Best Grants for 501(c)(3) in Colorado

The Raskob Foundation offers domestic grants to organizations located in the U.S. and its territories. Founded in 1945, this private, non-profit foundation focuses on supporting Catholic institutions. Eligible applicants must be tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organizations, listed in the P.J. Kenedy Official Catholic Directory. However, requests from individuals and certain projects, such as debt reduction or completed projects, are not accepted. The foundation emphasizes its commitment to philanthropy and community support.

The John Stashonsky Memorial Scholarship, offered by the Muskingum County Community Foundation, supports graduating seniors from John Glenn High School, Cambridge High School, or Mid-East Career and Technology Center (Zanesville Campus) who are pursuing higher education. Applicants are required to maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0. This scholarship aims to enhance educational opportunities and improve the quality of life in Muskingum County through philanthropy.

The Plant Genome Research Program (PGRP) focuses on genome-scale research to tackle vital biological, societal, and economic challenges. It promotes innovative tools and resources for the plant research community to explore significant scientific questions. The program emphasizes high-impact data accessibility and integration while supporting training and career development. PGRP offers two funding tracks: the Research-PGR Track for fundamental biological inquiries and the TRTech-PGR Track for advancements in functional plant genomics.

The Lane E. Warren Scholarship Fund, managed by the Northern Piedmont Community Foundation, offers a $1,000 award to a Madison County resident who is a high school graduate or graduating this year. This scholarship honors Lane E. Warren, a promising student whose life was tragically cut short. The selection criteria emphasize financial need and community service, supporting students pursuing college or certificate programs in their educational endeavors.

The Gerald C. Corcoran Education Grant, offered by the North American Native Fishes Association (NANFA), supports educational projects focused on native fish ecology and conservation. With a generous matching grant from the Corcoran family, eligible NANFA members can receive up to $2000 biennially for various environmental education initiatives, including materials production, aquatic surveys, and teacher training workshops. This program honors the legacy of past NANFA President Gerald C. Corcoran, emphasizing the importance of public education in fish conservation.

This grant mechanism will focus on furthering the development of novel strategies towards improving the treatment of Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC). Work supported through this mechanism will address important areas of need across the entire care continuum and have the immediate potential to increase survivorship. It is expected that correlative translational research will be proposed that will enhance the understanding of SCLC.The overarching theme of the proposals should be centered around understanding the biology of SCLC and developing strategies toward improving outcomes for patients with SCLC. We will encourage applications on a wide variety of topics related to SCLC, including but not limited to the following:

• Advanced Screening and Diagnostic Technologies
  • Utilize liquid biopsies and circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) to enhance early detection and monitoring of SCLC, providing non-invasive diagnostic and prognostic solutions
  • Investigate the clinical utility of blood-based biomarkers for improving SCLC diagnosis, monitoring treatment response, and predicting outcomes
  • Leverage artificial intelligence for the early detection of SCLC

• Disease Progression and Acquired Resistance
  • Study of molecular + clinical characteristics of rapid progressors vs. long-term responders in SCLC to tailor personalized treatment approaches
  • Leverage radiomics to identify predictive or prognostic factors such as treatment response, risk of pneumonitis, and likelihood of brain metastases
  • Investigate the underlying mechanisms of primary and acquired resistance to chemotherapy and immunotherapy in SCLC
  • Identify and validate biomarkers indicative of disease progression and/or therapeutic resistance

• Biomarkers and Immuno-Oncology
  • Identify and validate biomarkers that can predict greater responses to immunotherapy treatments in SCLC, enhancing patient selection and treatment efficacy

• Biospecimen-based research
  • Leverage real-world patient tissue and/or blood samples to enable:
    • Longitudinal studies of SCLC progression from limited-stage to extensive-stage disease
    • Investigation of tumor and microenvironmental changes before, during, and after treatment to understand the evolution of resistance
  • Develop a centralized infrastructure for biospecimen collection, with standardized protocols and accessible repositories to facilitate broad research collaboration

These awards provide a maximum of $500,000 in funding over a period of three years.

The Scholarship America Dream Award, established by Scholarship America Inc, aims to eliminate financial barriers to higher education for students. This program supports U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and DACA recipients, who are at least 17 years old and pursuing their first degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0. By partnering with various organizations, Scholarship America has provided over $5.7 billion in scholarships to millions, ensuring equitable access to education and fostering student success.

The Bedford Community Health Foundation offers a variety of scholarships for individuals pursuing certification, degrees, and advanced degrees in health-related fields. Students can be full-time nursing students, employed nurses seeking additional education, full-time allied health students, employed health providers wanting to specialize and high school students enrolled in the Governor’s Health Academy at Susie G. Gibson Science & Technology Center.

