Best Foundation Grants for Nonprofits in Colorado

The E.B. Henderson Award, presented by SHAPE America, honors minority members who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to scholarship, mentorship, and advocacy for ethnic minorities within health and physical education. Established in 1885, SHAPE America serves over 200,000 professionals, promoting high-quality education standards. The award recognizes individuals who have significantly contributed to increasing the participation of underserved populations in the field. Limited to two awards annually, it highlights the importance of diversity and inclusion in health education.

The Ralph William Bole and Helen Frances Rakowski Bole Memorial Scholarship Fund, established by Bonnie M. Orkow, supports students enrolled at the Colorado School of Mines pursuing a degree in geology. This scholarship aims to assist those demonstrating financial need, reflecting the legacy of community support and educational advancement emphasized by the Pittsburgh Foundation since 1945. Inquire about the application period for further details.

The SFS Fellows Grant, awarded by the Society for Freshwater Science, recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to freshwater science research, policy, or management. Each year, up to four fellows are selected based on their sustained excellence and leadership within the field. This initiative also encourages diversity by promoting nominations from underrepresented groups and mid-career professionals. The grant fosters collaboration and participation in SFS activities, enhancing the impact of freshwater science.

The Nathan B. & Florence R. Burt Foundation Grant focuses on enhancing high school graduation rates and supporting early childhood development programs. Established in 1984, this private foundation aims to maximize its impact through financial support to tax-exempt organizations in Colorado. To qualify, applicants must maintain revenues under $2 million in the past two fiscal years and align with the foundation's funding priorities. Notably, grants are not available for general operating costs or political activities.

The Non-Motorized Trails Grant Program, managed by Colorado Parks & Wildlife, aims to enhance outdoor recreation by funding trail construction, maintenance, and planning projects. Grants can provide up to $250,000 to eligible applicants, including government agencies and non-profit organizations. This initiative supports the protection of wildlife and cultural resources while promoting sustainable outdoor activities. Interested parties can find additional information on project eligibility and funding specifics through the official CPW website.

The Dollar General Literacy Foundation offers Adult Literacy Grants to support organizations providing essential literacy services to adults. Grants of up to $10,000 are available for programs in Adult Basic Education, GED preparation, and English language acquisition. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations, schools, and libraries located within 15 miles of a Dollar General store. The foundation aims to enhance educational opportunities and foster personal growth through literacy.

The Edward Madigan Foundation, established in memory of Edward J. Madigan, supports public charities focused on education, health, human services, and religion. With an annual giving of approximately $70,000, it aims to promote a strong work ethic and moral values, particularly among at-risk youth. Grants range from $5,000 to $10,000, with 10 to 15 grants awarded each year. The foundation does not fund individuals or organizations with fiscal sponsors.

The Greenwood Fund Grant, managed by The Denver Foundation, offers small grants for the conservation of museum artifacts and collections care in Colorado, New Mexico, and Wyoming. Targeting small museums with conservation budgets under $1 million, it prioritizes projects focused on the treatment of art and collections care. Eligible entities must be 501(c)(3) organizations and open to the public. The fund does not support expenses like building expansions or digitizing projects.

The Family Violence Justice Fund in Colorado provides vital legal assistance to victims of family violence, enhancing access to justice since 1999. With approximately $2.1 million available this fiscal year, grants support organizations offering services to low-income clients through cost-reimbursement. Eligible organizations must demonstrate expertise in civil legal services, operate in Colorado, and receive a significant portion of funding from non-grant sources. The fund specifically excludes institutions of higher education.

The Intercultural Harmony Initiative Grant, provided by the Laura Jane Musser Fund, supports collaborative projects that foster understanding and cooperation among diverse cultural groups. With funding up to $25,000 for implementation and $5,000 for planning, the initiative prioritizes projects that engage various community members, enhance intercultural communication, and demonstrate tangible benefits. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations and local governments in select states, with a focus on grassroots participation and addressing community needs.

Creative West

Established in 1974 as a nonprofit U.S. Regional Arts Organization (USRAO), Creative West was founded on the belief that place matters to the creative process. Fifty years later, communities of place, practice, experience, and identity remain fundamental to our work, framing our understanding of how culture is creatively produced and collectively experienced.

Creative West empowers artists and culture-makers with direct, practical resources, delivered regionally.

We offer practical, equity-centered learning experiences and funding opportunities that connect and inspire artists, culture-bearers and communities to build a more inclusive sector, strengthen the arts field, and catalyze change.

