Best Unrestricted Grants for Nonprofits in Colorado

The NAACP X Society Awards Scholarship

The NAACP x Society Awards Scholarship is one of many funding opportunities available to students through NAACP's Inspire Initiatives. We offer scholarships to outstanding and qualified students pursuing undergraduate degrees. Through the generosity of our donors, we advance efforts to ensure equity in educational opportunity that prepares students for success in school, work, and life.

Scholarship amount: $1,000 to $5,000

This is a non-renewable scholarship opportunity.

The Community Foundation Serving Southwest Colorado presents the "A Taste of the Nonprofit Sector Grant," offering $2,500 to 10 selected nonprofits. This grant allows winners to showcase their missions during the Durango Wine Experience events on April 25-26, 2025. To qualify, organizations must be 501(c)(3) tax-exempt entities or affiliated with one. Previous recipients from 2024 are ineligible. This initiative highlights the diversity of local nonprofits and supports community engagement.

The NHLBI Career Transition Award (K22) supports postdoctoral fellows and research trainees in the NHLBI Division of Intramural Research, facilitating their transition to independent research roles at extramural institutions. Key deadlines for applications include October 12, 2024, and February 12, 2025, among others, providing ample opportunity for qualified investigators to advance their careers.

The Blue Foundation Inc

The Blue Foundation is an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit charitable organization founded to champion, fund and celebrate local nonprofit causes that keep our community and people strong, financially stable and healthy. The Blue Foundation also helps make tax-deductible charitable giving easy for you.

Additionally, Blue Federal Credit Union matches all new member donations up to 80%. Since its inception, The Blue Foundation has given over $350,000 back to our communities.

The Blue Foundation Sponsorship

Donations and sponsorships are available at any time through Blue Federal Credit Union, and will be discussed at a monthly meeting. Though we strive to help everyone, not all donation requests will be fulfilled. We work hard to provide follow-up to all requesting parties regardless of fulfillment decision.

Both our sponsorships and grants focus on supporting non-profits who impact financial health and wellness.

Department of Local Affairs

The Department of Local Affairs (DOLA) serves as the primary interface between the State and local communities. DOLA provides financial support to local communities and professional and technical services to community leaders in the areas of governance, housing, and property tax administration.

Transit Oriented Communities Infrastructure Grant Program

The Colorado Department of Local Affairs (DOLA), in partnership with Colorado Energy Office (CEO) and Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT), with funding from HB24-1313 (C.R.S. §§ 29-35-201 — 29-35-210), offers state assistance to local governments through the Transit Oriented Communities Infrastructure Grant Program (TOCI) for the purpose of upgrading infrastructure and supporting regulated affordable housing in Transit Centers and designated Neighborhood Centers within certified Transit-Oriented Communities.

A minimum of 25% local match of the total project cost is required. Applicants able to provide a higher level of match may be scored more competitively, although all applicants will be evaluated on the contents and merit of the application and the intended impact of grant fund utilization towards infrastructure implementation. An applicant experiencing financial hardship may request a reduced level of matching funds upon consultation with DOLA Grants Staff before submitting their application with a reduced match.

The Western Big Game Seasonal Habitat and Migration Corridors Fund, managed by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF), aims to enhance big game habitats and migration routes on federal, private, and Tribal lands. With an anticipated funding of $3 million, projects will focus on improving habitats for species like elk and mule deer, fostering biodiversity and climate resilience. This initiative supports sustainable wildlife populations and prioritizes collaborations with key partners such as the U.S. Department of Interior.

The Blue Foundation Inc

The Blue Foundation is an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit charitable organization founded to champion, fund and celebrate local nonprofit causes that keep our community and people strong, financially stable and healthy. The Blue Foundation also helps make tax-deductible charitable giving easy for you.

Additionally, Blue Federal Credit Union matches all new member donations up to 80%. Since its inception, The Blue Foundation has given over $350,000 back to our communities.

The Blue Foundation Grant

Blue Foundation Grants are awarded to 501c3 organizations whose programs directly impact financial wellness or financial education. The grant funds may not be used toward general operating expenses.

Grant commitments are generally for one year only and in the range of $3,000 – $25,000.

It is strongly encouraged that potential applicants read our guidelines prior to submitting an application to confirm their eligibility to apply. 

