Best Environmental Education Grants in Colorado

Students conducting environmental or mountain-related research in Colorado and the broader Rocky Mountain region can apply for fellowships supporting higher-education projects in fields like environmental studies, biology, forestry, and geology. The Colorado Mountain Club Foundation awards US $500 - US $2,000 to individuals working under faculty supervision whose work advances understanding and stewardship of mountain ecosystems.

Colorado 501(c)(3) nonprofits and fiscally sponsored groups that educate children ages 0–12 through literacy, environmental education, and arts programs can seek support for their work. Grants from The Denver Foundation’s Gorham/McGee Early Learning Fund help early learning initiatives with US $5,000 awards, with two grants available this year.

Colorado 501(c)(3) nonprofits running youth development, mentoring, tutoring, STEM, or workforce readiness programs can apply for Adolph Coors Foundation’s Youth and Adult Grant Programs, with awards from US $5,000 - US $175,000. Grants from Adolph Coors Foundation help Colorado environmental education and related programs that emphasize self-reliance, entrepreneurship, and evidence-based results, including rural organizations.

Nonprofits, public agencies, and partners running environmental and water education initiatives in Colorado can seek funding for statewide or multi-basin outreach, awareness surveys, and education campaigns. With a mission to conserve and manage Colorado’s water, Colorado Department of Natural Resources provides support for projects aligned with Colorado Water Conservation Board priorities and demonstrating multi-basin backing.

Nonprofits, local governments, tribal governments, educational institutions, grassroots groups, and for-profit corporations in Colorado can apply for the Environmental Justice Grant Program to fund projects that measure, prevent, or reduce pollution in disproportionately impacted communities. This Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment program can support environmental education and community-led efforts on air, water, land use, climate, and related issues.

Governments, municipalities, districts, enterprises, and individuals in Colorado can apply for funding to support basin-level water education and outreach coordination. Grants from Colorado Department of Natural Resources help Colorado environmental education efforts by funding PEPO Basin Coordinators who develop and implement public education activities consistent with the Colorado Water Plan and local Basin Implementation Plans, with awards up to US $25,000.

Youth corps and similar organizations running environmental education and conservation projects in Colorado and other eligible Western states can receive US $30,000 - US $220,000 for hands-on public lands work. US Department of the Interior: Bureau of Land Management supports trail work, habitat restoration, cultural resource projects, wildfire risk reduction, and related youth workforce development activities.

Colorado nonprofit organizations running environmental education or community environmental impact programs can apply for grants ranging from $5,000 to $10,000. Colorado environmental education groups can access funding through Richard Reed Foundation for specific projects or general operating support, with a preference for smaller, forward-thinking organizations creating stronger, more sustainable communities.

With a mission to promote bird study and conservation, Aiken Audubon Society provides Colorado environmental education and ornithology projects with US $100 - US $500 mini-grants. Local individuals and community organizations that further bird enjoyment, study, or habitat conservation in the Pikes Peak Region may be eligible, even without 501(c)(3) status.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and eligible public entities in Colorado seeking capital funding for land, facilities, or civic infrastructure can apply for Gates Family Foundation’s capital grants. Support focuses on comprehensive campaigns for construction, expansion, renovation, or land acquisition, including environmental education, parks and recreation, and community development projects that benefit Colorado residents.

Focused on foothills and prairie bird ecology, Aiken Audubon Society invites Colorado researchers, educators, and conservation project leaders to seek funding for studies, education programs, and habitat conservation. Eligible individuals and organizations in the Colorado Front Range can request up to US $6,500 for projects related to birds and their habitats.

Marion Community Foundation

Since 1998, area residents have been turning to Marion Community Foundation to make their philanthropic giving as effective as possible. We are a public charity serving thousands of people who share a common concern … improving the quality of life in Marion County. We use distributions from the more than 500 charitable funds — created by generous, local donors — to award more than $2.5 million in grants and scholarships each year to many of the humanitarian, educational and cultural organizations in this remarkable community we call home.

Marion Community Foundation is the area’s leading philanthropic organization, providing charitable donors the opportunity to easily create endowment funds to benefit and support our community through grants and scholarships. We serve communities throughout Marion County through philanthropy, leadership, and civic engagement.

Rob’s Hauling & Vance Family Scholarship

The Rob’s Hauling & Vance Family Scholarship Fund was created in 2019 by James and Lyndsey Vance. The Vance family places a priority on and a commitment to protecting, preserving, conserving, and sustaining the environment. Their scholarship gives special consideration to applicants who are pursuing an education in Ecology, Natural Science, Environmental Science, Environmental Engineering, Environmental Management, Natural Resource Management, Renewable Energy Engineering, Sustainability Management, Urban Planning and Sustainability, Climate Science, Conservation Science, Conservation Biology, or Environmental Health and Economics. Consideration is also given to students studying Agricultural Engineering, Agriculture Production, Animal Science, Food Sciences and Technologies, Horticulture, Plant Science, Soil Science, and related fields.

Recipients may be a graduate or senior from any school located in Marion County who have been a resident of the area for their entire high school career and maintained a grade point average of 3.0 or greater.

