Best Climate Change Grants in Colorado

The Community Possible Grant Program by U.S. Bank aims to foster economic and workforce advancement, as well as safe and affordable housing. By partnering with 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, the program seeks to drive lasting change within communities through collaborative grantmaking. Priority is given to organizations that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion, and that address multiple pillars of work, home, and play. This initiative reflects U.S. Bank's commitment to creating a more equitable society.

The Costco Wholesale Charitable Contributions program prioritizes support for children, education, and health services within local communities. Nonprofit organizations seeking assistance must be 501(c)(3) certified and focus on monetary requests. Applications are reviewed within 4-6 weeks, factoring in community needs and collaboration. However, Costco limits grants to 10% of the program budget and typically restricts organizations to one request per fiscal year. They do not fund individuals or direct aid for various specific purposes.

The Creag Foundation, established in 2009 in Woodinville, Washington, provides funding to innovative 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations addressing social issues. Focused on smaller organizations, the foundation seeks to support those with unique approaches to improve the human condition. Eligible applicants must have held 501(c)(3) status for at least one year and present a new or previously unaddressed solution to societal challenges. Applications are by invitation only, encouraging creativity and passion in charitable work.

The DanPaul Foundation aims to enhance early childhood development by training teachers and parents, protecting children from abuse, and promoting social responsibility. They provide grants to non-profits for programs that focus on education, health, and welfare of youth. Key initiatives include scholarships, environmental education, and support for underprivileged children. Grant amounts range from a few hundred dollars to $15,000 annually, with a focus on impactful, community-driven projects.

State Farm's Good Neighbor Citizenship Company Grants aim to enhance community safety, development, and education. Focused on long-term impact, they support initiatives in auto and home safety, disaster preparedness, affordable housing, and educational programs. Eligible recipients include nonprofits, educational institutions, and government entities. However, funding is not available for individuals, religious programs, or organizations outside the U.S. By addressing critical community needs, these grants foster safer and more resilient neighborhoods.

The Innovative Housing Incentive Program Grant, initiated by the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade, aims to address the housing shortage in Colorado by supporting innovative housing manufacturing businesses. It provides funding through grants and factory loans, with an emphasis on creating affordable housing solutions. The program incentivizes the development of new modular and panelized housing units, fostering economic growth and job creation across the state.

The Mayer and Morris Kaplan Foundation Environment Grant aims to support initiatives that combat climate change, prioritizing efforts to reduce fossil fuel consumption and enhance climate education for young adults. The foundation emphasizes innovative solutions and partnerships to address both immediate and long-term environmental challenges. Areas of focus include climate and clean energy policy, as well as providing scientifically accurate climate change education. By leveraging data and research, the foundation seeks to empower organizations dedicated to creating impactful change.

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.

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 Bank of America Foundation Sponsorship Program aims to enhance economic mobility and social progress in low- and moderate-income communities through partnerships with nonprofit organizations. This initiative focuses on critical areas such as workforce education, basic needs like food and housing, and community development. The Foundation invested $350 million last year and encourages employee volunteerism and giving, supporting nonprofits in various sectors, including arts, culture, and diversity initiatives.

Office of Innovative Mobility (OIM) Grants

About the Program

Thank you for your interest in the OIM Grant Program. We are proud to have been able to offer four rounds of grants for the TDM portfolio and two rounds of grants from the Electrification and Connected Vehicle portfolios since 2021. These grants have resulted in many successful projects. In recent months, OIM staff have been working to further quantify benefits from these initial efforts and continue to analyze and refine our offerings so that the OIM grants can contribute to our mission of reducing emissions and congestion through traditional and emerging technologies.

Mobility Services offers the Transportation Management Organization Seed Funding Grant:

Providing resources for new TMOs programs to form in currently underrepresented areas of the state.

Transportation Management Organization Seed Funding Grant Rolling Applications 

Background

Transportation Demand Management (TDM) - defined broadly as strategies that maximize travelers’ choices and, in doing so, allow them to make more efficient use of existing transportation infrastructure - is an increasingly crucial tool in meeting CDOT’s commitment to provide the best multi-modal transportation system for Colorado that most effectively and safely moves people, goods, and information and the ambitious goals for tackling climate change outlined in House Bill 19-1261 Climate Action Plan to Reduce Pollution.

However, while there are strong, existing examples of successful TDM programming in Colorado, many areas and groups across the state have not been well-served by traditional TDM efforts.

The Transportation Management Organization (TMO) Seed Funding Grant was developed by the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) to establish new transportation management organizations (TMOs) in currently un-represented areas of the state, and to add new perspectives to the TDM conversation that have the potential to increase TDM success in non-urban areas.

