Best Grants for Environmental Justice in Colorado

Colorado 501(c)(3) nonprofits working on social change or environmental stewardship can apply for The Wolcott Family Foundation’s Grants for Social Change and Environmental Stewardship, awarding US $1,000 - US $5,000 for general operating or project support. Grassroots groups focused on environmental justice, advocacy, civil rights, or community-led ecological solutions may be especially competitive.

Colorado 501(c)(3) organizations working on environmental protection can seek US $1,000 - US $5,000 to support projects where modest funding has significant impact. With a mission to protect western ecosystems, Maki Foundation provides grants for wilderness and wildlands protection, river and wetlands conservation, biological diversity, and public lands management, including work tied to environmental justice and advocacy.

Nonprofits, local governments, Tribal governments, educational institutions, grassroots groups, and for-profit corporations in Colorado can apply for the Environmental Justice Grant Program to fund projects that measure, prevent, or reduce pollution in disproportionately impacted communities. Administered by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, it supports work on air and water quality, climate, land use, and related environmental health issues.

The Wabtec Direct Grant Program focuses on creating sustainable impacts in local communities by funding 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations. Emphasizing education and environmental stewardship, the program supports initiatives that improve literacy, academic outcomes, and workforce readiness. Grants range from $1,000 to $10,000, prioritizing organizations that engage local Wabtec employees in volunteerism. The program promotes equitable access and non-discrimination while ensuring measurable results in funded projects.

Colorado environmental justice and advocacy nonprofits, government entities, or groups with a fiscal sponsor can access funding through Grand Rapids Community Foundation for projects advancing racial equity in education, health, housing, environment, arts, and economic prosperity. Organizations whose work addresses environmental injustice and equitable environmental benefit may be competitive, noting the foundation’s primary geographic focus in Kent County, Michigan.

Nonprofits and community-led groups advancing equitable food procurement and environmental justice in Colorado can apply for US $25,000 - US $250,000 to strengthen food value chains and build local wealth. Growing Justice supports Tribal, Indigenous, Black, Latinx, Asian, and immigrant communities working on sustainable agriculture, food access, and just institutional food markets across the U.S.

Indigenous-led frontline and grassroots groups, organizations, Tribes, and individual Indigenous organizers in Colorado and across North America can apply for NDN Collective’s Community Action Fund, offering up to US $15,000 for non-violent direct actions and movement-building. Funding covers supplies, equipment, contractual services, and travel for urgent environmental justice and climate response efforts.

Conservation districts, state and territory conservation associations and agencies, Resource Conservation & Development Councils, and Tribal organizations in Colorado can apply for the National Association of Conservation Districts’ Technical Assistance Grants; awards approximately US $18,000,000 to expand staff capacity for conservation outreach, education, and technical assistance. Projects may support environmental justice, food security, clean water, and outdoor equity efforts.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving veterans through environmental justice, conservation, recreation, or related initiatives in the U.S. and its territories can seek project grants up to Up to US $100,000. With a mission to empower women’s collective giving, Impact100 Global Veterans provides large, transformational awards for veteran-focused programs across multiple issue areas.

Environmental justice and advocacy artists and arts organizations in Colorado can seek support for solution-focused projects addressing climate and other pressing environmental issues. With a mission to open doors for underrepresented artists, Puffin Foundation provides funding for U.S.-based environmental artistic activism projects across disciplines such as film, fine art, music, theater, photography, and media arts.

Youth leaders ages 13–23 in Colorado with environmental justice or other kindness-centered social impact projects can apply for Riley's Way Foundation’s Call for Kindness Fellowship, which offers up to US $5,000 plus a 12‑month leadership program. Eligible projects are youth-led, U.S.-based, and ideally partnered with a 501(c)(3) fiscal sponsor.

Youth environmental leaders ages 13 to 22 in Colorado working on environmental justice and related issues can receive recognition and funding for their projects. Earth Island Institute provides North American youth with US $3,000 awards, leadership development programming, and media support through the Brower Youth Awards for Environmental Leadership.

Youth leaders pursuing environmental projects in Colorado can seek microgrants to grow ambitious, youth-led initiatives. Grants from Earth Island Institute’s New Leaders Initiative support projects in areas like environmental justice, conservation, sustainability, and stewardship. Young people nationwide may be eligible if they are leading their own environmental efforts and need funding to advance them.

Filmmakers creating short documentaries on climate change and environmental justice in Colorado can apply for the Bloomberg Green Docs Contest, which offers a US $25,000 grand prize. Grants from Bloomberg Philanthropies help storytellers highlight urgent climate issues, restored ecosystems, and emerging zero-carbon communities in films under 10 minutes.

