Best Grants for New Nonprofits in Colorado

The Laurel High School Alumni Association Scholarships, managed by the Delaware Community Foundation, provide vital financial assistance to graduating seniors whose parents have been active members for at least three years. These scholarships can be applied to both two-year and four-year colleges or trade schools, supporting students with a minimum GPA of 2.50. For the 2024-2025 school year, a record $850,000 was awarded to 245 students, showcasing the foundation's commitment to advancing educational opportunities.

The Regenerative Agriculture Foundation Grant supports organizations that promote regenerative practices, emphasizing the value of people, plants, animals, and the planet. With a focus on BIPOC-led initiatives, the foundation encourages systemic change in agricultural systems through collaborative funding. Grants are available to U.S.-based organizations that align with RAF's vision and engage in transformative efforts. The competitive grantmaking process is by invitation only, ensuring targeted support for impactful projects.

The Burn Injury Model System Centers aim to enhance burn rehabilitation through innovative research. These centers must create knowledge to improve the health, community engagement, and employment outcomes for individuals affected by burn injuries. Funded by US HHS's Administration for Community Living, grants support site-specific and collaborative research while contributing to a longitudinal database. Each grant has a maximum duration of 60 months, divided into five budget periods, ensuring comprehensive support for ongoing studies.

The Dean and Janice Butts Scholarship aims to support students pursuing post-secondary education, vocational training, or college, with a preference for students of color. This initiative is part of a broader commitment by the Community Foundation of Elmira-Corning and the Finger Lakes, Inc. to address various community needs, including education and wellness, while fostering awareness and creative solutions to future challenges.

The Crossroads Hospice Charitable Foundation is committed to enhancing community awareness of hospice and palliative care services. It supports nonprofit organizations that provide end-of-life care and grief recovery resources. Through educational initiatives and financial grants, the Foundation aims to promote excellent hospice care and assist caregivers. Organizations eligible for funding must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits, and the Foundation does not fund administrative costs or general funding. Grant applications are accepted once per year.

The Center on Knowledge Translation for Disability and Rehabilitation Research (KTDRR Center) aims to enhance the use of relevant disability and rehabilitation research through effective knowledge translation. Serving as a key resource for NIDILRR grantees and the general public, the KTDRR Center's initiatives will support high-quality research dissemination. The project spans 60 months, including five 12-month budget periods, ensuring ongoing support for researchers and stakeholders in the field.

The NIH Blueprint Initiative aims to enhance neuroscience research by funding the development and application of germline and somatic gene-editing techniques. This initiative builds on existing marmoset gene-editing frameworks and integrates New Approach Methodologies (NAMs) to improve understanding of human brain function and disease. High-priority areas include complex conditions like autism and schizophrenia. The initiative emphasizes the use of appropriate models to address critical questions in neuroanatomy, cognition, and behavior related to human brain health.

Scholarship amounts vary depending on the scholarship applied for. Applicants are encouraged to apply for as many awards as they are eligible to increase the likelihood of receiving one or more awards.

Scholarships can be used for cost of attendance, direct education expenses, including tuition, books, and/or other school-related fees.

If you receive an award, be sure to complete your scholarship acceptance form (online portal). Scholarship awards are paid directly to the academic institution by the end of August.

Esther Mae Nesbitt Medical Student Scholarship Fund

This scholarship supports past or current Illinois residents who are either accepted for enrollment or currently enrolled as a full-time student at an approved college of medicine. Applicants must be U.S. citizens. Preference is given to female applicants and current or former residents of DeKalb County, IL.

The Award for Graduate Study in American History, offered by the National Society of The Colonial Dames of America in the State of Illinois (NSCDA-IL), provides $3,000 annually to a graduate student. This award supports research that enhances understanding of America's development from colonial times to the present, with a preference for those intending to teach. NSCDA-IL fosters appreciation for our national heritage through educational initiatives and historic preservation.

The Clinician Scientist Development Grant (CSDG) by the American Cancer Society supports full-time faculty aiming to become independent clinician scientists while maintaining clinical practice. Eligible applicants must hold a doctoral degree, an active clinical license, and have clinical care experience. The grant provides funding of $135,000 annually for 3 to 5 years, including allowable indirect costs, to advance cancer research in key priority areas.

United Negro College Fund

“A mind is a terrible thing to waste.”®

For more than seven decades, this principle has remained at the heart of UNCF, enabling us to raise more than $5 billion and help more than 500,000 students and counting not just attend college, but thrive, graduate and become leaders.

We do this in three ways: By awarding more than 12,000 students scholarships, worth more than $65 million, each year. By providing financial support to 37 historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs). And by serving as the nation’s leading advocate for the importance of minority education and community engagement.

