Best Diversity Grants for Nonprofits in Colorado

Office for Victims Programs (OVP)

Vision

Be a trusted resource for crime victims/survivors, service providers, and agencies, and a catalyst for improving the delivery of and access to services for victims/survivors in Colorado.

Mission

To support victims/survivors, communities, service providers, and agencies using our diverse expertise and backgrounds by:

• Serving as good stewards in the dissemination of public funds;
• Bridging the gap between victims/survivors and the criminal justice system, helping them navigate its complexities while promoting fairness and justice;
• Training across multiple sectors to strengthen the capabilities of agencies;
• Collaborating with communities, policy makers, and stakeholders to enhance the response to victims/survivors of crime;
• Influencing public policy that prioritizes victims’ rights, safety, and healing.

Crime Victim Services — SASP (Sexual Assault Services Program)

Dedicated to the provision of direct intervention and related assistance for victims of sexual assault.

Victimizations Served

• Sexual assault

Match Requirements

• No match requirement

The Crime Victim Services — VAWA (S.T.O.P.) program, managed by the Colorado Division of Criminal Justice, aims to enhance the response to victims of sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking. This initiative supports diverse projects that strengthen victim services and ensures access to justice. It mandates a 25% non-federal match for project budgets, while allowing exemptions for tribes and certain nonprofits. The program prioritizes effective collaboration and public policy advocacy to uphold victims' rights and safety.

About Us

Next50 is a private, national foundation based in Denver, Colorado. Since 2016, Next50 has been working toward creating a world that values aging.

The mission of Next50 shall be to promote independence and dignity for the aging population, to include the needs of low and moderate income persons encompassing individuals with physical, cognitive and/or behavioral disabilities, by encouraging and supporting innovative, affordable and coordinated services and initiatives.

Ways we Support Affordable Aging

At Next50, we believe in maximizing our impact by deploying our capital across a range of diverse investment tools and strategies – a polycapital approach.

Next50’s philanthropic approach blends responsive and proactive strategies to drive meaningful, lasting change across our priority areas. By actively engaging with the communities we serve, we gain critical insights that allow us to bridge gaps, anticipate challenges, and amplify impact.

Through polycapital, we leverage a full spectrum of financial and non-financial tools – including grants, investments, policy, advocacy, and community engagement – because creating a world that values aging requires a multifaceted and adaptive strategy.

Sudden and Urgent Need (SUN)

Providing small, Colorado-based organizations serving marginalized older adults with one-time funding to address sudden and urgent needs.

SUN funding is available for efforts such as:

• An organization providing mobile technology training for low-income older adults in a rural area has an unexpected issue that has arisen with their mobile training vehicle and needs a replacement part to be able to continue providing services.

• A small organization providing a financial boot-straps course for low-income older adults has a water leak in their building and must shut down classes until the leak is fixed.

• A small organization serving older adults in rural Colorado receives unexpected notice that its lease will not be renewed, requiring sudden legal and moving expenses to secure new space and maintain operations without disruption.

Sudden & Urgent need

The organization must demonstrate that their need is unbudgeted, unforeseen, time-sensitive, and significantly interferes with their ability to serve older adults and/or their caregivers or provides an immediate opportunity to enhance services. The request must be for an expense that is a one-time need and is not a part of the organization’s general operating or ongoing expenses.

Improving economic well-being for older adults

Applicants must demonstrate how the work of their organization contributes to the economic well-being of the older adults they serve.

Alignment with priority areas

Applicants should be able to briefly describe how their work with older adults aligns with one or more of Next50’s priority areas – Ending Ageism, Advancing Digital Equity, and Supporting Aging in Place

Population served

Requesting organizations must demonstrate a current focus on serving marginalized populations aged 50+ and/or their caregivers. Marginalized refers to the systematic social, economic, and political exclusion or disadvantage faced by individuals or groups, particularly those with intersectional identities. Please refer to our list of priority populations. Applicants who demonstrate a strong understanding of the intersectional identities of the older adults they serve and actively work to dismantle systemic barriers to access will be prioritized.

Impact

Applicants must explain the potential to have an immediate impact on the organization’s ability to serve older adults.

Need For Funds

Applicants must clearly describe their organization’s financial need for requested funds. We will consider both an organization’s need for funding and its financial sustainability. If you have significant cash reserves or a budget surplus, please explain why the requested funds are needed. Similarly, if you have low cash reserves or a budget deficit, please share how the requested funds will help improve financial sustainability and/or how you plan to improve your financial position.

