Best Arapahoe County Grants for Nonprofits in Colorado

The Hearst Foundation: Culture Grant aims to support outstanding nonprofits that enhance cultural engagement and artistic talent in the U.S. With a focus on programs that reach young people, the grant prioritizes organizations that create lasting impacts in the arts and sciences. The Foundation allocates 25% of its funding to cultural initiatives, favoring established organizations with a history of significant results. Eligible nonprofits must encourage inclusivity and sustainability in their programs.

The Newcomers Fund Grant, administered by the Rose Community Foundation, supports nonprofits in Colorado assisting new immigrants with essential services such as housing and employment. Since late 2022, over 40,000 individuals have arrived in the Greater Denver area. The grant aims to empower organizations that can efficiently serve 20 or more people, fostering community integration and resource navigation. Interested applicants should note that funding decisions will be influenced by the potential impact of their programs.

Roche Corporate Donations and Philanthropy (CDP) focuses on impactful projects that foster sustainable development, engage employees, and leverage Roche's expertise. Their philanthropic efforts prioritize humanitarian, educational, environmental, and cultural initiatives, aiming to build stronger communities and support innovative projects. Eligibility is limited to local organizations, while ineligible projects include those with political or religious ties. The foundation strives to create a positive societal impact through collaboration and strategic partnerships.

The SVP Denver Capacity Building Engagement Grant offers essential support to social impact organizations through training cohorts and individual strategic projects. This grant aims to enhance organizational capacity, focusing on basic human needs and economic mobility. Eligible nonprofits can receive tailored assistance from experienced SVP partners, fostering a collaborative environment for growth and development. By participating, organizations can leverage expert guidance to strengthen their operations and maximize their community impact.

The Technical Assistance Grant Program by the Bonfils-Stanton Foundation supports nonprofit arts and culture organizations in Denver, offering up to $5,000 for one-time projects focused on enhancing operations or skills. Eligible applicants must demonstrate a commitment to community engagement and have an annual budget under $500,000. The program emphasizes inclusivity, equity, and support for diverse groups, ensuring that arts and culture are accessible to all in the community.

Wells Fargo Community Giving supports nonprofit organizations focusing on financial health, housing affordability, small business growth, and sustainability. The grant cycle runs from February to October, inviting organizations with 501(c)(3) status or equivalent to apply. Funding is prioritized for programs addressing critical community needs, while limited support is available for local initiatives like disaster relief and arts. Organizations must demonstrate fiscal stability and potential impact to be considered for funding.

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 Bonfils-Stanton Foundation offers Quarterly Community Grants aimed at supporting 501(c)(3) nonprofit arts and culture organizations in Denver. These unrestricted operating grants foster stability and relationship-building while prioritizing organizations that engage diverse communities. With a focus on enhancing arts visibility and nurturing transformational leaders, the foundation has awarded over $90 million since its inception in 1981. Grants are capped at $60,000 and are available to established organizations with a clear commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

The Bonfils-Stanton Foundation offers grants for capital projects, focusing on organizations with operating budgets under $5 million. With over $90 million in grants awarded since 1981, the foundation seeks to foster a vibrant arts community in Denver. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofit arts organizations that have a strong DEI plan and a history of public programming. Priority is given to projects serving diverse communities and enhancing equitable access to the arts.

The Equity-Focused Leadership Grant by the Bonfils-Stanton Foundation aims to foster diverse leadership in the nonprofit sector by providing up to $10,000 to organizations that support BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and disabled adults. This initiative addresses the racial leadership gap and promotes equitable opportunities for marginalized professionals, ensuring they can pursue executive roles. With an annual funding of over $3.5 million, the foundation reinforces its commitment to inclusive community engagement and innovative leadership development in Denver.

The Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP) in Colorado supports nonprofit organizations at high risk of terrorist attacks by providing funding for security enhancements. Organizations must undergo a vulnerability assessment and apply to FEMA before seeking state funding. This program fosters collaboration between various agencies to enhance community safety and preparedness. Eligible nonprofits include those exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Funding covers security planning, training, and necessary equipment installation.