Henry C. McBay Faculty Research Fellowship

Dr. Henry Ransom Cecil McBay (May 29, 1914 – 1995) was an American chemist renowned for his excellence in teaching and mentorship. He received numerous awards for his commitment to encouraging disadvantaged students to pursue careers in the chemical sciences, including the American Chemical Society Award for Encouraging Disadvantaged Students into Careers in the Chemical Sciences.

The Henry C. McBay Faculty Research Fellowship is open to faculty members at UNCF member institutions and supports faculty-led research conducted in partnership with a student researcher or intern.

The fellowship provides:

• Up to $15,000 to support faculty research in a field of the recipient’s choosing
• Up to $3,000 to support a student researcher/intern
• Total possible award: $18,000

All funded projects must be completed within one academic year and no later than Spring 2027.

Reporting Requirements

Each principal investigator is required to:

• Submit a written final report on the research project at the end of Spring 2027
• A published paper or submitted manuscript may be substituted for the final report
• Submit a financial report detailing fellowship expenditures within six months of completing the grant

The Jordan Fund, established by John & Kelly Olerud in 2003, is dedicated to supporting children with special needs and their families. This grant-making organization assists children with substantial disabilities up to age twenty-one, covering costs for respite, therapy, and essential equipment not provided by insurance. By funding 501(c)(3) organizations, the Jordan Fund aims to enhance the quality of life for these children and their families.

The USPOULTRY Research Grants program, sponsored by the U.S. Poultry and Egg Association, aims to enhance the poultry industry through comprehensive research funding. Established in 1963, it supports diverse projects related to poultry and egg production. With over $30 million invested, the program emphasizes improving product quality and safety. Proposals are evaluated by a panel of experts, with a funding rate of 15-20%. Eligible projects typically have budgets under $80,000 and timelines of 1-2 years.

The Raven Fund Scholarships, offered by the CIRI Foundation, support educational aspirations for CIRI voting shareholders who are not original shareholders or descendants. Award amounts include $200 per credit for full-time students, up to $3,000 per term, and similar support for part-time students. Funds cover tuition, fees, books, supplies, and housing. Applicants must have a high school diploma, be enrolled in an accredited program, and maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0 to qualify.

The Russell Sage Foundation's Immigration and Immigrant Integration Grants aim to fund innovative research that explores the dynamics of race, citizenship, and legal status in relation to immigrant outcomes in the U.S. This initiative seeks to understand the complex interplay of policies and social factors affecting immigrants and native-born populations across various racial and ethnic groups. Researchers are encouraged to utilize diverse data sources to deepen insights into immigration integration and the societal implications of legal status.

The Rehabilitation Research and Training Center (RRTC) focuses on enhancing the lives of parents with disabilities through research, training, and technical assistance. This initiative aims to develop evidence-based services and supports that empower parents in their caregiving roles. Funded by the US HHS: Administration for Community Living (ACL), the project spans 60 months with a commitment to fostering inclusive environments for families. The RRTC will explore innovative interventions and technologies to better support these parents in their daily challenges.

Knights of Pythias Scholarship Fund

In 1950, the membership roster for the Corvallis lodge of the Knights of Pythias, Valley Lodge No. 11 had more than 250 names, but membership declined over the years and the club subsequently disbanded. In 1992, as remaining members began discussions about how to distribute the assets of the lodge, Benton Community Foundation (BCF) emerged as a natural choice.

“We felt it would be best to keep the money in the community where our members lived and worked,” said Bob Bareinger, a member in the organization since 1943 and an officer since 1954. The lodge tried to give BCF the entirety of assets, including the deed to the building, but the Oregon Chapter that has jurisdiction over it stepped in and required the assets to be distributed differently. BCF received one-third of the lodge assets, which means that the Knights of Pythias will continue to serve the youth of Benton County in perpetuity by providing annual scholarships to graduates of Benton County high schools.

The Skatepark Project Grants aim to support underserved communities in building public, free, concrete skateparks for youth. Eligible applicants include public charities and local agencies committed to designing inclusive spaces. The projects must engage local skaters in planning and fundraising, promote safety, and be open year-round without entry fees. The initiative fosters community involvement and addresses social inequalities, ensuring that all types of skatepark users can benefit from these vital recreational resources.

The Traditional Fine Arts Organization Grant aims to support art museums and cultural centers in promoting American representational art through co-sponsorship of exhibitions. The grant encourages institutions to provide detailed information about their exhibitions online and to make catalogs freely available. Grants are available for exhibits opening through mid-2025, fostering education and appreciation of art while avoiding funding for capital improvements or operating expenses.

