Best Grants for Small Nonprofits in Colorado

The William B. O'Rourke Foundation offers grants primarily focused on enhancing vision care and educational services in Colorado. Eligible applicants include individuals and non-profits, with funding aimed at projects that cannot be financed through other sources. The Foundation emphasizes projects that promote eye health, develop training programs, and increase public awareness of vision services. Priority is given to applications that demonstrate matching funds from other sources, ensuring collaborative efforts in advancing vision care initiatives.

About NCRC

The National Community Reinvestment Coalition (NCRC) is a nationwide network of nearly 800 organizations and champions working for a Just Economy, where all Americans can build wealth and provide for their families with stability and dignity.

Our vision: To solve America’s historic racial and socio-economic wealth, income and opportunity divides. This vision is the foundation of the Just Economy Pledge.

NCRC Field Empowerment Fund (FEF) - Housing Counseling Services

The Field Empowerment Fund (FEF) empowers NCRC network members to level up established service lines.

The Housing Counseling Services series within FEF supports HUD-approved housing counseling agencies in driving homeownership, such as through pre-purchase counseling. In addition, the program builds agency knowledge on heirs’ property challenges to better equip first-time and low-income homebuying households with the know-how to retain intergenerational wealth.

In doing so, FEF-HCS aims to help underserved families begin their homeownership journey, with an additional goal of ensuring foresight into the long-term future of their home purchase.

The FEF-HCS series is funded in partnership with Key Bank and HSBC, and targets communities within the Key Bank and HSBC branch footprints.

Through these partnerships, $2.5 million in Key Bank geographies and $1.5 million in HSBC geographies has been allocated for the subgrants for direct-to-client housing counseling services that will be awarded in three rounds in the FEF-HCS track.

Funding Support

Awardee agencies will receive subgrants to support their housing counseling services to clients.

Knowledge Building

Awardee agencies will attend a training session on heirs’ property challenges and best practices, hosted by NCRC National Training Academy. Bolstering counselor knowledge on this topic will ensure that your agency is not only serving clients in their personal wealth-building journey now, but also helping them preserve that wealth in generations to come.

The Strategic Alliance Matching Grant by the NCAA Division III aims to bolster ethnic minority and gender representation in senior athletics administration roles. With an annual budget of $1.6 million, it supports up to 46 schools and conferences over five years. Eligible institutions must be active NCAA Division III members and meet various requirements. This grant encourages diversity in leadership, fostering an inclusive environment for student-athletes.

The Lillis Foundation Grant supports early-stage projects focusing on educational access, assistance for disadvantaged children, and enhancing seniors' quality of life. Grants are available for tax-exempt organizations under 501(c)(3) classifications. However, the foundation does not fund ongoing operational costs, endowments, or religious activities. Their goal is to create impactful programs that improve lives and alleviate loneliness among seniors, thereby fostering a supportive community for all.

The Coaching Enhancement Grant by the NCAA Division III aims to increase diversity in assistant coaching roles by providing financial support to member institutions. Over two years, selected schools receive $15,000 to cover salaries, requiring a matching contribution. This initiative encourages ethnic minority and gender representation, allowing up to 11 institutions to benefit annually, thus enhancing inclusivity in collegiate sports.

The High Mountain Hay Fever Children’s Health Fund Grant, established by the Wet Mountain Valley Community Foundation, aims to enhance children's health in Custer County. This grant focuses on addressing physical, emotional, social, and educational needs for children up to 18 years old. Nonprofit organizations and governmental programs in Custer County are eligible to apply, with a preference for collaboration and evidence-based programs. It does not provide funding to individuals.

The Conservation Service Corps Grants, funded by Great Outdoors Colorado, support outdoor recreation and natural resource projects by hiring youth and veterans through conservation service corps. Annually, $1.5 million is allocated for these initiatives, enabling crews to tackle various projects like trail maintenance, invasive species mitigation, and wildlife habitat improvement. This program not only enhances natural resources but also provides job training and leadership skills to over 1,700 young participants each year.