The PLTW Engineering - New Program, supported by Burns & McDonnell, aims to empower U.S. students through STEM education. By offering at least one PLTW Engineering course in the 2026-2027 academic year, schools can enhance their curriculum and foster critical skills. This initiative not only increases access to valuable programs but also prepares students for future challenges in college and careers, ensuring they thrive in an evolving world.

The PLTW Engineering - Program Expansion initiative aims to enhance STEM education by increasing access to Project Lead The Way (PLTW) programs in communities served by Burns & McDonnell. This partnership focuses on empowering students through real-world learning experiences, helping them develop essential skills for future careers. Starting in the 2026-2027 academic year, grants will support schools in expanding their existing PLTW Engineering programs to foster greater participation and engagement in STEM fields.

The PLTW Gateway - New Program, in partnership with Burns & McDonnell, aims to enhance student engagement in STEM by providing teachers with essential resources and support. Starting in the 2026-2027 academic year, eligible schools can apply for grants to introduce and expand PLTW programs, fostering real-world skills through applied learning. This initiative targets schools with significant free and reduced-price lunch populations, promoting equity in education across various U.S. counties.

The PLTW Gateway - Program Expansion initiative, led by Burns & McDonnell in partnership with Project Lead The Way (PLTW), aims to enhance STEM education by increasing access to PLTW programs for students in eligible communities. This program empowers students through real-world applied learning experiences, promoting essential skills for college and careers. Grants will support schools in expanding their existing PLTW Gateway programs starting in the 2026-2027 academic year, fostering a brighter future through education.

The PLTW Launch - New Program initiative, sponsored by Burns & McDonnell, aims to enhance STEM education by providing grants to eligible schools within specific U.S. counties. Schools must implement PLTW modules over two academic years, ensuring access to real-world learning experiences for students, particularly those from low-income backgrounds. This program emphasizes the importance of empowering educators and fostering student engagement in STEM fields to prepare them for future careers.

The PLTW Launch - Program Expansion initiative by Burns & McDonnell aims to enhance access to STEM education in U.S. schools. This program focuses on empowering students by providing real-world learning experiences and essential skills. Grants will support schools in expanding PLTW programs during the 2026-2027 academic year, benefiting students from underserved communities. By fostering a deeper understanding of STEM, the initiative seeks to inspire the next generation of innovators and problem solvers.

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.

Ameriprise Community Grants focus on supporting nonprofits that enhance community vitality and meet basic needs. With over 120 years of commitment to philanthropy, Ameriprise Financial engages employees in volunteerism and grantmaking. Key giving areas include hunger relief, housing stability, and community development. Priority is given to organizations with active volunteer engagement from Ameriprise advisors and employees, creating a meaningful impact on financial independence and community resilience.

Gary Community Ventures is an impermanent philanthropic organization committed to using all of its resources by 2035 to transform systems and build wealth for Colorado kids and families.

Using a powerful mix of catalytic grantmaking, impact investments, policy and advocacy and the development of new ventures, we create opportunities for Coloradans to thrive now and for generations to come.

Our mission is to partner with our community to leverage business, policy and philanthropy to reshape the arc of opportunity for Colorado kids and families.

Afterschool & Summer Enrichment for All

This RFP seeks to identify local systems ready to replicate My Spark-like programming (see program case study) in other locations throughout Colorado and to model the future of out-of-school learning — one where access is universal, funding is sustainable, and all kidshave opportunities to find their spark.

Description

Gary is seeking to identify a cohort of approximately 3-5 public systems (counties, cities and school districts) and/or the intermediary partners that seek to dramatically scale their out of school enrichment and learning opportunities, particularly for lower-income kids, through My Spark-like programming. The key components of My-Spark like programming are:

• Resourcing kids and families directly with funds to spend on afterschool and summer enrichment opportunities
• Supporting a wide variety of afterschool and summer providers - from arts to sports to tutoring and more - and including nonprofit, business and government providers
• Prioritizing student choice and interest

Priority will be given to proposals that:

• Serve Metro Denver (Adams, Arapahoe, Denver and Jefferson counties), though Colorado locations outside of Metro Denver will also be considered.
• Represent public/private partnerships - we believe that ultimately both public and private stakeholders need to be at the table to make this successful.

