Best Foundation Grants for Nonprofits in Colorado

The NHLBI Career Transition Award (K22) supports postdoctoral fellows and research trainees in the NHLBI Division of Intramural Research, facilitating their transition to independent research roles at extramural institutions. Key deadlines for applications include October 12, 2024, and February 12, 2025, among others, providing ample opportunity for qualified investigators to advance their careers.

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.

State Historical Fund: Special Workforce Development Funding Initiative

The Colorado State Historical Fund (SHF) is pleased to announce a Special Funding Initiative dedicated to advancing the Preservation Pipeline Workforce Development Initiative. This competitive grant opportunity is designed to strengthen and diversify Colorado's preservation workforce, with a special focus on engaging underrepresented communities. Through this initiative, SHF aims to address the urgent need for a skilled, inclusive workforce that reflects Colorado's cultural richness while preserving its historical legacy.

It supports CRS §44-30-1201 which allows SHF dollars to be used for educational, promotional, and archaeological activities related to historic sites and structures.

This competitive grant advances the 2030 State Preservation Plan, especially:

• Goal 4: Educate & Train – Growing the skills and leadership of preservation advocates and preparing the next generation of professionals
• Objective C: Focusing on workforce development through training, certification, and partnerships

Key Focus Areas:

• Training in preservation trades and archaeology
• Apprenticeships, internships, and certification programs
• Expanding career pathways for historically underrepresented communities
• Succession planning for legacy craftspeople
• Building preservation capacity in rural and underserved areas
• Supporting projects that create opportunities across the full range of preservation careers—from trades to leadership roles

Grant Details:

Awards from $5,001 to $250,000

25% cash match required, with possible waivers for projects that expand the narrative, show clear financial need, or support broad career pathways

The initiative emphasizes creating career and leadership pathways for individuals from traditionally underrepresented and under-resourced communities. It seeks to build this pipeline through education and training, including apprenticeships, internships, and various professional development opportunities, focusing on nurturing the preservation workforce of the future. Through this approach, SHF is committed to shaping the preservation professionals of tomorrow, ensuring that the workforce reflects the diversity of the communities it serves.

The Weld Trust offers Cycle Grants to nonprofits, schools, and government entities serving Weld County residents. They accept Letters of Inquiry three times a year for various initiatives including access to resources, childhood literacy, and food security. Eligible organizations can receive up to two grants per cycle and six per year, with funding available for indirect costs up to 15%. This initiative aims to foster health and education within the community.

The Dollar General Literacy Foundation offers Family Literacy Grants to nonprofit organizations that support family literacy initiatives. Eligible applicants must provide services such as adult education, children's education, and parent-child engagement activities. Organizations must be located within 15 miles of a Dollar General store and have a valid IRS tax ID. This funding aims to enhance literacy skills for families, empowering individuals to achieve their educational goals.

The Western Big Game Seasonal Habitat and Migration Corridors Fund, managed by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF), aims to enhance big game habitats and migration routes on federal, private, and Tribal lands. With an anticipated funding of $3 million, projects will focus on improving habitats for species like elk and mule deer, fostering biodiversity and climate resilience. This initiative supports sustainable wildlife populations and prioritizes collaborations with key partners such as the U.S. Department of Interior.

The Fishing is Fun Grant Program, managed by Colorado Parks and Wildlife, aims to enhance angling opportunities throughout Colorado by providing up to $700,000 annually in matching funds. This initiative supports a variety of projects including habitat improvements, access enhancements, and public amenities at fishing sites. Eligible applicants include local governments, recreation departments, and nonprofit organizations. Over 30 years, the program has funded 375 projects, promoting sustainable fishing practices and community engagement.

The Gorham/McGee Early Learning Fund Grant, managed by The Denver Foundation, aims to support nonprofits focused on enhancing education for children aged 0-12 in areas like literacy, nature, and the arts. With a commitment to reducing racial disparities, the fund awards grants of $5,000, encouraging organizations in Colorado to apply and contribute to a more equitable future for the community.

The Viking Foundation of Lincoln is dedicated to enhancing the lives of young people facing challenges such as poverty and educational barriers. By providing modest grants, typically between $5,000 and $10,000, the foundation supports 501(c)(3) organizations in the Lincoln, NE, Denver, CO, and Des Moines, IA areas. Emphasizing core values like equal opportunity and community well-being, the foundation seeks innovative projects that promote health, education, and environmental sustainability.

