Best Grants for Community Centers in Colorado

The Colorado Shooting Range Grants provide essential funding to enhance shooting ranges across the state, with an estimated $750,000 available this year. This initiative, supported by Colorado Parks and Wildlife, aims to improve safety, accessibility, and overall experience for recreational shooters. Eligible applicants include local governments, shooting organizations, and educational groups. Projects focus on public benefit and must adhere to guidelines for environmental stewardship. This program fosters community engagement and promotes responsible outdoor recreation.

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 Capacity-Building Mini-Grant Opportunity, offered by the Colorado Springs Health Foundation, focuses on enhancing organizational skills and effectiveness in health services. Grants up to $5,000 are available for discreet projects that align with their funding areas, including healthcare access and suicide prevention. This initiative aims to strengthen local organizations in El Paso and Teller Counties, promoting healthier communities through improved capacity and skill-building efforts.

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 Asian Cultural Council's Graduate Fellowship provides financial support for travel and living expenses to graduate students from Asia studying in the U.S. It offers $15,000 for one academic year, potentially renewable for another year, covering essential costs while pursuing full-time coursework. This initiative fosters international cultural exchange and enhances academic training in the arts. Eligible applicants must be enrolled full-time in accredited graduate programs and commit to at least two consecutive semesters of study.

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 Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Foundation offers over 250 scholarships for undergraduate students pursuing dietetics. Applicants complete a single application to be considered for multiple scholarships ranging from $500 to $25,000. Eligibility includes enrollment in an ACEND-accredited program and various special criteria. This initiative supports students from diverse backgrounds, encouraging future professionals in nutrition and dietetics. Membership in the Academy is recommended but not mandatory for application.

The Southwest Intervention Fund, managed by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, supports preservation efforts of traditional cultures across Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, West Texas, and Utah. Grants ranging from $2,500 to $10,000 are available for local partners, nonprofits, and government agencies to address emergency threats and promote preservation planning. Eligible projects include archaeological site surveys, public awareness workshops, and legal assistance for cultural resource management, ensuring the protection of vital historic sites.

The Social Impact Theatre Grant Program supports innovative theatrical productions that address pressing social issues, fostering dialogue and community engagement. With a focus on sustainability, the program offers production-specific and change capital grants to eligible nonprofit organizations in select states. Grantees are encouraged to explore new models, deepen community connections, and support emerging leaders in theatre. Applications for the next cycle will open in Spring 2025, following the completion of the current funding round.

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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 Reisher Scholars Program, established by the Reisher family at The Denver Foundation in 2001, provides merit-and-need based scholarships for Colorado college students. Targeting rising sophomores and community college transfer students, the program awards between $6,000 and $22,000 annually to help students complete their undergraduate degrees. By focusing on academic potential and community involvement, the program aims to empower individuals who will contribute positively to society.

The California Botanical Society Paul Silva Student Research Grant supports undergraduate and graduate student members conducting botanical research in western North America. Grants of up to $600 are available for projects aimed at advancing Western American botany. The funding can cover research travel, supplies, and minor equipment, with the goal of producing a professional publication. Collaborative applications are encouraged, and there are no restrictions based on citizenship.

The Patterson Foundation offers Oral Health Grants to support programs that enhance access to dental care for underserved communities. Eligible 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations can apply for funding up to $35,000 for capacity expansion, $10,000 for personnel support, or $10,000 for program support. The foundation prioritizes projects led by volunteer dental professionals and requires follow-up reports for continued funding. Applications are accepted year-round through a two-step process.

The Pratt Family Foundation Grant, established in 1999, supports initiatives in education, healthcare, and community welfare. It prioritizes organizations that aid housing assistance, support for women in crisis, and disadvantaged youth programs, particularly in North Carolina. The Foundation favors established religious and charitable organizations that are tax-exempt and have a local presence. Preference is given to areas connected to the Pratt family, such as Texas and Florida, ensuring impactful contributions to community development.

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 NIOSH Miner Safety and Health Training Program aims to enhance health and safety training for miners in the Western United States. With mining fatalities significantly higher than the national average, this initiative seeks to address critical training needs by developing effective programs, increasing qualified instructors, and ensuring compliance with existing safety guidelines. By focusing on culturally appropriate training methods and collaborative efforts with other agencies, the program aims to reduce injuries and fatalities in the mining sector.

The Lucille Drinkwater Allen Trust Grant supports the care of neglected and homeless domestic animals, particularly dogs, in Colorado. Established by Mrs. Lucille Drinkwater Allen's will, the trust aims to alleviate suffering and ensure animals can live their full lives without the threat of euthanasia. Funding is directed towards organizations that align with this mission, focusing on the welfare of animals and promoting their well-being in the community.