Allied Health and Graduate Studies Scholarship 

Allied Health/Graduate Scholarship is designed to assist those who seek to enter into or advance in a health-related field. This scholarship is for full-time students pursuing an undergraduate degree and for those pursuing a graduate degree in a health-related field. Examples of professionals and degree programs include dietitians, speechlanguage pathologists, physical therapists, respiratory therapists, audiologists, medical assistants, pharmacy technicians, diagnostic medical sonographers, dental hygienists, certified nurse’s assistant, nurse practitioner and licensed practical nurse to name a few.

The BJA FY 2026 National Center for Veterans Justice aims to enhance support for veterans in the criminal justice system. By providing specialized training and resources to law enforcement and service providers, the center will address critical gaps in veteran identification and coordination among agencies. This initiative seeks to improve outcomes for veterans experiencing issues like PTSD and military sexual trauma, ultimately strengthening public safety and ensuring effective responses to their unique needs.

The OJJDP FY 2026 Community and Schools Youth Drug Prevention Program aims to combat youth substance use through comprehensive prevention strategies. This initiative invites applications from states, local governments, and nonprofit organizations to develop programs that educate and support youth in schools and community settings. By fostering collaboration with law enforcement and community coalitions, the program seeks to build capacity and implement effective interventions to protect the well-being of American youth.

The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) aims to support innovative research for validating therapeutic targets in Alzheimer's Disease-Related Dementias (ADRD). This initiative focuses on overcoming barriers in treatment development by ensuring well-validated targets linked to disease mechanisms. By employing a phased award mechanism, NINDS seeks to enhance the rigor of target validation, facilitating the transition from basic discoveries to clinical applications, ultimately accelerating the development of effective therapeutic strategies.

Bridging the Gap Scholarship 

This scholarship was established to honor the memory of Trey Powell and Bridget Horn, who were both Veterans that lost their battle with PTSD to suicide. The Stronger Together Foundation strives to bring awareness to the large number of Veterans who face crises and ultimately commit suicide, as well as provide support to the families left behind. 

Scholarship Total Amount: $2,000.00

• (Two) $1,000.00 Scholarships will be awarded

The NCCIH Natural Product Early Phase Clinical Trial Award supports innovative clinical trials of natural products, such as botanicals and dietary supplements, with a strong scientific basis. Applications are encouraged to explore optimal delivery methods and combinations with other treatments. Funding is available for up to three years to assess the impact on target engagement and clinical outcomes, aiming to translate basic science findings into practical clinical applications.

The NCCIH Natural Product Early Phase Clinical Trial Phased Innovation Award (R61/R33) invites research proposals for early phase clinical trials of natural products, including botanicals and dietary supplements, emphasizing scientific validity for further testing. Applicants may receive up to three years of funding for pharmacokinetics and bioavailability studies, with potential for an additional three years to evaluate clinical outcomes. This initiative aims to optimize natural product delivery through innovative study designs.

The PATH Scholarship, established by the Ellucian Foundation in 2020, aims to support higher education institutions in assisting students facing financial hardships. With over $2.9 million awarded, it has benefited more than 3,100 students. Eligible institutions can receive grants ranging from $10,000 to $25,000, with individual awards up to $1,500. This initiative encourages public two-year colleges, particularly Minority Serving Institutions, to apply and adapt award criteria to meet the needs of their students.

The Jack and Fay Netchin Medical Student Summer Fellowships, offered by the American Brain Tumor Association, provide $3,000 grants to medical students eager to engage in brain tumor research under the guidance of experienced mentors. This initiative aims to inspire the next generation of neuro-oncology researchers, fostering a deeper commitment to advancing treatment and understanding of brain tumors for those affected by this challenging diagnosis.

The Henry Luce Foundation's Asia: Responsive Grants program supports initiatives that enhance understanding of East and Southeast Asia. With a focus on academic research, cultural exchange, and public education, the program seeks to promote collaboration between American and Asian institutions. Grants are awarded primarily to U.S.-based non-profits, fostering innovative teaching, resource development, and policy engagement, while prioritizing projects that bridge diverse disciplines and geographic divides.

The Jean Theodore Lacordaire Prize, awarded by the Coleopterists Society, recognizes exceptional doctoral research in beetle biology and systematics. This annual prize is open to nominations for the best published paper derived from Ph.D. dissertations, focusing on Coleoptera. Eligible works must be published in widely available journals or books in any language using the Latin alphabet. Nominations are submitted by the scientific community, ensuring a prestigious selection process.

The NCAA Jim McKay Graduate Scholarship honors the legacy of journalist Jim McKay by awarding a one-time $10,000 scholarship to one male and one female student-athlete annually. Eligible candidates must have a minimum GPA of 3.5, demonstrate integrity, and show interest in sports communication. There is no limit to the number of nominations from institutions, highlighting the NCAA's commitment to supporting student-athletes in their academic and professional pursuits.

