Best Foundation Grants for Nonprofits in Colorado

The Equitable Community-Designed Outdoor Spaces Grant, offered by the Colorado Health Foundation, supports planning grants for designing and constructing inclusive outdoor spaces like parks and playgrounds in Colorado. This initiative emphasizes community engagement, allowing families and youth, particularly from low-income and communities of color, to co-design their recreational areas, fostering health equity and belonging. Grants range from $25,000 to $50,000 and prioritize projects that address historical disparities in access to safe outdoor amenities.

The RMS-SEPM Scholarships, specifically the Edwin D. McKee Grant, provides $2,000 for undergraduate and graduate students conducting sedimentological research in the Rocky Mountain region. Sponsored by the Society for Sedimentary Geology, this scholarship aims to support students at universities within the U.S. Preference is given to those studying in states like Montana, Colorado, and New Mexico, promoting a deeper understanding of sedimentology and its applications.

The RMS-SEPM Scholarships for Fluvial Sedimentology Research Grant supports Ph.D. or Master’s degree candidates conducting research in fluvial sedimentology. This $2,000 grant is exclusively available to students at U.S. universities, specifically those engaged in studies or research in states like Montana, North Dakota, and Colorado. The Society for Sedimentary Geology (SEPM) offers this opportunity to foster academic growth in sedimentology and related fields.

The California Casualty Thomas R. Brown Athletics Grant aims to support public middle and high school sports programs facing funding challenges due to budget cuts. Established by California Casualty, this grant provides financial assistance for purchasing equipment and covering travel costs for competitions. Eligible applicants must be active employees of public schools and members of affiliated education associations. Awards cannot be used for individual student recognition or fundraising projects.

The Mutual Self-Help Housing Technical Assistance Grants in Colorado provide essential support to organizations aiding low-income families in building their own homes. This program empowers communities by allowing participants to engage in the construction process, fostering teamwork and skill development. Eligible areas can be verified through specified USDA resources, and funds are allocated for technical assistance and recruitment efforts. However, funding cannot be used for direct construction work or purchasing materials.

The Crowell Trust Grant focuses on supporting organizations that prioritize evangelism and church planting in under-resourced areas. The trust emphasizes holistic gospel expressions, training leaders across genders, and caring for the oppressed, especially women. Eligible applicants must be registered as tax-exempt organizations in the U.S. and comply with financial accountability standards. The trust aims to uplift communities in need while fostering spiritual and social development through targeted outreach and support.

The Western SARE Local Education and Demonstration Grants aim to promote sustainable agriculture through practical demonstrations and educational activities. This program addresses barriers to adopting sustainable practices by integrating findings from previous research. Projects can last up to three years and receive funding of up to $60,000. Successful proposals involve local demonstrations, trainings, and technical assistance, engaging farmers, ranchers, and agricultural professionals in the process of sustainable agriculture adoption.

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 Critical Needs List by Community Foundation Tampa Bay addresses urgent, unforeseen needs of nonprofits that threaten their ability to serve the community. This innovative program allows nonprofits to submit requests for funding up to $250,000 for critical expenses such as emergency repairs and essential equipment replacement. With a focus on supporting local organizations, the program aims to match funding with community philanthropists, ensuring timely assistance to those in need.

The Veterans Assistance Grant (VAG) supports the health and well-being of Colorado veterans through services like mental health, job training, and housing assistance. Established by the State General Assembly in 2014, it aims to enhance self-sufficiency and access to healthcare. Nonprofit and governmental entities may apply, provided they meet specific eligibility criteria. The grant excludes funding for administrative costs and memorials, focusing instead on direct support for veterans and their dependents.

The Shigeo and Winifred Ito Scholarship Fund, established by a former recipient of the Hawai‘i Community Foundation, aims to support students from Hawaii pursuing higher education on the U.S. mainland. With awards averaging around $6,000, the fund prioritizes residents demonstrating financial need and maintaining good academic standing. The scholarship reflects a commitment to fostering educational opportunities and giving back to the community, ensuring that deserving students can achieve their academic goals.

The Peter Grant Preservation Fund for Colorado, established by the National Trust, honors William W. Grant's dedication to historic preservation. Grants support the preservation of historic places in Colorado, requiring a one-to-one match from applicants. Eligible organizations include public agencies and nonprofits, with funds usable for various preservation activities. The fund aims to enhance Colorado's historic sites for future generations, adapting to current economic conditions and allowing both cash and in-kind contributions.

The State Historical Fund's Planning Grant, offered by History Colorado, supports public entities and nonprofit organizations in Colorado to develop planning documents essential for future preservation projects. This grant fosters collaboration with experienced consultants familiar with the Secretary of Interior's Standards. Eligible applicants include state agencies, local governments, and certified nonprofits. The funding aims to enhance historical preservation efforts, ensuring that critical planning is completed to facilitate successful project execution.

The State Historical Fund's Noncompetitive Micro Grant, administered by History Colorado, supports grassroots preservation projects across the state. It offers flexible application timing for smaller-scale initiatives, including internships, workshops, and small physical projects. Eligible applicants include public entities and nonprofit organizations based in Colorado. This grant aims to foster community engagement and enhance access to historical resources, ensuring that the state's rich heritage is preserved for future generations.

