Best Grants for New Nonprofits in Colorado

The United Company Foundation, established in 1986, provides grants to support charitable organizations in Bristol, VA, Bristol, TN, and Southwest Virginia. This private non-profit focuses on areas such as food, shelter, education, the arts, health, and youth services, emphasizing fiscal responsibility and innovative approaches. By prioritizing accountability and measurable outcomes, the Foundation aims to foster long-term improvements in the community it serves.

St. Mary's Bank Charitable Foundation Community Support Grants aim to enhance community welfare by providing financial support to nonprofit organizations. With a commitment to 'people helping people' since 1908, the foundation focuses on areas like youth programming, homelessness, and civic support. In 2023 alone, they donated over $200,000 to 190 organizations, reflecting their dedication to improving lives in New Hampshire. They prioritize funding for nonprofits within their service areas, ensuring impactful contributions to local communities.

Headstream Accelerator 2026

Accelerator Application Cohort VI

The Headstream Accelerator supports entrepreneurs from all backgrounds in scaling digital solutions that improve the mental well-being of teens at risk, with a focus on the education and healthcare sectors. Our four-month, virtual-first program is designed for early-stage innovators, helping them strengthen their business models, refine their value propositions, and build the foundation for sustainable growth and meaningful impact.

Benefits:

• $30,000 non-dilutive stipend 
• Partnership with youth from Headsteam’s Youth Co-Creator Club to gain insights on cultural relevance, age-appropriateness, and user experience, ensuring your solutions resonate deeply and effectively with the next generation 
• Access to a network of expert advisors, connect with a community of founders, and engage with potential investors and capital providers 
• Access to one-on-one and group coaching sessions with our partner, FounderWell

Participant Expectations:

• Attend all activities, including virtual cohort and youth co-creation sessions, advisor calls, and an in-person kickoff event from July 28–30, 2026
• Commit 2–5 hours weekly during the program, including virtual sessions, advisor network office hours, guide calls, and more
• Embed youth voices throughout your product development

The Opioid Crisis Response Program Fellowship, offered by Equal Justice Works, addresses the opioid epidemic by mobilizing public interest lawyers to provide vital civil legal aid to underserved communities affected by Opioid Use Disorder. This two-year fellowship enables attorney fellows to advocate for clients' rights, reduce barriers to treatment, and enhance community education about legal impacts. Through collaboration with various stakeholders, the program aims to improve health outcomes and foster systemic change in the fight against this public health crisis.

Tee It Up for the Troops Grant supports 501(c)3 organizations that aid military personnel and their families. Prioritizing employment, family support, housing, PTSD treatment, sports rehabilitation, and suicide prevention, the grant aims to enhance the lives of veterans. Organizations that do not engage in fundraising events are eligible for funding. This initiative seeks to create a positive impact within the military community through various support pillars.

Sun Life’s Health Access Grant Program aims to enhance access to health services, specifically targeting diabetes and oral health in local communities. With funding options ranging from $25,000 to $100,000, this program supports 501(c)(3) charities focused on diabetes prevention, management, and oral health care. By fostering access to essential health services, Sun Life is committed to building healthier communities and addressing health disparities faced by underprivileged populations.

The Gamma Mu Foundation, established in 1988, aims to support the LGBT community in rural and underserved areas through various grants. Initially focused on HIV/AIDS projects, it now funds scholarships and services for diverse LGBT subpopulations. With over $2 million awarded, the Foundation prioritizes initiatives that enhance community support, public education, and health programs. It emphasizes projects that build organizational capacity and provide essential services where resources are limited, ensuring ongoing support for vital health and social services.

The Nicholas B. Ottaway Foundation offers grants through its Education Committee to support programs enhancing educational opportunities for economically disadvantaged students. These grants focus on initiatives like tutoring, college preparation, and internship programs. To qualify, organizations must be tax-exempt under 501(c)(3). Preference is given to projects that provide ongoing support to students post-graduation, particularly in specific geographic areas such as San Diego County and the New York Metropolitan Area.

The Caring For Denver Grants - Youth program is focused on enhancing the mental health and resilience of young people in Denver. It supports innovative initiatives that address trauma, mental health, and substance misuse, aiming to provide early intervention and resources. The goal is to empower youth and their families, creating a supportive environment for healing and resilience against life's challenges. Grants are not available for individuals or organizations that practice discrimination.

The Oriental Trading Company Corporate Giving Program focuses on enhancing the lives of children through education, youth programming, healthcare, and human services. With a commitment to making the world a better place, they support organizations that are tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) or public educational institutions. Their initiatives aim to foster community partnerships and provide essential resources to youth in need, ensuring they have access to vital services and opportunities for growth.

