Best Grants for Small Nonprofits in Colorado

The Kosciuszko Foundation offers Tuition Scholarships for American students of Polish descent pursuing graduate studies in the U.S. Scholarships can provide up to $12,000 for full-time studies, including master's and Ph.D. programs. Eligible applicants must be U.S. citizens or legal residents with Polish heritage and maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0. This program aims to foster educational exchanges and cultural understanding between the U.S. and Poland, supporting various fields of study.

The Sunstate Equipment Foundation Grants support local charities focused on disadvantaged individuals, medical aid, housing assistance, domestic violence awareness, military and veterans' assistance, and care for abused animals. Founded in 2015, the foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that matches employee contributions dollar for dollar, reinforcing its commitment to community support and engagement. Charities in good standing can apply once every 12 months, fostering impactful initiatives where Sunstate operates.

The Moniker Foundation's Southwest Region Grant offers $10,000 grants and $1,000 participation grants to eligible organizations in a competitive process. Applicants must operate within designated counties and be a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt public charity. The program emphasizes early childhood education, youth programming, food security, and environmental initiatives, with an in-person Pitch Day required for selected applicants. Organizations are encouraged to focus on critical operating activities during the application process.

The Public Education, Participation, and Outreach Grant Program, established by the Colorado Water Conservation Board (CWCB), is designed to fund statewide education and outreach initiatives. It supports financial backing for coordinators who facilitate basin-specific outreach. The program aims to advance education campaigns, awareness surveys, and initiatives that align with CWCB priorities, promoting water conservation and management across Colorado's diverse water basins.

The Looking Out Foundation Grant supports social justice and humanitarian initiatives, having donated nearly $6 million to various causes globally. With an average donation of $25 per campaign, it aids organizations focused on disaster relief, racial justice, and support for marginalized communities. Eligible applicants must be tax-exempt public charities under Section 501(c)(3). The foundation prioritizes diverse funding sources and encourages organizations to adapt to changing needs, with grant allocations ranging from $5,000 to $25,000.

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 Levin Family Foundation Grant supports nonprofits focused on critical issues in Montgomery County, Ohio, such as the opiate epidemic, human trafficking, anti-bullying, and suicide prevention. Established in 1996, the foundation has invested over $12 million globally, emphasizing projects that align with its mission. Eligible organizations must be IRS 501(c)(3) tax-exempt. Priority is given to initiatives in the Greater Dayton Area, fostering positive community impact.

Lilly Foundation

To extend Lilly’s charitable reach and impact, the Eli Lilly and Company Foundation (Lilly Foundation) was established in 1968 and is supported by donations from Eli Lilly and Company.

The Foundation is a tax-exempt, private foundation supporting programs that align with its philanthropic priorities.

Grantmaking Approach

The Lilly Foundation’s work is guided by a charitable vision of a world where every person has an opportunity to live their healthiest life. Through grantmaking focused on Lilly Foundation’s charitable vision, grants can serve as a catalyst for closing gaps and empowering individuals and communities to thrive.

All proposals should demonstrate clear alignment with at least one focus area and include charitable outcomes that are measurable and consistent with the Foundation’s long-term charitable goals.

Global Health, K-12 STEM Education and Economic Mobility Grant

Focus Areas

Global Health

Lilly Foundation, through its charitable grants, aims to support permissible charitable efforts to improve access to quality healthcare for resource-limited communities in low- and lower-middleincome countries (L/LMICs) and in the United States. Strengthening access to care is essential for enhancing community well-being and supporting economic stability in resource-limited settings.

The Global Health focus area aims to close gaps in quality healthcare by supporting charitable solutions that improve access, bring care closer to where people live, and address the high burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in resource-limited settings. To the extent permissible, the Foundation prioritizes charitable efforts related to cardiometabolic health in resource-limited settings.

K-12 STEM Education

The K-12 STEM Education focus area aims to close the gaps for students from low-income communities by supporting programs that foster new pathways and pipelines to STEM education through focused K-12 efforts, concentrating on the critical middle school years. The Foundation’s K-12 STEM Education grants are focused on initiatives that benefit Marion County, Indiana.

Economic Mobility

The Economic Mobility focus area supports charitable and educational programs that strengthen workforce readiness, postsecondary and skills-based educational pathways, and housing stability to promote long-term prosperity. This support is focused on Marion County, Indiana, with the goal of improving economic opportunity for low-income communities and advancing community well-being.

Colorado Department of Human Services

The Colorado Department of Human Services collaborates with partners in State and county governments, nonprofits, advocates, community residents, providers and many others to empower Coloradans to thrive through bold and innovative health and human services.

