Best Adams County Grants for Nonprofits in Colorado

Basin Electric Power Cooperative's Charitable Giving Program focuses on supporting communities across its nine-state service territory. The program reviews funding requests periodically and allocates donations to various categories, including education, health services, civic betterment, and cultural initiatives. Additionally, it offers matching funds for member donations and contributes surplus office equipment to organizations in need. This commitment to community growth and sustainability reflects Basin Electric's mission to enhance the well-being of its members.

The GM Corporate Giving Grants support U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations focused on STEM education and transportation initiatives. Applications are accepted from January to September, with a requirement to submit requests at least three months before the program’s start date. GM emphasizes charitable contributions in the communities where it operates, ensuring that organizations align with its values. The grant amount is not limited and is assessed based on the proposed program's merit and needs.

Ent Credit Union

Ent’s mission is to improve our members’ financial quality of life. We make the communities we serve more vibrant and believe it is part of our responsibility to make a lasting, positive impact through our work as a financial cooperative and as a philanthropic partner. We foster mutually supportive relationships with, and strive to amplify the message of, the charitable organizations we support. 

Community Advocacy

By definition, a “community advocate” has a vested interest in the development of a neighborhood or community. At Ent, we believe that being an advocate for the numerous neighborhoods and communities we serve across the Front Range is crucial for our communities to thrive. 

Helping our communities across Colorado

For decades, Ent has contributed millions of dollars to support communities across Colorado as a part of our mission to improve our members’ financial quality of life. As a “community advocate” we have a vested interest in supporting the communities where our owner-members live, work and play.

We are partnering with the Pikes Peak Community Foundation to help us raise awareness of the funding available to organizations through Ent, identify volunteer opportunities for Ent employees and to maximize the impact of our financial contributions.

Ent provides funding to various nonprofits along the Front Range that fall into any of the following impact categories:

• Youth: Primary program impact focuses on children under the age of 18 with emphasis on impact in housing, food, behavioral and/or mental health.
• Education: Primary program impact supports classroom learning at all levels, with an emphasis on organizations that design and manage these educational initiatives. For higher education, the focus is primarily on providing scholarships to students attending Colorado-based universities and community colleges.
• Community: Primary program impact addresses major community issues with a focus on community enrichment, food banks, homelessness, and/or poverty.
• Legacy: Primary program impact does not fit into any categories above but may continue to receive support based on Ent’s Colorado Springs heritage.

Applicants who have received Community Advocacy and/or YES Grants funding within the same calendar year may still qualify for an additional grant. However, if funding is limited, priority will be given to new applicants. Applicants may reapply if their initial application is denied.

The Ball Foundation Grants support nonprofit organizations in U.S. communities, focusing on recycling, disaster relief, and STEM education. In 2023, the foundation contributed significantly to these areas, ensuring sustainable practices and community resilience. Eligible entities include 501(c)(3) organizations and accredited educational institutions. The foundation prioritizes impactful projects and excludes funding for discriminatory practices or individual endeavors. This commitment fosters a brighter future through enhanced education and support during crises.

Grants for 501(c)(3) pet welfare organizations in Adams County, Colorado support domestic animal welfare, including capacity building, capital improvements, and program or spay/neuter funding. Nestlé Purina considers requests from U.S. pet welfare nonprofits, especially those within 50 miles of its St. Louis headquarters or manufacturing locations, including Adams County, Colorado.

Brinker International provides Adams County, Colorado 501(c)(3) nonprofits with monetary or in-kind dining certificate support for programs serving children, youth, and hunger relief. Eligible organizations must focus on kids, hunger, or education-related services and submit requests online at least six weeks before their event; donations are limited to once per calendar year.

Adams County, Colorado 501(c)(3) nonprofits can access funding through Union Pacific Foundation’s Community Ties Local Grants, which offer US $5,000 - US $30,000 for projects in safety, workforce development, community vitality, and environmental sustainability. Eligible programs must primarily serve communities on the Union Pacific service list and demonstrate strong DEI commitments.

The Denver Foundation's Community Grants Program supports diverse organizations in Metro Denver, focusing on reducing disparities and promoting equity for underserved communities, including those living in poverty, immigrants, and people of color. The foundation prioritizes funding in areas such as economic opportunity, youth well-being, environment, and housing, investing in initiatives that foster a just and vibrant community. For more information, please visit their FAQs.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving Adams County, Colorado can seek US $20,000 - US $50,000 from The Denver Foundation’s Community Grants Program to advance economic opportunity, housing, environment and climate, and youth well-being. Funding supports efforts that reduce racial and economic disparities and center community leadership, especially for low-income communities and communities of color in Metro Denver.

The KeyBank Foundation offers Community Sponsorships to support local organizations in their fundraising efforts. These sponsorships range from $500 to $5,000 and can fund events or provide general operating support. Applications are accepted from January to October, with a decision made within 90 days. Eligible nonprofits must serve areas where KeyBank operates and adhere to strict ineligibility criteria, including no support for individuals or organizations that discriminate based on various identities.

Nonprofits, schools, local governments, and tribal governments in Adams County, Colorado can seek US $1,000 - US $10,000 to support community programs such as civic services, youth initiatives, arts, education, and human services. Focused on community quality of life, BNSF Foundation invites projects near its rail lines, including environmental, STEM education, and basic needs efforts.