Program Goals

• Foster the creation of innovative solutions and technologies that reduce single occupancy vehicle trips and encourage the use of alternative modes of transportation.
• Support the creation of financially sustainable TMOs that enhance the capacities and efficiencies of their local and regional transportation networks and support stakeholders in voluntary efforts to reduce trips, emissions, and travel impacts.
• Support economic development by normalizing and encouraging telecommuting as a best work practice for employers.
• Provide safe access to economic opportunities and mobility for people of all ages, incomes, and abilities, including vulnerable users.
• Reduce greenhouse gas and criteria pollutant emissions by reducing vehicle miles traveled by personal vehicles.

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 Social Impact Theatre Grant Program supports innovative theatrical productions that address pressing social issues, fostering dialogue and community engagement. With a focus on sustainability, the program offers production-specific and change capital grants to eligible nonprofit organizations in select states. Grantees are encouraged to explore new models, deepen community connections, and support emerging leaders in theatre. Applications for the next cycle will open in Spring 2025, following the completion of the current funding round.

The Justin Brooks Fisher Foundation Grant supports conservation and sustainability initiatives, primarily in Boulder, Colorado. The Foundation funds projects focused on environmental education, innovative strategies to combat climate change, and wildfire resiliency. Eligible organizations must be tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) and primarily operate in Boulder or Pittsburgh. The Foundation does not support individual requests or conference sponsorships, emphasizing its commitment to impactful community projects.

The Colorado Change Leader Program, initiated by the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade, aims to cultivate effective leaders in creative industries. This program offers a month-long leadership course, including a three-day intensive, coaching, and funding opportunities for alumni. It targets emerging and established leaders committed to enhancing Colorado's arts and culture through collaboration. Participants may receive a stipend to implement their projects, fostering professional growth and community development.

The Jacob and Terese Hershey Foundation provides grants focused on environmental justice, reproductive rights, and community parks in Texas and southwestern Colorado. They accept letters of inquiry year-round, with cycles in Spring and Fall. Their funding supports diverse initiatives including project grants, operating grants, and capital grants, emphasizing investments that enhance the well-being of both people and nature, particularly in underserved communities.

Environmental Justice Grant Program

The Colorado Environmental Justice Grant Program: Community solutions to improve environmental health

The Environmental Justice Grant Program funds projects to ensure every community has a healthy environment in which to live, learn, work, and play.

These projects help measure, prevent, or reduce pollution in disproportionately impacted communities. Disproportionately impacted communities include low-income communities, communities of color, communities impacted by pollution and climate change, and additional categories. Funding can also help pay for technical assistance to help community organizations most effectively participate in rulemaking hearings. To see if your community qualifies for these grants, check out Disproportionately Impacted Communities Map.

The Environmental Justice Act created this grant opportunity to help communities disproportionately impacted by pollution and climate change. The Environmental Justice Advisory Board oversees the program and serves as the grant selection committee.

The grant program will fund projects that measure, prevent, or reduce pollution to protect public health or restore the environment. Projects can focus on any of the following topics:

• Air quality.
• Water quantity and quality.
• Waste.
• Land use.
• Built environment.
• Climate.
• Noise.
• Chemicals.
• Pesticides.
• Natural assets, such as wetlands, tree planting, and native plants.
• Soil quality.
• Historical industrial contamination.

The Richard Reed Foundation Grant supports small, innovative non-profit organizations in Colorado and Northern California that aim to improve community welfare through initiatives in mental health, child development, environmental impact, and animal welfare. The foundation focuses on organizations with a proven track record, clear goals, and sustainable funding. Grants typically range from $5,000 to $10,000, and the foundation encourages creativity and collaboration to foster significant community change.

The Gupta Family Foundation Grant aims to empower disadvantaged individuals by providing financial support to organizations that foster self-reliance. Headquartered in Herndon, Virginia, the foundation offers grants ranging from $5,000 to over $250,000, prioritizing smaller organizations with a strong commitment to their missions. Eligibility typically includes US-based IRS 501(c)(3) entities, with operations extending to countries like India and Kenya. The foundation emphasizes mission alignment and effective resource allocation to ensure maximum impact.

The Biophilia Foundation

Our Mission & Approach

The Biophilia Foundation is dedicated to advancing biodiversity conservation on private lands by fostering systemic change through people, their communities, and direct action. We approach our mission by offering grants to nonprofit organizations, administering in-house programs, and serving as a strategic partner and fiscal sponsor for organizations with which we collaborate.

Riverscape Restoration in the Western United States and Northern Mexico

The Biophilia Foundation is seeking proposals for projects to improve the resilience of watersheds in arid and semi-arid regions of the southwestern United States and northern Mexico.

Two types of grants are available:

• Grants of $50,000 to $100,000 are available for projects that implement low-tech, process-based, and/or beaver-based restoration of upland streams and rivers.
• Grants up to $25,000 are available for:
  • Capacity building:
    • Assistance with the development of watershed plans, place-based networks, or preparation of proposals for federal or state grants.
  • Engagement:
    • Outreach to landowners and land managers to improve the availability of information and make implementation achievable.

