Best Seed Grants for Nonprofits in Colorado

The Sustainable Disaster-Relief Fund, established by Vanguard Charitable in 2006, aims to support communities affected by natural disasters. By providing funding for rebuilding efforts and necessary infrastructure, this initiative helps ensure that affected areas are better prepared for future disasters. Grants are available to 501(c)(3) organizations in good standing, focusing on charitable purposes like operating expenses and specific projects. The fund plays a critical role in enhancing community resilience and promoting effective disaster recovery.

The West Texas Hereford Association – Curly Hays Scholarship Fund, managed by the Community Foundation of Abilene, honors Curly Hays, a dedicated community figure. This scholarship supports Texas high school seniors who have exhibited livestock, with awards ranging from $500 to over $5,000. Payments are made directly to educational institutions in August and January. Preference is given to Junior Hereford Association members, helping to foster agricultural education and community engagement.

The Hart Family Fund for Small Towns offers grants between $2,500 and $15,000 to support preservation projects in towns with populations of 10,000 or less. These funds aim to encourage local preservation efforts, enhance public discussion, and build technical expertise among community groups. The application process is competitive, with a review period of approximately three months. Eligible applicants include public agencies and nonprofits, with a cash match required. Projects must start within six months of receiving funding.

The Community Foundation for the Greater Capital Region

Empowering generous people with meaningful giving opportunities.

Since 1968, The Community Foundation for the Greater Capital Region (CFGCR) has been dedicated to improving the quality of life in the Greater Capital Region. We work with — and for — all our neighbors across the community because together, we are stronger.

Ron Jones Memorial Scholarship 

Established to honor the memory of beloved coach and teacher Ron Jones. This is not an athletic award, rather, it was established to recognize students who have demonstrated a devotion to the community of Hoosick Falls through compassion, action, respect and excellence.

The Winters Area Foundation Alumni Scholarship, offered by the Community Foundation of Abilene, supports Winters alumni currently enrolled in college. With awards ranging from $500 to over $5,000, this scholarship aims to ease the financial burden of higher education. Payments are made directly to educational institutions for the fall and spring semesters. This initiative highlights the Foundation's commitment to empowering students through financial assistance and fostering educational opportunities.

The Archaeology of Portugal Fellowship, offered by the Archaeological Institute of America, supports research on the archaeology of Portugal, including its Autonomous Regions. It is open to Portuguese nationals for study in the US and encourages diverse archaeological inquiries. Applicants must provide evidence of citizenship, project plans, and transcripts as needed. The fellowship aligns with AIA's mission to promote archaeological understanding and preserve cultural heritage, fostering appreciation of diverse cultures.

The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Fund for Historic Interiors, established by George P. Mitchell in 1997, supports the preservation of historic interiors through grants ranging from $2,500 to $15,000. Eligible applicants include public agencies and nonprofits, while individuals may apply if their project involves a National Historic Landmark. The competitive selection process typically concludes within three months, with grant recipients required to match funds dollar-for-dollar. This initiative promotes education and planning activities crucial for maintaining historic interior integrity.

The Center for Arab American Philanthropy (CAAP) Grant supports Arab American organizations in arts, culture, media, and human services. Grants of up to $10,000 are available to U.S.-based nonprofits that serve the Arab American community and hold valid 501(c)(3) status. CAAP aims to strengthen community organizations and foster philanthropy, ensuring impactful support for eligible groups dedicated to empowering the Arab American population across the nation.

The Urology Care Foundation's Health Equity Fellowship Grant aims to train early-career urologists dedicated to addressing healthcare disparities in marginalized communities. Over two years, fellows will engage in didactic education and hands-on advocacy projects, gaining skills to implement innovative solutions. The program emphasizes mentorship and collaboration with Temple University, providing a unique opportunity for urologists to enhance their understanding of urban bioethics and community engagement while receiving a recognized certification upon completion.

The Community Foundation of Marquette County distributes over $130,000 annually in scholarships to benefit aspiring students in Marquette County.

Matt Davidson Memorial Scholarship Fund

Provides scholarships to up to two eligible applicants, one male and one female in the amount of $500.00 each. 

