Best Human Rights Grants in Colorado

Nonprofit 501(c)(3)s, community-based organizations with a fiscal sponsor, and Sovereign Tribal Nations in Colorado can apply for CommonSpirit Health’s Health Equity & Advancement Fund to support community health programs. Funding can cover projects, operations, capacity building, or technical assistance that advance social justice, address social determinants of health, and serve underrepresented communities near CommonSpirit facilities.

Nonprofit organizations in Colorado, or those with a fiscal sponsor, can seek funding for social justice and human rights projects that advance Latino and Latina communities. With a mission to strengthen community leadership and equity, The Denver Foundation provides support for education, basic needs, financial stability, emerging leaders, and culturally rooted community efforts through the LatinasGive! Fund, offering US $1,000 - US $4,000.

Colorado nonprofits providing legal services to disadvantaged people, law-related education, or justice system improvements in Colorado can apply for Colorado Bar Foundation grants; awards are approximately US $5,699 for specific program expenses. Organizations, including small and rural groups, working on social justice or human rights–related legal programs may benefit.

Nonprofit and charitable organizations with 501(c)(3) or 170(c)(1) status serving communities in Huntington’s Colorado footprint can seek program-specific funding for human rights and social justice initiatives. Focus areas include community services, racial and social equity, affordable and supportive housing, workforce development, and community revitalization benefiting low- and moderate-income individuals and families.

Colorado 501(c)(3) nonprofits focused on social change, civil rights, or environmental stewardship can apply for the Wolcott Family Foundation’s grants, awarding US $1,000 - US $5,000 for general operating or project support. Small, grassroots groups addressing root causes of poverty, ecological problems, or human rights issues are especially encouraged to seek one-year funding.

Nonprofit and community groups in Colorado working on health equity, social justice, and community building can seek US $20,000 - US $45,000 to strengthen social connections and address health challenges. The Colorado Health Foundation supports efforts that build social capital among marginalized residents, amplify underrepresented voices, and honor cultural heritage to advance human rights and health equity.

Barbara McDowell Social Justice Center Inc.

The Barbara McDowell Social Justice Center litigates, educates, advocates, and provides grants to nonprofits to eradicate social injustices. 

We pursue litigation through our own efforts as well as funding others in the following fifteen issue areas: Access to Benefits, Children’s Rights, Disability Rights, Discrimination, Domestic Violence, Due Process, Environmental Justice, Healthcare, Homelessness, Housing, Native American Rights, Prisoners’ Rights, Refugee and Immigration Rights, Voting Rights, and Veterans’ Rights.

Barbara McDowell Social Justice Center Grant

We make grants to organizations that undertake systemic social justice litigation across fifteen issue areas. The Center funds litigation matters that are consistent with our namesake Barbara McDowell’s past legal efforts and her beliefs regarding social justice.

Applications must be for a specific social justice legal case, including the filing of an appeal. Grant funds are to be used only for attorney time charges and litigation expenses related to the specific case for which an organization is applying to be funded. 

The HRE USA 2025 Edmonds Summer Fellowship honors the legacy of Kirby Edmonds by offering young leaders hands-on experience in human rights education. This fellowship provides mentorship and learning opportunities to engage youth in creating human rights-friendly schools and communities. Supported by the Dorothy Cotton Institute, it aims to nurture future leaders committed to human rights advocacy. Eligible candidates must be 18 or older, reside in the U.S., and commit to 100 hours of work between June and August 2025.

The Alexandra Hallock Capacity Building Grant for Small Nonprofits, established in 2024, honors the legacy of Alexandra Hallock by supporting small nonprofits focused on human rights, women's empowerment, and LGBTQ+ causes. This grant offers a one-time $20,000 unrestricted funding along with pro-bono capacity building support. It aims to strengthen organizational infrastructure and governance, ensuring impactful community engagement. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)3 nonprofits with revenue under $400,000, operating for at least one year, and based in the U.S.

The Park Foundation Grants for Civic Participation aim to enhance democracy through active civic engagement. Focused on mobilizing voters and protecting their rights, this program supports grassroots organizations addressing social injustices. By fostering year-round involvement rather than just election-focused efforts, the foundation seeks to empower communities and ensure robust participation in the democratic process, ultimately contributing to a more equitable society.

The Call for Kindness Grant, offered by Riley's Way Foundation, empowers young leaders aged 13-23 to launch impactful social projects focused on kindness and community connection. With grants up to $5,000, recipients receive essential mentorship, coaching, and community support. This initiative has already benefited over 3,500 youth nationwide, promoting values of empathy and social change. Applicants can pursue projects in diverse areas, including environmental justice, ensuring a broad impact in their communities.

The Empathy Building Initiative, led by Acton Family Giving, seeks to foster partnerships with organizations aligned with its mission. While currently not expanding its portfolio, it invites inquiries from potential partners. Eligible organizations must hold 501(c)3 status and align with specific giving areas. The initiative focuses on a national or broad reach and evaluates grant applications based on alignment and conversation. For more details, potential partners are encouraged to review the grants list available on their website.

Doctoral students at U.S. institutions conducting social science dissertation research on social justice, human rights, inequality, immigration, work, or related topics can receive up to US $15,000 for data collection, analysis, and writing. Colorado-based scholars may be eligible if projects focus on improving social and living conditions in the U.S.

Early-career social science faculty researching economic mobility and systemic inequality in the U.S. can apply for project funding from the Russell Sage Foundation. Focused on social justice and human rights, this program invites Colorado and other U.S.-based scholars to propose one-year studies using diverse methods and innovative data sources to inform social policy.

