Best Public Infrastructure Grants in Colorado

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.

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.

The Choose When grant by Caring for Colorado aims to reduce financial barriers to contraception, ensuring affordable access to reproductive healthcare for all Coloradans, especially young people aged 9-25 and those in rural communities. Launched in 2017, it focuses on eliminating health disparities by funding local clinics to provide long-acting reversible contraception. The initiative emphasizes support for marginalized groups, addressing systemic barriers to care and promoting equitable health outcomes across Colorado.

The CDBGPF Design, Engineering, and Environmental Clearance (DEEC) Grant, administered by the Colorado Department of Local Affairs, supports local governments in enhancing community infrastructure. This grant assists eligible applicants with vital design, engineering, and environmental clearance activities for projects that benefit low to moderate income communities. Projects can include water systems, community centers, and more, aimed at fostering development and addressing urgent community needs.

The GFF Capital Grants by the Gates Family Foundation support capital projects for nonprofit organizations in Colorado, emphasizing community needs and sustainable development. With a focus on enhancing public resources and addressing historical inequities, the foundation prioritizes projects that foster education, environmental protection, and community development. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) organizations, demonstrating strong community support and effective management. Capital grants are not given for general operating expenses, loans, or projects already completed.

The Environment Pillar Award by Honda supports nonprofit organizations and schools in the U.S. focused on sustainability. Grants aim to reduce environmental impact through programs in decarbonization, clean energy, and efficient resource use. Eligible projects must align with Honda's mission and primarily benefit communities where Honda associates live and work. Organizations can apply for up to two grants, provided they meet specific eligibility criteria, including tax-exempt status under the IRS.

The Honda USA Foundation's Mobility Pillar Award aims to empower individuals with disabilities by funding programs that enhance access and mobility. The foundation supports nonprofit organizations and schools that provide therapeutic, adaptive, and comprehensive care programs, as well as mobility modifications and assistive technology. Applications are accepted from U.S.-based organizations with 501(c)(3) status or fiscal sponsors, ensuring that the joy of mobility is accessible to all.

The Colorado Wildlife Rehabilitation Grants program, offered by Colorado Parks and Wildlife, supports wildlife rehabilitation efforts across the state. The program prioritizes licensed wildlife rehabilitators and considers factors like species rehabilitated, project feasibility, and cost-effectiveness. It aims to enhance wildlife care through funding for food, infrastructure upgrades, and public education, while ineligible expenses include salaries and lobbying. Preference is given to established facilities, ensuring effective use of grant funds.

The PLTW Computer Science program, supported by Burns and McDonnell, aims to enhance STEM education in various communities by funding schools to implement PLTW courses. This partnership promotes student engagement with real-world challenges, preparing them for future careers in technology. With a total grant of $20,000, schools must offer multiple PLTW courses over two years, ensuring access to quality education for underserved populations.

Burns and McDonnell, a 100% employee-owned firm, partners with Project Lead The Way (PLTW) to enhance access to STEM education. By expanding PLTW Computer Science programs in local schools, they aim to engage students in real-world challenges and equip them with essential skills. Eligible schools must be located in specific counties and serve a majority of students from low-income backgrounds. This initiative supports the growth of STEM education, fostering a brighter future for communities through enhanced learning opportunities.

The PLTW Engineering program, in partnership with Burns and McDonnell, aims to enhance STEM education by providing grants to public and charter schools in specific counties. This initiative empowers students to engage with real-world challenges through hands-on learning experiences. Eligible schools must offer PLTW Engineering courses, ensuring access to quality education for students from diverse backgrounds. With a total grant of $40,000 over two years, this program seeks to inspire the next generation of engineers and innovators.

The PLTW Engineering - New Program, supported by Burns & McDonnell, aims to empower U.S. students through STEM education. By offering at least one PLTW Engineering course in the 2026-2027 academic year, schools can enhance their curriculum and foster critical skills. This initiative not only increases access to valuable programs but also prepares students for future challenges in college and careers, ensuring they thrive in an evolving world.

The PLTW Engineering Program Expansion by Burns and McDonnell aims to enhance STEM education in eligible communities. This initiative supports schools in expanding their existing PLTW Engineering programs, providing students with hands-on experiences and essential skills. The program focuses on empowering students through new courses and teacher training, ensuring access for underrepresented populations. By fostering excitement around STEM, Burns and McDonnell is committed to shaping the future workforce and enhancing educational opportunities in critical areas.

The PLTW Engineering - Program Expansion initiative aims to enhance STEM education by increasing access to Project Lead The Way (PLTW) programs in communities served by Burns & McDonnell. This partnership focuses on empowering students through real-world learning experiences, helping them develop essential skills for future careers. Starting in the 2026-2027 academic year, grants will support schools in expanding their existing PLTW Engineering programs to foster greater participation and engagement in STEM fields.

The PLTW Gateway program, in partnership with Burns and McDonnell, aims to enhance STEM education by supporting schools in eligible counties to implement PLTW Gateway units. With a total grant of $20,000, schools are encouraged to offer at least one unit per academic year, fostering real-world skills and engagement in STEM fields. This initiative seeks to increase access and participation in high-quality STEM learning experiences, ultimately preparing students for future careers.

The PLTW Gateway - New Program, in partnership with Burns & McDonnell, aims to enhance student engagement in STEM by providing teachers with essential resources and support. Starting in the 2026-2027 academic year, eligible schools can apply for grants to introduce and expand PLTW programs, fostering real-world skills through applied learning. This initiative targets schools with significant free and reduced-price lunch populations, promoting equity in education across various U.S. counties.

