Best Higher Education Grants in Colorado

Colorado higher education nonprofits and institutions can access funding through BOKF Foundation to support basic education, higher education initiatives, and related community programs. Organizations in BOK Financial’s Colorado service counties working on education, economic development, basic needs, or health and safety may be eligible for charitable contributions accepted year-round online.

U.S. 501(c)(3) cultural institutions with audited expenses over $2 million can seek funding for arts and science programs that engage broad audiences, especially youth, and demonstrate lasting impact. William Randolph Hearst Foundation supports program, capital, and limited general or endowment needs, which may benefit Colorado higher education institutions with strong arts education or STEAM initiatives.

The PNC Foundation aims to enhance the lives of individuals in local communities through partnerships with nonprofit organizations. Their focus includes promoting educational opportunities, particularly for early childhood education, and supporting economic development initiatives. Grants are available for organizations that benefit low- to moderate-income families and enhance community growth. The foundation prioritizes programs that foster sustainability and diversity, ensuring a lasting impact on the communities they serve.

The Semnani Family Foundation, established in 1993, is dedicated to supporting marginalized communities worldwide through health, education, and disaster relief initiatives. Founded by Khosrow and Ghazaleh Semnani, it began by funding an orphanage in Romania. The foundation also operates locally, providing free healthcare through the Maliheh Free Clinic in Utah. Its commitment to human welfare drives impactful partnerships in countries such as Afghanistan, India, and South Africa, focusing on the most vulnerable populations.

Colorado public entities and eligible nonprofits can seek funding to conduct archaeological assessments that support higher education research and preservation efforts. Grants from History Colorado help Colorado post-secondary institutions and partners document known sites, survey areas with archaeological potential, and test research methodologies, with awards up to US $20,000 for initial data collection and analysis.

Colorado public entities and eligible nonprofits needing immediate stabilization of historic buildings or sites after sudden disasters can access funding through History Colorado’s State Historical Fund emergency grants. Awards up to US $15,000 support temporary stabilization following events like fire, flood, hail, tornadoes, or vehicle crashes, which may include damage affecting higher education facilities.

Public entities and tax-exempt nonprofits in Colorado can receive funding to prepare professional Historic Structure Assessment reports on eligible historic buildings or structures. Grants from History Colorado help Colorado higher education and other institutions document physical conditions, using licensed architects or structural engineers, to guide future restoration, maintenance, and potential applications for larger State Historical Fund competitive grants.

Colorado public entities and eligible nonprofits can access funding for small historic preservation projects, including internships, workshops, conferences, investigations, and small physical projects, with awards up to Up to US $10,000. Grants from History Colorado help Colorado higher education and other organizations undertake grassroots preservation efforts on a more flexible timeline than competitive grants.

Colorado public entities and eligible nonprofits planning historic preservation projects can receive up to US $20,000 for professional planning documents, such as construction documents, design plans, investigations, cost estimates, and master plans. With a mission to preserve state history, History Colorado provides Colorado higher education and other institutions with support to prepare for future physical preservation work.

Colorado higher education and workforce-focused nonprofits can seek funding to expand job training, entrepreneurship, and employment programs that build economic self-sufficiency. With a mission to foster sustainable, high-impact economic opportunity, Dakota Foundation provides program-related investments and limited grants for scalable, collaborative initiatives that empower people to improve their economic condition and employment prospects.

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.

Colorado 501(c)(3) nonprofits and government-equivalent organizations serving youth ages 5–24 can receive funding for specific programs in health and wellness, youth and high school football, in and out of school enrichment, and career pathways. Denver Broncos Charities provides these grants to Colorado organizations, which may include higher education programs serving youth within this age range.

Colorado shooting ranges and local government or parks agencies that host hunter education, public sight-in days, and youth shooting sports can access funding through Colorado Parks & Wildlife for facility improvements. Grants of US $500 - US $5,000 support substantial upgrades that expand public access and education, which may benefit higher education programs using range facilities.

Colorado 501(c)(3) nonprofits working in youth, education, or community enrichment can apply for Ent Credit Union’s Community Advocacy funding to support programs, including scholarships at Colorado-based colleges and community colleges. Organizations located in or serving Ent’s chartered Front Range counties may be eligible for higher education-related initiatives.

Nonprofits, federally recognized tribes, and institutions of higher education in Colorado can apply for USDA’s Rural Microentrepreneur Assistance Program, with awards up to US $500,000 for rural microloan revolving funds and technical assistance. Eligible organizations support rural businesses with 10 or fewer employees through loans and training for startup, growth, and related expenses.

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.

Focused on higher education and economic mobility, The Women’s Foundation of Colorado invites Colorado 501(c)(3)s, educational institutions, and public entities to apply for the Women and Girls of Color Fund: Rural Cycle, awarding US $10,000 - US $20,000. Rural, women-of-color-led programs that advance economic security for women, girls, and nonbinary people of color may be eligible.

With a mission to strengthen higher education and cultural life, Colorado Office of Economic Development & International Trade provides Colorado colleges, universities, and other post-secondary institutions with Folk and Traditional Arts Project Grants. Eligible institutions, nonprofits, and tribal or government entities can receive US $3,000 for creating, presenting, teaching, or documenting folk and traditional arts that engage their communities.

Colorado nonprofits, public housing authorities, and local governments supporting affordable housing, economic development, food access, or education can apply for Colorado Housing and Finance Authority’s Direct Effect Awards. Focused on strengthening low- and moderate-income Coloradans, this program offers US $5,000 - US $50,000 for general operations and programs, which may include higher education access and achievement initiatives.

Colorado 501(c)(3) colleges, universities, and other educational institutions can apply for Kerr Foundation grants to support higher education programs, capital projects, or operating needs. Funding also extends to related health, arts and culture, and human services initiatives, with Oklahoma organizations prioritized but Colorado applicants explicitly eligible.

Rural public entities and nonprofit institutions of higher education in Colorado can use these grants to provide technical assistance and training for small rural businesses. Focused on rural economic and workforce development, USDA Rural Development supports projects like business counseling, facilities and equipment, revolving loan funds, distance adult learning, and rural business incubators that may benefit higher education initiatives.

Colorado higher education initiatives and 501(c)(3) organizations led by women, girls, or nonbinary people of color can access funding through the Women’s Foundation of Colorado’s Women & Girls of Color Fund; awards US $10,000 - US $60,000 in unrestricted support. Eligible projects include campus-based programs and community efforts advancing economic security, healing, justice, and liberatory leadership for women and girls of color.

Freeport-McMoRan Foundation provides Colorado higher education and community-focused nonprofits and public agencies with funding up to US $20,000 for programs in education, workforce development, economic opportunity, and organizational capacity. Eligible projects must benefit residents in Lake, Summit, Chaffee, Eagle, Grand, or Clear Creek Counties and address identified community needs or priorities.

Nonprofit presenters, higher education institutions, tribal governments, and public agencies in Colorado and the broader Creative West region can receive US $2,000 - US $3,000 to present touring performers and literary artists. Focused on performing arts access in underserved communities, Creative West funds artist fees, travel, facilities, outreach, and related administrative costs for regional touring projects.

Nonprofit organizations serving at-risk and disadvantaged children in Colorado with education, health, advocacy, or enrichment programs can seek funding to improve youth outcomes. Denver Children's Foundation supports efforts such as educational access, college and career preparation, children’s mental and physical health, child welfare services, and mentoring that help break cycles of poverty and expand opportunities.