Best Grants for Community Centers in Colorado

The Ed Dwight Scholarship

The Ed Dwight Scholarship is one of many funding opportunities available to students through NAACP's Inspire Initiatives. We offer scholarships to outstanding and qualified students pursuing undergraduate degrees. Through the generosity of our donors, we advance efforts to ensure equity in educational opportunities that prepare students for success in school, work, and life.

The Ed Dwight Scholarship honors Ed Dwight, a trailblazer in the American space program, author, and sculptor. Ed was the first Black astronaut candidate, the first to enter the program, complete the training and fully qualified as an astronaut. At the age of 90, he finally had the opportunity to see the earth from outside the atmosphere and became the oldest person to go to space.

Scholarship amount:

• $2,500 

This is a non-renewable scholarshipopportunity.

The NIH Pathway to Independence Award (K99/R00) aims to enhance the career development of promising postdoctoral researchers by transitioning them into independent faculty positions. This program supports innovative research during the critical transition phase, enabling awardees to establish successful, independent research careers. Key application deadlines span from June 2024 to February 2027, with specific dates for standard, renewal, and AIDS-related applications. This initiative is vital for fostering a new generation of NIH-supported investigators.

The National Science Foundation (NSF) offers funding opportunities through the Research in Undergraduate Institutions (RUI) and Research Opportunity Awards (ROA) programs. These initiatives support faculty research at predominantly undergraduate institutions, fostering professional engagement and educational integration. Eligible institutions include accredited colleges and universities that award degrees in NSF-supported fields but have limited Ph.D. production. Proposals are evaluated by NSF programs based on disciplinary relevance and funding is allocated within existing research and education programs.

The Maximizing Opportunities for Scientific and Academic Independent Careers (MOSAIC) program aims to enhance diversity in research by supporting early career investigators from underrepresented backgrounds. This initiative offers a K99/R00 career transition award for postdoctoral scholars and a UE5 cooperative agreement that provides mentorship and professional development. The program's goal is to ensure successful transitions into independent, tenure-track faculty roles in NIH mission areas, ultimately fostering a more inclusive scientific community.

The Nathan & Sarah Chesin and Bernard & Mollie Steuer Fellowships, established by the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC) in 2019, support scholars in graduate, post-doctoral, or independent research in the JDC Archives. With a rich collection documenting modern Jewish history, the fellowship encourages innovative research in humanitarian assistance and related fields. Each year, one fellowship is awarded, culminating in a public presentation by the recipient, fostering a greater understanding of the Jewish experience.

The Genesis Mission by the DOE aims to transform science and energy through AI by inviting interdisciplinary teams to tackle significant challenges in energy, environment, and nuclear sectors. With multiple deadlines for FY26 Phase I and II applications, the initiative encourages leveraging diverse scientific resources to enhance R&D workflows. Successful proposals could integrate AI advancements into the American Science Cloud, fostering innovation in critical areas like advanced manufacturing and quantum information science.

Basin Electric Power Cooperative's Charitable Giving Program focuses on supporting communities across its nine-state service territory. The program reviews funding requests periodically and allocates donations to various categories, including education, health services, civic betterment, and cultural initiatives. Additionally, it offers matching funds for member donations and contributes surplus office equipment to organizations in need. This commitment to community growth and sustainability reflects Basin Electric's mission to enhance the well-being of its members.

The NIH Mentored Research Scientist Development Award (K01) aims to support early-career researchers in the biomedical, behavioral, or clinical sciences. This program provides three to five years of protected time for intensive career development, paving the way to research independence. Various NIH Institutes leverage this award to assist individuals transitioning into new fields or re-engaging with research after personal challenges. The K01 is a vital resource for cultivating the next generation of scientific leaders.

The Alternative Fuel Foundation Grant aims to support educational institutions in developing programs focused on renewable energy and environmental sustainability. Grants typically range from $250 to $500, with larger amounts considered on a case-by-case basis. Eligible applicants include public or private K-12 schools and universities. The foundation encourages projects that promote alternative fuels and community involvement, with a preference for initiatives that can be completed within a year.

The NIH Midcareer Investigator Award in Patient-Oriented Research (K24) supports mid-career health-professional doctorates by providing protected time for patient-oriented research (POR). This grant also enables recipients to serve as research mentors for clinical residents, fellows, and junior faculty. Key deadlines for applications span from June 2024 to February 2027, ensuring ample opportunities for interested applicants to engage in impactful research and mentoring.

