Best Higher Education Grants in Colorado

BOK Charitable Contributions aims to enhance community life and economic wellbeing across several states, focusing on four key pillars: United Way, economic development, education, and basic needs. The foundation supports organizations that address poverty, education, and community health. Their strategic approach ensures impactful contributions, and they welcome grant applications year-round. BOK Financial's commitment is evident in its partnerships with local nonprofits, fostering sustainable growth and development in the regions they serve.

Roche Corporate Donations and Philanthropy (CDP) focuses on impactful projects that foster sustainable development, engage employees, and leverage Roche's expertise. Their philanthropic efforts prioritize humanitarian, educational, environmental, and cultural initiatives, aiming to build stronger communities and support innovative projects. Eligibility is limited to local organizations, while ineligible projects include those with political or religious ties. The foundation strives to create a positive societal impact through collaboration and strategic partnerships.

The Sidney Stern Memorial Trust Grant supports charitable, scientific, medical, and educational organizations that are 501(c)(3) certified. This private funder emphasizes impactful service to diverse populations without discrimination. Grants must be utilized within the United States and cannot be awarded to individuals, political candidates, or lobbying efforts. The Trust is dedicated to enhancing the general welfare through soundly-managed initiatives that contribute significantly to community needs.

The State Historical Fund: Archaeological Assessment Grant, managed by History Colorado, supports essential archaeological data collection and analysis. This funding enables projects that establish a foundation for site preservation and interpretation. Eligible applicants include public entities and nonprofit organizations within Colorado, while federal agencies and for-profit entities may partner with eligible nonprofits. This grant aims to enhance the understanding of Colorado's rich archaeological heritage through targeted assessments.

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 State Historical Fund offers grants for Historic Structure Assessments in Colorado, aimed at evaluating the physical condition of historic buildings. These assessments must be conducted by qualified architects or structural engineers and are crucial for making informed restoration decisions. Eligible applicants include public entities and nonprofit organizations in Colorado. Grants help ensure compliance with preservation standards and facilitate future restoration efforts. While assessments are recommended, they are not mandatory prior to applying for physical work grants.

The State Historical Fund's Noncompetitive Micro Grant, administered by History Colorado, supports grassroots preservation projects across the state. It offers flexible application timing for smaller-scale initiatives, including internships, workshops, and small physical projects. Eligible applicants include public entities and nonprofit organizations based in Colorado. This grant aims to foster community engagement and enhance access to historical resources, ensuring that the state's rich heritage is preserved for future generations.

The State Historical Fund's Planning Grant, offered by History Colorado, supports public entities and nonprofit organizations in Colorado to develop planning documents essential for future preservation projects. This grant fosters collaboration with experienced consultants familiar with the Secretary of Interior's Standards. Eligible applicants include state agencies, local governments, and certified nonprofits. The funding aims to enhance historical preservation efforts, ensuring that critical planning is completed to facilitate successful project execution.

The Bank of America Foundation Sponsorship Program aims to enhance economic mobility and social progress in low- and moderate-income communities through partnerships with nonprofit organizations. This initiative focuses on critical areas such as workforce education, basic needs like food and housing, and community development. The Foundation invested $350 million last year and encourages employee volunteerism and giving, supporting nonprofits in various sectors, including arts, culture, and diversity initiatives.

The Dakota Foundation seeks to combine business discipline with charitable intentions to address social issues through grants and program-related investments. With a focus on empowering individuals and fostering sustainable practices, the Foundation supports initiatives that improve economic conditions, particularly in Arizona, North Dakota, New Mexico, Colorado, and North Carolina. Organizations that collaborate effectively and demonstrate measurable results are prioritized, while projects involving unlawful discrimination or certain funding types are discouraged.

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 Shooting Range Small Grant Program, offered by Colorado Parks and Wildlife, provides funding for improvements at shooting range facilities in Colorado. Annually, $20,000 is available for projects ranging from $500 to $5,000, aimed at enhancing public access and amenities for hunter education and youth participation in shooting sports. Applicants must match the grant with non-state cash or in-kind services, ensuring projects fulfill community needs and support sustainable shooting practices.

The Denver Broncos Community Grant Program provides funding up to $10,000 for Colorado-based nonprofits focused on youth-serving initiatives. With an emphasis on health and wellness, youth sports, and educational programming, this initiative aims to support community projects that foster the development of youth aged 5-24. Eligible organizations must be 501c3 certified and demonstrate a strong commitment to youth programming, ensuring impactful contributions to the community.

Ent Credit Union

Ent’s mission is to improve our members’ financial quality of life. We make the communities we serve more vibrant and believe it is part of our responsibility to make a lasting, positive impact through our work as a financial cooperative and as a philanthropic partner. We foster mutually supportive relationships with, and strive to amplify the message of, the charitable organizations we support. 

Community Advocacy

By definition, a “community advocate” has a vested interest in the development of a neighborhood or community. At Ent, we believe that being an advocate for the numerous neighborhoods and communities we serve across the Front Range is crucial for our communities to thrive. 