The Biophilia Foundation also welcomes enquiries regarding capacity building for riverscape restoration, research (primarily carbon sequestration, climate change adaptation, and other riparian ecosystem services), innovative finance, and improving the availability of information available to landowners and land managers.

Funding Categories

Grants provided through this initiative will include the categories described below. Eligible entities can apply for funding from one or more categories.

• Implementation Grants
  • Implementation grants of $50,000 to $100,000 are available for riparian restoration projects using low-tech, process-based restoration (LTPBR) techniques, such as RDS, BDA, PALS, grass plugs, etc., and supporting practices, such as tree planting and exclosures.
  • Implementation grants can also support restoration for the purpose of beaver translocation or beaver recolonization.
    • Grants for this purpose may include practices for nonlethal management of beaver conflicts (e.g., pond levelers).
  • Where financially beneficial, the Biophilia Foundation supports integration of carbon finance and/or other payments for ecosystem services into restoration projects.
  • Implementation grants will be evaluated based on ecological and social criteria, including appropriateness of LTPBR to the context, biodiversity and ecological value, project scale, partnerships, and financial viability.
  • Only projects in the target geography will be considered for implementation grants.
  • In general, funded projects may apply for funding for one or two years, depending on scale and scope.
• Capacity-Building and Engagement
  • Grants of up to $25,000 are available to assist with capacity-building and engagement.
  • Capacity-building includes the development of watershed plans, creation of place based networks, or preparation of proposals for federal or state grants.
    • Funds may also be used for projects to increase the capacity of the system, such as addressing training and workforce development.
  • Engagement grants fund efforts to reduce barriers to LTPBR implementation by landowners and land managers.
    • Examples include videos, websites, hosted workshops, or targeted outreach marketing to candidate landowners.
    • Topics could include guidance on practices, permitting, financing, benefits, and risk mitigation.
• Research and Finance
  • In addition to the grants currently available, the Biophilia Foundation welcomes enquiries regarding:
    • Research to address data gaps on the benefits and risks of riparian restoration.
    • Our primary interest areas are carbon sequestration, climate change adaptation, and other ecosystem services.
    • Innovative finance for riparian restoration, including carbon credits and other payments for ecosystem services.

The GFF Capital Grants by the Gates Family Foundation support capital projects for nonprofit organizations in Colorado, emphasizing community needs and sustainable development. With a focus on enhancing public resources and addressing historical inequities, the foundation prioritizes projects that foster education, environmental protection, and community development. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) organizations, demonstrating strong community support and effective management. Capital grants are not given for general operating expenses, loans, or projects already completed.

The Robinson Foundation Grant, established in 2016, aims to alleviate hardships faced by individuals and communities, demonstrating God's love through charitable contributions. As a family-operated foundation, it focuses on creating meaningful, long-term impacts in various areas including animal welfare, education, and disaster relief. Organizations eligible for funding must be 501(c)(3) public charities. The foundation prioritizes fiscally responsible projects with the potential for tangible results, while not supporting capital projects.

The Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation offers grants to support diverse initiatives, including museums, educational programs, and environmental activities. Aiming to make a significant impact with modest funding, the Foundation targets IRS-qualified non-profits in the U.S. Grants typically range from $1,000 to $20,000, fostering community development and enhancement. Organizations focused on youth, seniors, and individuals with disabilities are particularly encouraged to apply, as the Foundation seeks to empower those in need.

The Tree Campus Higher Education Program, led by the National Arbor Day Foundation, encourages colleges and universities to enhance their campuses through tree planting and maintenance. By meeting five key standards, institutions can earn recognition and foster community pride. This initiative promotes environmental health, supports mental well-being among students, and educates future generations on sustainability. Participating schools benefit from resources and recognition, making campuses more livable and green, ultimately contributing to the health of our planet.

The Folk and Traditional Arts Project Grant, offered by the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade, aims to celebrate and preserve Colorado's cultural heritage through folk and traditional arts. This grant fosters community well-being, cultural identity, and economic vitality. It provides funding for creating, presenting, or documenting folk arts, with a maximum amount of $3,000 available for projects that enhance community engagement and creativity, with a completion deadline of June 30, 2026.

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 Wright-Ingraham Institute offers Sustaining Grants to support non-profit organizations addressing environmental and social challenges. These grants emphasize climate change, land issues, and wildlife conservation, with a special focus on Colorado-based institutions. Since 2012, the Institute has awarded over $400,000 to more than 65 organizations. The grants are awarded biennially, with the next cycle commencing in August 2025, providing up to $5,000 to eligible 501c(3) organizations.