Native Arts and Heritage Fund

The Native Arts + Heritage Fund (NAHF) is a community-rooted award program created to support Native American and Alaska Native artists, culture bearers, and cultural practitioners across the Creative West region.

Co-designed with Native-centered artists, advisors, and community leaders, NAHF centers care, cultural continuity, and self-determination. The fund honors Indigenous ways of knowing and values process over product, relationship over compliance, and well-being as a meaningful measure of impact. In addition to unrestricted funding, selected artists will participate in a three-month virtual cohort experience designed for connection, reflection, and shared learning.

NAHF is administered by Creative West, an organization that uplifts artists and culture bearers across the Creative West region by providing funding, mentorship, and culturally rooted support.

This is not a project-based grant.

This is an invitation into funding and relationships.

Applicants must provide a letter of support from an Alaska Native or Native American community member who can speak to their relationship to community and cultural work.

Unrestricted Funds May Be Used For:

• Taking time to create, reflect, or rest
• Purchasing tools, materials, or supplies
• Covering food, rent, childcare, or transportation
• Supporting wellness: physical, emotional, spiritual, or cultural
• Participating in cultural exchanges, mentorship, or learning
• Creating space to gather, teach, or share knowledge

The Non-Motorized Trails Grant Program, managed by Colorado Parks & Wildlife, supports projects that enhance outdoor recreation through planning, construction, and maintenance of trails. Funded by Great Outdoors Colorado and the Federal Recreational Trails Program, eligible applicants include local, county, federal, and tribal agencies, as well as 501(c)(3) organizations. Projects aim to protect wildlife and cultural resources while promoting sustainable recreational opportunities for all.

The California Casualty Music & Arts Grant supports K-12 public schools facing budget cuts that threaten their music and arts programs. Eligible applicants, who must be active employees of public K-12 schools and members of specified educator associations, can request grants of $250 for music or arts needs. This initiative aims to enhance creative education across the states, excluding AK, HI, MA, MI, NY, and WI. Applications received by July 15 will be notified by November 30.

The Advocacy and Justice with Communities of Color Fund Grant, provided by the Colorado Health Foundation, aims to empower organizations led by people of color to promote health equity. This initiative supports advocacy efforts that address systemic inequities and fosters long-term movement-building. Through grants ranging from $50,000 to $200,000 annually for two to five years, the Foundation seeks to strengthen community-led advocacy that influences policy changes, ensuring health opportunities for underserved populations.

The Anchor QEA Scholarship supports graduate students pursuing degrees in engineering, environmental sciences, or related fields, with awards between $1,000 and $10,000. This program emphasizes helping those in financial need, particularly focusing on BIPOC students to address inequities in STEM. Eligible candidates must demonstrate a commitment to community service and possess an inclusive mindset. This initiative reflects Anchor QEA's dedication to fostering a diverse and equitable educational environment.

The Boettcher Foundation offers Community Connections Grants to Colorado-based nonprofit organizations, funding initiatives that foster community ties and connections. Grants range from $20,000 to $75,000. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofits and governmental entities. The Foundation does not support general operating costs, ongoing services, or projects primarily serving animals or religious purposes. This initiative aims to create transformational impact and enhance community building throughout Colorado.

The Bonnie Plants 3rd Grade Cabbage Grant Program inspires young students to cultivate a love for gardening by providing free oversized cabbage plants to 3rd grade classrooms across the continental U.S. Initiated in 1996, the program encourages hands-on learning about where food comes from. Each year, students compete for a $1,000 prize awarded to the best cabbage grown, fostering excitement and education about agriculture. This initiative not only promotes environmental awareness but also engages students in practical science.

The Robanna Fund, established in 1992 by Robert and Deanna Levy, supports students pursuing careers in healthcare. Administered by the Hawai‘i Community Foundation, the fund awards scholarships averaging $6,000, depending on various factors such as the number of qualified applicants and donor preferences. Eligible applicants must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0, reside in Hawai‘i, intend to major in a health-related field, and demonstrate financial need. This initiative aims to cultivate future healthcare professionals in the community.

The Jay L. Smith Family Foundation provides grants to tax-exempt non-profit organizations in the United States, primarily focusing on healthcare, family values, and supporting the disadvantaged. With a strong commitment to Alzheimer's research, the foundation has funded various initiatives including elderly care, domestic violence prevention, and cancer research. Their mission is to enhance the quality of life for individuals and communities through meaningful contributions, aiming to address critical social issues and promote well-being.

