Best Social Science Research Grants in Colorado

The Costco Wholesale Charitable Contributions program prioritizes support for children, education, and health services within local communities. Nonprofit organizations seeking assistance must be 501(c)(3) certified and focus on monetary requests. Applications are reviewed within 4-6 weeks, factoring in community needs and collaboration. However, Costco limits grants to 10% of the program budget and typically restricts organizations to one request per fiscal year. They do not fund individuals or direct aid for various specific purposes.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations with innovative approaches to social problems can apply for Creag Foundation support, including those based in Colorado. Funding is available for new or reimagined programs in human and social services, health, environment, arts, literacy, community safety, and related fields, with priority for smaller or evolving organizations.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations supporting youth health, education, development, or welfare can seek funding for programs such as child advocacy, homelessness services, poverty alleviation, and refugee enrichment from the DanPaul Foundation. Focused on youth-centered initiatives, the foundation invites Colorado social science and related projects that align with these priorities to apply for grants up to US $15,000.

Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation provides Colorado social impact organizations with up to US $300,000 over three years to scale innovative solutions for underserved communities. Early-stage nonprofits and impact-first for-profits working in areas like education, health, environment, or economic mobility may be eligible, including those whose work intersects with social science research or political science.

Colorado nonprofits and NGOs using technology to tackle education, crisis response, economic empowerment, or climate resilience for primarily economically underserved communities can access funding through Cisco Systems Foundation’s Global Impact Cash Grants. Eligible U.S. 501(c)(3) public charities and international equivalents may receive up to US $100,000, with applications accepted year-round via an initial LOI.

Educational institutions, government programs, and eligible 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(4) organizations in Colorado can apply for State Farm Companies Foundation’s Good Neighbor Citizenship grants to support safety, education, and community development initiatives. Programs may include public safety, disaster preparedness, affordable housing, financial literacy, job training, or K–12 and higher education efforts, including STEM and college-career pathways.

Nonprofit cultural institutions offering arts or science programming in Colorado and across the U.S. can seek funding for program, capital, or limited general support, with typical awards of More than US $100,000. William Randolph Hearst Foundation prioritizes arts education, artist development, and STEAM-focused science programs, especially those engaging youth and underserved audiences.

The Hearst Foundation's Social Service Grant focuses on tackling chronic poverty by funding direct-service organizations that implement effective solutions for economic independence and family strengthening. With a mission to support diverse nonprofits in the U.S., the Foundation allocates approximately 15% of its total funding to social services, prioritizing scalable programs that serve significant populations. The minimum grant size is $100,000, and special consideration is given to organizations addressing affordable housing, domestic violence, and youth development.

Colorado 501(c)(3) nonprofits offering early childhood education, economic development, or community services programs for low- and moderate-income residents can apply for PNC Foundation support. Grants from PNC Foundation help community-based organizations fund classroom programs, educator development, housing and small business assistance, cultural enrichment, and neighborhood revitalization initiatives in PNC presence communities.

Roche Corporate Donations and Philanthropy (CDP) focuses on impactful projects that foster sustainable development, engage employees, and leverage Roche's expertise. Their philanthropic efforts prioritize humanitarian, educational, environmental, and cultural initiatives, aiming to build stronger communities and support innovative projects. Eligibility is limited to local organizations, while ineligible projects include those with political or religious ties. The foundation strives to create a positive societal impact through collaboration and strategic partnerships.

Nonprofit and humanitarian organizations conducting health, education, or disaster relief work for marginalized communities worldwide, including Colorado-based groups working internationally, can access funding through Semnani Family Foundation. Grants support programs such as healthcare access, women’s and children’s health, humanitarian aid, literacy, and social services in the U.S. and numerous countries across Africa, Asia, Europe, and Latin America.

Colorado 501(c)(3) nonprofits running community, workforce, housing, basic needs, arts, environmental, or inclusion programs can apply for Bank of America Charitable Foundation’s sponsorship support. Funding can back events or initiatives that advance economic mobility and social progress, and may benefit organizations conducting social science or political science-related research within these focus areas.

Early-career Ph.D.-level researchers in atmospheric and related sciences can receive postdoctoral support to conduct independent research in Colorado, working in residence at NCAR in Boulder. University Corporation for Atmospheric Research offers this two-year fellowship with stipend, travel support, mentoring, and professional development; interdisciplinary social science projects related to climate and weather may be eligible.