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 Helen M. McLoraine Nonprofit Employee Scholarship, offered by The Denver Foundation, supports nonprofit employees in the Denver Metro area pursuing education in human services. Eligible candidates must have at least a 2.5 GPA and be employed part-time or full-time for a minimum of one year. Awards are granted based on academic performance, passion for nonprofit work, and financial need. Recipients can reapply for funding over a maximum of three years, with awards directly applied to educational expenses.

The MHUW Strategic Investment Grants support nonprofit organizations in the seven-county Metro Denver area, focusing on basic needs, early childhood education, and out-of-school programming. These grants aim to empower organizations that align with the Mile High United Way's mission to foster community well-being and economic stability. This competitive grantmaking process emphasizes collaboration and community-driven solutions to address critical human service issues, ensuring every individual has the opportunity to thrive.

Bates Philanthropic Initiative

Mission Statement

The Bates Philanthropic Initiative (BPI) is committed to making a positive impact on our community by ensuring that high school students in Colorado experiencing financial hardship have access to quality post-secondary education and career opportunities with a particular focus on career and technical education (CTE).

We provide scholarships to graduating high school seniors with a financial need who are pursuing post-secondary certifications, associate degrees, and apprenticeships in skills-based fields.

In addition to scholarships, BPI provides grants to nonprofit partners that deliver critical wrap-around services like transportation, childcare, language support, and mentoring to these financially disadvantaged young adults.

The BPI Scholars Program

The Bates Philanthropic Initiative (BPI) is proud to provide financial support for Colorado's financially disadvantaged high school seniors seeking an education in skills-based careers.

Our mission is to bridge the skills and opportunity gap for in-need graduating high school students by expanding access to career and technical education (CTE) and work readiness opportunities across Colorado. Becoming a BPI Scholar is both an academic honor and access to a support network of partners and resources designed for success.

We administer our own program, personally reviewing each applicant as a potential BPI Scholar. 

Scholarship Benefits

• Attend any Colorado Community College or Technical School
• Associate's degree or Certificates
• Receive Mentorship
• Networking Events
• Recognition as a BPI Scholar

Fields of Study

• Engineering, Construction
• Manufacturing, Automotive Tech
• Agriculture, Natural Resources
• Health Sciences, Criminal Justice
• Education, Human Services
• Electrical, Plumbing, HVAC, Welding
• Cosmetology, Barbering, Esthetics

Awards are not automatically renewable; however, students may reapply to the program each year they meet eligibility requirements.

The Community Ties Giving Program by Union Pacific Foundation offers local grants aimed at enhancing community well-being through diverse funding priorities. These include safety initiatives, workforce development, community vitality, and environmental sustainability. The program emphasizes supporting organizations that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion, aiming to create impactful projects that resonate with Union Pacific's heritage and mission. Eligible applicants must be nonprofit organizations serving Union Pacific communities and demonstrate a clear need and capacity to deliver effective programming.

The True Inspiration Awards, established by Chick-fil-A in 2015, recognizes nonprofit organizations that significantly impact their communities. In 2025, the program will distribute $6 million in grants, ranging from $30,000 to $350,000, to sixteen selected organizations. Categories include Caring for People, Caring through Food, Community, and Caring for our Planet, with a focus on educational initiatives, food security, housing services, and environmental stewardship, honoring the legacy of founder S. Truett Cathy.

The In-N-Out Burger Foundation supports organizations that aid children and youth affected by abuse and neglect, offering grants ranging from $5,000 to $50,000. Eligible nonprofits must be 501(c)(3) registered, operational for at least two years, and demonstrate a commitment to the foundation's mission. Applications are considered for traditional, capital, and program support, focusing on sustainable solutions and clear objectives. Organizations must operate in areas with In-N-Out Burger locations to qualify.