The Lois Webster Fund, established in 1995 by the Audubon Society of Greater Denver, supports vital research and education projects focused on Colorado's non-game wildlife. This fund aims to enhance the conservation of these species by considering projects that influence population management and habitat conservation. Preference is given to proposals affiliated with nonprofit organizations or academic institutions, ensuring collaborative efforts that can make a significant impact in preserving Colorado's biodiversity.

The Community Foundation Serving Southwest Colorado presents the "A Taste of the Nonprofit Sector Grant," offering $2,500 to 10 selected nonprofits. This grant allows winners to showcase their missions during the Durango Wine Experience events on April 25-26, 2025. To qualify, organizations must be 501(c)(3) tax-exempt entities or affiliated with one. Previous recipients from 2024 are ineligible. This initiative highlights the diversity of local nonprofits and supports community engagement.

The Colorado Outdoor Equity Grant Program aims to enhance access to outdoor activities for traditionally underrepresented communities, including low-income families, LGBTQ+ individuals, and youth of color. This initiative supports projects that address barriers to outdoor recreation and environmental education. By promoting equitable access to Colorado's natural resources, the program seeks to foster community engagement and empower underserved populations. The funding, up to $100,000, is intended for organizations committed to transformative change in outdoor equity.

The Rosendin Foundation Emergency Grant provides financial support for unplanned expenses due to unforeseen circumstances such as natural disasters. Grants up to $5,000 are available for community-focused non-profit organizations in states where Rosendin and MPS operate. The foundation prioritizes emotional, occupational, and nutritional health initiatives, aiming to positively impact communities and empower individuals through financial support and volunteer efforts.

Ent Credit Union's YES Grants program supports youth-focused nonprofit organizations in Colorado, having awarded over $1.8 million since 2000. In 2022 alone, $200,000 was distributed to 74 grant recipients from over 160 applications. The program aims to enhance community support for children by providing essential resources such as shelter, food, and educational programs. Selection is made by a committee of Ent team members, ensuring a diverse representation in the decision-making process.

The Homelessness Resolution Program (HRP), previously known as Emergency Solutions Grants (ESG), is administered by the Colorado Department of Local Affairs. This program aims to prevent homelessness and assist individuals and families at risk of homelessness by providing essential resources and support. HRP enhances access to housing, operates low-barrier emergency shelters, and offers vital social services to those in need, ultimately striving to connect participants with permanent housing solutions.

Weather Modification Grant Program

The Program provides state grants to water providers, local governments and/or their fiscal agents that assist in funding ground-based wintertime operational cloud seeding programs. 

Grant money is to be used to help the local water users fund well-designed cloud seeding programs and help modernize programs to take advantage of new technologies. Permits are issued for five months of winter (typically November 1 through March 31).

Examples of how the money can be used:

• To enable full utilization of all winter months in a weather modification permit.
• To purchase or lease equipment like weather stations and remote-operated ice nuclei generators that enhance reporting and effectiveness of cloud seeding programs.
• To evaluate the effectiveness of cloud seeding in a particular area.

Grants are currently only available for permitted cloud seeding programs. To leverage the Weather Modification Grants Program, you will need to develop a plan and funding at a local level, and then apply for a weather modification permit. Annual requests come from the local level project sponsors to the CWCB.

The American Electric Power Foundation provides grants to 501(c)(3) organizations focused on educational improvement, particularly in STEM fields, and basic human services such as hunger and housing. Organizations must operate within AEP's service territory or have a broader beneficial purpose. The Foundation also supports social justice initiatives and environmental protection efforts. Eligible applicants must affirm compliance with anti-discrimination policies and demonstrate commitment to diversity and inclusion.

The Bank of America Charitable Foundation focuses on supporting organizations that empower communities through basic needs, income creation, and stable housing. By investing in health and job opportunities, they aim to enhance economic mobility for low- and moderate-income families. Their partnerships target vulnerable populations, ensuring equitable access to resources that foster community vitality and resilience. This initiative emphasizes the importance of stable housing as a foundation for personal and communal growth.

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.