The MHUW Strategic Investment Grants support nonprofit organizations in the seven-county Metro Denver area, focusing on basic needs, early childhood education, and out-of-school programming. These grants aim to empower organizations that align with the Mile High United Way's mission to foster community well-being and economic stability. This competitive grantmaking process emphasizes collaboration and community-driven solutions to address critical human service issues, ensuring every individual has the opportunity to thrive.

Bell's Brewery Small Grassroots Grants support projects focusing on water stewardship across the Great Lakes watershed. With grant amounts ranging from $500 to $5,000, eligible organizations can apply for funding to improve ecosystem health, enhance public health through better water resource management, and promote resilience against climate-related water risks. This initiative highlights Bell's commitment to environmental stewardship and community support in all 50 states and DC.

The Folk and Traditional Arts Project Grant, offered by the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade, aims to celebrate and preserve Colorado's cultural heritage through folk and traditional arts. This grant fosters community well-being, cultural identity, and economic vitality. It provides funding for creating, presenting, or documenting folk arts, with a maximum amount of $3,000 available for projects that enhance community engagement and creativity, with a completion deadline of June 30, 2026.

The Colorado Outdoor Equity Grant Program aims to enhance access to outdoor activities for traditionally underrepresented communities, including low-income families, LGBTQ+ individuals, and youth of color. This initiative supports projects that address barriers to outdoor recreation and environmental education. By promoting equitable access to Colorado's natural resources, the program seeks to foster community engagement and empower underserved populations. The funding, up to $100,000, is intended for organizations committed to transformative change in outdoor equity.

The US Department of Health & Human Services announces a competitive funding opportunity for the Head Start/Early Head Start programs across various states. This initiative aims to enhance services for low-income families and children, promoting their social and economic well-being. With approximately $818.3 million available, the program seeks to expand access to quality early childhood education, thereby strengthening community stability and prosperity. Interested applicants can seek further information through the OHS Operations Center.

The Viking Foundation of Lincoln is dedicated to enhancing the lives of young people facing challenges such as poverty and educational barriers. By providing modest grants, typically between $5,000 and $10,000, the foundation supports 501(c)(3) organizations in the Lincoln, NE, Denver, CO, and Des Moines, IA areas. Emphasizing core values like equal opportunity and community well-being, the foundation seeks innovative projects that promote health, education, and environmental sustainability.

The Maki Foundation Grant Program, established in 1981, focuses on environmental protection in the western United States. Grants range from $1,000 to $5,000, aimed at organizations where modest support can create significant impact. Priorities include wilderness protection, river conservation, biological diversity, and public lands management. Eligible applicants must have 501(c)(3) status and operate within specific states. The foundation avoids funding large groups or projects involving community recreation facilities and wildlife rehabilitation.

The Homelessness Resolution Program (HRP), previously known as Emergency Solutions Grants (ESG), is administered by the Colorado Department of Local Affairs. This program aims to prevent homelessness and assist individuals and families at risk of homelessness by providing essential resources and support. HRP enhances access to housing, operates low-barrier emergency shelters, and offers vital social services to those in need, ultimately striving to connect participants with permanent housing solutions.

Ent Credit Union's YES Grants program supports youth-focused nonprofit organizations in Colorado, having awarded over $1.8 million since 2000. In 2022 alone, $200,000 was distributed to 74 grant recipients from over 160 applications. The program aims to enhance community support for children by providing essential resources such as shelter, food, and educational programs. Selection is made by a committee of Ent team members, ensuring a diverse representation in the decision-making process.

Bristol Myers Squibb is dedicated to enhancing healthcare and advancing scientific knowledge through its Corporate Giving program. By supporting various organizations, BMS aims to improve health equity and access to essential medicines for underserved populations. Their focus includes charitable donations, medical education, and community support initiatives. This commitment reflects BMS's goal to make a positive impact on patients' lives and foster strong communities where their employees work and live.

The Fishing is Fun Grant Program, managed by Colorado Parks and Wildlife, aims to enhance angling opportunities throughout Colorado by providing up to $700,000 annually in matching funds. This initiative supports a variety of projects including habitat improvements, access enhancements, and public amenities at fishing sites. Eligible applicants include local governments, recreation departments, and nonprofit organizations. Over 30 years, the program has funded 375 projects, promoting sustainable fishing practices and community engagement.

The Lois Webster Fund, established in 1995 by the Audubon Society of Greater Denver, supports vital research and education projects focused on Colorado's non-game wildlife. This fund aims to enhance the conservation of these species by considering projects that influence population management and habitat conservation. Preference is given to proposals affiliated with nonprofit organizations or academic institutions, ensuring collaborative efforts that can make a significant impact in preserving Colorado's biodiversity.