The Trinity Second Century Foundation Grant aims to support underserved communities in Denver. With a history of awarding $70,000 in grants to local nonprofits, the foundation focuses on addressing critical needs such as housing, homelessness, and food security. This year's funding will empower organizations dedicated to these vital community services, ensuring a lasting impact on the lives of those in need.

Caring For Denver Grants focuses on community-centered solutions addressing mental health and substance misuse in Denver. The initiative prioritizes equitable access to culturally relevant care, emphasizing the importance of community-based organizations. By supporting peer specialists and care navigation, the foundation aims to improve access and outcomes for marginalized populations. Grant applicants must be nonprofit organizations or government entities serving Denver residents. This funding opportunity seeks to uplift voices affected by historical trauma and promote innovative approaches to mental health care.

The Philadelphia Chromosome Negative Myeloproliferative Neoplasms (MPN) Grant, offered by the Patient Advocate Foundation, provides crucial financial assistance to patients facing this cancer type. It covers out-of-pocket healthcare costs, including medication copays and insurance premiums, ensuring those affected can access necessary treatments. With a focus on personalized case management, the foundation has supported millions in navigating their healthcare needs, emphasizing the importance of timely and affordable care for patients diagnosed with MPN.

The NIDDK High Risk Multi-Center Clinical Study Implementation Planning Cooperative Agreements (U34) aims to support high-risk, multi-center clinical studies by facilitating early peer review and assessment of study designs. This program helps in the development of necessary operational documents and essential elements for conducting hypothesis-driven studies focused on diseases relevant to NIDDK. Applications are due by 5:00 PM local time, and consulting with NIDDK staff is strongly encouraged.

The Strengthening Services to Prevent the Infectious Disease Consequences of Drug Use initiative aims to enhance prevention services for infectious diseases among people who use drugs (PWUD). It encompasses two components: a biennial survey to assess service gaps and capacity, and increased support for testing and treatment services. The initiative seeks to improve data utilization in service provision, ultimately increasing testing for HBV, HCV, and HIV, and ensuring more PWUD engage in treatment and care.

The Smart Growth America Community Connectors Grant Program supports small and mid-sized cities in addressing divisive infrastructure caused by dangerous roads. With funding from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, this program aims to reconnect communities through temporary street safety projects while fostering skills and partnerships. Eligible teams must represent populations of 50,000 to 500,000 and include both government and community-based organizations. Priority will be given to projects benefiting low-income communities historically affected by disinvestment.

The AWWA Scholarship Program, specifically the Carollo Engineers Bryant L. Bench Scholarship, offers a $10,000 award to graduate students dedicated to advancing their careers in the water consulting engineering field. Established in honor of Bryant L. Bench, this scholarship aims to support future leaders who will enhance drinking water quality through innovative engineering solutions. The American Water Works Association emphasizes the importance of investing in students to secure the future of the water industry.

The AWWA Abel Wolman Fellowship, established in 1984, supports highly qualified students conducting meaningful research in water supply through doctoral programs. Named after Dr. Abel Wolman, this prestigious award recognizes excellence and creativity in the water sector. The fellowship provides up to two years of financial support, with an initial award of $30,000 for the first year, aimed at fostering the next generation of water professionals in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.

The AWWA Arcadis Scholarship offers a $5,000 award to graduate-level students from underrepresented racial and ethnic minority groups pursuing STEM fields. This initiative by the American Water Works Association aims to promote diversity and inclusion in the water service industry, recognizing the critical role of future leaders in ensuring sustainable water supply. Eligible candidates include Black, Latinx, and American Indian or Alaska Native students with the potential for impactful contributions in the sector.

The OVW Fiscal Year 2026 Grants to Indian Tribal Governments Program is designed to empower Tribal governments in enhancing their criminal justice response to domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, sex trafficking, and stalking. This initiative, funded by the US DOJ's Office on Violence Against Women, aims to support Tribal communities in creating safer environments through targeted funding and resources. Applications must be submitted by September 3, 2026, at 4:59 pm ET.

The Heart of Steamboat Community Fund, established in 1984, supports non-profit organizations in Routt and Moffat Counties with annual grants ranging from $500 to $2,500, totaling up to $32,000. Focus areas include mental health, food security, and support for immigrants, seniors, and youth. To be eligible, organizations must have a local presence and be registered as charitable entities in Colorado. Priority is given to initiatives addressing these vital community needs.

Harry C. Anthony, Jr. Scholarship

Essay:

• Describe yourself and explain why you are interested in a career in medicine.

Awards:

• One-time award of $2,500

The AAAP Foundation: Poultry Scholarship supports students pursuing careers in poultry health and food safety in North America. Offered by the American Association of Avian Pathologists, the scholarship aims to enhance scientific knowledge and promote the well-being of poultry. Eligible candidates must be enrolled in accredited veterinary colleges or universities with relevant programs. Scholarships may reach up to $1,500, with undergraduate awards capped at $500, fostering the next generation of poultry medicine professionals.

