Best Adams County Grants for Nonprofits in Colorado

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.

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 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.

The Black Hills Charitable Giving Program supports community growth by providing sponsorships and donations to eligible organizations. Focused on thriving communities, conservation, and nurturing future leaders, it invites applications from 501(c)(3) organizations and schools. Funding priorities include critical needs like food security and education, while requests benefiting individuals or political causes are generally not funded. Applications are accepted year-round, with decisions made within 120 days.

The Season to Share Grant, presented by the Denver Post Community Foundation, supports nonprofit organizations committed to helping low-income children, youth, and families in the Denver area. Grant funding focuses on programs addressing children and youth development, health and wellness, homelessness, and hunger. Eligible organizations must demonstrate strong outcomes and sustainable funding. Applications are reviewed annually, with a competitive process ensuring that funding is allocated to impactful programs that effectively serve vulnerable populations.

The Women & Girls of Color Fund focuses on empowering women and girls of color in Colorado through targeted investments in their leadership and economic security. With only 0.5% of foundation funding allocated to this demographic, the fund aims to dismantle systemic barriers and uplift community-led initiatives. Prioritizing organizations led by women of color, it supports diverse programs that enhance economic opportunities while addressing intersecting oppressions, thereby fostering a brighter future for all.

The Women and Girls of Color Fund: Rural Cycle aims to empower women and girls of color in Colorado by addressing systemic disparities they face in health, wealth, and access to resources. By focusing on organizations led by women of color, the fund prioritizes initiatives that build economic power and promote community organizing. This fund not only seeks to increase financial support but also strives to dismantle oppressive structures, ensuring that marginalized communities receive the necessary resources to thrive.

The PLTW Launch program, supported by Burns and McDonnell, aims to enhance student engagement in STEM education within eligible communities. This initiative will provide grants to schools that implement at least one PLTW Launch module in the 2025-2026 academic year, followed by another module in subsequent years. The program is designed to empower students with hands-on learning experiences that connect real-world challenges to essential skills, fostering a stronger future in STEM fields.

Adams County CO Community Enrichment Grants

The Community Enrichment Grant (CEG) is a competitive Adams County grant program that provides financial support to nonprofit organizations, school districts, and special districts to operate programs and services that improve the health, well-being, and self-sufficiency of underserved, marginalized, or vulnerable Adams County residents.

Grant funds must be used to directly serve Adams County residents, and funding requests must be based on the actual cost to deliver services through the proposed project.

The Community Enrichment Grant is a competitive funding opportunity, and demand typically exceeds available resources. In recent years, approximately 25% of submitted applications have been recommended for funding.

Funding priorities for the Community Enrichment Grant are established annually by the BoCC and may change from year to year based on community needs, available resources, and county priorities.

Tier 1: Safety Net & Basic Needs

Tier 1 supports projects that provide immediate, tangible assistance to help individuals and families meet essential day-to-day needs and promote stability. Eligible projects may include direct assistance such as transportation support, physical or behavioral health-related needs, emergency assistance, clothing, hygiene products, baby supplies, school necessities, and other basic household items.

Total Available:

• $200,000

Award Size:

• $25,000–$50,000

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 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.

Adams County CO Community Enrichment Grants

The Community Enrichment Grant (CEG) is a competitive Adams County grant program that provides financial support to nonprofit organizations, school districts, and special districts to operate programs and services that improve the health, well-being, and self-sufficiency of underserved, marginalized, or vulnerable Adams County residents.

Grant funds must be used to directly serve Adams County residents, and funding requests must be based on the actual cost to deliver services through the proposed project.

The Community Enrichment Grant is a competitive funding opportunity, and demand typically exceeds available resources. In recent years, approximately 25% of submitted applications have been recommended for funding.

Funding priorities for the Community Enrichment Grant are established annually by the BoCC and may change from year to year based on community needs, available resources, and county priorities.

