Best Grants for Environmental Conservation in Colorado

Colorado environmental conservation nonprofits working on private land protection, ecosystem restoration, or restorative economies can access funding through Biophilia Foundation; awards range from US $5,000 - US $25,000. U.S.-based organizations, especially in the arid Southwest, may send a brief letter of inquiry outlining their mission, project, location, and requested support.

Nonprofit organizations running youth environmental education programs in Colorado’s Summit and Lake Counties can apply for Copper Environmental Foundation’s annual grants, typically ranging from US $500 - US $7,000. Funding supports hands-on projects for ages 5–18, and may benefit groups focused on environmental conservation education and youth leadership development in Colorado.

The Costco Wholesale Charitable Contributions program prioritizes support for children, education, and health services within local communities. Nonprofit organizations seeking assistance must be 501(c)(3) certified and focus on monetary requests. Applications are reviewed within 4-6 weeks, factoring in community needs and collaboration. However, Costco limits grants to 10% of the program budget and typically restricts organizations to one request per fiscal year. They do not fund individuals or direct aid for various specific purposes.

The DanPaul Foundation aims to enhance early childhood development by training teachers and parents, protecting children from abuse, and promoting social responsibility. They provide grants to non-profits for programs that focus on education, health, and welfare of youth. Key initiatives include scholarships, environmental education, and support for underprivileged children. Grant amounts range from a few hundred dollars to $15,000 annually, with a focus on impactful, community-driven projects.

The Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation provides grants to early-stage social entrepreneurs working on scalable solutions to pressing social and environmental issues. By supporting organizations with innovative approaches and proven impact, they aim to uplift underserved communities globally. The foundation offers operational support, funding of up to $300,000 over three years, and fosters a collaborative community among its portfolio organizations. They focus on candidates demonstrating measurable impact and sustainable growth potential.

Operators of existing water diversion, delivery, or storage facilities in Colorado can seek funding to mitigate environmental impacts through the Fish and Wildlife Resources Fund. Grants from Colorado Department of Natural Resources help Colorado environmental conservation projects acquire or appropriate water rights and implement river restoration studies or construction, including efforts benefiting threatened or endangered wildlife in riparian ecosystems.

Educational institutions, government programs, and eligible nonprofits in Colorado can seek funding for safety, education, and community development initiatives, including disaster preparedness, affordable housing, and K-12 or higher education programs. Grants from State Farm Companies Foundation may benefit environmental and conservation groups whose projects address community safety, resilience, sustainable housing, transportation, or related neighborhood revitalization needs.

Roche Corporate Donations and Philanthropy (CDP) focuses on impactful projects that foster sustainable development, engage employees, and leverage Roche's expertise. Their philanthropic efforts prioritize humanitarian, educational, environmental, and cultural initiatives, aiming to build stronger communities and support innovative projects. Eligibility is limited to local organizations, while ineligible projects include those with political or religious ties. The foundation strives to create a positive societal impact through collaboration and strategic partnerships.

U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofits conducting charitable, scientific, medical, or educational work can apply for support from the Sidney Stern Memorial Trust, with all funded activities carried out domestically. With a mission to strengthen well-managed organizations, the Trust provides Colorado nonprofits, including those with environmental conservation components tied to education or science, with project or program funding.

The Bank of America Foundation Sponsorship Program aims to enhance economic mobility and social progress in low- and moderate-income communities through partnerships with nonprofit organizations. This initiative focuses on critical areas such as workforce education, basic needs like food and housing, and community development. The Foundation invested $350 million last year and encourages employee volunteerism and giving, supporting nonprofits in various sectors, including arts, culture, and diversity initiatives.

Agricultural producers, non-industrial private forest landowners, and Tribes in Colorado can receive funding to enhance conservation on working lands, including cropland, rangeland, pasture, and private forests. USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service of Colorado supports practices that improve soil health, water resources, wildlife habitat, fire management, and climate resilience through customized five-year Conservation Stewardship Program contracts.

Agricultural producers, ranchers, Tribes, and private forest landowners in Colorado can apply for USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service of Colorado’s Environmental Quality Incentives Program to cost-share structural and management conservation practices on working lands. Funding supports priorities like water quality and quantity, grazing management, soil health, wildlife habitat, forest health, and other environmental conservation improvements.

Governmental and private water users in Colorado can seek funding to plan, design, or maintain water supply projects and related environmental activities. Grants from Colorado Department of Natural Resources help cover technical assistance, feasibility studies, infrastructure work, and education or innovation efforts that support sustainable water resource management and conservation across the state.