The NIH Midcareer Investigator Award in Patient-Oriented Research (K24) aims to support mid-career health professionals in conducting patient-oriented research while mentoring clinical residents and junior faculty. This grant offers protected time for research, ensuring participants can focus on impactful studies and foster the next generation of clinical researchers. Key deadlines for applications range from June 2024 to February 2027, with specific dates for standard, renewal, and AIDS-related submissions.

The NIH Midcareer Investigator Award in Patient-Oriented Research (K24) supports mid-career health professionals by providing protected time for patient-oriented research and mentorship to clinical residents, fellows, and junior faculty. The program aims to enhance research capabilities and promote career development in the field of patient-oriented research. Key deadlines for applications include June 12, 2024, and October 12, 2024, among others, ensuring opportunities for renewal and resubmission.

The Mentored Clinical Scientist Research Career Development Award (K08) supports individuals with clinical doctoral degrees to pursue intensive research training. This program focuses on developing skills in biomedical and behavioral research, addressing national health-related research needs. Key deadlines for applications span from June 2024 to February 2027, with specific dates for standard, renewal, and AIDS-related grants, ensuring that qualified candidates have ample opportunity to apply and advance their research careers.

Marion Community Foundation

Since 1998, area residents have been turning to Marion Community Foundation to make their philanthropic giving as effective as possible. We are a public charity serving thousands of people who share a common concern … improving the quality of life in Marion County. We use distributions from the more than 500 charitable funds — created by generous, local donors — to award more than $2.5 million in grants and scholarships each year to many of the humanitarian, educational and cultural organizations in this remarkable community we call home.

Marion Community Foundation is the area’s leading philanthropic organization, providing charitable donors the opportunity to easily create endowment funds to benefit and support our community through grants and scholarships. We serve communities throughout Marion County through philanthropy, leadership, and civic engagement.

Art & Anne Huggler Memorial Scholarship

The Art & Anne Huggler Memorial Scholarship Fund supports local students pursuing a degree in education or engineering.

Art hailed from Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, graduating with a degree in electrical engineering from Penn State. He was a Navy veteran of World War II and worked for GTE for 35 years. He enjoyed travel and golf and was a licensed pilot. Anne was a teacher and homemaker. They are the parents of two, grandparents of five and great-grandparents of nine. The couple was active with St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, where Art directed Art Market Marion.

The Huggler Scholarship seeks especially to assist Marion area students with substantial financial need. It was established in 2015 by their daughter, Linda Halt.

The Sam Noble Foundation Grant aims to uphold the philanthropic legacy of Lloyd Noble by funding agricultural research and supporting charitable initiatives that enhance health, education, and community strength. Geared towards 501(c)(3) nonprofits in the U.S., the foundation prioritizes projects in Oklahoma and does not entertain multiyear commitments or funding for individuals or for-profit entities. The foundation seeks to address agricultural challenges while expanding educational and health services.

The Procter & Gamble U.S. Large Site Community Grant supports initiatives that enhance the lives of individuals within 50 miles of P&G facilities. Focused on areas like infant development and hygiene, this competitive grant seeks to partner with organizations aligned with its mission. Interested groups should verify eligibility through the P&G grant portal. While many applications are received, only a select few will be funded due to high demand.

The Science Ambassador Scholarship, funded by Cards Against Humanity, offers full tuition for women and non-binary students pursuing degrees in STEM fields. This scholarship is open to undergraduate students and high school seniors, regardless of U.S. citizenship, as long as they plan to attend college in the United States or its territories. Eligible applicants must major in science, technology, engineering, or math.

The Civic Experiment Grant by the Trust for Civic Life supports innovative, community-driven projects aimed at enhancing civic engagement. It focuses on rural areas, empowering local leaders to tackle challenges collaboratively. Grants up to $25,000 are available for organizations that are non-partisan and primarily serve rural communities, emphasizing inclusivity and sustainable impact. The next nomination period begins in early 2026, following a closed cycle for 2025. This initiative fosters long-term civic infrastructure and community resilience.

AmeriCorps Vista

AmeriCorps is the federal agency that improves lives, strengthens communities, and fosters civic engagement through service and volunteering. AmeriCorps brings people together to tackle the country’s most pressing challenges through national service and volunteerism. AmeriCorps members and AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers serve with organizations dedicated to the improvement of communities and those serving. AmeriCorps helps make service a cornerstone of our national culture.

Founded in 1965, AmeriCorps VISTA is a federal anti-poverty national service program designed to provide resources to nonprofit organizations and public agencies to strengthen efforts to address poverty and poverty-related problems in the United States. In 1993, VISTA was incorporated into the AmeriCorps network of national service programs administered by the Corporation for National and Community Service, now known as AmeriCorps.