EEF Undergraduate College Scholarship

These scholarships are awarded to college students to support their programs in environmentally-related fields of study. Prior EEF HS winners are encouraged to apply for continued financial support.

The EEF Undergraduate College scholarship award can be as much as $4,000 for a student's sophomore, junior, or senior year. The Foundation generally awards four Undergraduate College Scholarships each year.​ These scholarships were established to benefit students from the Geneva Lake area.

About Us

Leadership. Collaboration. Impact.

The Community Foundation of the Mahoning Valley helps philanthropists support the causes closest to their heart while connecting local residents to the resources they need for a better quality of life.

Our Mission

To serve as a leader and advocate for strategic philanthropy, partnering with donors to anchor a permanent and growing endowment and making investments in the Mahoning Valley that improve the quality of life for all residents.

Scholarship Opportunities

Your Community, Your Support System

Our community members support hundreds of local students every year through various scholarships facilitated by the Community Foundation of the Mahoning Valley.

Established in memory of Melinda “Mindy” Henning.

High school seniors pursuing environmentally related college majors and careers can receive scholarship support for higher education. Focused on environmental education and conservation, Environmental Education Foundation invites eligible students from the Geneva Lake area to apply for the EEF High School Graduate Scholarship, which awards US $3,000 toward study at an accredited four-year college or university.

High school students planning environmentally focused college studies may be eligible for scholarships supporting conservation or environmental protection careers, including those in Colorado. The Environmental Education Foundation’s Thomas E. Reynolds Scholarship awards up to US $16,000 for students pursuing accredited four-year degrees in fields like environmental engineering, ecological sciences, conservation, or environmental education.

Students pursuing agricultural or environmental studies can receive more than US $1,000 for post-secondary education through this scholarship, which may benefit those interested in environmental education in Colorado. The Nebraska Community Foundation’s Butler County Area Foundation Fund awards two annual scholarships to eligible Butler County-related high school graduates enrolled at accredited institutions.

Colorado students pursuing undergraduate environmental studies may be eligible for the Congressman Mark Foley Scholarship for Environmental Studies Fund, which supports aspiring college students. Administered by the Community Foundation for Palm Beach and Martin Counties, this competitive scholarship may benefit environmental education–focused graduates from qualifying high schools who meet GPA and academic program requirements.

Colorado students seeking environmental education funding may be eligible if they are Spokane County residents pursuing full-time college studies in environmental sciences, environmental studies, ecology, recreational management, or land management. The Rika Ream Environmental Scholarship from Innovia Foundation also requires demonstrated financial need and a minimum 2.5 GPA, and previous recipients can re-apply.

Colorado students pursuing environmental sciences or environmental engineering degrees can receive scholarship support for accredited U.S. programs through the Douglas County Waste Management Environmental Studies College Scholarship. The Community Foundation of North Central Wisconsin administers this award, which may benefit those focused on environmental education-related college studies.

American Indian and Alaska Native graduate students in Colorado studying public health or environmental science can receive need-based scholarships ranging from US $100 - US $30,000 per year. With a mission to support Indigenous scholars, Native Forward Scholars Fund provides financial aid for full-time study at accredited U.S. institutions, including environmental education-related fields.

Graduate students, postdoctoral researchers, and exceptional undergraduates conducting extended field research in organismal biology or related disciplines can receive US $2,000 to cover housing and research supplies at Hastings Natural History Reservation in California. Grants from Natural Reserve System- University of California may benefit Colorado environmental education projects that involve field-based study at this site.

Experienced full-time journalists can receive US $80,000 to deepen their environmental reporting through a nine-month fellowship in Colorado. Focused on environmental journalism, Scripps Howard Foundation invites professionals to audit classes, pursue an independent project, and join seminars and field trips that strengthen coverage of environmental education and policy issues.

The Fort Orange Garden Club Centennial Endowed Scholarship is designed for third- and fourth-year undergraduate or current graduate students majoring in plant sciences, conservation, environmental sciences, or landscape architecture. Scholarship recipients must demonstrate financial need and reside in specific counties in New York, including Albany and Schenectady, fostering academic growth while contributing to environmental stewardship.

The Arkansas Audubon Society Trust Grants support conservation, research, and education projects focused on Arkansas bird species and their habitats. Established in 1972, the trust offers grants ranging from $100 to $1200, prioritizing projects within the state but considering broader initiatives as well. Eligible applicants include individuals, students, educators, and nonprofits. Proposals are accepted biannually, with meetings held to discuss funding decisions, fostering a community dedicated to avian conservation.

The Crawford Taylor Foundation focuses on enhancing programs that create lasting legacies in St. Louis. With priorities in community development, women's health, animal welfare, and environmental preservation, the foundation seeks to support 501(c)(3) organizations that meet specific eligibility criteria. They avoid funding multi-year grants or for-profit initiatives, emphasizing support for local causes and relief efforts deemed important by the Taylor family.

The Emerging Climate Champions Award supports youth-led climate initiatives by providing funding for organizations with at least two years of community-led operation. This award aims to empower young leaders aged 15-35, particularly from under-represented groups, to tackle climate challenges. With global funding for youth-driven climate solutions being scarce, the award encourages innovative approaches across various climate issues, including education, advocacy, and sustainable agriculture, thereby promoting resilience and social justice.