With a mission to conserve and manage water resources, Colorado Department of Natural Resources provides Colorado environmental and conservation organizations with funding for water storage and supply, watershed health, sustainable agriculture, and recreation projects. Eligible projects include technical assistance, feasibility studies, structural design, and education or innovation efforts that advance the Colorado Water Plan.

The Spark Good: Strengthening Community Local Grants program by the Wal-Mart Foundation empowers local organizations through grants ranging from $250 to $5000. This initiative aims to enhance community welfare by supporting diverse projects, including animal shelters and educational programs. Eligible organizations must have a verified Spark Good account, ensuring funds are allocated effectively to meet local needs and foster community development. Together, we can create lasting impacts through small yet significant actions.

Environmental and conservation organizations in Colorado working in southwestern counties may be eligible for grants supporting environmental justice, land and water conservation, parks, environmental literacy, and animal care facilities. Grants from Jacob and Terese Hershey Foundation help groups in these regions pursue advocacy, community organizing, legal strategies, and on-the-ground conservation projects.

Colorado environmental conservation nonprofits can access funding through Hillman Family Foundations for projects in conservation, environmental education, climate change mitigation, and wildfire resiliency. 501(c)(3) public charities in Boulder and nearby areas may be eligible, with most grants initiated by the foundation’s staff and board and occasional support for other U.S. locations.

U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofits addressing basic needs, community vitality, or volunteer-driven causes can apply for Ameriprise Financial’s Community Grants to support programs in hunger relief, housing, adult self-sufficiency, and cultural or community development. Colorado environmental or community groups that fit these focus areas and engage Ameriprise volunteers may be competitive, with priority to key Ameriprise employee centers.

Colorado municipalities, counties, eligible special districts, and land conservation nonprofits can seek funding to develop or revitalize parks, trails, schoolyards, fairgrounds, and other outdoor spaces that enhance community access to nature. Great Outdoors Colorado provides US $100,000 - US $2,000,000 for community-driven outdoor recreation and public space projects that may advance local environmental conservation goals.

The Nordstrom Community Grant focuses on supporting youth and families by providing over $1 million in grants annually. It aims to assist grassroots organizations that address essential community needs such as food, shelter, and clothing, as well as creating opportunities for economic mobility through mentorship and workforce development. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits located in areas where Nordstrom operates. Applications are encouraged for those meeting these criteria.

Colorado 501(c)(3) public charities and some governmental entities planning capital projects can apply for Gates Family Foundation’s GFF Capital Grants to support land, facilities, and civic infrastructure. Capital campaigns for construction, renovation, expansion, or land acquisition that benefit Colorado residents, especially in rural or low-income areas and conserving land, habitat, or parks, may be eligible.

Search and rescue nonprofit teams in Colorado can apply for the Rocky Talkie Search and Rescue Award to fund essential gear, operational projects, advanced training, and other critical needs. Grants from American Alpine Club support under-resourced SAR organizations across the U.S. and Canada, which may benefit teams helping protect backcountry users and natural areas.

501(c)(3) organizations working on environmental conservation in Colorado can apply for the Maki Foundation’s Maki Foundation Grant Program, awarding US $1,000 - US $5,000 for wilderness and wildlands protection, river and wetlands conservation, biological diversity, and public lands management. Smaller groups with annual budgets under $1 million are most likely to be funded.

Colorado land trusts, conservation nonprofits, and private forest landowners can receive funding to secure conservation easements that protect private forestlands from development. Focused on environmental conservation, the Colorado State Forest Service Forest Legacy Program supports projects in Colorado that reduce forest fragmentation, safeguard wildlife habitat and water resources, and lower wildfire risk while keeping lands in private ownership.

Eligible nonprofits, for-profits, schools, local governments, and Tribes in Colorado can apply for Colorado Parks & Wildlife’s Outdoor Equity Grant Program, with awards up to US $100,000 for outdoor access initiatives. Funding can support outdoor recreation, nature-based education, conservation-focused programming, gear, staff, operations, and outdoor structures that serve underrepresented youth and families.

The TJX Foundation Grants support nonprofit organizations located within 15 miles of a TJX store that align with their community mission. Eligible areas include basic needs, education for at-risk youth, workforce training, and safety from domestic violence. Organizations must be a registered 501(c)(3) for at least 12 months and have a nondiscrimination policy. Applications are invited through a Letter of Inquiry, with funding decisions based on community impact.

The Environment Pillar Award by Honda supports nonprofit organizations and schools in the U.S. focused on sustainability. Grants aim to reduce environmental impact through programs in decarbonization, clean energy, and efficient resource use. Eligible projects must align with Honda's mission and primarily benefit communities where Honda associates live and work. Organizations can apply for up to two grants, provided they meet specific eligibility criteria, including tax-exempt status under the IRS.