This stage gives people the chance to learn, build relationships and see if Gratitude Village is the right fit for them. While Explorers don’t yet participate in design workshops or decision-making, they have a front-row seat to the process until they’re ready to become Founding Members. And, they have a place in the queue for homes when they decide to invest in the community.

The Vision for Rental Options

One of the questions we hear often is: Will there be opportunities to rent instead of buy?

Right now, the rental vision is just that — a vision for what could be. The final layout, design, and mix of homes will be determined by our first 20 (or more) Founding Members, who will work directly with our architect Charles Durrett this fall to refine the plan.

Originally, we envisioned three sizes and prices of “for purchase” homes:

• Smaller condos or accessory dwelling units (ADUs) averaging ~700 sq. ft. with 2 bedrooms and one bath

• Mid-sized townhomes averaging ~1,100 sq. ft. with 2-3 bedrooms and up to 2.5. baths

• Larger single-family homes averaging ~1,500 sq. ft. with2-4 bedrooms and up to 3 baths

Many of the townhomes and single-family homes are designed with the option of a basement or backyard ADU or accessory dwelling unit (sometimes called a “mother-in-law apartment”), which could be rented. That was the first layer of possibility for rental options.

More recently, we’ve had interest from people—like a group of four women friends—who no longer want to own a home but are excited to commit as long-term renters. Because of this, we’re now exploring a distinct rental option within Gratitude Village. The exact number is still to be determined, but early proposals suggest between 8 and 12 units. Our board and founders are carefully considering how rentals can fit into the overall community while maintaining balance and cohesion along with the "distinct feel" of a cohousing community.

Some families with neurodivergent adult children are also looking at creative solutions, such as:

1. Buying a condo for their adult child and a townhome for themselves in the community.

2. Purchasing a larger (3 or 4-bedroom) single-family home for their adult child who needs 24/7 care and their caregivers, while adding an ADU for additional support.

3. Buying a townhome for a fairly independent autistic adult child while keeping their current home in a different nearby neighborhood.

All of this is still in development, and we’ll have more clarity by the end of September after our founders meet with Charles Durrett following his public presentation. For now, we’re keeping an open door and a listening ear as we explore how best to integrate rentals into our shared vision.

Philanthropy & Grants: Partnering for Impact

In addition to member contributions, Gratitude Village is actively pursuing grants and philanthropic support. Why? Because our project tackles four urgent crises—loneliness, accessible housing, affordability, and climate change—that align directly with the priorities of many foundations and donors. Grants help reduce the burden on future homeowners and renters by covering costs for design, accessibility, sustainability features, and community amenities.

We’ve already begun building relationships with local and national funders who care about innovative housing solutions, climate resilience, and inclusive communities. Every dollar of grant funding helps us stretch member contributions further, ensuring we can deliver Net Zero homes, Passive House and LEED-certified spaces, and affordable housing without cutting corners.

Partnerships that Multiply Possibility

No village is built alone—and the same is true of Gratitude Village. We are working with architects, developers, lenders and nonprofits who share our values and expertise. Partnerships with organizations like Elevation Community Land Trust provide pathways for affordable homeownership, while collaborations with architects specializing in Passive House design ensure our homes will be energy-efficient and future-focused. By combining community power with professional expertise, we’re creating a financial and structural model that can be replicated and sustained.

Why Transparency Matters

We believe that trust is built on clarity. That’s why we’re open about the costs, contributions, and risks involved in bringing Gratitude Village to life. Like any major project, there are uncertainties—but by diversifying our funding sources, we’re creating resilience. Member deposits, grants, partnerships, and market-rate sales all weave together into a safety net that makes Gratitude Village not just possible, but practical. Our approach balances vision with pragmatism, and dream with due diligence.

Step Into the Story

Gratitude Village is more than a housing project—it’s a shared investment in a brighter future. By joining as a member, becoming a sponsor, or supporting our fundraising efforts, you’re helping build a community where people and planet come first.

🌱 Step into the story. Your support or membership can help lay the foundation for our village.