Best Grants for Small Nonprofits in Colorado

Agricultural producers, ranchers, Tribes, and private forest landowners in Colorado can receive financial and cost-share assistance to implement conservation practices on working lands. USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service of Colorado supports projects improving soil, water, air quality, wildlife habitat, forest health, and energy conservation, which may benefit small nonprofits that manage or partner on eligible farm, ranch, or forest lands.

Colorado 501(c)(3) and similar tax-exempt nonprofits working in education, human services, conservation, health, or cultural programs can apply for McGraw Foundation support. Grants, typically US $2,000 - US $10,000, may fund general operations, specific projects, or occasional capital needs; note that current eligibility generally favors organizations in the greater Chicago area.

With a mission to strengthen community assets, Colorado 501(c)(3) public charities and eligible government entities can seek capital funding for land, building purchases, construction, expansion, renovation, or land acquisition. Gates Family Foundation prioritizes projects in rural and low-income areas, serving children, families, and communities through education, arts, parks, health, and community development facilities.

Colorado 501(c)(3) nonprofits and government equivalents can seek approximately US $75,000 from Daniels Fund for programs or capital projects that improve lives and strengthen communities. Focus areas include aging, youth development, education, homelessness, disabilities, amateur sports, and addiction. Small nonprofits with strong results and regional impact may be especially competitive.

Graduate students researching drinking water quality, environmental science, or public health can receive US $3,000 to advance projects with actionable outcomes for the water industry. Focused on water-related research, the American Water Works Association invites eligible students in Colorado and across North America to apply for the Dr. Philip C. Singer Scholarship.

Agricultural producers, non-industrial private forest landowners, and Tribes in Colorado can apply for the Natural Resources Conservation Service’s Conservation Stewardship Program, which offers annual payments to enhance conservation on working lands. Funding supports improved soil health, water quality, wildlife habitat, and climate resilience, which may benefit small nonprofits managing eligible farm, ranch, or forest lands.

Small nonprofit organizations in Colorado hosting community events or seeking general operating support may be eligible for community sponsorships that align with FNBO’s focus areas. Focused on community development and financial well-being, First National Bank of Omaha invites nonprofits to request unrestricted funding for fundraisers, festivals, arts and culture seasons, and other local initiatives in its service areas.

Colorado nonprofit organizations planning capital campaigns or major facility projects can apply for First National Bank of Omaha’s capital or major donations program. Funding supports specific projects in areas like affordable housing, environmental sustainability, entrepreneurship, education, community health, arts access, and community cohesion within FNBO’s Colorado service communities.

Colorado 501(c)(3) nonprofits working on economic and workforce advancement, safe and affordable housing, or community arts and culture can apply for Community Possible support; grants emphasize racial and economic equity. Grants from US Bancorp Foundation help small nonprofits, especially those led by people of color, that serve designated U.S. Bank communities and may address multiple pillars of work, home, and play.

With a mission to support environmental sustainability, Honda provides Colorado nonprofits and schools with US $25,000 - US $100,000 for programs in decarbonization, clean energy, and efficient use of natural resources. Eligible 501(c)(3) organizations and school districts serving Colorado communities where Honda associates live and work may benefit, including smaller nonprofits focused on practical, local impact.

Nonprofit charitable organizations in Colorado working on community development, education, workforce readiness, or financial literacy can apply for grants of US $10,000 - US $25,000 to support their programs. Grants from KeyBank Foundation help small nonprofits strengthen affordable housing, homeownership, small business growth, academic success, and employment outcomes in their communities.

Nonprofit organizations, public education institutions, and government entities serving Weyerhaeuser communities in Colorado can seek funding for local programs in areas like affordable housing, youth development, and environmental stewardship. Weyerhaeuser Giving Fund awards more than US $1,000, with applications accepted year-round and a 2025 deadline of September 30.

Colorado nonprofits serving women and children through self-sufficiency, education, humanitarian aid, or child welfare programs can access funding through The Father's Table Foundation. Organizations working on homelessness, employment assistance, food security, health care, anti-trafficking, or disaster relief may be eligible for awards up to US $750,000 to expand or create impactful projects.

Colorado small nonprofits and other eligible organizations working in areas like arts, education, healthcare, social services, and conservation can seek US $1,000 - US $10,000,000 for operations, programs, capital projects, or capacity building. The Mary K Chapman Foundation provides this broad support, offering significant opportunities for community-focused work in El Paso County.