AmeriCorps VISTA Request for Concept Paper

Projects must be developed in accordance with AmeriCorps VISTA core principles:

• an anti-poverty focus
• community empowerment
• sustainable solutions
• capacity building

Project applications must address one of the following areas:

• Economic Opportunity
• Healthy Futures
• Education
• Veteran and Military Families

The Burroughs Wellcome Fund's Career Awards at the Scientific Interface provide $560,000 over five years to support early-career researchers transitioning from physical and computational sciences to biological sciences. Launched in 1999, these awards aim to enhance academic research careers for U.S. and Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and temporary residents, fostering a diverse and innovative scientific workforce essential for advancing human health.

The John K. Fairbank Prize in East Asian History, awarded by the American Historical Association, recognizes exceptional scholarly work in the history of East Asia, particularly focusing on books published after 1800. Eligible works must demonstrate high literary merit and can be nominated by authors or publishers. The prize aims to highlight significant contributions to the historical disciplines, with recipients announced in October 2025 and honored at the January 2026 AHA annual meeting in Chicago.

Steven Thayer Hopi Scholarship

This scholarship was established by the family of Steven Thayer to provide scholarship funding for young Hopi artists to develop their talents and artistic skill.

The Edward C. Roy Jr. Award for Excellence in K-8 Earth Science Teaching, established by the American Geosciences Institute, honors educators who demonstrate exceptional leadership in earth science education. This prestigious award includes a $2500 prize for the winning teacher and a $1500 grant to attend the National Science Teaching Association's annual conference. The award celebrates the legacy of Dr. Edward C. Roy Jr., promoting innovation and excellence in teaching for future generations.

The NABG Scholarships support full-time undergraduate and graduate students in Geoscience programs at accredited institutions, with over $300,000 in funding raised through donations and events. Candidates must exhibit academic excellence, aiming to equip them for future careers in the geosciences. This initiative, backed by the National Association of Black Geoscientists, fosters diversity and prepares the next generation of professionals in the field.

The Wolcott Family Foundation focuses on funding grassroots organizations that drive social change and environmental stewardship. They prioritize support for projects that empower communities, strengthen civil liberties, and address ecological challenges. Eligible applicants are nonprofit organizations in Colorado classified under section 501(c)(3), with grants awarded for one year. The foundation values projects emphasizing environmental preservation and community involvement aimed at tackling societal issues.

The Sharing Language Diversity Fellowship supports Ph.D. students engaged in Indigenous language documentation and data archiving. Funded by the Endangered Language Fund, it encourages sustainable public sharing of linguistic materials, aiming for equitable access to research. With grants up to $30,000, recipients must publicly archive documentation materials within three years, ensuring compliance with community wishes and best practices. This initiative fosters a culture of Open Access in linguistics, benefiting both scholars and Indigenous communities.

About Us

The Wenner-Gren Foundation is a private operating foundation dedicated to providing leadership in support of anthropology and anthropologists worldwide.

Our Mission

The Wenner-Gren Foundation is committed to playing a leadership role in anthropology. We help anthropologists advance anthropological knowledge, build sustainable careers, and amplify the impact of anthropology within the wider world. We dedicate ourselves to broadening the conversation in anthropology to reflect the full diversity of the field.

Engaged Research Grant

General

This program supports longstanding research partnerships that empower those who have historically been the subjects of anthropological research, rather than researchers themselves. Designed in alliance with individuals who have borne the impact of marginalization, these partnerships bring together scholars and their interlocutors in an effort to expand anthropological knowledge, combat inequality, and help communities flourish. The program supports projects that will make a significant contribution to anthropological conversations through collaboration and engagement.

Anthropological research involves forging ethical relationships. Researchers must acknowledge the contributions of interlocutors and compensate them appropriately for their labor and time. Projects funded by Engaged Research Grants go even further. Not only are interlocutors participants in the research, but they have an active role in determining the problems explored. This grant program targets projects, growing out of a scholar’s established relationship with a community, that show greater potential when undertaken as a partnership, beginning with the formulation of research questions and extending to data gathering, skill sharing, scholarly communication, and public mobilization. Engaged research occurs in a broad range of settings, including communities, courtrooms, government offices, and laboratories. It results in findings that are meaningful and potentially transformative for research participants and others with a stake in the collaboration. Through this program, the Foundation seeks to demonstrate how engagement can foster innovation and further anthropological knowledge.

Award Money

The maximum Engaged Research Grant is $25,000. There is no limit to the duration of the grant, and applicants may request funding to cover distinct research phases (for example, two summers) if this is part of the research design.