Best Grants for Charities in Colorado

The Film Festival Support and Promotion Grant, provided by the Colorado Office of Economic Development & International Trade, offers financial assistance to over 40 film festivals annually in Colorado. This grant particularly supports emerging festivals in rural areas, aiming to enhance local economies by attracting visitors. Applicants must ensure their festivals are located in Colorado and submit the necessary interest form three months prior to the event. This initiative fosters community engagement and promotes the film industry.

The NFL Foundation Grassroots Program, in partnership with the Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC), aims to enhance the quality, safety, and accessibility of community football fields. With grants up to $250,000, this initiative addresses the critical lack of safe recreation spaces in low-income neighborhoods, ensuring children and adults have access to well-maintained facilities for gathering and exercise, ultimately fostering community health and well-being.

The Food and Agricultural Sciences National Needs Graduate and Postgraduate Fellowships program, managed by the USDA's NIFA, aims to enhance the training of new graduate students in food and agricultural sciences. It provides essential funding for master's, DVM, and doctoral students, focusing on developing the next generation of experts to address critical needs in agricultural sciences. This initiative supports U.S. citizens and residents in achieving their educational goals and contributing to the USDA's mission.

The Latinos Impacting our Future Together (L.I.F.T.) Fund, managed by The Denver Foundation, aims to empower Latino communities through various initiatives, including health, education, and advocacy. This fund invites 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations based in Colorado to apply for funding. A focus on reducing racial disparities and promoting equity is central to its mission. The foundation does not support religious activities but encourages projects that align with its vision for a more equitable Metro Denver.

The SEARCH Grant provides essential support for very small, financially distressed rural communities by funding predevelopment feasibility studies and technical assistance for water and waste disposal projects. Eligible applicants include state and local governments, nonprofits, and federally recognized tribes. Funds can be used for feasibility studies, design analysis, and technical help in securing financial assistance, ensuring improvements in rural infrastructure and community health.

The USDA Rural Development program provides essential loans and grants to improve water and waste disposal services in low-income communities, specifically targeting Colonias recognized before 1989. This initiative aims to alleviate health risks associated with inadequate access to safe drinking water and waste management. Eligible applicants include federally-recognized tribes and local governments, with funds supporting the construction of vital infrastructure to ensure community health and sustainability.

The Water and Waste Facility Loans and Grants program aims to provide safe drinking water and waste disposal services to low-income communities on Tribal lands, addressing significant health risks. Eligible applicants include federally-recognized Tribes, state and local governments, and nonprofit organizations. Funding can be used for constructing essential water and waste systems, and while matching funds are typically required, a full grant is possible under certain conditions. Applications are accepted year-round.

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.

Land Conservation and Access

RMEF conserves critical big game habitat and migration corridors, while expanding and improving public access, including through land acquisitions and voluntary conservation agreements. RMEF's

2026 priorities include:

• Conserving migratory corridors and connecting landscapes through land conservation efforts
• Creating new or improved public access through access easements and agreements and state-run access programs

Anderson Ranch’s Artists-in-Residence Program, established in 1966, supports the creative growth of emerging and established visual artists in Aspen, Colorado. The program provides access to world-class facilities, studio time, and community engagement with peers and critics. Artists can pursue diverse projects in various disciplines, including ceramics and photography. Residencies are offered in Spring and Fall, with options for fully funded fellowships. This unique environment fosters artistic exploration and professional development.

Our Mission

The Community Foundation’s mission is to improve the quality of life in Greater Kansas City by increasing charitable giving, educating and connecting donors to community needs they care about, and leading on critical community issues.

Scholarships

We offer hundreds of different scholarships for students in and around Kansas City.

Kansas Association of Independent Crop Consultants Scholarship Fund

The Kansas Association of Independent Crop Consultants created this scholarship fund to award to a qualified individual majoring in an agricultural field.

The Colorado Specialty Crop Block Grant Program, authorized by the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018, aims to enhance the competitiveness of specialty crop growers. It supports state agriculture departments in marketing, promoting, and conducting research on fruits, vegetables, and other horticultural crops. The program addresses challenges faced by producers and expands access to specialty crops, ensuring a robust agricultural landscape in Colorado.

The Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) Program, administered by Colorado Parks and Wildlife, aims to enhance motorized recreation in Colorado. Funded through OHV registrations and Recreational Trails Program resources, it promotes responsible OHV use on public lands. Eligible applicants include local, state, and federal agencies, as well as nonprofit organizations. The program focuses on projects that align with state regulations, ensuring sustainable use of off-highway vehicles while fostering community engagement and environmental stewardship.

The Colorado Bar Foundation Grant supports nonprofits in Colorado by funding programs that improve legal services for the disadvantaged, promote law-related education, and enhance the administration of justice. With a 70-year history and over $2.5 million awarded, the Foundation emphasizes community needs and innovative projects. Organizations are encouraged to apply for specific program expenses, with a focus on clarity, financial stability, and the likelihood of success. Applications are accepted annually from March 1 to May 24.

The Sprouting School Gardens Grant, provided by the Sprouts Healthy Communities Foundation, supports school-based gardening and cooking programs to foster healthy eating habits in children. Grants between $5,000 and $10,000 help cover program operations, supplies, and educator stipends. Eligible applicants include schools and 501(c)(3) nonprofits located in areas served by Sprouts Farmers Market, promoting meaningful connections between local teams and school gardening initiatives.

The Will Rogers Motion Picture Pioneers Assistance Fund offers crucial financial support and counseling for individuals in the theatrical exhibition and distribution sectors facing health-related challenges. This fund assists with medical expenses, housing emergencies, and essential services like vocational rehabilitation and equipment aid. Eligible applicants must have a minimum of three years in exhibition or five years in distribution. The fund aims to provide a safety net for those impacted by illness, injury, or significant life changes.