The CGF Graduate Scholarships, offered by the Colorado Garden Foundation, provide financial assistance to students pursuing graduate degrees in horticulture and related fields at accredited Colorado institutions. The scholarship covers full resident tuition, books, and fees for one year. Eligible candidates must have a GPA of 3.0 or higher and have completed relevant coursework in plant sciences, ensuring they are well-prepared for advanced studies in their chosen area.

The Fu Hua Chen Memorial Scholarship, offered by the ACEC Colorado Scholarship & Education Foundation, supports full-time undergraduate and graduate students pursuing degrees in civil or geotechnical engineering at ABET-accredited institutions in Colorado. Established to honor Fu Hua Chen's achievements, this scholarship provides financial assistance directly to students for their educational expenses. Eligible candidates must be U.S. citizens, demonstrate an understanding of consulting engineering, and meet specific academic qualifications. The amount awarded varies.

The Building and Bridging Connections Funding by The Colorado Health Foundation aims to enhance social capital and foster community-building initiatives that address health challenges and promote health equity. This funding supports collaborations among diverse groups, amplifying underrepresented voices and honoring cultural practices. With no application deadline, grants typically range from $20,000 to $45,000, facilitating projects designed to last between 12 to 24 months, and prioritizing historically marginalized communities.

The Evans Family Scholarship, funded by the ACEC Colorado Scholarship & Education Foundation, provides $5,000 to full-time undergraduate students pursuing degrees in environmental or earth sciences engineering at the Colorado School of Mines. Eligibility requires U.S. citizenship, enrollment in an ABET-accredited program, and a full-time status. Preference is given to students transferring from community colleges. This initiative aims to promote engineering education and support the next generation of engineers.

The Sandy Donnel Memorial Scholarship, offered by the ACEC Colorado Foundation, supports full-time students pursuing an ABET-accredited engineering or surveying degree in Colorado. Established to honor Sandy Donnel's contributions to the profession, this scholarship emphasizes the importance of volunteerism. Recipients receive financial aid for educational expenses, with a commitment to fostering future leaders in consulting engineering. With partnerships that enhance the funding pool, this scholarship is an excellent opportunity for dedicated students.

The Native American Affairs program for Fiscal Year 2025 aims to provide crucial funding for drought relief projects that support federally recognized tribes in the Colorado River Basin. The initiative focuses on enhancing drought resiliency, improving water delivery efficiency, and addressing drinking water shortages. With a maximum award of $1,000,000 per tribe, this program encourages collaboration and aligns with federal priorities to effectively mitigate drought impacts within tribal communities.

The Ernest Morgan Memorial Scholarship, managed by CommunityGiving, supports central Minnesota student athletes and leaders to pursue higher education outside their home states. This scholarship aims to expand students' horizons and experiences, with a total award of $5,000 available. Open to high school seniors from specific schools, applicants are encouraged to apply online and demonstrate their leadership or athletic skills. This initiative enhances educational opportunities and fosters personal growth among local youth.

The RMEF Grant Program lies at the core of advancing our mission.

RMEF established the program in 1986 to provide financial and logistical support to projects that align with our priorities and goals. Grant funds raised by RMEF members, volunteers and generous donors from across the country translate into significantly more conservation accomplishment when matched with partner funds. The RMEF Grant Program also aims to build recognition for RMEF’s work, grow engagement, and boost local fundraising efforts.

Governed by clear guidelines and criteria, the RMEF Grant Program seeks to foster meaningful collaborations and long-term impacts in the conservation of natural resources and outdoor traditions. Grant project partners include federal, state, local, and tribal wildlife and land management agencies, private landowners and local stakeholders, sportsmen and women, and conservation organizations, universities, foundations and the outdoor industry. Eligible projects primarily focus on habitat stewardship, land conservation and access, wildlife management, and hunting heritage.

We support organizations recognized by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) as a 501(c)3 entity, federal, state, local, or tribal government entities, sportsmen’s organizations, or educational institutions. All applicants must have a Federal Employer Identification Number (EIN) issued by the IRS. RMEF does not offer grants to individuals.

Wildlife Management and Research

RMEF funds wildlife management and research to keep big game healthy and thriving, including disease surveillance, big game-friendly fencing, road management, and scientific studies that expand our understanding of big game habitat, movement, interactions, and overall herd health.

RMEF’s 2026 priorities include:

• Research on migration + connectivity, critical habitat + nutrition, big game population trajectories, challenges to big game populations, and big game management solutions
• Big Game-Friendly Fencing