The Camp Equipment & Capital Improvement Grant Program, established by the Colburn-Keenan Foundation, aims to enhance the experiences of children with chronic inherited bleeding disorders. This initiative provides funding to camps for acquiring new equipment or improving facilities, emphasizing the importance of a supportive environment for these children. Eligible camps must serve at least 25% of participants affected by such disorders, ensuring that the assistance directly impacts those in need.

The Karl Hirsch Memorial Grants, established in honor of Karl Hirsch, support innovative research in paleontology and related fields. These grants fund activities such as museum travel, specimen collection, and advanced analyses. Preference is given to first-time applicants and WIPS members, although active membership is no longer a requirement. Past grant recipients must have met reporting obligations to be eligible. This initiative aims to foster diverse research projects and advance the field of paleontology.

ASPCA PRO

ASPCApro.org provides tools and resources for animal welfare professionals, veterinary personnel and volunteers. We take a progressive approach to helping the country's at-risk animals, promoting cutting edge research to advance the field.

ASPCA Research Grants

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals® (ASPCA®) research grants fund high-quality research with a clear potential to benefit animals, either directly or through effecting systems-level change. Proposals to extend existing studies, focused on other disciplines, will also be considered if they can clearly demonstrate substantial potential benefit to animal welfare.

This year we are soliciting proposals in the following six research areas:

• Access to Veterinary Care (AVC) Research
• Applied Behavior Research
• Cruelty Research
• Farm Animal Welfare Research
• Psychological Trauma Research
• Shelter Research

Proposals focused on evaluating the effectiveness of a program or service must demonstrate methodological rigor and a clear plan to produce generalizable scientific knowledge. Please view eligibility information for specific projects from the research area you are interested in. 

Access to Veterinary Care (AVC) Research

Proposals that address AVC for cats, dogs, and equines from any angle (e.g., medical, legal, impact, program delivery, community engagement, veterinary engagement). Ideally, the research will establish tools or guidelines that professionals and organizations can use to improve access to veterinary care.

Proposals that include a shelter-researcher partnership aspect are especially encouraged. Examples include, but are not limited to, inclusion of both shelter and academic staff on the study team, the creation of a shelter-facing deliverable, an implementation prospectus that includes a feasibility assessment and identified partner shelter.

The Affiliate Grants - Guest Speaker Fund, provided by the American Musicological Society, offers financial assistance to AMS committees and study groups inviting external speakers to the Annual Meeting. Grants up to $1,500 cover travel expenses and honoraria for invited guests, promoting interdisciplinary collaboration within musicology. Applications must be submitted by group representatives, and the deadline precedes the standard proposal deadlines for committee activities. This program encourages enriching discussions by including diverse voices from outside the field.

The Guitar Center Music Foundation is an independent 501c3 organization. Through instrument grants and donations, we help ensure schools and music education programs get the resources they need to keep music alive and accessible. We believe in a world in which music is cherished and respected for the immense value it brings to humanity, where every person who seeks to pursue music has the means to do so.

Our mission is to give everyone the power to create and express themselves through music. Since 2005, we have supported hundreds of music education and therapy programs and reached over 300,000 people. With your generous support, we aim to assist many more.

Guitar Center Music Foundation Grants

The Guitar Center Music Foundation awards musical instruments and equipment in-kind to public schools and music programs in need. 

Instrument grants range from up to $1,000 to $5,000 based upon need.

The Societies for Pediatric Urology Annual Research Grant offers up to $40,000 for innovative research in pediatric urology. Targeted at junior and mid-level faculty, this grant encourages clinical, translational, and basic science research. Eligible applicants include pediatric urological clinicians and researchers who are SPU members or have sponsorship. This funding aims to foster impactful projects that can secure additional external funding, enhancing the field of pediatric urology.

The Harry A. Saunders III Memorial Fund, established in 2025 by the Hawai‘i Community Foundation, supports Hawaii high school graduates pursuing higher education. This fund aims to empower students demonstrating financial need and maintaining a minimum GPA of 2.0. Preference is given to recipients who were awarded in the previous year, provided they continue to meet eligibility requirements. The fund embodies a commitment to fostering educational opportunities and enriching the lives of young Hawaiians.

The ASPCA Research Grants for Shelter Research invite proposals in six key areas including Access to Veterinary Care, Applied Behavior Research, and Shelter Research. These grants aim to fund high-quality research that can significantly benefit animal welfare. Eligible investigators from U.S. entities and certain Canadian organizations are encouraged to apply. The program emphasizes collaboration between shelters and researchers, fostering innovative solutions to improve the well-being of animals in shelter settings.