The LatinasGive! Fund, initiated by The Denver Foundation, empowers women to create positive change in their communities through proactive giving. This fund prioritizes projects that enhance education, address basic needs, promote financial stability, and support Latino and Latina emerging leaders. By fostering cultural pride and inclusiveness, LatinasGive! aims to build a legacy of leadership and social justice in Colorado, ensuring that community needs are met effectively.

The Kenneth King Foundation's Program-Related Investment Grant Program provides funding for organizations that create jobs and enhance economic opportunities in Colorado. This invitation-only program supports 501(c)(3) organizations with proven track records in job creation and entrepreneurship. Grants typically range from $10,000 to $200,000, with a focus on sustainable funding streams and measurable social impact. Interested organizations should complete the Eligibility Strength Quiz to assess fit before applying.

The Asian Cultural Council's New York Fellowship offers a transformative six-month program for artists, scholars, and arts professionals from Asia. Participants engage deeply with New York City's vibrant cultural landscape, attending performances, exhibitions, and workshops while building networks with local communities. This unique opportunity fosters peer-learning and individual artistic development, encouraging fellows to incorporate their experiences into their practices and contribute to their home cultures. The fellowship emphasizes exploration, exchange, and support, culminating in a rich cultural immersion.

The Asian Cultural Council's Individual Fellowship provides artists, scholars, and arts professionals from Asia and the United States with opportunities for self-directed cultural exchange and research in unfamiliar regions. This program supports activities such as interviews, workshops, and archival research, fostering cultural immersion and collaboration. With a funding limit of $35,000, the fellowship encourages innovative proposals that enhance creative perspectives and relationships among peers, while also ensuring strong eligibility criteria for applicants.

The Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program, managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, assists private landowners in restoring and protecting vital habitats for fish and wildlife. Since its inception in 1987, the program has provided technical assistance and financial support to enhance conservation efforts across the United States. By collaborating with local stakeholders, the program establishes habitat goals and directs resources effectively to conserve important ecosystems, benefiting both wildlife and the American people.

The ReFED Catalytic Grant Fund, managed by Refed Inc., supports innovative solutions to minimize food waste and reduce methane emissions, a cost-effective strategy for climate action. This fund prioritizes initiatives that enhance food recycling and improve supply chain efficiency in the beef and dairy sectors. By focusing on proven methods, the grant aims to accelerate impactful changes in the food system, ultimately fostering sustainable practices and collaborative efforts to combat food waste.

The Habitat Partnership Program (HPP) aims to mitigate wildlife conflicts, particularly with big game species in Colorado. It supports agricultural operators by enhancing migratory corridors and promoting private land conservation. Funded by a portion of hunting license revenues, HPP requires matching contributions for projects. Eligible applicants include agencies and individuals, while prioritizing collaborations. Projects can involve fence improvements, habitat enhancements, water development, and emergency conflict response, all focused on effective wildlife management and conservation efforts.

The U.S. Wildland Fire Service Joint Fire Science Program (JFSP) invites proposals for regional fire science exchanges across nine designated regions in the U.S. This initiative aims to promote the sharing of fire science knowledge and practices over a two-year period. Eligible applicants can focus on regions including Alaska, Appalachians, Great Basin, North Atlantic, Northern Rockies, Northwest, Oak Woodlands, Pacific Islands, and Southwest. Proposals must be specific to one region.

The Waste Management Charitable Contributions Program supports initiatives that enhance environmental stewardship, sustainability education, and community vitality. With a commitment to civic pride and economic development, the program prioritizes organizations that address local needs and promote sustainable practices. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations that focus on public purposes, while ineligible requests include funding for operating costs and individual fundraising events. This initiative fosters a collaborative approach to community betterment.

