Best Grants for Nonprofit Human Services in Colorado

The Anna Keesling Ackerman Fund Grants support nonprofit organizations in the Pikes Peak region, emphasizing arts and culture, education, health, and community initiatives. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits operating in El Paso and Teller counties, without recent grant funding or declines. The fund, managed separately from El Pomar's competitive grants, continues the legacy of Mr. Jasper D. Ackerman, who championed various charitable causes in this area.

El Pomar Foundation offers competitive grants on a rolling basis, reviewed four to six times a year by Trustees. Funding is available for a variety of focus areas including arts, education, health, and community initiatives. Eligible organizations must be active 501(c)(3) nonprofits operating in Colorado. Applications for capital support are capped at $100,000. Note that funded applicants must wait three years to reapply, while declined applicants must wait one year.

The Daniels Fund Grants Program offers support to nonprofit organizations in Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming, focusing on areas such as Aging, Amateur Sports, Disabilities, and Youth Development. With no specific deadlines, applications are accepted year-round, and the review process generally takes about 120 days. The fund prioritizes impactful programs that drive meaningful change and foster community growth, honoring the legacy of founder Bill Daniels through strategic philanthropic efforts.

The State Historical Fund: Emergency Grants provide crucial funding for immediate stabilization efforts when historic resources face imminent risk of damage due to unforeseen events like natural disasters. Administered by History Colorado, these grants support public entities and certified nonprofit organizations in Colorado. Timely application within three months of the incident is essential for eligibility. This program plays a vital role in preserving the state's rich cultural heritage and ensuring that significant sites are safeguarded from further harm.

The Employees Community Fund of Boeing Company supports local communities through employee-driven grantmaking. Focusing primarily on Health & Human Services, the Colorado Chapter provides grants ranging from $2,500 to $5,000 to nonprofits addressing vital community needs. With a commitment to positive change, Boeing empowers its employees to enhance their communities, ensuring sustainable growth and support for local organizations. This initiative exemplifies Boeing's dedication to corporate social responsibility and community involvement.

The Colorado Respite Coalition is offering a State Respite Grant aimed at enhancing access to respite care for family caregivers across Colorado. This funding supports both non-profit and for-profit organizations that provide essential respite services, ensuring that caregivers receive necessary breaks. Grants range from $10,000 to $30,000, with applications requiring a letter of intent for the 2025-2026 cycle. This initiative reinforces the Coalition's commitment to family welfare and caregiver support.

The William G. McGowan Charitable Fund provides grants focusing on Education, Human Services, and Healthcare initiatives. The fund prioritizes programs with measurable outcomes that aim to alleviate poverty and suffering. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits and align with the fund's mission to create sustainable change. Applications are accepted by invitation only in specific regions, with a rolling deadline. The fund seeks collaborative efforts to maximize impact across its program areas.

The Choose When grant by Caring for Colorado aims to reduce financial barriers to contraception, ensuring affordable access to reproductive healthcare for all Coloradans, especially young people aged 9-25 and those in rural communities. Launched in 2017, it focuses on eliminating health disparities by funding local clinics to provide long-acting reversible contraception. The initiative emphasizes support for marginalized groups, addressing systemic barriers to care and promoting equitable health outcomes across Colorado.

The Donor Alliance Foundation Grant aims to enhance access to organ and tissue donation resources in Colorado and Wyoming. With an annual allocation of $225,000, this initiative focuses on providing educational support, family assistance, and research funding. The Foundation seeks projects that are inclusive and innovative, ensuring equitable access for vulnerable populations, including living donors and their families. Applications are encouraged from nonprofit organizations that align with these goals and have a proven impact on the community.

The Freda Maytag Grace Crawford Trust Grant provides funding for charitable purposes aimed at improving health and education related to tuberculosis and other respiratory diseases in Colorado Springs, Colorado. This includes medical care, educational initiatives, and research efforts, alongside promoting a clean environment. The grant supports nonprofit organizations recognized under IRS section 501(c)(3) and does not accept applications from individuals. This initiative reflects a commitment to community health and wellbeing.

The Kerr Foundation Inc. offers grants to 501(c)3 organizations, focusing on education, arts, health, and human services. Priority is given to Oklahoma entities, but applications from neighboring states and Washington D.C. are also accepted. The foundation supports various project types, including capital, program, and operating expenses. Note that back-to-back grants are not allowed, enforcing a three-year gap for reapplication after funding. This ensures a broad and impactful reach for community development.

The Best Life Community Awards, funded by Altra Foundation Inc, invites nominations for nonprofit organizations that have made a significant impact in their communities. Altra members can nominate eligible 501(c)(3) nonprofits they support with their time, talents, or financial contributions. The selected nonprofit will receive a $10,000 grant, aimed at fostering initiatives in education, health, and community services across specific counties in the U.S. Nominate today to help recognize outstanding contributions!

