Best Human Rights Grants in Colorado

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 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.

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.

The Baugh Foundation supports progressive, inclusive, nonprofit organizations that reflect the love of Christ by providing assistance to those in need, enriching the lives of children and youth, keeping faith communities informed and engaged, and guarding the wall of separation between church and state.We welcome applications from progressive, faith-based organizations. At this time, the vast majority of our funding goes to progressive Baptist organizations or initiatives, and organizations that work to guard the separation of church and state. We believe that a free church in a free state is dependent upon a functioning democracy.Funding Priorities: 

• Social justice and advocacy
• Progressive faith-based journalism
• Meeting basic human needs
• Progressive faith-based post-secondary education
• Inclusivity initiatives
• Arts and enrichment

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 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.

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.

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.

The IAF Research Fellowship Program, administered by the Social Science Research Council, aims to support rigorous research on community-led development in Latin America and the Caribbean. The fellowship provides a $20,000 stipend for twelve months, fostering innovative solutions to pressing issues such as economic opportunity, migration, and social inclusion. Researchers are encouraged to explore how community-led models can create lasting impacts and respond to global trends, enhancing local resilience and development.

The Amy Adina Schulman Memorial Fund

The Amy Adina Schulman Memorial Fund is a Princeton, New Jersey-based endowment fund providing grants to individuals, young adults who volunteer or intern for progressive social action projects or programs in an area of their interest and commitment. The Amy Adina Fund also sponsors a lecture each year on a relevant and timely topic related to its educational mission.

The Amy Adina Schulman Memorial Fund was started in 1987 one year after Amy Adina, 20, died suddenly while a student and activist at Rutgers University. It is a realization of her family and her communities’ desire to celebrate her life, to fulfill her dreams and her potential. Since its inception, almost 1,500 grants have been awarded for work in Africa, Asia, Latin America, the Middle East, and the United States—nearly $1,000,000 in total. The Amy Adina Schulman Memorial Fund is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization.

About Our Grants

Small grants (depending on length of service), are awarded to as many applicants as possible rather than giving larger amounts to fewer individuals. The number of awards has grown each year thanks to annual contributions as well as to gifts sent to the Fund to honor special occasions and life cycle events.