The Virginia H. Glasson Charitable Trust Grant supports Christian charitable organizations and preferred beneficiaries. It funds projects in areas such as education, scientific research, religious activities, and arts and culture. Eligible applicants are nonprofit organizations recognized under section 501(c)(3) of the IRS tax code, located in states such as California, Colorado, Florida, Missouri, North Carolina, and Washington D.C. However, individuals cannot apply for funding.

The Colorado Health Foundation is offering funding to support nonclinical programs aimed at aiding Coloradans in recovery from mental health and substance use challenges. This initiative emphasizes community and purpose, fostering culturally responsive peer support services that enable individuals to engage with their heritage, find meaningful employment, and build supportive networks. Organizations must align with the Foundation's health equity goals and serve diverse populations to be eligible for funding.

The Department of the Interior's Wildland Fire Service Joint Fire Science Program (JFSP) invites proposals for the FLAMES award, aimed at master and doctoral students in wildland fire studies. This initiative enhances research relevance by connecting students with fire management practices, providing experiential learning opportunities, and fostering mentorship. Students will gain valuable insights into management and policy, preparing them for impactful careers in fire science. The program emphasizes peer-learning and professional development in the context of wildland fire management.

The Auto Club Group Foundation focuses on creating a positive impact through grants that enhance traffic safety, driver education, and financial literacy across 14 U.S. states and two territories. With a mission rooted in community service, the foundation supports nonprofit organizations and government entities that align with its goals. Grants typically range from $5,000 to $15,000, addressing crucial areas such as traffic safety initiatives, financial literacy for K-12 students, and equitable access to driver education programs.

The Colorado Trust offers event sponsorships aimed at supporting health equity initiatives in Colorado. Nonprofits with 501(c)(3) status can apply for funding up to $5,000 for fundraising and special events that align with the Trust's vision. The application schedule has been expanded to six cycles annually, providing more opportunities for organizations to seek support. This initiative reflects the Trust's commitment to ensuring all Coloradans have equal chances to lead healthy lives.

The Denver Scholarship Foundation (DSF) provides need-based scholarships to graduates of Denver Public Schools, empowering them to pursue higher education at various college partners across Colorado. Founded in 2006, DSF addresses the barriers students face in accessing and completing postsecondary education by offering financial resources and support. The DSF Scholarship can be renewed for up to five years, ensuring continuous assistance for scholars as they navigate their college journey.

The Denver Foundation Community Scholarship supports first-generation, economically disadvantaged college students in Colorado. Aimed at promoting racial equity, this scholarship prioritizes students of color pursuing higher education. Selection criteria include academic performance, resilience, community service, leadership, and work experience. Recipients must demonstrate economic need and maintain a minimum GPA of 2.25. The scholarship funds are paid directly to the educational institution for the academic year.

The Mazamas is committed to exploring and preserving mountain environments in the Pacific Northwest through research grants. These grants support nonprofit research that aligns with the Mazamas’ mission, encouraging proposals from graduate and undergraduate students. Successful applicants often conduct field studies that enhance understanding of the region's natural features. Notably, the Mazamas also welcome innovative research ideas that may fall outside traditional grant guidelines, promoting a diverse range of scientific inquiry.

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 JFLA Mini Grant for Japanese Arts & Culture Program supports projects aimed at enhancing the understanding of Japanese arts and culture. Grants of up to $5,000 are available for qualifying nonprofit organizations. Eligible projects must occur in the 13 states west of the Rocky Mountains and focus on fostering U.S.-Japan collaborations through various artistic mediums. Notably, applicants must be designated 501(c)(3) organizations and adhere to specific funding guidelines.

The Care Fund Grant, offered by The Denver Foundation, supports nonprofits dedicated to enhancing the health and mental well-being of low-income individuals with disabilities. This initiative spans 100 years of philanthropic efforts in Metro Denver, allocating grants between $10,000 and $20,000. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits operating within Colorado, aligning their missions with the fund's purpose. This grant aims to uplift marginalized communities by providing essential resources and support.