Best Unrestricted Grants for Nonprofits in Colorado

Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade

The Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT) creates a positive business climate that encourages dynamic economic development and sustainable job growth. We advance the state’s economy through financial and technical programs under the leadership of the Governor and Executive Director. We work hard to grow a resilient economy where everyone not only gets by, but thrives. Our agency consists of 12 divisions and offices that support various industries, regions, and sectors.

Tourism Management Grant

Grant Summary

The Tourism Management Grant provides funding for tourism-related projects that develop, enhance, or manage visitor experiences in Colorado.

Funding requests up to $20,000 will be accepted and the required match is 4:1. For every $1 the qualifying grantee allocates to the project, the Colorado Tourism Office will provide $4 in matching funds up to $20,000. For example, if your total project budget is $25,000, you can request a $20,000 grant and you will need to provide the remaining $5,000 as a cash match.

The applicant can financially match the project cost at a higher amount if the cost exceeds grant dollar limitations.

This is a reimbursement grant. Awarded applicants will be provided reimbursement instructions after the formal grant agreement has been executed.

Eligible Projects

Eligible projects must advance the development, enhancement or management of visitor experiences in Colorado. 

Eligible use of funds for Tourism Management Grants

Eligible projects must support one or more of the eligible use of funds detailed below:

• Visitor education programs. Example: Travel philanthropy programs, trailhead and tourism ambassador programs.

• Tourism-related strategic planning. Example: Climate action planning, niche tourism planning, stakeholder and resident engagement, visitor accessibility plans. [For broad tourism planning efforts, please refer to the Destination Blueprint Program]

• Tourism research and data. Example: Accessibility audit, tourism economic impact report and dashboard, hotel and short-term rental analytics, visitor behavior data, visitor profile studies.

• Tourism signage that directly enhances the visitor experience through increased access or engagement. Example: Directional signage, digital information kiosk, educational or interpretive signage, wayfinding signage.

• Accessible and inclusive tourism projects. Example: Customized communication, implement inclusive programming, interpretive panels, train staff in inclusivity and accessibility, language translation

• Environmental sustainability efforts specific to tourism. Example: Destination stewardship dashboard, zero waste event strategy and tracking.

Projects should focus on one or more of the following shared industry priorities or advance specific strategies identified in the Destination Stewardship Strategic Plan(opens in new window):

• Advance off-peak tourism opportunities: Identify opportunities to extend the benefits of tourism throughout the year and increase demand for tourism outside of existing busy seasons.
• Champion the value of tourism: Build awareness of the value that tourism provides to your destination and the role that destination organizations have in enhancing local quality of life.
• Manage and enhance visitor experiences: Diversify tourism offerings and showcase the unique potential of your destination by increasing access or engagement.
• Encourage responsible and respectful use: Inspire visitors to engage in low-impact travel within Colorado, such as advancing climate action strategies.
• Foster inclusive travel opportunities: Develop strategies and resources to ensure your destination is welcoming and accessible to everyone.

Advance Payment Availability and Request Process

Applicants may apply for an advance payment to support immediate cash flow needs for public purposes. The amount of funds advanced is limited to the minimum immediate cash requirement necessary to cover the anticipated expenditures within 90 days from receipt of funds. Failure to deploy the advanced funds within this 90-day immediate-need timeframe will result in mandatory repayment of the unexpended balance.

Eligibility Criteria (Advance Payment)

To be eligible for an advance payment, your organization must:

• Submit all Application Requirements
• If requesting more than $15,000 of funds to be advanced over the life of the grant, you must undergo a risk assessment conducted by OEDIT during the application stage. Advance payments over $15,000 will only be approved for grantees evaluated as “low risk”.

The NFL Foundation Grassroots Program, in partnership with the Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC), aims to enhance the quality, safety, and accessibility of community football fields. With grants up to $250,000, this initiative addresses the critical lack of safe recreation spaces in low-income neighborhoods, ensuring children and adults have access to well-maintained facilities for gathering and exercise, ultimately fostering community health and well-being.

The Emergency Community Water Assistance Grants in Colorado are designed to support rural communities in preparing for or recovering from emergencies that threaten safe drinking water availability. Funded by USDA Rural Development, these grants can be utilized for projects such as constructing waterlines, repairing existing infrastructure, or building new water sources. Eligible applicants include public bodies, nonprofits, and federally recognized tribes in rural areas. This initiative strengthens community resilience against disasters.

The Water and Waste Facility Loans and Grants program aims to provide safe drinking water and waste disposal services to low-income communities on Tribal lands, addressing significant health risks. Eligible applicants include federally-recognized Tribes, state and local governments, and nonprofit organizations. Funding can be used for constructing essential water and waste systems, and while matching funds are typically required, a full grant is possible under certain conditions. Applications are accepted year-round.

