Best Grants for Community Centers in Colorado

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 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 McKesson Foundation Grant provides funding above $25,000 to support health equity initiatives across North America. Founded in 1943, its mission focuses on removing barriers to quality healthcare for vulnerable communities. The foundation prioritizes projects that align with strategic pillars: reducing cancer burdens, preparing the healthcare workforce, and enhancing crisis response. Eligible organizations include national and local nonprofits. Funding is limited to specific regions and assessed based on demonstrated need and expected impact.

Bristol Myers Squibb Foundation Inc supports independent medical education to enhance healthcare professional competence and improve patient health outcomes. Their mission is to be a global leader in innovative medical education, focusing on evidence-based activities that address critical gaps in knowledge. By fostering excellence in healthcare, they aim to ensure measurable improvements in performance and patient outcomes across various disease areas.

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 San Diego Foundation

We enable donors and nonprofit partners to tackle the most critical needs facing San Diegans.

For 50 years, donors, nonprofits, communities, government and civic leaders have trusted San Diego Foundation to transform lives and have partnered with us for lasting change that moves our region forward.

As San Diego’s largest regional community foundation, it’s our job to understand the pulse of our local communities better than anyone, enabling donors and nonprofit partners to tackle the most critical needs facing San Diegans.

Community Scholarship Program

Since 1997, the Community Scholarship Program has awarded $59.5 million to more than 15,400 students, making our program the largest non-university scholarship provider in San Diego County. By offering financial assistance, the program helps students dedicate more time to their studies, stay enrolled and complete their degrees.

The Evotek Giving Foundation Technology Scholarship

The Evotek Giving Foundation Technology Scholarship applicants should:

• Have resided in San Diego County for at least one year
• Plan to enroll full-time at a College or University in California, Arizona, or Colorado
• Plan to major in finance (San Diego only) or computer science or information technology
• Have a cumulative unweighted GPA of 2.5 or higher on a 4.0 scale
• Open to all applicants, with a focus on advancing gender equity in careers in technology
• If selected as a recipient of the Evotek 2026 Technology Scholarship, recipients will be invited to meet monthly with a mentor and, as needed, attend foundation/press events and speak to their experiences as technology majors.

The National Institute on Drug Abuse is funding pilot and feasibility studies aimed at preparing for substance use and HIV prevention research trials. The program encourages innovative interventions for substance use disorders and HIV eradication, focusing on stakeholder collaboration and practical application. Projects may include assessment of service models, intervention development, and community engagement. This initiative is designed to fill critical research gaps and enhance partnerships, although applications are not currently being accepted.

The DGLF Youth Literacy Grants, established by the Dollar General Literacy Foundation, aim to enhance literacy among underperforming students in K-12. Organizations such as schools and libraries can apply for funding to implement or expand literacy programs, purchase necessary materials, and acquire technology. With over $159 million awarded to date, the foundation supports efforts that provide equitable education opportunities, ensuring every child has the chance to learn and succeed, regardless of their background.

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 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 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 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.

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 McKesson Foundation Grant provides funding up to $25,000 for organizations focused on improving health outcomes in underserved communities. Established in 1943, the foundation prioritizes health equity through strategic partnerships aimed at reducing cancer burdens, preparing healthcare professionals, and enhancing crisis response efforts. Eligible applicants include national and local nonprofits targeting specific regions in the U.S. and Canada. The foundation emphasizes projects that align with its mission and demonstrate significant community impact.

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.

Coover/Rural Schools Partnership Celebrate Rural Schools Grant Program

The Louis L. and Julia Dorothy Coover Foundation, a partnership between Community Foundation of the Ozarks and The Commerce Trust Company is proud to offer the Celebrate Rural Schools grant program, which will support projects that celebrate, strengthen, and elevate the unique identity of rural schools and the communities they serve. This grant supports projects that celebrate the unique culture, achievements, and identity of rural schools and their communities. It encourages districts to amplify local voices, showcase student success, and strengthen community connections. 

• Eligible applicants must be a member of the CFO's Rural Schools Partnership program.
• Total amount to award is $100,000.00.
• This is a single year grant program with final reports due in May 2027.
• Applicants may apply for up to $5,000 in funding for this grant cycle. 

The Community Foundation of the Ozarks and its Rural Schools Partnership Program are committed to supporting rural schools. In awarding grants, the CFO and its affiliates will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, ability, sexual orientation, gender identity or veteran status. As part of the grant process, all grantees will be required to affirm that, in providing services funded in whole or in part by a CFO grant, the grantee will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, ability, sexual orientation, gender identity or veteran status either in its employment practices or in its policies and procedures concerning access to services. 

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 RMS-SEPM Scholarships: The Donald L. Smith Research Grant offers $2,000 for Ph.D. candidates conducting sedimentary geology research in the Rocky Mountain region. This grant honors Professor Donald Smith and is open to students at U.S. universities, with preference for those in states like Montana and Colorado. The funding aims to enhance understanding of the geology in these areas through dedicated research efforts.

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 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 Bonnycastle Fellowship for Wetland and Waterfowl Research supports graduate students in advancing conservation efforts. Offered by Ducks Unlimited, this fellowship provides up to $17,000 annually for research and personal support. The fellowship emphasizes the importance of research originality, ecological contributions, and feasibility. It is open to all North American graduate students, with a preference for doctoral candidates. The award is renewable for PhD students up to two years, and once for Master's students, contingent on satisfactory progress.

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 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.

Funding Overview

Our responsive grants program is designed for you to propose your best ideas to achieve impact within one or more of our focus areas. The program is intended to respond to an urgent community need; address emerging opportunities; test innovative approaches or breakthrough ideas; or implement proven programs. At each funding deadline (Feb. 15, June 15, Oct. 15), we will identify specific objectives for our responsive grants program, which may change from deadline to deadline. Grant funding is highly competitive across all objectives open for the responsive grants program in a funding cycle. Organizations that apply for funding in the responsive grants program for this funding cycle will have to compete across the following objectives: Adult Recovery Supports, Caregiver Resources, Food Program Efficiency, Food Program Participation and Housing Financial Assistance.

Adult Recovery

Focus Area: Advance Health and Well-Being

The Colorado Health Foundation believes recovery is possible for those experiencing mental health and substance use issues.

We envision a Colorado where adults on their recovery journeys can access culturally responsive and linguistically appropriate recovery services close to their homes.

Why It Matters

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) defines recovery as “a process of change through which individuals improve their health and wellness, live a self-directed life, and strive to reach their full potential.”

Additional services beyond clinical treatments and traditional substance use interventions are useful for beginning and maintaining the process of recovery. Nonclinical, evidence-based supports and tools, including peer-support groups, employment services and more, help bring recovery closer. These services are most effective when they align with a person’s background, culture and values.

Mental and behavioral health conditions affect Coloradans across socioeconomic levels and ethnicities. However, barriers to accessing recovery-related services persist for certain groups of Coloradans. Obstacles include a shortage of available services, especially those tailored to Coloradans of color, concerns about affordability, and stigma associated with mental health services.

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 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 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.