The Gorham/McGee Early Learning Fund Grant, managed by The Denver Foundation, aims to support nonprofits focused on enhancing education for children aged 0-12 in areas like literacy, nature, and the arts. With a commitment to reducing racial disparities, the fund awards grants of $5,000, encouraging organizations in Colorado to apply and contribute to a more equitable future for the community.

State Historical Fund: Preservation Trades Workforce Grant Program

The Colorado State Historical Fund (SHF) is pleased to announce the Preservation Trades Workforce Grant Program. This competitive grant supports projects that recruit, train, and prepare people for careers in Colorado's preservation trades. Through apprenticeships, internships, and hands-on learning, the program will strengthen Colorado's preservation workforce while expanding access to career opportunities for underserved communities.

This competitive grant advances the 2030 State Preservation Plan, especially::

• Goal 4: Educate & Train – Growing the skills and leadership of preservation advocates and preparing the next generation of professionals
• Objective C: Focusing on workforce development through training, certification, and partnerships

Eligible Projects and Program Focus:

• Projects must address workforce development challenges in the preservation field and focus on underserved communities across Colorado. 
• This grant prioritizes projects that train and employ people in preservation trades through apprenticeships, internships, and hands-on learning.
• This grant is focused on workforce development for preservation trades, with an emphasis on jobs and job readiness. This grant is not focused on general education or academic degree programs.
• Other key aspects of this grant include: Expanding career pathways for historically underrepresented communities, succession planning for legacy craftspeople, and building preservation capacity in rural and underserved areas.

The Weld Trust offers Cycle Grants to nonprofits, schools, and government entities serving Weld County residents. They accept Letters of Inquiry three times a year for various initiatives including access to resources, childhood literacy, and food security. Eligible organizations can receive up to two grants per cycle and six per year, with funding available for indirect costs up to 15%. This initiative aims to foster health and education within the community.

Weather Modification Grant Program

The Program provides state grants to water providers, local governments and/or their fiscal agents that assist in funding ground-based wintertime operational cloud seeding programs. 

Grant money is to be used to help the local water users fund well-designed cloud seeding programs and help modernize programs to take advantage of new technologies. Permits are issued for five months of winter (typically November 1 through March 31).

Examples of how the money can be used:

• To enable full utilization of all winter months in a weather modification permit.
• To purchase or lease equipment like weather stations and remote-operated ice nuclei generators that enhance reporting and effectiveness of cloud seeding programs.
• To evaluate the effectiveness of cloud seeding in a particular area.

Grants are currently only available for permitted cloud seeding programs. To leverage the Weather Modification Grants Program, you will need to develop a plan and funding at a local level, and then apply for a weather modification permit. Annual requests come from the local level project sponsors to the CWCB.

The Fence Authority Scholarship offers a $1,000 award to students pursuing a bachelor’s degree in fields that enhance community beautification, such as architecture, civil engineering, and environmental sciences. Applicants must be U.S. citizens, enrolled full-time, and involved in community service. This scholarship aims to empower students to contribute positively to society while furthering their education in impactful disciplines.

The Jacob and Terese Hershey Foundation provides grants focused on environmental justice, reproductive rights, and community parks in Texas and southwestern Colorado. They accept letters of inquiry year-round, with cycles in Spring and Fall. Their funding supports diverse initiatives including project grants, operating grants, and capital grants, emphasizing investments that enhance the well-being of both people and nature, particularly in underserved communities.

The Bank of America Charitable Foundation focuses on supporting organizations that empower communities through basic needs, income creation, and stable housing. By investing in health and job opportunities, they aim to enhance economic mobility for low- and moderate-income families. Their partnerships target vulnerable populations, ensuring equitable access to resources that foster community vitality and resilience. This initiative emphasizes the importance of stable housing as a foundation for personal and communal growth.

The Evans Family Scholarship, funded by the ACEC Colorado Scholarship & Education Foundation, provides $5,000 to full-time undergraduate students pursuing degrees in environmental or earth sciences engineering at the Colorado School of Mines. Eligibility requires U.S. citizenship, enrollment in an ABET-accredited program, and a full-time status. Preference is given to students transferring from community colleges. This initiative aims to promote engineering education and support the next generation of engineers.