Scientists and engineers interested in environmental policy and justice can apply for a 1–2 year Science Policy Fellowship based in the U.S., which may benefit those working on Colorado environmental justice issues. Focused on science policy, American Chemical Society invites candidates with strong chemical sciences or engineering backgrounds to work on federal research funding, STEM education, green chemistry, and regulatory policy.

Environmental and social justice nonprofits in Colorado working on grassroots environmental justice, advocacy, and health campaigns can apply for Patagonia Org’s Grassroots Collaborative Program, with awards of US $5,000 - US $20,000. Grants support bold, direct-action efforts that address root causes, build civic engagement, and protect local habitats and frontline communities as part of broader U.S. and international work.

Youth-led climate justice and socio-environmental groups, including those in Colorado, can apply for grants from the Youth Climate Justice Fund to support community-based organizing and advocacy. Eligible collectives are led by people 35 and under, work locally or nationally across listed world regions, and can receive up to US $40,000 for their efforts.

States, tribes, and local governments in Colorado and other eligible U.S. jurisdictions can apply for the Lead Hazard Reduction Grant Program to fund comprehensive lead-based paint hazard control in private housing. With a mission to improve healthy homes, US HUD: Office of Healthy Homes & Lead Hazard Control also offers supplemental funding to address related environmental health and justice concerns.

Nonprofit organizations and state, regional, or local governments in Colorado working on environmental health and justice can apply for Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Lead-Safe and Healthy Homes Financing Demonstration; awards up to US $10,000,000 to serve as National Fund Manager and capitalize lead-safe, healthy homes financing nationwide. This opportunity suits entities able to leverage public and private capital and support low-income communities.

Colorado 501(c)(3) environmental nonprofits focused on justice, climate solutions, or sustainability can receive up to US $25,000 plus intensive operational support to advance strategic and financial priorities. Focused on organizational growth, Levine Impact Lab invites midsized U.S.-based groups, including those serving Indigenous communities, to tackle projects like financial strategy, fundraising, or program expansion over an 18‑month partnership.

The Mitsubishi Corporation Foundation for the Americas (MCFA) supports environmental initiatives across the Americas, focusing on biodiversity conservation, environmental education, justice, and sustainable development. They prioritize programs that align with these aims, particularly those involving 501(c)(3) organizations. MCFA seeks to empower marginalized communities, promote ecological stewardship, and encourage sustainable economic practices, ensuring that environmental burdens are shared equitably across all communities.

The Fund for Wild Nature Grant empowers small non-profit organizations in Canada and the U.S. that prioritize the preservation of native species and ecosystems. With a biocentric approach, this grant supports innovative initiatives combating environmental degradation. Organizations must be tax-exempt and can only submit one proposal annually. Grants do not exceed $3,000, ensuring funding is directed to impactful projects addressing ecological issues often overlooked. Join the Fund in investing in the future of wild nature!

The Waste Management Charitable Contributions Program supports initiatives that enhance environmental stewardship, sustainability education, and community vitality. With a commitment to civic pride and economic development, the program prioritizes organizations that address local needs and promote sustainable practices. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations that focus on public purposes, while ineligible requests include funding for operating costs and individual fundraising events. This initiative fosters a collaborative approach to community betterment.

The Actions of Public Witness Grant, offered by the Unitarian Universalist Funding Program, provides matching grants of up to $1,500 to Unitarian Universalist congregations engaging in timely actions of public witness. This initiative supports efforts in social and environmental justice, encouraging congregations to mobilize during critical moments. Grants are available on a rolling basis and are intended for urgent projects that extend beyond the regular grant timeframe. Notably, individual applications are not accepted.

The IEN-WMAN Mini-Grant Program provides crucial financial support to Indigenous communities and grassroots organizations impacted by mining in the U.S. and Canada. With over $200,000 distributed annually in $4,000 grants, the program aims to address mining-related environmental and health issues. Priority is given to proposals that demonstrate a direct impact on affected communities, particularly Indigenous-led initiatives, ensuring that financial assistance is directed where it is most needed.

The Grassroots Organizing National Grant Program, funded by the Ben & Jerry's Foundation, supports small, community-led organizations in the U.S. working to confront social and environmental injustices. Grants of up to $30,000 per year are available for two years, prioritizing organizations with budgets under $350,000. The program emphasizes grassroots organizing and community empowerment, inspired by the legacy of John Lewis. Eligible applicants must focus on collective action and local leadership to drive social change.

The Impact Fund provides recoverable grants to legal services nonprofits and small law firms working on social, environmental, and economic justice issues. With over $10 million awarded since 1992, the fund supports impactful litigation addressing systemic injustices. Grants range from $10,000 to $50,000 and prioritize cases directly involving affected communities. Recipients must repay the grant amount with interest if they recover fees or costs, ensuring sustainability for future funding.