Best Grants for New Nonprofits in Colorado

The Raftelis Leadership Scholarship, offered by the American Water Works Association, supports undergraduate and graduate students pursuing a consulting career in water utilities. With a value of $5,000, this scholarship aims to foster relationships with diverse, promising students who demonstrate leadership and strong academic performance. Applicants from various academic backgrounds, including business and finance, are encouraged to apply, emphasizing initiative and a desire to contribute positively to the community.

The Wold Foundation Grant, established in 1985, aims to support charitable, scientific, literary, and educational projects primarily benefiting Wyoming citizens and youth. It prioritizes initiatives in education, human services, cultural activities, healthcare, and scientific endeavors that promote conservation and outdoor recreation. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) classified and operate in the U.S. The foundation does not fund individuals or projects that discriminate based on sex, age, or religion.

The Colorado Garden Foundation's Annual Grant Program supports horticultural projects that enhance Colorado's communities. With over $10 million awarded to date, the program emphasizes education and community improvement through initiatives like therapy gardens and community gardens. Eligibility is limited to nonprofit and government agencies, and grants are not available for homeowners associations or political organizations. This initiative aims to foster a deeper understanding of horticulture while benefiting the local environment.

The Micro-Grant Program, managed by the Colorado Statewide Internet Portal Authority, aims to enhance online access to government services for residents. Since its inception in 2010, it has awarded over $1.6 million to various government entities, facilitating the implementation of new technologies. Eligible applicants include state and local governments, special districts, and educational institutions. The program encourages past awardees to re-apply, ensuring continued innovation in e-Government services.

The CGF Major Grant Program offers annual funding of up to $75,000 to support horticulture-related projects by nonprofit and governmental agencies in Colorado. Past recipients include notable organizations like the Denver Botanic Gardens and Craig Hospital Therapy Garden. This grant focuses on capital and matching grants, while also considering other relevant programs. It aims to foster community engagement and enhance the impact of horticultural initiatives across the state.

Project Lead The Way (PLTW) offers grants for schools to implement the PLTW Computer Science program from 2025 to 2028. Schools must provide at least one PLTW course in the first year and two courses in the second year. The total grant is $14,000, covering participation fees and training costs. Eligible institutions include public, private, and charter schools located in the U.S., with special encouragement for those serving low-income or minority-majority populations.

The Freda Hambrick Fund Grants are designed to support Colorado-based nonprofit organizations that focus on preventing cruelty to animals, offering direct care, and providing educational programs. Eligible applicants must have 501(c)(3) status and can apply for funding once every two years if awarded, or after one year if declined. Notably, the fund excludes applications from equine organizations and any projects related to euthanasia.

The Micron Foundation focuses on enhancing quality of life by supporting communities and promoting STEM education. With a commitment to equitable opportunities, it aims to uplift underrepresented groups and foster lasting social impact. Their initiatives empower team members to engage in community service and philanthropy, ensuring that all individuals have access to quality education regardless of background. This dedication to community enrichment positions Micron as a catalyst for positive change.

Impact100 Metro Denver offers a transformative $100,000 grant aimed at empowering Denver-area non-profits to enhance their mission and community impact. With a focus on underserved populations, this initiative encourages innovative solutions across various sectors, including arts, education, health, and social services. By fostering a community of informed women philanthropists, the program not only provides funding but also promotes engagement in local needs, ensuring that the grant supports sustainable and meaningful projects.

The Rocky Mountain Health Foundation's Basic Needs Fund provides vital support for organizations addressing essential services like food, temporary housing, transportation, and safety. This multi-year, general operating grant program emphasizes strengthening community health by funding nonprofits committed to meeting the basic needs of vulnerable populations. Eligible organizations are encouraged to participate in a pre-application Zoom call to discuss their funding requests and organizational details.

The Rocky Mountain Health Foundation's Simple Gifts Fund supports organizations focused on community health, including coalitions, gardens, language justice, peer support, and respite care. Grants of up to $15,000 are available, emphasizing a streamlined application process and minimal reporting requirements. A pre-application Zoom call is mandatory for all applicants to ensure eligibility and discuss funding requests. This fund aims to strengthen community health through direct services and support.

The BEST Capital Construction Grant, managed by the Colorado Department of Education, offers competitive funding for capital construction projects in public school facilities. This initiative supports school districts, charter schools, and other educational entities, enabling them to build new schools or renovate existing ones. Established in 2008, the grant aims to enhance educational environments for approximately 886,517 students across Colorado, fostering improved learning conditions and accessibility for all learners.

The Brunton Award, sponsored by the Association for Women Geoscientists, encourages female geoscience students in their senior year or early graduate studies. It recognizes those who have excelled in fieldwork, such as internships or field camps, and promotes the importance of field-based studies in geosciences. Recipients receive an engraved Brunton transit and a one-year membership to AWG, supporting their future in the geosciences.

Nature's Path's Gardens for Good program empowers communities by funding organic gardens that address food insecurity. Since 2010, it has donated $930,000 CAD to support 120 gardens. In 2023, grants of $6,500 each will be awarded to 20 gardens across the U.S. and Canada. Eligible applicants must be registered non-profits with urban organic agriculture projects that serve low-income communities, promoting sustainable practices and inclusivity.