The USDA Rural Development program provides essential loans and grants to improve water and waste disposal services in low-income communities, specifically targeting Colonias recognized before 1989. This initiative aims to alleviate health risks associated with inadequate access to safe drinking water and waste management. Eligible applicants include federally-recognized tribes and local governments, with funds supporting the construction of vital infrastructure to ensure community health and sustainability.

AΩA Stories Award

The AΩA Stories Award celebrates the important role narratives play in medical education. It is open to medical students enrolled at institutions with an active AΩA chapter who have completed at least three months of clinical clerkship experience by the submission deadline (typically M3/M4 at time of submission). 

Medical students may reflect on experiences that have shaped their understanding of service, compassion, professionalism, and the human dimensions of medicine. Through narrative writing, participants explore what it means to embody AΩA’s motto: “Be worthy to serve the suffering.”

Local Food Program

Farm to school programs connect schools with local producers to provide students with fresh, healthy food in school and summer meals. These programs promote healthy eating habits, support local agriculture and offer educational opportunities for students to learn about food systems, agriculture and nutrition through activities like school gardens and farm visits.

The Local Food Program offers funding to eligible sponsors for the purchase of Colorado grown, raised or processed products. The program has expanded to include all sponsors operating Healthy School Meals for All including individual charter schools, residential childcare institutes and facility schools. Sponsors are eligible to receive $0.25 per lunch served in SY 2024-25 for SY 2026-27.

The Local Food Program (LFP) offers eligible Child Nutrition Sponsors funding for the purchase of Colorado grown, raised, or processed products. The purpose of this grant program is to support small and mid-sized Colorado producers, while in return fostering nutrition education, bolstering nutrition activities in the state, and supporting Colorado producers, farmers and food manufacturers. This Colorado state funded grant program exists to:

• Provide funding to eligible school nutrition operators for the procurement of Colorado grown, raised, processed, and value-added products to be used in federal Child Nutrition Programs.
• Support implementation of Local Food Program requirements by utilizing a set percentage of the allocated funding for:
  • The mandatory advisory committee made up of students and parents (up to 12%)
  • Allowable costs associated with the administration of the Local Food Program (up to 10%)

Colorado products must be served to students in the School Breakfast Program and/or National School Lunch Program.

It is the General Assembly’s intent that these grant funds be used primarily to support small and medium sized farms and ranches.

Farm to School programs enrich communities with fresh, healthy food and support local producers by changing food purchasing practices. It is the intent of the LFP for students to gain access to healthy, local foods while strengthening Colorado’s economy. Farm to School and programs like the LFP can increase equitable financial opportunities, market growth, and customer diversification for local producers while simultaneously providing kids and teens access to nutritious, high quality, local food so they are ready to learn and grow.

Wages and Stipends Grant

Sponsors receive funding for the meals they serve through accurate meal counting and claiming. Additional funding opportunities are available to help sponsors support healthy, nutritious meals and innovative programs.

CDE Office of Grants Program Administration is dedicated to enhancing school improvement through federal and state grant opportunities. Education professionals can find detailed information on grants, awards, and other relevant opportunities available through various CDE offices.

The Wages and Stipends grant offers funding to eligible sponsors to provide wage increases and/or stipends to frontline food service workers. Sponsors can expect to receive up to $0.12 per lunch served in School Year 2024-25 for School Year 2026-27.

Available Funds and Duration of Grant

$0.12 per lunch served in the 2024-2025 school year is available for the 2026-2027 school year, with funding contingent on approval of appropriations from the State Legislature. At minimum, eligible applicants who opt-in to the program will be eligible to receive $3,000 if their calculated awarded amount is less than the minimum amount. Grants will be awarded for a two-year term beginning in the 2026-2027 fiscal year. Additional grant funding for subsequent years will be contingent upon annual appropriations by the State Legislature, and grantees meeting all grant, fiscal, and reporting requirements.

Special Education Teacher Shortage Grant

The Colorado Department of Education’s (CDE) Office of Special Education is offering 2026-2027 IDEA grant funding to administrative units and local education agencies to address the critical shortage of special education teachers specific to Teachers of Students with Visual Impairments, Teacher of Deaf/Hard of Hearing, Early Childhood Special Educators and Special Education Generalists. These shortages have been the most frequently cited concern since the late 1990s and remain a persistent challenge. The funding aims to support a cohort of special education teacher candidates in meeting the requirements for full licensure.