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 Joseph Henry Edmondson Foundation focuses on funding established nonprofit organizations in the Pikes Peak Region, primarily supporting youth organizations, animal welfare, arts, health services, community building, education, and environmental initiatives. Grants typically prioritize capacity building and operational support. First-time applicants are encouraged to contact the foundation beforehand, as the foundation emphasizes a history of funding relationships. Specific exclusions include individuals and organizations lacking 501(c)(3) status.

The GFF Capital Grants by the Gates Family Foundation support capital projects for nonprofit organizations in Colorado, emphasizing community needs and sustainable development. With a focus on enhancing public resources and addressing historical inequities, the foundation prioritizes projects that foster education, environmental protection, and community development. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) organizations, demonstrating strong community support and effective management. Capital grants are not given for general operating expenses, loans, or projects already completed.

The Arts in Society Grant, administered by RedLine Contemporary Art Center, is a unique funding opportunity aimed at integrating arts and culture into various disciplines that promote social justice and community well-being in Colorado. This program supports projects that foster collaboration between artists and organizations to address civic challenges. Grants also provide access to learning communities and resources, including evaluation tools and marketing support. Note that the grant is currently closed and will reopen in July 2025.

The Carl W. & Carrie Mae Joslyn Trust Grant supports charitable organizations that benefit youth, elderly, and handicapped individuals in El Paso County, Colorado. This private foundation, administered by JPMorgan, focuses on various program areas including animal welfare, arts and culture, education, and health services. Only 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations are eligible to apply, while individuals are not permitted to submit applications. For more details, visit the foundation's official site.

The Nellie Rust Trust Grant supports youth development and health services in Boulder, Colorado. This private foundation funds only nonprofit organizations recognized under section 501(c)(3) of the IRS tax code. Eligible applicants include organizations in areas such as education, community development, and social services. Individuals are not permitted to apply. For further details, visit the foundation finder on JPMorgan's website.

The Shoup Foundation Grant supports Protestant churches and organizations aiding needy individuals or disaster relief in Northern Colorado. This foundation funds charitable, nonprofit organizations as defined by IRS section 501(c)(3). Key program areas include animal welfare, arts, civic activities, community development, education, environment, health research, and social services. Interested applicants must comply with eligibility requirements, as individuals cannot submit grant applications directly.

The Luther T. McCauley Charitable Trust Grant supports nonprofit organizations that assist the economically disadvantaged, socially marginalized, and those with mental or physical disabilities in El Paso County, Colorado. With a focus on civic activities, community development, education, health research, and social services, the trust aims to enhance the quality of life for these populations. Organizations must meet 501(c)(3) criteria and can apply once a year, with an emphasis on youth support initiatives.

The Payroll Department Grant provides two $12,000 grants to nonprofit organizations in La Plata County, Colorado, focusing on youth, environment, and human services. This funding aims to support programs that enhance the nonprofit's mission and encourage the development of sustainable funding sources. Applicants must create a feasible matching plan for the required $12,000 match while ensuring they are aligned with the grant's focus areas. Note that organizations are ineligible to reapply for three years after receiving funds.

The Helen M. McLoraine Nonprofit Employee Scholarship, offered by The Denver Foundation, supports nonprofit employees in the Denver Metro area pursuing education in human services. Eligible candidates must have at least a 2.5 GPA and be employed part-time or full-time for a minimum of one year. Awards are granted based on academic performance, passion for nonprofit work, and financial need. Recipients can reapply for funding over a maximum of three years, with awards directly applied to educational expenses.

Sangre de Cristo Electric Association Community Grants

Focus areas:

The MHUW Strategic Investment Grants support nonprofit organizations in the seven-county Metro Denver area, focusing on basic needs, early childhood education, and out-of-school programming. These grants aim to empower organizations that align with the Mile High United Way's mission to foster community well-being and economic stability. This competitive grantmaking process emphasizes collaboration and community-driven solutions to address critical human service issues, ensuring every individual has the opportunity to thrive.

The Grand Foundation Annual Grant supports non-profit organizations in Grand County, Colorado, awarding over $216,000 to 47 organizations this year alone. With a mission to enhance the community's quality of life, the foundation funds projects in arts, health services, environment, education, and sports. They encourage collaboration among agencies and prioritize measurable outcomes. The foundation's commitment to local needs is evident as they strive to raise sufficient funds to meet all grant requests, embodying the motto 'Give Where You Live, Work, and Play'.

The Caring for Denver Grants for Alternatives to Jail focus on reducing the interaction of individuals with mental health and substance misuse challenges with the criminal legal system. The initiative emphasizes equity, inclusivity, and ongoing support for individuals, ensuring they receive appropriate care that fits their needs. By funding innovative programs, the foundation aims to enhance access to mental health resources, improve care transitions, and ultimately promote healthier outcomes for Denver residents.

The Human-Bear Conflict Reduction Community Grant provides Colorado communities with funding to mitigate human-bear conflicts. With a total of $1 million available, grants ranging from $50,000 to $500,000 are offered to support innovative, cost-effective projects aimed at reducing bear attractants and promoting community safety. Eligible applicants include local governments, nonprofits, and businesses, emphasizing local support and proven techniques to foster sustainable solutions to this pressing issue.