Colorado Sexual Health Initiative (CoSHI)

About CoSHI

The Colorado Sexual Health Initiative (CoSHI) is funded by a Personal Responsibility Education Program (PREP) grant via the Family Youth Services Bureau. CoSHI provides youth with age-appropriate, medically accurate, people-centered, and evidence-based strategies that are proven to help reduce the risk of untimely pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

CDHS received federal PREP funding in 2010 to develop a sexual health education program. Each year CDHS provides training, education, and funding to agencies and community based organizations serving young people in Colorado. These services are designed to help communities increase access to information on healthy relationships, consent, and other life skills topics, and are provided along with training for trusted adults who would like to increase their skills in answering questions about sensitive topics.

Sexual health education is important because research has shown that it helps youth:

• Delay the initiation of sex (abstain)
• Reduce the frequency of sex
• Reduce the number of new partners
• Reduce the incidence of unprotected sex

PREP funding gives Colorado communities the chance to coordinate initiatives and build upon state laws, Colorado Academic Health Education Content Standards, and local initiatives addressing sexual health education to create programming that fits their community needs. 

CoSHI Mini-Grants

Mini-grants support counties, and/or community based organizations interested in developing a sexual health education program for young people ages 10-19 (21 if pregnant or parenting) in Colorado. The target audience will include youth involved with systems of care (foster care, juvenile justice etc..), those who are experiencing homelessness or at risk of experiencing homelessness, youth who are survivors of human trafficking or at risk of human trafficking and those who are at high risk of untimely pregnancy, STIs or HIV. 

The Programmatic Support - Education Pillar Award by Honda aims to enhance workforce readiness in the manufacturing sector. It supports nonprofit organizations and schools focused on hands-on programs in design, software/data analytics, and AI/machine learning. Eligible applicants must be US-based and have 501(c)(3) status. The initiative prioritizes projects that train individuals for manufacturing roles, develop technical skills, and introduce automation to prepare for evolving industry demands, ultimately fostering economic prosperity in local communities.

The Marilen Reimer Advocacy & Public Policy Legacy Scholarship, provided by the ACEC Colorado Scholarship & Education Foundation, supports full-time students pursuing engineering or land surveying degrees at ABET-accredited universities in Colorado. This scholarship recognizes outstanding commitment to government and public policy, encouraging applicants with relevant volunteer experience. Scholarships are awarded directly to students to cover educational expenses, with varying amounts based on merit and need, honoring Marilen Reimer's influential role in advancing engineering advocacy.

The Doree Taylor Charitable Foundation supports charitable organizations focused on basic provisions for underserved populations, humane care of animals, health care services, public media, and environmental initiatives. The foundation prioritizes organizations in Boothbay Harbor, Southport, and Brunswick, and encourages requests for general operating support, program support, and capital projects, while maintaining a focus on the impact of their services.

The Sachs Family Foundation Grant aims to enhance the quality of life for economically and educationally disadvantaged individuals and families. The Foundation supports self-sustaining charitable organizations focusing on economic and educational opportunities, particularly in low-income communities in the U.S. and developing countries. Grants are available for various initiatives, including education, housing, and job training, with a keen interest in programs that demonstrate clear potential for sustainability.

Sangre de Cristo Electric Association Community Grants

Focus areas:

The Carbon Offset Projects Grant, offered by the Colorado Carbon Fund, aims to reduce carbon emissions through local projects in Colorado. The fund supports initiatives registered with verified carbon standards and prioritizes projects like soil carbon sequestration and methane capture. By fostering collaboration among local businesses and communities, the grant helps ensure sustainable practices that contribute to climate change mitigation while keeping capital within the state.

The Japan – U.S. Global Partnership Grant Program aims to foster collaborative projects addressing global issues through partnerships between Japanese and American organizations. It focuses on policy-oriented research and dialogue among diverse professionals, including academia and grassroots practitioners. Key thematic areas include resilience, inclusivity, and advancements in science and technology. Projects outside these themes may also be eligible if aligned with grant goals, covering topics like climate change, public health, and digital transformation.

The Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation offers grants to support diverse initiatives, including museums, educational programs, and environmental activities. Aiming to make a significant impact with modest funding, the Foundation targets IRS-qualified non-profits in the U.S. Grants typically range from $1,000 to $20,000, fostering community development and enhancement. Organizations focused on youth, seniors, and individuals with disabilities are particularly encouraged to apply, as the Foundation seeks to empower those in need.

Education Forward Arizona, in partnership with Freeport-McMoRan, is launching a scholarship program aimed at providing education and training in critical technical fields. The initiative targets recent high school graduates and adult learners, starting recruitment for Fall 2025. Participants will gain skills for rewarding careers in mining, essential for the energy transition. Eligible candidates should be 18 or older, willing to enroll in community college programs, and participate in internships, ensuring a pathway to employment with Freeport-McMoRan.

What does this program do?

It provides loans and grants to Microenterprise Development Organizations (MDOs) to:

• To help microenterprises startup and growth through a Rural Microloan Revolving Fund.
• Provide training and technical assistance to microloan borrowers and micro entrepreneurs.