Colorado local governments, public schools, and 501(c)(3) nonprofits can apply for Safe Routes to School National Parternship’s Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day mini-grants, awarding US $500 - US $1,000 for events. Funding supports November activities that promote activism, anti-racism, anti-bullying, and walking or rolling to school, especially first-time, middle, and high school celebrations.

501(c)(3) organizations working on education or social justice in Colorado can seek support for forward-thinking programs that advance human rights. Baskin Family Foundation supports initiatives across the U.S., so Colorado-based groups focused on social justice or related educational efforts may be eligible to apply.

Graduate students pursuing social justice, public or human service, education, or health who are residents of Kauai, Hawaii can apply for scholarship support from Hawai'i Community Foundation. Focused on human rights and related fields, this fund assists full-time master’s or doctoral students with financial need, including those planning to work in Hawaii after graduation.

The B.W. Bastian Foundation Grant supports organizations committed to equality for all Americans, including the LGBTQ+ community. Grants typically range from $100 to $15,000, and applicants must have 501(C)3 tax status. Funding is primarily for projects in the Intermountain West and may include general operating support or specific programs. Organizations should first inquire before applying, especially if requesting more than previous grants. The foundation does not fund individuals or lobbying efforts.

State and local education affiliates working on racial and human rights in Colorado can apply for National Education Association Staff Organization’s CRSJ Racial Justice in Education Grant, awarding US $5,000 - US $75,000. Funding supports awareness, capacity-building, and action projects that advance racial equity, develop leaders of color, and transform organizational policies and practices.

With a mission to advance racial justice in education, this grant provides Colorado education-focused organizations with support to build community advocacy partnerships. Eligible NEA state and local affiliates can fund initiatives that boost achievement for students of color, deepen social justice activism, and create union roles that strengthen parent and community engagement around human rights in schools.

State Aspiring Educators organizations and campus chapters in Colorado can apply for National Education Association Staff Organization’s CREATE grants, awarding up to US $2,000 for projects that strengthen AE programs and partnerships. Funding supports educator quality, community engagement, political action, or social justice initiatives that advance human rights and equity in education.

Education union affiliates working on student-centered advocacy and human rights issues in Colorado can seek up to US $50,000 to design and implement student-focused initiatives through bargaining or other advocacy. National Education Association supports projects that unite educators and communities, promote equitable, safe learning environments, and advance social justice in K–12 and higher education settings.

Recent humanities and interpretive social science PhDs authorized to work in the U.S. can receive multi-year fellowship funding to work with social justice–focused nonprofits, including those in Colorado. American Council of Learned Societies supports placements that use fellows’ advanced research, communication, and project management skills to advance human rights and equity initiatives; awards More than US $142,000 in stipend and benefits.

Colorado 501(c)(3) public charities, government entities, and qualifying foundations can access funding through American Electric Power Foundation to advance social justice, STEM education, and basic human needs. Eligible organizations must be within AEP’s multistate service territory or have regional or national reach benefiting the public, and demonstrate strong diversity, equity, and inclusion practices.

Colorado nonprofits advancing social justice, legal services, reentry, or juvenile justice can access funding through the Indigo Oak Fund’s Equal Justice Under the Law program. Grants support fairness in the justice system, rehabilitation and anti-recidivism efforts, civic engagement, and education for future attorneys and social justice workers, with occasional support for similar work beyond Colorado and the Bay Area.

The Mockingbird Nonprofit Incubator Grant Program supports emerging nonprofit founders in creating sustainable growth and impact. The program includes eight live workshops on nonprofit management, fundraising, and access to resources from Givebutter. Selected organizations receive scholarships and the chance to apply for $4,000 in grant funds. Eligibility is limited to 501c3 nonprofits or those under fiscal sponsorship with budgets under $500,000, fostering a community of committed leaders ready to make a difference.

About NIF

Advancing Equality for All Israelis

The New Israel Fund (NIF) helps Israel live up to its founders’ vision of a society that ensures complete equality to all its inhabitants. Our aim is to advance liberal democracy, including freedom of speech and minority rights, and to fight the inequality, injustice and extremism that diminish Israel.

From Israel’s first rape crisis centers, to fighting discrimination, NIF-funded organizations have driven positive social change and furthered justice and equality. NIF has provided over $350 million to more than 950 organizations since our inception in 1979.

Naomi Chazan Global Activism Fellowship

Want to travel to Israel/Palestine while advancing equality, democracy, and peace for all?

The New Israel Fund’s Naomi Chazan Global Activism Fellowship offers a one-of-a-kind opportunity to visit Israel/Palestine, meet frontline Israeli and Palestinian activists, and learn about issues of war, peace, and inequality by seeing the reality on the ground. 

Fellows will visit Israel/Palestine on November 3-10, 2026.

This trip is a great opportunity to learn alongside peers and friends (ages 21 – 35). NIF is based on the simple idea that those of us who share a commitment to Israel/Palestine and to progressive values can join together to work for equality, freedom, and human rights. You will join a cohort of participants from the U.S. and Canada building relationships across borders to be sustained for years to come.

Following the trip, participants are expected to organize at least two NIF events in their home communities, with support from NIF staff. These events could look like a report-back highlighting the participants’ learnings from the trip, educational programs featuring NIF grantees/partners, or something else entirely that is tailored to the intellectual, emotional, and spiritual needs of the fellow’s communities.

The program is subsidized by generous donors in the NIF community. All “on-the-ground” costs—your hotel accommodation and almost all meals—will be covered by NIF. Participants are responsible for purchasing their own airfare and travel/health insurance. If the cost of airfare is a barrier for you, please apply anyway. Limited airfare subsidies may be available.