The 2026 National Urban and Community Forestry Challenge Cost Share Grant Program aims to tackle economic, health, and environmental issues in communities through innovative tree resource utilization. By transforming wood from various sources into valuable products like lumber and biochar, this initiative promotes local economies and enhances community resilience. Projects should align with community forestry plans, adhere to safety standards, and provide job creation opportunities, ultimately fostering sustainable urban forest management and utilization.

The RMEF Grant Program lies at the core of advancing our mission.

RMEF established the program in 1986 to provide financial and logistical support to projects that align with our priorities and goals. Grant funds raised by RMEF members, volunteers and generous donors from across the country translate into significantly more conservation accomplishment when matched with partner funds. The RMEF Grant Program also aims to build recognition for RMEF’s work, grow engagement, and boost local fundraising efforts.

Governed by clear guidelines and criteria, the RMEF Grant Program seeks to foster meaningful collaborations and long-term impacts in the conservation of natural resources and outdoor traditions. Grant project partners include federal, state, local, and tribal wildlife and land management agencies, private landowners and local stakeholders, sportsmen and women, and conservation organizations, universities, foundations and the outdoor industry. Eligible projects primarily focus on habitat stewardship, land conservation and access, wildlife management, and hunting heritage.

We support organizations recognized by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) as a 501(c)3 entity, federal, state, local, or tribal government entities, sportsmen’s organizations, or educational institutions. All applicants must have a Federal Employer Identification Number (EIN) issued by the IRS. RMEF does not offer grants to individuals.

Hunting Heritage

Ensuring our hunting heritage is central to RMEF’s mission. Hunters—America’s first conservationists—remain the driving force behind wildlife conservation. RMEF funds hunting heritage and conservation education to help more people experience the outdoors, learn the skills of hunting, and carry forward the traditions that define big game country, including outdoor skills programs/events, hunter or conservation outreach, mentored hunts, and other similar activities.

Joseph G Markoly Foundation Inc

When Joseph Markoly originally established the foundation more than thirty years ago, its focus was on Alzheimer’s and heart disease support, funded through a number of the larger national disease-related organizations. Over time the focus has shifted to helping small to mid-size organizations in our local communities which support children and seniors in a variety of effective ways. 

Markoly Foundation was established in honor of Joseph G. Markoly, an entrepreneur and philanthropist who wanted to make a positive impact in people’s lives. Joseph’s family was affected directly by both Alzheimer’s and heart disease having lost a family member to each condition. For that reason, the foundation dedicates a majority of their resources to providing grants to organizations that focus on the treatment of each of these diseases. In addition, Markoly Foundation supports a variety of programs dedicated to helping children and seniors by providing services, supplies, programs and research in areas impacting these demographics.

Joseph G. Markoly Foundation Grant Support for Elder Organizations

The Markoly Foundation takes pride in supporting local organizations that provide services for elders in our community. Seniors face a number of challenges that come with aging, especially when they don’t have loved ones who are able to assist them with their needs. We provide grants for a variety of senior-related programs from Caregiver Education and Support to Emergency Meal Delivery and Transportation Services.

We are dedicated to providing funding for local nonprofit programs that improve the quality of life for all, but particularly for the children and elders in our community.

Quest Diagnostics Foundation

Our purpose

Working together to create a healthier world, one life at a time.

About the Foundation

The Quest Diagnostics Foundation® (the Foundation), established in 1991, is a nonprofit corporation exempt from tax under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, for charitable, educational, scientific, and literary purposes including:

• Promoting the benefits of healthcare and wellness
• Promoting the prevention, early detection, monitoring, and treatment of disease
• Educating the general public and healthcare professionals regarding healthcare issues

About Quest for Healthy Communities Champions

Through the Quest for Healthy Communities Champion program, the Foundation will recognize and give monetary awards to up to 15 individuals or organizations across the US that have committed to improving health in their own communities. In the case of recognition to individuals, the monetary award will be given to the tax-exempt charity of their choosing.

The program reflects the importance of recognizing individuals and organizations that are committed to the purpose of Quest, “working together to create a healthier world, one life at a time” and the Foundation’s belief that increased awareness of individuals and organizations doing this work can lead to healthier communities.

Successful applicants will demonstrate their commitment to improving health in their communities through actions such as:

• Impact on community systems via policy, programming, and education in areas such as workforce development, health, environment, housing, and safety
• Ongoing community engagement in the development of innovative solutions to drive improved health outcomes
• Commitment to increasing individual health autonomy and empowerment through the advancement of diagnostic screening and testing