Distribution Process

• CFMC scholarship recipients will be contacted in June requesting student enrollment verification
• Scholarships can only be distributed once student’s information is received
• Scholarships will be distributed to the college/school/university indicated by student
• The scholarship must be used for tuition and fees required for the enrollment or attendance of the student at a qualifying educational institution; fees, books, supplies, and equipment required for courses of instruction at such an educational institution; and room and board, within the first semester of first year of students enrollment
• That year’s recipient must claim the scholarship within that fiscal year to be distributed (by 12/31/xx)

The Occupational Safety and Health Education and Research Centers (T42) program, funded by the CDC, focuses on enhancing occupational safety through targeted education and training. By fostering interdisciplinary research and collaboration among academic institutions, this initiative aims to equip professionals with the necessary skills to address workplace health challenges. The program seeks to diversify the workforce and improve worker safety and well-being through outreach and continued education efforts.

The Creative Economy Fund offers vital support to digital creators and entertainment professionals affected by the LA Wildfires. Catering to individuals in film, music, and performing arts, this fund provides assistance for those who have experienced home loss or damage. Eligible applicants include direct creators, employees of talent agencies, and other creative professionals, ensuring a broad reach within the entertainment community. With a focus on personalized resources and guidance, the fund aims to foster resilience in a challenging industry.

About Community Foundation of Henderson County

• Mission: Helping people who care make lasting contributions to causes that matter.
• Vision: Community Foundation of Henderson County is a highly visible, philanthropic leader directed by an engaged and committed board, staffed by qualified employees, empowering donors at all levels to invest in professionally managed charitable funds that address community needs.

About Hans and Margo Nagel Scholarship

This scholarship provides assistance with education expenses for a citizen and resident of Henderson County who graduates from a high school in Henderson County. This scholarship is for someone who is doing things to prevent and break the cycle of desperate need and is to act as an incentive for the recipient to do something, primarily in using education, to pull his or her life together and make a better life for himself or herself and the next generation.

This is a renewable scholarship.

Bill Boehlke Scholarship

Bill Boehlke worked for both the Seattle Seahawks and Seattle SuperSonics as a creative member of their digital communications departments. His imagination, humor and positive personality were appreciated by everyone he worked with. In memory of Bill, his family established this scholarship fund in 2020. The fund will provide scholarships to high school seniors in the state of Washington who are pursuing a career in digital communications, including social media video production. Scholarships will help cover qualified expenses including tuition, books and other expenses necessary for their classes. Scholarships are not renewable. Special consideration will be given to students based on financial needs and the applicant’s history of good character and community service.

Amount:

$1,000 - $5,000

Community Foundation of the Holland/Zeeland Area

Our Mission

The Community Foundation of the Holland/Zeeland Area seeks to ensure that our community thrives today, tomorrow, and forever by building our Community’s Endowment to support high impact charitable projects, helping donors achieve their charitable goals, and leading and partnering in community-level initiatives.

Scholarships

CFHZ awards over $1 million in scholarships each year for students to attend schools of higher education throughout the nation. Our scholarships are possible thanks to the generosity of donors who invest in our community’s future by furthering the education of others.

All Holland/Zeeland area individuals interested in post-secondary education are encouraged to apply for CFHZ scholarships.

The Foundation proudly administers over 100 scholarships, each with unique eligibility criteria that must be met before a candidate can be considered.

Ted Vanden Bosch Scholarship for the Children of Police Officers, Firefighters, and Rescue Personnel

• Graduating senior or graduating early college student who attends public, private, or home school in the primary service area of the Community Foundation or in Fennville, Hamilton, or Saugatuck
• Enrolling at an accredited post-secondary school within the United States
• Financial need (must submit the page of the FAFSA Submission Summary showing the Student Aid Index amount)
• GPA of 3.0 or greater
• Child of a firefighter, police officer, or rescue personnel
• Special consideration given to candidates interested in pursuing a degree in the sciences

The Trutta Fund Supporting Veterans Grant, administered by the Western Colorado Community Foundation, offers financial assistance to organizations serving veterans in Mesa and Delta Counties. Grants, typically up to $10,000, focus on projects that support veterans' basic needs, mental health, community engagement, and access to services. Eligible organizations must be qualified 501(c)(3) entities or public agencies providing services in these counties, ensuring that veterans and their families receive essential help.

The Security and Preparedness (SAP) Program, supported by the National Science Foundation, promotes fundamental research addressing global and national security issues. It emphasizes intellectual merit and broader impacts, encouraging projects that are methodologically sound and empirically driven. Research areas include international relations, political violence, and peace science, among others. The program also fosters undergraduate research experiences and methodological innovations, while strictly avoiding applied research.