The EASI: Other Services Route, introduced by the Colorado Department of Education, streamlines school improvement funding through a single application process. It targets districts with schools needing comprehensive and targeted support as mandated by the Every Student Succeeds Act. This initiative focuses on aligning federal and state accountability while providing resources to enhance educational outcomes. Key routes include Exploration Supports and District Designed Services, fostering effective strategies tailored to local needs.

The Civic Fabric Fund, managed by The Denver Foundation, invites eligible nonprofits to apply for funding to support state and local policy advocacy. This initiative aims to enhance community engagement and coalition building in the Metro Denver area. Organizations may apply for either general operating or program-specific grants. Priority is given to efforts that focus on grassroots coalition-building and community engagement, addressing local issues outlined in the foundation’s policy principles.

The EASI initiative by the Colorado Department of Education focuses on empowering districts to enhance school improvement strategies. Through the District Designed and Led route, districts can leverage tailored implementation support and major improvement strategies. This approach encourages collaboration with external partners, fostering sustainable improvement systems and building staff capacity aligned with effective educational frameworks. The goal is to ensure that schools in need receive the support necessary for meaningful and lasting change.

School districts and LEAs in Adams County, Colorado seeking to improve low-performing schools can use this funding for diagnostic reviews, planning, and stakeholder engagement. Focused on school improvement and education system reform, the Colorado Department of Education offers US $42,000 - US $150,000 to support exploration of evidence-based strategies, including literacy and English learner programs.

The PNC Foundation aims to enhance the lives of individuals in local communities through partnerships with nonprofit organizations. Their focus includes promoting educational opportunities, particularly for early childhood education, and supporting economic development initiatives. Grants are available for organizations that benefit low- to moderate-income families and enhance community growth. The foundation prioritizes programs that foster sustainability and diversity, ensuring a lasting impact on the communities they serve.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(6) organizations and local governments in Adams County, Colorado can seek funding for physical road safety and traffic calming projects that enhance downtown walkability and accessibility. Grants from National Main Street Center, through the GM on Main Street program, offer US $60,000 for construction, equipment, design, and activation costs in eligible Main Street districts.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations can seek support for community-benefit projects through the Radiance Gives Fund, which serves Adams County, Colorado and other Radiance employee communities. Focused on broad charitable impact, Radiance Technologies invites eligible nonprofits to apply for grants that strengthen local quality of life where employees live and work.

The Wanser Fund Grant, provided by The Denver Foundation, offers funding between $5,000 and $7,000 for organizations dedicated to animal health. Established in 2013, this grant aims to support programs that align with its mission. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations located in the Denver Metro area and must focus on initiatives that enhance animal health. This is a valuable opportunity for eligible nonprofits to secure funding for impactful projects.

Nonprofit public charities, public education institutions, government entities, and Canadian municipalities serving Weyerhaeuser communities, including Adams County, Colorado, can seek funding for local community programs. Weyerhaeuser Giving Fund supports initiatives in affordable housing, education and youth development, environmental stewardship, human services, civic and cultural growth, workforce development, and diversity, equity and inclusion, with awards of more than US $1,000.

The PNC Foundation's Grow Up Great Grant is a significant initiative aimed at enhancing educational opportunities for children from birth to age 5. With a commitment of $500 million, this program focuses on improving school readiness through support in vocabulary development, social-emotional learning, and the arts. By partnering with community-based nonprofits, PNC aims to foster stronger, smarter, and healthier communities, ensuring a brighter future for the next generation.

The Denver Foundation's Strengthening Neighborhoods Grants program invites community groups to apply for funding aimed at enhancing local initiatives. Grants, averaging $2,500, support capacity-building efforts and grassroots projects that leverage community strengths. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations and resident-led groups, focusing on solutions led by communities of color and low-income neighborhoods. Applications are accepted year-round, with monthly funding decisions, and the program closes each November.

The Adams County Foundation's Community Enrichment Grant (CEG) provides vital funding to support human service missions of selected nonprofits in Adams County. Designed to fill service gaps in organizations' budgets, the grant focuses on community well-being, enrichment, and innovation. Eligible applicants include 501(c) organizations and those applying through a fiscal agent. The grant emphasizes measurable outcomes and direct benefits to Adams County residents, with funding tiers ranging from $49,999 to over $100,000.

Black-led, Black-serving 501(c)(3) nonprofits in Adams County, Colorado can apply for $2,500 - $25,000 from the Denver Foundation’s BRIC Fund to cover operations and respond to emerging community needs. Eligible groups serve the seven-county Metro Denver area and address priorities like health, housing, economic opportunity, racial justice, or youth programs for Black communities.

The Get Grounded Foundation Grants, established in 2015, focus on supporting innovative programs for youth in the Denver and Boulder metro areas. In 2025, they will celebrate their 10th anniversary by inviting nominations for special grants, rather than accepting traditional applications. Although no outside applications will be accepted this year, they remain committed to funding impactful initiatives that address child abuse prevention, mental health, and food insecurity, with an average grant size of $2,500.

Nonprofits, local or state organizations, and institutions of higher education in Adams County, Colorado can seek funding to support regional economic development planning and local technical assistance. Focused on economic services and job creation, the Economic Development Administration offers up to US $300,000 for CEDS development, feasibility studies, impact analyses, and resiliency or project planning.

The Bowen Family Performing Arts Fund Grant, established in honor of Gwen Bowen, supports low-income children in Denver by providing opportunities to learn dance, acting, and singing. This initiative aims to promote the performing arts among underserved youth, ensuring they can experience the joy of artistic expression. The grant is focused on programs that align with its mission in the seven-county Metro Denver area, continuing Miss Bowen’s legacy of inspiring future generations.