Helping our communities across Colorado

For decades, Ent has contributed millions of dollars to support communities across Colorado as a part of our mission to improve our members’ financial quality of life. As a “community advocate” we have a vested interest in supporting the communities where our owner-members live, work and play.

We are partnering with the Pikes Peak Community Foundation to help us raise awareness of the funding available to organizations through Ent, identify volunteer opportunities for Ent employees and to maximize the impact of our financial contributions.

Ent provides funding to various nonprofits along the Front Range that fall into any of the following impact categories:

• Youth: Primary program impact focuses on children under the age of 18 with emphasis on impact in housing, food, behavioral and/or mental health.
• Education: Primary program impact supports classroom learning at all levels, with an emphasis on organizations that design and manage these educational initiatives. For higher education, the focus is primarily on providing scholarships to students attending Colorado-based universities and community colleges.
• Community: Primary program impact addresses major community issues with a focus on community enrichment, food banks, homelessness, and/or poverty.
• Legacy: Primary program impact does not fit into any categories above but may continue to receive support based on Ent’s Colorado Springs heritage.

Applicants who have received Community Advocacy and/or YES Grants funding within the same calendar year may still qualify for an additional grant. However, if funding is limited, priority will be given to new applicants. Applicants may reapply if their initial application is denied.

The Dr. Scholl Foundation offers grants annually to IRS 501(c)(3) organizations, primarily focusing on U.S. applicants. The foundation supports projects in education, social services, healthcare, civic and cultural initiatives, and environmental efforts. While the grant cycle runs from October 1 to March 1, it encourages innovative solutions to global challenges. Only one application per organization is accepted each year, and funding is limited to one year. Unqualified organizations, including political entities, are ineligible.

The Colorado Health Foundation aims to empower young people in Colorado, particularly those facing health inequities, including youth of color and LGBTQ+ individuals. Their funding focuses on creating equitable outdoor spaces that foster community engagement and active participation. By prioritizing planning grants for outdoor projects, the Foundation seeks to address barriers to physical activity in low-income and rural communities, encouraging holistic health through collaborative design and inclusivity.

The Women and Girls of Color Fund: Rural Cycle aims to empower women and girls of color in Colorado by addressing systemic disparities they face in health, wealth, and access to resources. By focusing on organizations led by women of color, the fund prioritizes initiatives that build economic power and promote community organizing. This fund not only seeks to increase financial support but also strives to dismantle oppressive structures, ensuring that marginalized communities receive the necessary resources to thrive.

The Folk and Traditional Arts Project Grant, offered by the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade, aims to celebrate and preserve Colorado's cultural heritage through folk and traditional arts. This grant fosters community well-being, cultural identity, and economic vitality. It provides funding for creating, presenting, or documenting folk arts, with a maximum amount of $3,000 available for projects that enhance community engagement and creativity, with a completion deadline of June 30, 2026.

The O'Reilly Automotive Foundation Grant focuses on enhancing community welfare through philanthropic initiatives that support economic stability, workforce development, health services, and disaster relief. Established in 2020, the Foundation seeks to empower underrepresented individuals and organizations in the U.S. by addressing vital community needs. It particularly aims to provide assistance to nonprofits that foster positive change and improve quality of life for those in need, ensuring a lasting impact in local communities.

The Direct Effect Awards, presented by the Colorado Housing and Finance Authority (CHFA), aim to support nonprofit organizations in Colorado that enhance affordable housing and community development. Eligible entities must align with CHFA's mission by promoting affordable home ownership, rental housing, and economic development. Priority is given to organizations that serve rural communities, special needs populations, and those innovating in construction and service delivery, ensuring housing stability and economic prosperity for all Coloradans.

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 Rural Business Development Grants in Colorado aim to support small rural businesses with technical assistance and training. Eligible projects must benefit rural areas outside urban centers, with funding available for various uses, including training, land acquisition, and pollution control. The program prioritizes smaller requests and targets public entities and nonprofits. Grants foster community and technology-based economic development, enhancing job training and long-term business planning.

The Women & Girls of Color Fund focuses on empowering women and girls of color in Colorado through targeted investments in their leadership and economic security. With only 0.5% of foundation funding allocated to this demographic, the fund aims to dismantle systemic barriers and uplift community-led initiatives. Prioritizing organizations led by women of color, it supports diverse programs that enhance economic opportunities while addressing intersecting oppressions, thereby fostering a brighter future for all.

The Community Investment Fund by Freeport-McMoRan aims to enhance community resilience and well-being in various regions, including Climax (CO), Globe-Miami (AZ), and Henderson (CO). Prioritizing education, economic opportunity, and leadership capacity, this fund supports projects over $10,000 that directly benefit local communities. Eligible organizations must have 501c-3 status or equivalent. The initiative fosters transformative change through collaborative partnerships and strategic investments, addressing essential community needs and promoting sustainability.

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.

The Denver Children's Foundation (DCF) has been pivotal in transforming the lives of at-risk children in Colorado for over 30 years. Focused on education, health, advocacy, and personal growth, DCF provides strategic grants to organizations that effectively address the challenges faced by disadvantaged youth. By fostering partnerships, DCF helps create opportunities for children to thrive, ensuring they have access to essential resources and support that promote their overall development and well-being.