The NCDDG program supports innovative research aiming to discover and develop new treatments for mental disorders, including substance use and alcohol use disorders. This initiative encourages collaborations between academic and industry partners to advance neurostimulation techniques and drug/device development. Applicants are invited to submit proposals that focus on specific projects utilizing the U01 mechanism, with a clear emphasis on rationally designed candidate agents and cutting-edge technologies. Letters of Intent are encouraged 30 days prior to the submission deadline.

The Creative West Artist Fund supports artists and cultural practitioners across 16 states, providing essential funding and resources to enhance their emotional and financial well-being. Rooted in values of Democracy, Wellness, and Belonging, this initiative offers no-strings-attached funding alongside coaching and community care. It aims to empower artists as vital contributors to the creative economy, while promoting equitable and trust-based grantmaking practices. The fund serves to foster a rich creative community through collaboration and support.

The John G. Duncan Charitable Trust Grant supports educational, human services, and health initiatives in Colorado, particularly focusing on the state's most impoverished areas. Organizations can apply once a year, with specific eligibility criteria in place. Founded in honor of philanthropist John G. Duncan, the trust aims to perpetuate his generosity by funding various charitable causes across the state. Applications are accepted in designated periods throughout the year, ensuring a broad reach for potential grantees.

The CSHF Grantmaking Program for Summer/Fall invites proposals focused on food, physical activity, and affordable housing initiatives. Interested applicants must consult with Colorado Springs Health Foundation staff before submitting applications. This program supports general operating, project, and capital grants, aiming to foster impactful community health improvements, particularly for underserved populations. Proposals demonstrating a strong alignment with funding priorities and evidence-based approaches will be prioritized.

The National Cooperative Drug/Device Discovery/Development Groups (NCDDG) program invites applications to foster innovative research in treating mental disorders and substance use issues. This initiative promotes collaboration between academia and industry, supporting diverse, multidisciplinary projects aimed at developing rational therapies and neurostimulation techniques. Applicants are encouraged to submit Letters of Intent 30 days before the proposal deadline to enhance project alignment with funding goals.

The Pipeline Grants Competition by the Russell Sage Foundation aims to bolster early-career scholars and enhance diversity in the social sciences. It supports innovative research focusing on economic mobility and systemic inequalities in the U.S. Eligible applicants can receive up to $35,000 individually or $50,000 in teams. The foundation emphasizes methodological diversity and interdisciplinary collaboration, encouraging novel data usage. Projects should align with RSF's mission to improve social conditions, prioritizing underrepresented scholars from under-resourced institutions.

The HDR Foundation Grant Cycle supports community organizations aligned with HDR's values, focusing on education, healthy communities, and environmental stewardship. This employee-funded initiative emphasizes the importance of employee engagement in grant proposals, requiring a clear scope of work and completion within a year. Eligible applicants include U.S.-based nonprofits, educational institutions, and tribal governments, while grants are not provided for faith-based organizations or individual support.

The Denver Foundation

For 100 years, The Denver Foundation has been building a stronger, thriving Metro Denver, Colorado, and beyond. We’ve received $2.1 billion from generous donors and given $1.6 billion in grants to support community initiatives. We’re the foundation of Denver, connecting and collaborating to address the current and future challenges of our community.  

The Study Group Scholarship for Women in Law

The Study Group Scholarship for Women in Law is a three-year, renewable scholarship for women students attending the University of Denver’s (DU) Sturm College of Law.

The Study Group Scholarship invests in women who will be equipped to shape a more just and equitable legal system – amplifying the voices and impact of women who continue to face inequalities in the practice of law. By supporting women in law today, we are strengthening advocacy, leadership, and systemic equity for generations to come.

Recipients of The Study Group Scholarship for Women in Law will be known as the Study Group Scholars.

This scholarship was created in 2026 by Debra Lappin, Rosemary Collyer, and Kris Hoeltgren, with a philosophy and commitment to women in law driven by their experience with their own “study group” at the DU Sturm College of Law.

Award amounts may be used toward the recipient’s tuition, fees, books, and supplies. Award must be used for the upcoming academic year.

The Comprehensive Early Literacy Grant (ELG) Program, established by the Colorado READ Act in 2012, aims to enhance early literacy through evidence-based reading instruction. This program provides funds to local education providers, ensuring essential reading components are integrated into K-3 teaching. With a four-year grant cycle, it supports planning, implementation, and sustainability of literacy programs, ultimately helping students achieve reading competency and reducing the number of students reading below grade level.

The National Trust Preservation Funds provide grants ranging from $2,500 to $5,000 to support local preservation projects and ongoing work. These funds aim to enhance community engagement in preservation, foster technical expertise, and stimulate financial participation from the private sector. Eligible applicants include public agencies and nonprofit organizations focused on planning and education efforts related to preservation. The program is particularly interested in initiatives that reach new audiences and further the preservation movement.

The Best and Brightest Management Fellowship Program in Colorado aims to connect students with local governments, providing valuable internships and fellowships that enhance their public service experience. Targeting high school and undergraduate students, as well as graduate students in public administration, the program promotes diversity and leadership within communities. By collaborating with universities and municipalities, it ensures that future leaders reflect the demographics of their communities while gaining essential skills for effective governance.

The Betty Skipp Research Award supports women graduate students conducting original geological fieldwork in the Rocky Mountains. This prestigious award, funded by the Tobacco Root Geological Society, provides scholarships of up to $1200 to facilitate impactful research in states like Idaho, Montana, Utah, Colorado, and Wyoming. Since its inception, the society has awarded over $156,500 to more than 222 students, promoting academic growth and professional development in the geosciences.