Colorado small nonprofits and educational institutions working in areas like social equity, education, climate action, food security, or mental health can access funding through The Caesars Foundation. Eligible 501(c)(3) charities, public charities, and public universities serving local communities may receive monetary or in-kind support for programs operating in the U.S.

Grants from Venable Foundation help Colorado small nonprofits with general operating or project support; awards are approximately US $10,000. Eligible 501(c)(3) organizations must be based in or serving Denver County and may work in areas like human services, legal services, education, workforce development, health, environment, or arts and culture for economically disadvantaged communities.

Undergraduate-focused higher education institutions in Colorado conducting small-scale biomedical research can apply for funding to expand research opportunities for students and strengthen their research environment. The National Institutes of Health supports projects in areas such as public health, neuroscience, cancer, mental health, HIV/AIDS, and related biomedical fields, with awards up to US $375,000.

Colorado 501(c)(3) nonprofits focused on economic mobility, workforce readiness, entrepreneurship, or affordable housing can access funding through Bank Of America Charitable Foundation’s Neighborhood Builders Program. Eligible organizations in designated Colorado markets receive a two-year leadership development experience plus a capacity-building grant, supporting income creation, financial resilience, and stable housing initiatives that strengthen local communities.

Grants from Routt County United Way help Colorado small nonprofits and community programs fund services for lower-income, at-risk Routt County residents in education, financial stability, health, and basic needs. Eligible applicants must align with at least one community impact goal and request only program funding, with community program requests capped at $5,000.

The Society for Northwestern Vertebrate Biology (SNVB) offers scholarships of up to $1500 for two students conducting vertebrate research in Northwestern North America. Eligible applicants include undergraduate, masters, and PhD students who are enrolled in accredited institutions and members of SNVB. The scholarships cover research-related expenses such as travel and supplies. Preference is given to proposals from local institutions, and only one award is granted per applicant each year.

The Emerging Global Leader Award (K43) offers essential research support and protected time for early career scientists in low- and middle-income countries. This program, aligned with NIH's clinical trials policy, aims to cultivate independent research careers by providing mentorship and funding over three to five years. Eligible candidates must hold a junior faculty position at an accredited LMIC institution, fostering the growth of research capacity in their regions.

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!

The Huntington Impact Investment Philanthropy Grant Program aims to strengthen communities by supporting nonprofit organizations that enhance self-sufficiency and social equality. With a focus on areas such as community revitalization, affordable housing, and economic development, the program prioritizes initiatives that serve low- and moderate-income individuals. Organizations with IRS tax-exempt status can apply for funding to address critical community needs, fostering a more equitable environment for all.

The Fogarty Emerging Global Leader Award supports early career research scientists from low- or middle-income countries (LMIC) by providing research funding and mentored career development for three to five years. This program encourages LMIC scientists in health-related fields to develop projects aligned with their country's health priorities, fostering independent research careers within their institutions. Applications are welcomed from junior faculty members, enhancing global health research and capacity in LMICs.

The Aegon Transamerica Foundation Grant supports non-profit organizations focused on enhancing financial and social empowerment in communities where Transamerica employees live and work. Established in 2000, the foundation prioritizes initiatives that foster self-reliance, financial literacy, and community engagement. Eligible organizations must be IRS 501(c)(3) non-profits operating in specific locations such as Atlanta, GA and Denver, CO. The foundation does not fund individuals or certain types of organizations, aiming to create inclusive, resilient communities.

The John Ben Snow Memorial Trust Grant supports educational programs and initiatives that assist individuals demonstrating financial need. Founded in 1975, it prioritizes funding for organizations that enhance educational opportunities, arts, culture, and community initiatives, particularly for youth and disadvantaged populations. The Trust encourages proposals from 501(c)(3) organizations, with grants typically ranging from $10,000 to $20,000. It also considers limited proposals in disabilities, environmental protection, and historic preservation, focusing on educational impact.

The Rocky Mountain Health Foundation's Healthcare Fund aims to enhance access and affordability in healthcare. By providing multi-year General Operating grants, the fund supports organizations delivering direct physical, behavioral healthcare, and specialized disability services. Eligible applicants include those offering medical, mental health, and substance abuse interventions. The Foundation is dedicated to empowering nonprofits that strengthen community health, with the next application cycle set for fall 2026.