Microenterprise Development Organizations must demonstrate experience in managing a Revolving Loan Fund, or:

• Certify that it or its employees have received education and training from a qualified microenterprise development training entity so that the applicant has the capacity to manage such a revolving loan fund.
• Demonstrate that it is actively and successfully participating as an intermediary lender in good standing under the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Microloan Program or other similar loan programs as determined by the Administrator.

 What kind of funding is available?

• Grants are available to provide technical assistance to rural micro-entrepreneurs or microenterprises, up to $100,000 annually. Funding at the requested level is not guaranteed, and at least 15 percent matching funds are required.
• Loans of $50,000 to $500,000 may be used for establishing a Rural Microloan Revolving Fund managed by the Microenterprise Development Organization. Total aggregate debt is capped at $2.5 million.

What are the loan terms?

• Maximum term is 20 years.
• Two-year payment deferral.
• Must establish a loan loss reserve fund.

What terms are required on loans to ultimate recipients?

• Up to $50,000.
• Fixed interest rate.
• Limited to 75 percent of project cost.

How may the funds be used?

Microlenders may make microloans for qualified business activities and expenses including, but not limited to:

• Working capital.
• Debt refinancing.
• Purchasing equipment and supplies.
• Improving real estate.

The Safeway Foundation offers grants to nonprofit organizations in Denver, focusing on health, hunger, education, veterans, and diversity. Grants typically range from $500 to $5,000 for first-time applicants, with higher amounts available for established organizations. Eligibility requires a valid 501(c)(3) designation and a commitment to serving the local community. The Foundation does not fund individuals, political or religious organizations, or fundraising events. Applications are reviewed quarterly, with an 8-week response time.

The Corporate Giving Program by the Franklin P. and Arthur W. Perdue Foundation supports nonprofit organizations that enhance community welfare. Focus areas include agriculture, education, fighting hunger, and public safety. Eligible applicants must have IRS 501(c)(3) status and a Taxpayer Identification number. Requests are prioritized for programs directly benefiting communities near Perdue facilities across various states. The foundation emphasizes responsible stewardship and community engagement in all funding decisions.

The Hearst Foundation: Culture Grant aims to support outstanding nonprofits that enhance cultural engagement and artistic talent in the U.S. With a focus on programs that reach young people, the grant prioritizes organizations that create lasting impacts in the arts and sciences. The Foundation allocates 25% of its funding to cultural initiatives, favoring established organizations with a history of significant results. Eligible nonprofits must encourage inclusivity and sustainability in their programs.

The Colorado Wetlands for Wildlife Program invites applications for projects aimed at restoring, enhancing, and creating wetlands and riparian areas. This initiative focuses on improving habitats for ducks and other at-risk species, supporting public waterfowl hunting, and addressing conservation needs. Local governments, tribes, and non-profit organizations are encouraged to apply. The program emphasizes collaborative efforts to achieve habitat improvements, aligning with the Colorado State Wildlife Action Plan.

Agricultural Emergency Drought Response Program

The Program provides up to $1 million annually, in the form of loans or grants, for emergency drought-related water augmentation purposes to Colorado’s agricultural water users.

The Program provides grant funds primarily for the cost of the Emergency Augmentation water but also can provide for engineering, attorney fees and other water acquisition administrative costs, not to exceed 5% of the grant amount. If the source of Emergency Augmentation water is through supplemental groundwater pumping the additional operational costs of pumping are eligible for funding through the Program. The Program does not provide grants for general operational expenses, maintenance or rehabilitation of facilities, or research projects. The Program does not provide funding for any anticipated costs associated with Emergency Augmentation, only for verified costs incurred during a previous irrigation season.

The Community Food Grants program in Colorado provides crucial funding to food pantries, enabling them to purchase and distribute fresh, culturally relevant foods. Administered by the Colorado Blueprint to End Hunger, this initiative aims to enhance food access while supporting local agriculture. Eligible food pantries must comply with specific requirements to ensure equitable food distribution. The program focuses on meeting diverse community needs, emphasizing the importance of culturally significant foods and local agricultural products.

The External Collaborative Research (ECR) program by Boehringer Ingelheim invites academic and community scientists to propose collaborative studies aimed at protocol development and result publication. This program offers potential drug and financial support, excluding direct salary for the Principal Investigator. Budgets must represent fair market value and will be negotiated further. Research interests span therapeutic areas including Cardio-Renal-Metabolic, Mental Health, Dermatology, and Oncology, encouraging innovative solutions to unmet medical needs.

The Reiter Family Foundation Grant aims to support impactful organizations in Colorado, focusing on housing, food, education, and environmental conservation. With grant amounts ranging from $1,000 to $20,000, the foundation welcomes diverse applicants and partnerships. As part of its upcoming grant cycles for 2026, specific themes will be prioritized, including housing and food in February, education and youth in May, and environment and conservation in September. Additional funding opportunities may also be available.