El Pomar Foundation offers competitive grants on a rolling basis, reviewed four to six times a year by Trustees. Funding is available for a variety of focus areas including arts, education, health, and community initiatives. Eligible organizations must be active 501(c)(3) nonprofits operating in Colorado. Applications for capital support are capped at $100,000. Note that funded applicants must wait three years to reapply, while declined applicants must wait one year.

The Von Voigtlander Family Foundation Grant, though currently closed, aims to support 501(c)(3) charitable organizations, primarily in Michigan. The foundation emphasizes animal welfare, parks preservation, veteran support, and youth empowerment. Their mission is to enhance lives through community-focused initiatives that foster resilience, education, and well-being. They prioritize charities that promote responsible pet ownership, outdoor recreation, and provide resources for veterans and youth, ensuring a positive impact across multiple sectors.

The Community-Initiated Solutions Grant by The Colorado Health Foundation aims to empower communities to address their own health challenges by funding projects led by community members. This initiative prioritizes health equity, particularly for communities of color, and encourages collaborative solutions that leverage local resources and strengths. The Foundation seeks proposals that clearly define health issues and demonstrate community-driven decision-making, ensuring that the solutions are actionable and sustainable.

Rob-See-Co is an independent seed company with regional expertise, providing customers access to leading genetics and traits through the Rob-See-Co and Innotech® seed brands. Rob-See-Co also sells Masters Choice specialty silage and forage products, as well as Streamline Ag seed-driven crop inputs. Rob-See-Co works alongside its customers, building strong relationships and helping them plant the right seed for their long-term success, while keeping the process friendly, straightforward, and simple. 

Rob-See-Co Library Grant

In recognition of National Library Day, Rob-See-Co, an independent seed company located in Elkhorn, Neb. is proud to announce the continuation of its Rural Library Grant program.

Originally launched in 2023 to commemorate the company’s 10th anniversary and honor Agnes Robinson’s dedication to the rural library in Waterloo, NE, the program continues to hold special meaning. Agnes, great-grandmother of Jim Robinson, CEO of Rob-See-Co, was a passionate advocate for rural libraries. Today, the program extends support to libraries across rural communities within the company’s footprint. 

The focus areas for grant distributions from the Rob-See-Co Rural Library Grant program will assist local libraries with expanding book collections, core educational programs for adults or children, and computer or software upgrades. Examples of this would be new books, expansion of school visits or field trips, digitizing research materials, support for funding traveling exhibits and speakers.

Rob-See-Co will award ten grants to selected rural libraries across CO, IA, KS, MD, MI, MN, ND, NE, OH, OK, PA, SD, TX and WI. Funds may be used for core educational, preservation and interpretive purposes, including collection development, facility improvements, traveling exhibits, guest speakers, staff training, programming, and publications. 

The Arts in Society Grant, administered by RedLine Contemporary Art Center, is a unique funding opportunity aimed at integrating arts and culture into various disciplines that promote social justice and community well-being in Colorado. This program supports projects that foster collaboration between artists and organizations to address civic challenges. Grants also provide access to learning communities and resources, including evaluation tools and marketing support. Note that the grant is currently closed and will reopen in July 2025.

The Dollar General School Library Relief Grant Program, managed by the Dollar General Literacy Foundation, provides crucial support to K-12 public school libraries that face significant damage due to disasters such as fires or federally recognized acts of terrorism. This grant aims to restore essential library resources, ensuring that affected communities can continue to access vital educational materials and support. Libraries must be within 15 miles of a Dollar General store and meet specific eligibility criteria.

The Honda USA Foundation provides funding to support mobility initiatives that empower individuals, particularly those facing disabilities, by removing barriers and expanding opportunities. Focused on sustainable change in underserved communities, the Foundation encourages applications for programs in education, infrastructure, and technology that align with its commitment to accessibility and inclusion. Eligible organizations must be based in the U.S. with appropriate tax-exempt status and can apply for multiple funding opportunities while adhering to specific eligibility criteria.

The Alleghany Foundation, a private 501(c)(3) organization in Virginia, focuses on enhancing the quality of life in the Alleghany Highlands through strategic funding initiatives. It seeks grant applications that address key areas such as economic transformation, educational excellence, health and wellness, community capacity, and civic leadership. By prioritizing innovative projects and supporting local organizations, the Foundation aims to foster sustainable growth and community engagement, ensuring a vibrant future for the region.