Best Grants for Solar Panels for Nonprofits in Colorado

The Growing Tribal Economies Through Forest Market Innovations grant program, initiated by First Nations Development Institute, aims to empower Tribes and Alaska Native Villages to engage in emerging markets that enhance forest health and resilience. With funding of $200,000 to $500,000 per grant, this initiative supports projects focusing on sustainability, innovation, and traditional knowledge. Eligible applicants are encouraged to develop forest products, certifications, and practices that contribute positively to biodiversity and ecosystem management.

Entergy’s Open Grants Program aims to enhance community well-being through funding initiatives in arts, education, social services, and community improvement. The program prioritizes support for organizations that serve diverse populations, including children and low-income communities. Eligible entities must have 501(c)(3) status or equivalent nonprofit recognition. Applications should be submitted three months in advance, allowing ample time for review. Entergy focuses on projects that foster self-sufficiency and enrich local neighborhoods.

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 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 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.

The North Central Branch John Henry Comstock Award recognizes one graduate student from each of the Entomological Society of America's six branches. This award promotes graduate-level entomology and encourages attendance at the ESA Annual Meeting. Benefits include an all-expense-paid trip to the national meeting, a $500 cash prize, and a certificate presented during the meeting. Eligibility includes current enrollment in a graduate entomology program or recent graduation.

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 Strategic Alliance Matching Grant - Division II offers financial support to enhance ethnic minority and gender representation in mid- to senior-level athletics administration roles across NCAA Division II institutions. With an annual budget of $860,000, the grant aims to fund up to 20 schools and conferences each year. Eligible applicants must be active Division II members and are encouraged to collaborate with their human resources departments during the proposal process, ensuring compliance with grant requirements.

The Coaching Enhancement Grant - Division II aims to enhance diversity in NCAA coaching by providing financial support for new assistant coaching positions. This grant specifically targets increased representation of ethnic minorities and women in athletics. Selected schools receive funding for three years to cover salaries and benefits, totaling $370,000 annually for up to 21 institutions. Eligible schools must be active NCAA Division II members committed to these diversity efforts.

The Local Planning Capacity Grant Program (CO) aims to enhance the abilities of local government planning departments to tackle affordable housing challenges. By facilitating the development review, permitting, and zoning processes, the program prioritizes support for local governments implementing fast track requirements from Proposition 123. Grants up to $250,000 are available, with a 20% minimum cash match required. This initiative seeks to bolster local planning efforts, increase affordable housing units, and fulfill Prop 123 commitments.

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 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.

El Pomar Foundation

El Pomar Foundation was established in 1937 by Spencer and Julie Penrose, creating an enduring legacy to carry out their philanthropic wishes.

Our Mission: Since 1937, we have continued the mission set by Spencer and Julie Penrose to enhance, encourage, and promote the current and future well-being of the people of Colorado.

El Pomar's Grant Making

• El Pomar provides grants for general operating support, programs, and capital needs.
• The Trustees are interested in increasing support in Southern and rural Colorado. While they make grants in metro Denver, they are much more competitive in that region.
• Due to the tremendous need throughout the state of Colorado, requests, if funded, are often funded at lesser levels than requested. Generally speaking, the Trustees prefer to go broad rather than deep and therefore tend to make a lot of smaller grants rather than a few larger ones.
• For programs and capital needs, we recommend having about half the needed funds secured before submitting an application.

Bill and Kathy Hybl Fund

Mission: The Hybl Fund supports Olympic, Paralympic, and youth sports.

History: Bill Hybl, a lifetime public servant, has long been dedicated to amateur sport. Currently chairman of the United States Olympic Endowment, he believes the ideals of excellence, fair play, and hard work through sport are important for athletes as well as children.

If funded, applicants must wait two years (24 months) to be considered again. If declined, applicants must wait one year (12 months) to be considered again.

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.

Dennis Friends Foundation

Our Foundation was set up by Dennis to encourage and promote mutually beneficial relationships between people and dogs. His greatest wish was to do what he could to make sure that all dogs are given a chance to live happy lives. To him, that meant, if at all possible, that they live in a home where they are loved, where they can play, where there is no lack of food or care. He hoped for situations where people and pets provide fulfillment of each others needs whether they are emotional, physical or both. His greatest joy was owning dogs and he abhorred animal neglect. We call the foundation the Dennis Friends Foundation in honor of the friendship we had with Dennis, and the friendships with our dogs.

The founder's devotion to his dogs, and his strong belief in the importance of a proper animal-to-human match, resulted in the generous bequest that forms the corpus of our grant resources. It is to be used, per Dennis’ instructions, for the care and welfare of dogs, cats and horses. 

Dennis Friends Foundation Grant

The mission of the Dennis Friends Foundation is to fund initiatives that promote, support, and provide for the effective, loving, compassionate well-being of dogs, cats and horses. DFF limits grants geographically, and programs must serve New Mexico, Colorado or the District of Columbia.

DFF funds programs that promote a focused goal of keeping animals at home with their loving families. Applications should include program metrics used by the organization to measure success. Programs and/or projects should fit into one of the following four categories:

• Spay and Neuter
• Services for Emergency Veterinary, Food, and Care Services
• Programs that Support Humane Animal and Human Bonds
• Animal Services Organizational Planning and Capacity Building

The Albert G. and Olive H. Schlink Foundation, established in 1966, has significantly impacted Ohio's nonprofit sector by increasing its annual grant distribution from an initial $500 to over $1.4 million in 2023. The Foundation prioritizes organizations with ties to Erie and Huron Counties and emphasizes thoughtful evaluation of all grant applications. With a focus on community needs, it continues to honor the founders' legacy while adapting to the evolving demands of local nonprofits.

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 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 NRP Research Grant Program offers up to $50,000 for healthcare professionals to explore optimal neonatal resuscitation methods. It encourages innovative research addressing gaps in transitional physiology and effective teaching of resuscitation skills. Applications must focus on evidence-based practices and demonstrate potential for meaningful impact in delivery room care. Researchers from Canadian and US institutions are eligible, though applications primarily focused on quality improvement without a research emphasis will not be considered.

The ASP Conservation Small Grants program is dedicated to supporting primate conservation efforts. It invites proposals for conservation research or related projects, including education, with awards up to $3500. This initiative encourages ASP members, especially those in habitat countries, to submit impactful projects that contribute to broader conservation goals. The program emphasizes funding for local salaries, research supplies, and educational materials, ensuring the sustainability of primate conservation efforts.

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 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.

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 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 Anderson-Rogers Foundation Grant supports U.S.-based 501(c)(3) organizations focused on environmental protection, animal welfare, climate change mitigation, and social support. Established in 2001, this family foundation prioritizes innovative projects and general operating support for small organizations facing financial constraints. Note that applicants must first submit a letter of inquiry, as the foundation does not fund scholarships or grants to individuals or religious organizations, nor does it support organizations outside the U.S.

The TourWest Grants, funded by the National Endowment for the Arts, aim to support presenters and organizations in the Western region by providing flexible funding for touring artists. This competitive grant encourages community engagement and outreach, fostering collaboration between artists and local communities. It prioritizes accessibility to the performing arts, especially in underserved areas. Applicants must be tax-exempt organizations or local government units and demonstrate a commitment to community needs through their projects.