The State Historical Fund offers grants for Historic Structure Assessments in Colorado, aimed at evaluating the physical condition of historic buildings. These assessments must be conducted by qualified architects or structural engineers and are crucial for making informed restoration decisions. Eligible applicants include public entities and nonprofit organizations in Colorado. Grants help ensure compliance with preservation standards and facilitate future restoration efforts. While assessments are recommended, they are not mandatory prior to applying for physical work grants.

The Nonprofit Sabbatical Grant Program, funded by The Colorado Health Foundation, offers up to $100,000 to support nonprofit leaders in Colorado. This initiative allows executives to take a much-needed sabbatical of three to four months, fostering rejuvenation and innovative thinking. The program emphasizes diversity in its grantee selection, aiming to address entrenched inequities while ensuring sustainability in organizational operations during the absence of leaders. By investing in interim leadership and staff development, it enhances the capacity of nonprofits to serve their communities effectively.

The Donald W. and Glennis A. Kaufman Research Award supports ecological research in the Great Plains and Canada Prairie Provinces, focusing on native mammals, especially rodents and shrews. Offered by the American Society of Mammalogists, this annual $2,500 award is available to graduate students (master's or Ph.D.) from any nationality. Applications are open to those enrolled in relevant programs, promoting vital research in these unique ecosystems.

The Colorado Masons Benevolent Fund Association provides scholarships to graduating seniors from Colorado public high schools, aiming to support their pursuit of higher education. Established in 1966, the program has awarded over $15 million in scholarships, typically amounting to $7,000 per year for up to four years. Eligible students must demonstrate leadership and academic ability, while the selection process is overseen by a knowledgeable committee. The fund also offers vocational grants for education at Colorado institutions.

The Colorado Masons Benevolent Fund Association offers a Matching Grant program for graduating public high school seniors attending Colorado institutions. Established in 1984, this initiative matches up to $500 of grant money presented by local lodges to students. Over $536,000 has been invested in this program, benefiting many students. Eligible applicants must be graduating seniors, with a focus on leadership, maturity, and need, ensuring a diverse range of candidates can access educational opportunities.

The State Historical Fund: Archaeological Assessment Grant, managed by History Colorado, supports essential archaeological data collection and analysis. This funding enables projects that establish a foundation for site preservation and interpretation. Eligible applicants include public entities and nonprofit organizations within Colorado, while federal agencies and for-profit entities may partner with eligible nonprofits. This grant aims to enhance the understanding of Colorado's rich archaeological heritage through targeted assessments.

The Dunkin' Joyful Spaces Grant supports children's hospitals and community health centers in creating joyful environments for pediatric patients. Launched in 2022, this initiative helps fund play areas, healing gardens, and other kid-friendly spaces, enhancing the hospital experience. Grants typically range from $25,000 to $65,000 annually, with a maximum of $150,000 over three years. This opportunity encourages creativity in designing spaces that provide comfort and joy to children and their families during hospital stays.

The High Priority HIV and Substance Use Research funding opportunity aims to support innovative research that addresses the intersection of HIV and substance use. Researchers are encouraged to submit proposals that include a detailed research plan and preliminary data, exploring new avenues for prevention, treatment, and potential cures for HIV among people who use drugs. Applications are due by 5 PM local time, with optional Letters of Intent recommended 30 days prior.

The NRP Young Investigator Award is designed to support research on optimizing newborn care during delivery using Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) techniques. This grant encourages innovative projects addressing gaps in transitional physiology and resuscitation practices. Eligible applicants include researchers from Canadian and US institutions, particularly those in training or within four years of completing medical training. Awardees may receive up to $15,000 to enhance their skills and knowledge, ultimately improving neonatal outcomes.

The Colorado Dental Association Foundation Grant aims to enhance community oral health through funding projects that address documented needs for underserved populations. The CDA prioritizes proposals demonstrating a proven track record of effective service delivery and ensuring sustainable outcomes beyond the grant term. Eligible applicants include charitable nonprofits, government agencies, and dental clinics focused on underserved communities. This initiative seeks to create lasting improvements in access to dental care across Colorado.

The NCAA Division II Degree Completion Award provides financial assistance to student-athletes who have exhausted their athletics eligibility, enabling them to complete their first undergraduate degree. Since its inception in 2001, nearly $9 million has supported approximately 1,875 athletes, with a remarkable 90 percent graduation rate among recipients. The award covers tuition costs up to $15,000 for remaining credits and may be used in the summer term or short terms surrounding the final undergraduate year.

The Reed Penington Family Trust Scholarship Fund, managed by The Denver Foundation, supports Colorado residents who are undergraduate or graduate students in their final two years of schooling. This fund aims to assist those facing financial barriers that hinder their educational pursuits. Eligible applicants must maintain a GPA of 2.75 or higher and demonstrate financial need through FAFSA or CASFA. The scholarship fosters academic persistence and helps students graduate within two academic years.

The Dollar General Literacy Foundation offers the DGLF Summer Reading Grants, which support the development and expansion of summer reading programs aimed at Pre-K to 12th grade students, particularly new and below-grade-level readers, including those with learning disabilities. Eligible organizations, such as nonprofits, schools, and libraries within 15 miles of a Dollar General store, can apply for grants up to $3,000 to foster literacy and education initiatives.