CDE is requesting Local Education Agencies (LEAs) and Administrative Units (AUs) to act as fiscal agents in collaboration with university educator preparation programs to recruit, employ, and support teacher candidates from preservice to induction. By fostering partnerships at the state, regional, and district levels, we hope to create a robust support system that ensures every student, regardless of location, has access to qualified and dedicated educators.

The SEARCH Grant provides essential support for very small, financially distressed rural communities by funding predevelopment feasibility studies and technical assistance for water and waste disposal projects. Eligible applicants include state and local governments, nonprofits, and federally recognized tribes. Funds can be used for feasibility studies, design analysis, and technical help in securing financial assistance, ensuring improvements in rural infrastructure and community health.

The State Historical Fund: Emergency Grants provide crucial funding for immediate stabilization efforts when historic resources face imminent risk of damage due to unforeseen events like natural disasters. Administered by History Colorado, these grants support public entities and certified nonprofit organizations in Colorado. Timely application within three months of the incident is essential for eligibility. This program plays a vital role in preserving the state's rich cultural heritage and ensuring that significant sites are safeguarded from further harm.

The Western SARE Professional Development Program Grant supports education and outreach for agricultural professionals. Aimed at enhancing knowledge in sustainable agriculture, it provides funding for projects that train educators and farmers through workshops, conferences, and digital media. With a focus on the environmental, economic, and social aspects of agriculture, projects can last up to three years and receive up to $100,000 in funding. This initiative fosters a 'train the trainer' approach to improve agricultural practices.

The Western SARE Professional + Producer Grant Program fosters collaboration between Agricultural Technical Advisors and Producers to promote sustainable agriculture through research and outreach. This initiative aims to improve environmental quality, enhance profitability for farmers, and ensure community well-being. By supporting demonstrations, educational activities, and practical applications, the program seeks to communicate effective sustainable practices to agricultural professionals, ultimately benefiting rural economies and ecosystems.

The Western SARE Graduate Student Research and Education Grant Program supports innovative research and educational outreach in sustainable agriculture. Funded by the USDA, it aims to enhance environmental quality, improve profitability for producers, and uplift rural communities. Projects must involve both research and education components, with proposals authored by graduate students collaborating with their advisors. This initiative fosters communication of results to agricultural professionals, ensuring practical applications for sustainable practices in the Western U.S.

Dan Daly Opportunity Fund

CCCF is proud to offer funding for High School wrestling programs in the State of Colorado through generous funding through the Dan Daly Opportunity Fund.

Funds Available:

$5,000 Grant available to one applicant annually.

The External Collaborative Research Grants by Boehringer Ingelheim support academic and clinical scientists in proposing research studies. These grants facilitate collaboration with Boehringer Ingelheim, which may provide intellectual and financial support. Applicants must assume full responsibility for their research while complying with regulatory standards. The funding should cover research costs, excluding salary support for the collaborative partner. Interested investigators must apply online for consideration.

The Shooting Range Small Grant Program, offered by Colorado Parks and Wildlife, provides funding for improvements at shooting range facilities in Colorado. Annually, $20,000 is available for projects ranging from $500 to $5,000, aimed at enhancing public access and amenities for hunter education and youth participation in shooting sports. Applicants must match the grant with non-state cash or in-kind services, ensuring projects fulfill community needs and support sustainable shooting practices.

The Non-Motorized Trails Grant Program by Colorado Parks and Wildlife offers funding for trail stewardship projects, enhancing outdoor recreation while protecting resources. With a budget of $500,000, it supports trail maintenance crews of two to eight workers. Eligible applicants include local governments and non-profits with land management partnerships. Projects can receive up to $150,000, focusing on safety, sustainability, and community engagement, fostering responsible stewardship of Colorado's natural landscapes.

The Colorado Shooting Range Grants provide essential funding to enhance shooting ranges across the state, with an estimated $750,000 available this year. This initiative, supported by Colorado Parks and Wildlife, aims to improve safety, accessibility, and overall experience for recreational shooters. Eligible applicants include local governments, shooting organizations, and educational groups. Projects focus on public benefit and must adhere to guidelines for environmental stewardship. This program fosters community engagement and promotes responsible outdoor recreation.

The Arts Fund Grants provide vital support for emerging artists from Australia and the USA, facilitating their artistic development through grants of up to $5,000. This funding can be used for travel, living expenses, tuition, and other related costs. Eligible applicants must be citizens or permanent residents of either country and have a formal offer from an accredited institution. The program emphasizes merit-based opportunities across various artistic fields, fostering international collaboration and cultural exchange.

Gary Community Ventures is an impermanent philanthropic organization committed to using all of its resources by 2035 to transform systems and build wealth for Colorado kids and families.

Using a powerful mix of catalytic grantmaking, impact investments, policy and advocacy and the development of new ventures, we create opportunities for Coloradans to thrive now and for generations to come.