Opera Grants for Women Composers: Discovery Grants support the creation of new operas by women composers, promoting gender parity and diversity in the field. These grants assist composers in exploring opera as an art form, funding activities like libretto readings and workshops. OPERA America is committed to enhancing the operatic repertoire with diverse perspectives, and these grants are made possible through the support of the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation.

Council of Independent Colleges (CIC)Founded in 1956, the Council of Independent Colleges (CIC) is an association of nonprofit independent colleges and universities, state-based councils, and higher education affiliates that works to support college and university leadership, advance institutional excellence, and enhance public understanding of independent higher education’s contributions to society.

CIC is the major national organization that focuses on providing services to leaders of independent colleges and universities and state-based councils. CIC offers conferences, seminars, publications, and other programs and services that help institutions improve educational quality, administrative and financial performance, student outcomes, and institutional visibility.NetVUE Grants for Fostering Leadership for Communities of FaithThis grant program provides funding for institutions that are working to augment their support for students who are considering possible callings to leadership roles in communities of faith.

Grant funds should be used to develop or extend programming for students, and/or professional development for faculty members and staff, with the goal of connecting students to local faith communities and supporting them as they explore and discern their callings. Initiatives may be developed within or across a variety of academic departments and campus offices, and should involve leaders of one or more faith communities near campus. NetVUE Grants for Fostering Leadership for Communities of Faith may be requested in amounts ranging up to $60,000 for use over two years to develop new programs, or to strengthen existing programs, that support students as they consider vocations of leadership for communities of faith.

The DoW Arthritis Translational Research Award, funded by the U.S. Army Medical Command, aims to support high-impact translational research focused on accelerating findings into clinically relevant solutions for arthritis. This award is intended for preclinical or animal research, emphasizing the significance of the proposed outcomes in advancing arthritis research and benefiting Service Members, Veterans, and their Families. Applications must include preliminary or published data to demonstrate the feasibility and relevance of the research.

The FY26 Arthritis Research Program Clinical Research Award supports innovative clinical research addressing factors and interventions for arthritis. This program encourages proposals focusing on Prevention and Early Diagnosis or Treatment and Mitigation of Disease Progression. Applicants can choose between two research levels, with the requirement of a community collaborator for Research Level 2. Projects should aim to provide actionable evidence to enhance patient care and outcomes, making significant contributions to the field of arthritis research.

Northwest Connecticut Community Foundation

For more than 50 years, NCCF has been taking on tough problems to improve the quality-of-life in Northwest CT by supporting nonprofits that speak to the charitable passions of our generous donors.

NCCF is a Community Foundation, a tax-exempt public charity that enables donors to establish funds that support the work of local nonprofits through grants and provide scholarships to local students.

Russell F. Bruno Scholarship

For Torrington High School graduating seniors who have excelled in the study of English and are planning to major in writing, literature, journalism or a related field.

The Abortion Bridge Collaborative Funds, initiated by the Women Donors Network, aim to enhance abortion access across the U.S. in response to the 2022 Dobbs decision. The fund prioritizes support for 501c3 organizations committed to reproductive justice, focusing on immediate community needs and sustainable solutions. Emphasizing grassroots leadership and innovative approaches, the fund seeks to build a robust infrastructure for reproductive care, ensuring equitable access for all individuals in need.

The B-Fund Grant by the Brem Foundation aims to enhance early detection of breast cancer by funding crucial screening and diagnostic tests for women in need. This initiative supports entities in the DC metro area, providing financial assistance for services like mammograms and ultrasounds, while ensuring equitable access regardless of socio-economic status. However, it excludes costs related to post-diagnosis care, employee salaries, and administrative expenses, promoting targeted and effective use of funds in the fight against breast cancer.

Adams County CO Community Enrichment Grants

The Community Enrichment Grant (CEG) is a competitive Adams County grant program that provides financial support to nonprofit organizations, school districts, and special districts to operate programs and services that improve the health, well-being, and self-sufficiency of underserved, marginalized, or vulnerable Adams County residents.

Grant funds must be used to directly serve Adams County residents, and funding requests must be based on the actual cost to deliver services through the proposed project.

The Community Enrichment Grant is a competitive funding opportunity, and demand typically exceeds available resources. In recent years, approximately 25% of submitted applications have been recommended for funding.

Funding priorities for the Community Enrichment Grant are established annually by the BoCC and may change from year to year based on community needs, available resources, and county priorities.

Tier 2: Food Security

Tier 2 supports projects that exclusively focus on direct food provision to address food insecurity. Funding is intended for programs that purchase food, distribute meals or food boxes, operate or expand food pantries, or otherwise deliver direct food assistance to individuals and families.

Total Available:

• $600,000

Award Size:

• $50,000–$150,000