The PLTW Gateway program, in collaboration with Burns & McDonnell, aims to enhance STEM education by expanding access to Project Lead The Way initiatives in eligible communities. By providing grants for program expansion, the initiative encourages schools to implement new PLTW units and train teachers, empowering students with essential skills for future careers. This partnership seeks to inspire a new generation of learners through hands-on, real-world challenges, thereby fostering greater participation in STEM fields across various regions.

The PLTW Gateway - Program Expansion initiative, led by Burns & McDonnell in partnership with Project Lead The Way (PLTW), aims to enhance STEM education by increasing access to PLTW programs for students in eligible communities. This program empowers students through real-world applied learning experiences, promoting essential skills for college and careers. Grants will support schools in expanding their existing PLTW Gateway programs starting in the 2026-2027 academic year, fostering a brighter future through education.

The PLTW Launch program, supported by Burns and McDonnell, aims to enhance student engagement in STEM education within eligible communities. This initiative will provide grants to schools that implement at least one PLTW Launch module in the 2025-2026 academic year, followed by another module in subsequent years. The program is designed to empower students with hands-on learning experiences that connect real-world challenges to essential skills, fostering a stronger future in STEM fields.

The PLTW Launch - New Program initiative, sponsored by Burns & McDonnell, aims to enhance STEM education by providing grants to eligible schools within specific U.S. counties. Schools must implement PLTW modules over two academic years, ensuring access to real-world learning experiences for students, particularly those from low-income backgrounds. This program emphasizes the importance of empowering educators and fostering student engagement in STEM fields to prepare them for future careers.

The PLTW Launch program, in collaboration with Burns and McDonnell, aims to enhance STEM education by expanding access to innovative educational modules in eligible schools. This initiative supports public and charter schools in targeted counties, focusing on increasing student engagement in STEM fields. Through grant funding, participating schools can introduce new PLTW Launch modules and provide essential training for teachers, fostering a richer learning environment to prepare students for future careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

The PLTW Launch - Program Expansion initiative by Burns & McDonnell aims to enhance access to STEM education in U.S. schools. This program focuses on empowering students by providing real-world learning experiences and essential skills. Grants will support schools in expanding PLTW programs during the 2026-2027 academic year, benefiting students from underserved communities. By fostering a deeper understanding of STEM, the initiative seeks to inspire the next generation of innovators and problem solvers.

The W.D. Farr Endowment Fund Grants, administered by the Weld Community Foundation, support youth-focused initiatives in Greeley, Colorado. These grants aim to enhance quality of life through K-12 educational projects and youth programs. Organizations with skilled leadership are encouraged to apply, but only one proposal per organization will be considered. Notably, the Fund has a 'three-year rule,' requiring grant recipients to take a year off after three consecutive years of funding.

The American Public Works Association (APWA) Colorado Chapter's Jack Bruce Memorial Scholarship offers $3,500 to support students pursuing undergraduate degrees in civil engineering, environmental engineering, or related earth sciences. Applicants must be U.S. citizens enrolled full-time in ABET-accredited programs in Colorado, demonstrating interest in public works and infrastructure management. This scholarship is part of the ACEC Colorado Foundation's commitment to enhancing educational opportunities in engineering.

The Advanced Industries Collaborative Infrastructure Grant, offered by the Colorado Office of Economic Development & International Trade, aims to bolster collaborative projects across key advanced industries in Colorado. With funding up to $500,000, the grant seeks to enhance industry infrastructure, promote partnerships, and support innovation. Eligible applicants must engage multiple partners, provide matching funds, and demonstrate sustainability beyond the grant, ensuring impactful contributions to the state's economic landscape.

The Division of Local Government

The Division of Local Government provides strategic expertise, advocacy, and funding to strengthen Colorado. The division promotes local problem solving, informs decision making and invests in communities.

CDBGPF Construction Grant

The CDBGPF Construction Grant program offers financial assistance for eligible applicants to complete their public facilities and infrastructure projects. Eligible activities include acquisition, construction, reconstruction, rehabilitation or installation of public improvements or public facilities. The maximum grant award for the CDBGPF Construction program is $600,000.

All CDBGPF Construction grant applicants must submit a CDBGPF Design and Engineering Progress Report and a CDBGPF Environmental Progress Report to the CDBGPF Program Manager, James Spiers (james.spiers@state.co.us). Once the reports are submitted to the CDBGPF Program Manager, a certification will be issued to the applicant that they will upload in their application. 

Colorado Strategic Wildfire Action Program

COSWAP funds can be spent on all land ownership types.

The Colorado Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Executive Director’s Office is the primary manager of the Colorado Strategic Wildfire Action Program. Per statute, the Colorado State Forest Service, Division of Fire Prevention and Control and DNR work collaboratively on program design.

The Colorado Strategic Wildfire Action Program (COSWAP) is designed to support wildfire risk reduction efforts in Colorado to protect life, property, and infrastructure. COSWAP was created after the devastating 2020 fire season by the Colorado legislature through the bi-partisan supported SB21-258. After a successful grant cycle, the program was permanently funded in the 2023 legislative session. While housed within the Department of Natural Resources, COSWAP was collaboratively designed by representatives from the Colorado State Forest Service and the Division of Fire Prevention and Control. This partnership helps ensure the program aligns with other state work and priorities.

Focus

All projects must be focused on reducing wildfire risk to life, property and critical infrastructure. SWIFT and conservation corps projects must be appropriate for hand crew work. This includes, but is not limited to, forest thinning, fuelbreaks, chipping, biomass removal, and pile or broadcast burning.

The Strategic Focus Areas include Boulder, Douglas, El Paso, Jefferson, Larimer, La Plata and Teller counties plus Rocky Mountain Restoration Initiative focal areas.