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.

The Costco Wholesale Charitable Contributions program prioritizes support for children, education, and health services within local communities. Nonprofit organizations seeking assistance must be 501(c)(3) certified and focus on monetary requests. Applications are reviewed within 4-6 weeks, factoring in community needs and collaboration. However, Costco limits grants to 10% of the program budget and typically restricts organizations to one request per fiscal year. They do not fund individuals or direct aid for various specific purposes.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 higher education institutions and 501(c)(3) nonprofits can access funding for environmental, human services, and related programs through the Lawrence Foundation, with typical awards of US $5,000 - US $10,000. Eligible colleges, universities, and supporting organizations may request unrestricted operating or program/project support if their work fits the foundation’s priorities.

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.

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.

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.

The Community Ties Giving Program by Union Pacific Foundation offers local grants aimed at enhancing community well-being through diverse funding priorities. These include safety initiatives, workforce development, community vitality, and environmental sustainability. The program emphasizes supporting organizations that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion, aiming to create impactful projects that resonate with Union Pacific's heritage and mission. Eligible applicants must be nonprofit organizations serving Union Pacific communities and demonstrate a clear need and capacity to deliver effective programming.

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.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations running youth education, community, food security, or environmental programs in Colorado and other eligible regions can seek project funding. Chick Fil A Foundation supports initiatives that build academic excellence, leadership, housing stability, and food access for underserved young people, with awards ranging from US $30,000 - US $350,000.

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.

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 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.