Tier 2: Food Security

Tier 2 supports projects that exclusively focus on direct food provision to address food insecurity. Funding is intended for programs that purchase food, distribute meals or food boxes, operate or expand food pantries, or otherwise deliver direct food assistance to individuals and families.

Total Available:

• $600,000

Award Size:

• $50,000–$150,000

Nonprofit organizations and fiscally sponsored projects in Colorado serving immigrants and refugees in Adams County, Colorado can apply for Rose Community Foundation’s Newcomers Fund Grant to support housing, basic needs, and health and mental health services. Funding may also support immigration legal services, know-your-rights trainings, family preparedness, narrative change, and continuity of supports for refugee and other immigrant populations.

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.

Public and charter schools in Adams County, Colorado serving at least 40% free or reduced-price lunch students can use these grants to expand PLTW Launch STEM programs, equipment, and teacher training. Project Lead The Way provides funding for participation fees, required technology, program materials, and PLTW Core Training starting in the 2027–2028 academic year, with one year of reporting.

The IMA Foundation Grant focuses on empowering communities by supporting nonprofit organizations dedicated to workforce development, financial security for families, and enhancing emergency preparedness. With a mission to provide philanthropic assistance, the foundation seeks partners that align with its vision and operational reach. Organizations must be 501c3 nonprofits and serve areas where IMA has offices, ensuring that their initiatives directly impact youth under 26 years of age.

Impact100 Metro Denver offers a transformative $100,000 grant aimed at empowering Denver-area non-profits to enhance their mission and community impact. With a focus on underserved populations, this initiative encourages innovative solutions across various sectors, including arts, education, health, and social services. By fostering a community of informed women philanthropists, the program not only provides funding but also promotes engagement in local needs, ensuring that the grant supports sustainable and meaningful projects.

Animal welfare 501(c)(3) organizations hosting cat- or dog-focused events in Adams County, Colorado can access event sponsorship funding and product support through Nestlé Purina. Grants from Nestlé Purina help cover monetary needs, pet food, litter samples, or giveaway items for pet-related events within 50 miles of eligible Purina manufacturing locations.

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 Ferguson Cares Grant is an essential aspect of Ferguson's Sustainability strategy, focusing on social challenges and community wellbeing. This grant supports nonprofit organizations in the U.S. dedicated to affordable housing, skilled trades workforce development, clean water access, and enhancing local economic quality of life. Ferguson aims to create lasting partnerships that drive positive impact within their operational regions, reflecting their commitment to social responsibility and community support.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Adams County, Colorado can seek funding for youth enrichment, child abuse prevention, job training, children’s health, or aging-in-place services. Focused on building self-sufficient, fulfilling lives, the Topfer Family Foundation invites local programs that strengthen families, support at-risk youth, expand workforce readiness, or help seniors remain independent to apply.

The Denver Foundation's Capacity Building Fund Grant supports qualified nonprofits aiming to enhance their effectiveness through learning opportunities. Grants range from $500 to $6,000, with an average of $2,500 to $3,000. Organizations must be 501(c)(3) entities, have received a prior grant within three years, and serve the Metro Denver area. Funding is not available for passive learning or certain activities, ensuring that grants foster active engagement and skill development among staff and board members.

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 PLTW Computer Science grant, supported by Arrow Electronics, is designed to help schools expand their existing PLTW Computer Science programs. Schools can receive up to $10,000 to introduce new courses or enhance current offerings. Eligible institutions are public or charter schools located within 25 miles of Alpharetta, GA. Funds can cover various expenses, including required equipment and training for teachers, making this opportunity pivotal for enhancing STEM education in the region.

The Zonta Club of Denver Foundation (ZCDF) Local Grants empower local 501(c)(3) organizations to enhance the quality of life for at-risk women and girls in the Denver area. By supporting new or ongoing projects, these grants aim to provide essential resources and services that promote self-sufficiency. ZCDF prioritizes initiatives that directly impact women's status and well-being, ensuring that funding contributes to meaningful change and community improvement.