The Rachael Ray No-Kill Excellence Grants, funded by the Rachael Ray Foundation, support Best Friends Network partners in maintaining a 90% Save Rate for animals. These grants encourage innovative projects that enhance community partnerships and mentorships, helping organizations achieve sustainable lifesaving outcomes. Eligible organizations can apply for grants up to $60,000, with a focus on scalable programs that benefit animals and promote no-kill initiatives across the United States.

The NIOSH Support for Conferences and Scientific Meetings (R13) program aims to fund high-quality scientific gatherings that enhance occupational safety and health research. It supports meetings that align with NIOSH's mission and priorities, encouraging the exchange of information on relevant topics. Applications should focus on advancing research in these areas, fostering collaboration among professionals. Note that training-only events are not eligible for funding under this program.

The NIOSH Support for Conferences and Scientific Meetings (U13) program aims to fund high-quality scientific gatherings that advance research in occupational safety and health. By promoting collaboration among experts, this program supports workshops and conferences aligned with NIOSH mission priorities. Federal involvement is significant, ensuring guidance and coordination throughout the award process. Applications for training-only events are not eligible, emphasizing the focus on comprehensive scientific discourse.

The Occupational Safety and Health Research (R01) grant aims to enhance understanding of workplace hazards, develop strategies to mitigate risks, and translate research into effective prevention measures. This initiative encourages applicants to address specific occupational health challenges and articulate the anticipated outcomes of their research, contributing to the reduction of work-related illnesses and injuries. By fostering innovative solutions, this grant supports the mission of NIOSH and promotes safer working environments.

The NSF National Quantum Virtual Laboratory - Quantum Testbeds initiative aims to enhance U.S. leadership in quantum science and technology. By fostering collaboration among researchers, industry partners, and diverse talent, this program seeks to accelerate the development and implementation of quantum technologies. It emphasizes translational research, education, and outreach, ensuring broad engagement across sectors. Proposals must follow established design and implementation deadlines to contribute effectively to the overarching goals of the National Quantum Initiative.

The Wagner Catholic Scholarship, offered by the Community Foundation of the Holland/Zeeland Area, supports graduating seniors from local Catholic parishes who are pursuing higher education. Eligible applicants must demonstrate financial need and faith commitment through a personal essay. The scholarship is renewable for up to three years, with a decreasing award amount after the first year. This initiative aims to empower students to further their education while fostering community values.

The Wanser Fund Grant, provided by The Denver Foundation, offers funding between $5,000 and $7,000 for organizations dedicated to animal health. Established in 2013, this grant aims to support programs that align with its mission. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations located in the Denver Metro area and must focus on initiatives that enhance animal health. This is a valuable opportunity for eligible nonprofits to secure funding for impactful projects.

R. Kubly Family Foundation

The goal of the R. Kubly Family Foundation is to enhance the quality of life in Monroe, Wisconsin by empowering educated and leadership-focused individuals who live and work in the Monroe area.

Scholarship Loan Program

The R. Kubly Family Foundation makes low interest loans to qualified individuals for use in paying their school tuition for graduate, professional, or certain undergraduate degrees through the Scholarship Loan Program. The Foundation will forgive those loans if the individual lives and works in the Monroe, Wisconsin area for five years after graduation. See the Program Detail & Policies PDF for more information. 

Scholarship Loan Program applications are accepted throughout the year.

The ASM Minority Travel Award aims to enhance diversity in microbial sciences by supporting faculty from underrepresented institutions, including community colleges and historically black colleges. This initiative ensures that diverse perspectives are included in the field, fostering a richer academic environment. Awardees receive complimentary registration and housing for ASM Microbe 2026, promoting professional development and networking opportunities in microbiology.

Selkirk Pickleball Growth Program

At Selkirk, we are committed to growing the sport of pickleball by making it accessible to everyone. The Selkirk Growth Program enables schools and community programs worldwide to access Selkirk equipment.

Our original goal was to give away 3,000+ paddles a year; we have now given away more than 40,000 paddles since we started in 2019. As part of our Growth Program, we are donating gently-used paddles to:

Schools.

• First responders.
• Senior centers.
• Churches.
• Parks & recreation departments.
• Other community organizations looking to expand their programs.

We will also provide a discount on additional paddles, balls, and nets for schools and charities involved in the program.