Our mission is to partner with our community to leverage business, policy and philanthropy to reshape the arc of opportunity for Colorado kids and families.

Afterschool & Summer Enrichment for All

This RFP seeks to identify local systems ready to replicate My Spark-like programming (see program case study) in other locations throughout Colorado and to model the future of out-of-school learning — one where access is universal, funding is sustainable, and all kidshave opportunities to find their spark.

Description

Gary is seeking to identify a cohort of approximately 3-5 public systems (counties, cities and school districts) and/or the intermediary partners that seek to dramatically scale their out of school enrichment and learning opportunities, particularly for lower-income kids, through My Spark-like programming. The key components of My-Spark like programming are:

• Resourcing kids and families directly with funds to spend on afterschool and summer enrichment opportunities
• Supporting a wide variety of afterschool and summer providers - from arts to sports to tutoring and more - and including nonprofit, business and government providers
• Prioritizing student choice and interest

Priority will be given to proposals that:

• Serve Metro Denver (Adams, Arapahoe, Denver and Jefferson counties), though Colorado locations outside of Metro Denver will also be considered.
• Represent public/private partnerships - we believe that ultimately both public and private stakeholders need to be at the table to make this successful.

The RMEF Grant Program lies at the core of advancing our mission.

RMEF established the program in 1986 to provide financial and logistical support to projects that align with our priorities and goals. Grant funds raised by RMEF members, volunteers and generous donors from across the country translate into significantly more conservation accomplishment when matched with partner funds. The RMEF Grant Program also aims to build recognition for RMEF’s work, grow engagement, and boost local fundraising efforts.

Governed by clear guidelines and criteria, the RMEF Grant Program seeks to foster meaningful collaborations and long-term impacts in the conservation of natural resources and outdoor traditions. Grant project partners include federal, state, local, and tribal wildlife and land management agencies, private landowners and local stakeholders, sportsmen and women, and conservation organizations, universities, foundations and the outdoor industry. Eligible projects primarily focus on habitat stewardship, land conservation and access, wildlife management, and hunting heritage.

We support organizations recognized by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) as a 501(c)3 entity, federal, state, local, or tribal government entities, sportsmen’s organizations, or educational institutions. All applicants must have a Federal Employer Identification Number (EIN) issued by the IRS. RMEF does not offer grants to individuals.

Land Conservation and Access

RMEF conserves critical big game habitat and migration corridors, while expanding and improving public access, including through land acquisitions and voluntary conservation agreements. RMEF's

2026 priorities include:

• Conserving migratory corridors and connecting landscapes through land conservation efforts
• Creating new or improved public access through access easements and agreements and state-run access programs

This funding opportunity invites innovative pilot studies focused on biological, behavioral, and social mechanisms related to HIV pathogenesis, aligning with NIDDK's mission and NIH HIV/AIDS research priorities. Topics may include exploring pathophysiological mechanisms of HIV comorbidities and coinfections, understanding HIV reservoirs in relevant tissues, and examining social determinants affecting health outcomes. Applications are due by 5:00 PM local time of the applicant organization.

About Us

advancing the science of water ®

Who We Are

The Water Research Foundation (WRF) is the leading research organization advancing the science of all water to meet the evolving needs of its subscribers and the water sector. WRF is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, educational organization that funds, manages, and publishes research on the technology, operation, and management of drinking water, wastewater, reuse, and stormwater systems—all in pursuit of ensuring water quality and improving water services to the public.

5418 - Optimizing PFAS Treatment Systems for Multi-contaminant Removal and Operational Benefits

Project Objectives

The Patterson Foundation offers Assistance Dog Program Grants to support organizations providing service animals to veterans and individuals with disabilities. Funding is available for projects that expand capacity, personnel costs related to puppy training, and program support aimed at improving client experiences. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) non-profits and can request grants up to $35,000 for capital projects or $10,000 for program support. Applications are accepted through a two-step process.

The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Foundation offers over 250 scholarships for undergraduate students pursuing dietetics. Applicants complete a single application to be considered for multiple scholarships ranging from $500 to $25,000. Eligibility includes enrollment in an ACEND-accredited program and various special criteria. This initiative supports students from diverse backgrounds, encouraging future professionals in nutrition and dietetics. Membership in the Academy is recommended but not mandatory for application.

The CDPHE EMS and Trauma Funding program for fiscal year 2026 aims to allocate approximately $6.1 million to enhance Colorado's emergency medical and trauma services. This funding is intended for organizations providing EMS and trauma services, including ambulance and first response agencies. Awardees must match 50% of project costs and can receive reimbursement for eligible expenses, ensuring effective utilization of resources to improve public health and safety.