Best Obesity Prevention Grants in Colorado

Colorado research institutions and other eligible private or public sector organizations can seek funding for patient-centered comparative clinical effectiveness research on obesity and related conditions through the Patient Centered Outcomes Research Institute. Awards up to US $12,000,000 support large pragmatic studies, including obesity treatment, prevention, and diabetes care projects that engage patients and stakeholders in U.S. healthcare.

Nonprofits working on obesity prevention, nutrition, diabetes, or oral health access in Colorado can apply for Sun Life Financial’s Health Access Heroes Awards, which provide US $10,000. Funding supports impactful programs improving health access and outcomes for underserved communities, and the initiative also honors individual changemakers with charitable donations in their name.

Colorado research institutions and universities working on nutrition and obesity can access funding through National Institutes of Health to establish Nutrition Obesity Research Centers. These core centers support shared research services, pilot and feasibility projects, and enrichment programs to advance multidisciplinary basic and clinical research on nutrition, obesity, and related metabolic diseases, with awards up to US $750,000.

Research institutions and clinical centers conducting pediatric obesity and anti-obesity medication studies in the U.S., including Colorado, can apply for National Institutes of Health funding to serve as the Research Coordinating Center. This opportunity supports consortium-wide coordination, statistical design, data management, and collaborative trials to optimize anti-obesity medication strategies for children and adolescents.

Clinical research institutions conducting pediatric obesity treatment studies in Colorado and other eligible U.S. locations can apply for National Institutes of Health funding, with awards up to US $1,000,000, to test anti-obesity medication strategies in children and adolescents. Projects should evaluate optimal AOM use alongside lifestyle interventions and shared consortium protocols.

Postdoctoral trainees, fellows, clinical fellows, and research associates at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health can receive up to US $20,000 to support independent research, education projects, or professional development focused on improving health and health equity. Grants from University of Wisconsin - Madison may benefit obesity-related research relevant to Colorado populations and beyond.

Research institutions and similar organizations evaluating time-sensitive obesity-related policies or programs in Colorado can apply for accelerated review funding; projects must address behaviors like diet, physical activity, or sedentary time. The US Dept. of Health & Human Services: National Institutes of Health supports empirical studies where rapid launch is essential to capture a unique evaluation opportunity.

Research institutions studying obesity and cancer mechanisms, including those in Colorado, can apply for National Institutes of Health grants supporting proof-of-concept studies on how bariatric surgery influences cancer risk. Grants from NIH help U.S. investigators pursue exploratory, feasibility-focused projects, with awards up to US $275,000 and multiple application cycles through 2027.

Colorado research institutions studying obesity, bariatric surgery, and cancer mechanisms can access funding through the National Institutes of Health for investigator-initiated R01 projects. This National Cancer Institute opportunity offers up to US $2,500,000 to examine how bariatric surgery influences cancer risk, which may benefit obesity prevention and related cancer-risk reduction efforts.

Postdoctoral fellows and other doctoral-level researchers moving from NHLBI intramural training to junior faculty roles can seek NIH funding to establish independent obesity and related biomedical research programs, including in Colorado. The US Dept. of Health & Human Services: National Institutes of Health supports this career transition award across eligible U.S. locations.

Postdoctoral biomedical researchers conducting obesity-related clinical research in Colorado and other eligible U.S. locations can seek support for transitioning to independent investigator roles. US Dept. of Health & Human Services: National Institutes of Health offers the NHLBI K22 award with a mentored intramural phase followed by an extramural phase at a new institution.

Research institutions and healthcare organizations in Colorado studying obesity, diabetes, pain, or related conditions can apply for Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute’s Broad Pragmatic Studies funding; awards support patient-centered comparative clinical effectiveness research. Projects must compare at least two available treatments or care delivery strategies to generate evidence that informs patient and caregiver decision-making.

Grants from Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute help Colorado health systems and research teams implement patient-centered comparative clinical effectiveness research findings, including in obesity and related conditions. Eligible principal investigators can propose multicomponent implementation projects across multiple U.S. health systems to increase uptake of PCORI-funded evidence, with rigorous evaluation of impacts on health care and health outcomes.

Nonprofit organizations and governmental programs in Custer County, Colorado can apply for the High Mountain Hay Fever Children’s Health Fund to support children’s health initiatives, including obesity prevention. Administered by Wet Mountain Valley Community Foundation, it can fund medical and dental access, mental health, after-school and preschool programs, food insecurity, and related youth wellness efforts.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Colorado running obesity prevention, nutrition, diabetes, or oral health programs can access funding through Sun Life Financial’s Health Access Grant Program; awards US $25,000 - US $100,000 for programmatic support. Grants support prevention, education, management, care, and recovery services for at-risk and underprivileged communities.

Colorado 501(c)(3) nonprofits providing healthcare, nutrition, or obesity-related services can apply for the McGowan Charitable Fund’s program or operating support. Funding focuses on primary care, nutrition and healthy eating, physical fitness, and healthy habits that address poverty’s roots. Eligible organizations must be located in Eagle County and, for this region, may need an invitation to submit a Letter of Inquiry.

Through grant-making, AIH partners with mission-aligned organizations by funding initiatives that align with our strategic objectives.

Granting Goals 

• Advance a future where healthcare and communities support whole person care, and healthy choices are accessible and effective in preventing, treating, and reversing chronic disease.
• Transform the way people are cared for in America by establishing lifestyle medicine and whole person care as integral components of the delivery of care in the US healthcare system

Focus Areas:

• Primary Care - Integration of whole person care
• Comprehensive Obesity Care - Integration of food is medicine
• Underserved Communities - Equitable delivery of whole person care

Nonprofit organizations in Colorado working on hunger prevention, healthy lifestyle programs, or community health initiatives can access funding through Dawn Foods Foundation. The corporate giving program supports efforts to alleviate and prevent hunger, combat childhood obesity, and promote healthier lifestyles, which may benefit obesity prevention and related wellness programs in eligible communities.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations running cardiovascular and metabolism programs in Colorado and across the U.S. can seek funding to improve patient education, support caregivers, and advance access to care. Focused on cardiovascular disease and obesity-related risks, Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine favors innovative, measurable initiatives that address disparities and strengthen frontline health workforces.

Colorado 501(c)(3) nonprofits running cardiovascular and metabolism programs can seek funding to improve patient access, advance health equity, and strengthen frontline health workforces. Grants from Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine help organizations addressing stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation, thromboembolic disease, and vascular protection, including obesity-related risks, through education, caregiver support, advocacy, and disparity-reduction initiatives.

The Hillman Innovations in Care Grant seeks innovative, nursing-driven proposals to address the impact of racism on health equity for marginalized communities. This includes addressing health disparities faced by BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and economically disadvantaged populations. The program encourages bold, evidence-based interventions that enhance healthcare delivery and outcomes. Grants of up to $600,000 will support projects that demonstrate potential for broad replicability and sustainability over a 36-month period.