Colorado 501(c)(3) organizations serving children, families, veterans, or people facing poverty, health, disaster, or spiritual needs can seek program support through the Robinson Foundation. This family-operated funder supports single-year, non-capital projects from Southern-region organizations active for more than three years, and social science research efforts tied to these service areas may be eligible.

Colorado 501(c)(3) nonprofits seeking support for community services or fundraising events can apply for Insperity’s corporate contributions and event sponsorships. Focused on community involvement, Insperity invites eligible charities in Denver County to request either a philanthropic grant or a single annual event sponsorship tied to areas where its employees live and work.

Colorado 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations working in community services, environmental conservation, or peace-related initiatives can access funding through Dudley T Dougherty Foundation. Grants may support projects that respect people, life, and the environment, and organizations conducting social science or political science research within these areas may be eligible.

The TJX Foundation Grants support nonprofit organizations located within 15 miles of a TJX store that align with their community mission. Eligible areas include basic needs, education for at-risk youth, workforce training, and safety from domestic violence. Organizations must be a registered 501(c)(3) for at least 12 months and have a nondiscrimination policy. Applications are invited through a Letter of Inquiry, with funding decisions based on community impact.

Colorado 501(c)(3) public charities, public schools, and libraries can access funding for environmental and human services programs through the Lawrence Foundation; awards typically range from US $5,000 - US $10,000. Organizations conducting social science research related to community services or environmental issues may be eligible for unrestricted program or operating support, with reasonable indirect costs allowed.

The Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation offers grants to support diverse initiatives, including museums, educational programs, and environmental activities. Aiming to make a significant impact with modest funding, the Foundation targets IRS-qualified non-profits in the U.S. Grants typically range from $1,000 to $20,000, fostering community development and enhancement. Organizations focused on youth, seniors, and individuals with disabilities are particularly encouraged to apply, as the Foundation seeks to empower those in need.

Geoscience students conducting field-focused volcanology research on U.S. volcanoes can receive up to US $5,000 to support travel, living expenses, field supplies, and analytical costs. Geological Society of America partners with the USGS Volcano Science Center to honor early-career researchers; cooperation with USGS staff and studies in key volcanic regions are strongly valued.

Colorado 501(c)(3) nonprofits improving economic stability, workforce readiness, health and social services, or disaster relief in communities with an O’Reilly Auto Parts presence may be eligible for project, operating, or capital support. O'Reilly Automotive Foundation supports community-focused programs that address poverty, hunger, homelessness, health access, literacy, and related needs for underserved and underrepresented people.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Colorado can apply for Union Pacific Foundation’s Community Ties Local Grants, awarding US $5,000 - US $30,000 for safety, workforce development, community vitality, and environmental sustainability projects. Programs serving Union Pacific–served communities, including those incorporating social science research or evaluation, may be competitive if they align with these priority areas and DEI goals.

The True Inspiration Awards, established by Chick-fil-A in 2015, recognizes nonprofit organizations that significantly impact their communities. In 2025, the program will distribute $6 million in grants, ranging from $30,000 to $350,000, to sixteen selected organizations. Categories include Caring for People, Caring through Food, Community, and Caring for our Planet, with a focus on educational initiatives, food security, housing services, and environmental stewardship, honoring the legacy of founder S. Truett Cathy.

Eligible 501(c)(3) organizations in Colorado can apply for Kerr Foundation grants supporting education, arts and culture, health, and human services through capital, program, or operating projects. Colorado nonprofits conducting social science or political science-related work within these areas may be competitive, though Oklahoma organizations receive priority overall.

Nonprofit organizations across the U.S. that lead strong, replicable community partnerships can apply for the Mutual of America Foundation Community Partnership Award. Focused on impactful collaborations, the foundation invites Colorado organizations, including those addressing social science or political science-related social issues, to showcase partnerships that measurably improve lives and model new approaches to community challenges.

Non-sectarian human and social service nonprofits working to help disadvantaged people become self-reliant, including those in Colorado, can apply for Gupta Family Foundation grants of US $5,000 - US $250,000. With a mission to support focused interventions for poverty, disability, social alienation, and disaster relief, the foundation prioritizes smaller organizations with strong founder-led leadership and high beneficiary impact.

Universities, tribes, governments, and conservation organizations conducting environmental and social science research on ecosystems in Colorado can apply for Master Cooperative Agreements that support collaborative studies, technical assistance, and education. Focused on ecosystem-based natural and cultural resource issues, the National Park Service invites CESU network participants to undertake interdisciplinary projects across biological, physical, social, and cultural disciplines.