The Dale Jr. Foundation, founded by NASCAR driver Dale Earnhardt Jr., has raised over $8 million since 2007 to support various charities focusing on youth and underprivileged communities. The foundation emphasizes empowerment, education, wellness, hunger relief, and hope, aiming to provide resources that enhance confidence and opportunities for children facing hardships. Through fundraising efforts and partnerships with organizations like Make-A-Wish, the foundation strives to positively impact lives and foster a sense of normalcy among children in need.

The Alvah H. and Wyline P. Chapman Foundation offers grants to support charitable, educational, and community-focused initiatives, primarily in Florida and Georgia. Eligible applicants must be IRS-recognized 501(c)(3) organizations. The foundation prioritizes projects that address children's welfare, education, multicultural understanding, substance abuse prevention, and homelessness. Grants typically do not exceed $15,000, and proposals must be endorsed by a Foundation Director. Interested parties should submit a Letter of Inquiry for consideration.

The Grid Hardening for Small and Rural Communities Grant Program aims to enhance the resilience of rural electric cooperatives and municipal utilities in Colorado by funding essential power grid improvements. With a total budget of $4,095,997 for 2024, the program prioritizes projects that address climate risks and social vulnerabilities. Eligible applicants must match one-third of the grant amount, and projects should be designed to serve communities with populations under 50,000. This initiative strengthens the electrical grid against wildfires and extreme weather.

The Fox Family Foundation Grant offers financial support to non-profit organizations, including those not designated as 501(c)3, with a focus on Southeastern Colorado. Applications are accepted each fall, with a deadline on the last Friday of October. Grant amounts typically range from $500 to $1,000, awarded before the year ends. This foundation values the contributions of organizations working to enhance their communities and is dedicated to fostering their efforts.

KeyBank's Community Grants support tax-exempt organizations that align with the Foundation's funding priorities, focusing on improving community well-being. With grants ranging from $10,000 to $25,000, eligible organizations must have an operating budget of at least $100,000 and a minimum of three years in operation. The application process is invitation-only, requiring interested organizations to submit an Expression of Interest for review, typically receiving feedback within 90 days.

The American Honda Foundation provides programmatic support to nonprofit organizations and schools in the U.S., empowering impactful initiatives aligned with community needs. Funding opportunities are available through Honda corporate and Honda USA Foundation, focusing on projects that enhance education and community welfare. Eligible organizations must have nonprofit status or be recognized educational institutions. The application process opens each fall, with funding decisions announced the following spring, ensuring alignment with Honda's commitment to social responsibility.

Project Lead The Way is offering a rolling grant opportunity for schools to implement the PLTW Engineering program for the 2025-2026 academic year and beyond. Eligible institutions include public, private, and charter schools located in the US. Grant recipients will receive funding to cover participation fees and training costs. Total funding amounts to $16,000, distributed over three years. Schools are encouraged to create pathways for students in engineering through this initiative.

Key Bank Philanthropic Support - Community Sponsorships aims to enhance community welfare by providing financial backing to nonprofit organizations. With grants ranging from $500 to $5,000, these sponsorships focus on fundraising events and operational support for initiatives that foster economic inclusion and community growth. Applications are accepted from January to October, with decisions typically made within 90 days, ensuring timely support for impactful local projects.

The Advanced Industries Proof of Concept Grant, offered by the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade, provides up to $150,000 to Colorado research institutions for applied research in advanced industries. This funding aims to accelerate commercialization of innovative products and services through pre-commercial research, intellectual property protection, and technical validation. The grant prioritizes projects that impact multiple advanced industries and require matching funds from non-State sources.

West Pharmaceutical Services, Inc. offers the WPS Community Support Grants & Sponsorships, emphasizing a culture of giving and community involvement. The program supports 501(c)3 organizations that address healthcare challenges and focus on children, disabled individuals, and STEM education. Through financial support and volunteerism, West aims to foster healthier communities where its employees live and work, reinforcing its commitment to philanthropy and social responsibility.

The Quality of Life Grants Program, established by the Dana Reeve Foundation, supports individuals with disabilities through nonprofit grants. The Tier 3 Priority Impact Grants provide up to $40,000 for projects that enhance accessibility and community engagement for those living with paralysis, particularly in rural, underserved areas. Successful applicants will demonstrate their ability to manage the grant effectively, focusing on areas such as transportation, health services, and assistive technology, with projects needing completion within 18 months.

The Motorola Solutions Foundation Grant supports organizations that enhance safety and community well-being, focusing on underrepresented populations. With over $100 million in donations, the foundation prioritizes technology and engineering education, first responder programming, and blended initiatives. Eligible applicants must be registered 501(c)(3) organizations or school districts in the U.S. The foundation seeks partnerships that demonstrate strong financial health and data-driven evaluation methods, aiming to create safer cities and thriving communities.

The Voelcker Fund Grant supports 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations conducting medical research, focusing on diseases like cancer and heart disease. It provides restricted grants, emphasizing research that seeks cures in the Greater Bexar County area, particularly for conditions affecting the retina. The fund prioritizes organizations in San Antonio and offers various funding structures, including seed and matching grants, while ensuring compliance with non-discrimination policies.