The Direct Effect Awards, presented by the Colorado Housing and Finance Authority (CHFA), aim to support nonprofit organizations in Colorado that enhance affordable housing and community development. Eligible entities must align with CHFA's mission by promoting affordable home ownership, rental housing, and economic development. Priority is given to organizations that serve rural communities, special needs populations, and those innovating in construction and service delivery, ensuring housing stability and economic prosperity for all Coloradans.

The Kerr Foundation Inc. offers grants to 501(c)3 organizations, focusing on education, arts, health, and human services. Priority is given to Oklahoma entities, but applications from neighboring states and Washington D.C. are also accepted. The foundation supports various project types, including capital, program, and operating expenses. Note that back-to-back grants are not allowed, enforcing a three-year gap for reapplication after funding. This ensures a broad and impactful reach for community development.

The Women & Girls of Color Fund focuses on empowering women and girls of color in Colorado through targeted investments in their leadership and economic security. With only 0.5% of foundation funding allocated to this demographic, the fund aims to dismantle systemic barriers and uplift community-led initiatives. Prioritizing organizations led by women of color, it supports diverse programs that enhance economic opportunities while addressing intersecting oppressions, thereby fostering a brighter future for all.

The Equity-Focused Leadership Grant by the Bonfils-Stanton Foundation aims to foster diverse leadership in the nonprofit sector by providing up to $10,000 to organizations that support BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and disabled adults. This initiative addresses the racial leadership gap and promotes equitable opportunities for marginalized professionals, ensuring they can pursue executive roles. With an annual funding of over $3.5 million, the foundation reinforces its commitment to inclusive community engagement and innovative leadership development in Denver.

Caring For Denver Grants focuses on community-centered solutions addressing mental health and substance misuse in Denver. The initiative prioritizes equitable access to culturally relevant care, emphasizing the importance of community-based organizations. By supporting peer specialists and care navigation, the foundation aims to improve access and outcomes for marginalized populations. Grant applicants must be nonprofit organizations or government entities serving Denver residents. This funding opportunity seeks to uplift voices affected by historical trauma and promote innovative approaches to mental health care.

The CommonSpirit Health Equity & Advancement Fund aims to improve health outcomes for vulnerable populations in Colorado, Kansas, and Utah. Launched in 2021, this initiative focuses on enhancing social justice through community engagement, addressing social determinants of health, and supporting innovative health equity projects. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations and tribal nations that collaborate to serve underrepresented communities. Funding priorities emphasize collaboration, unique health equity solutions, and leveraging additional resources.

The TourWest Grants, funded by the National Endowment for the Arts, aim to support presenters and organizations in the Western region by providing flexible funding for touring artists. This competitive grant encourages community engagement and outreach, fostering collaboration between artists and local communities. It prioritizes accessibility to the performing arts, especially in underserved areas. Applicants must be tax-exempt organizations or local government units and demonstrate a commitment to community needs through their projects.

The State Historical Fund: Competitive Mini Grant, administered by History Colorado, supports heritage preservation projects that demonstrate public benefit across Colorado. Established through a constitutional amendment in 1990, the fund has awarded over $315 million through nearly 4,800 grants. This program prioritizes projects that meet established historic preservation standards, offering financial support for various eligible initiatives, including those benefiting BIPOC communities, while maintaining stringent guidelines on ineligible expenses.

The J.W. Couch Foundation Grant focuses on supporting Wildlife Conservation nonprofit organizations that align with their mission of community betterment and environmental protection. The foundation seeks partnerships with organizations that promote animal wellbeing, early childhood education, teacher support, and outdoor activities. Eligible applicants must be registered 501(c)3 nonprofits or for-profit entities aligned with their charitable programs. This grant emphasizes collaboration and community engagement to create lasting impacts.

The Rural Initiative Grant Program by the Laura Jane Musser Fund aims to foster collaboration among rural communities in areas like economic development and education. Emphasizing community involvement, it encourages diverse participation and measurable outcomes within 18 months. Grants of up to $25,000 for implementation or $5,000 for planning are available, targeting nonprofit organizations and local governments in select states. This initiative seeks to empower communities to achieve positive change through active engagement and support.

The Denver Immigrant Legal Services Fund Grant aims to enhance legal support for Denver's immigrant community. Managed by The Denver Foundation, the fund provides grants to nonprofit organizations to offer direct legal representation, affirmative relief for DACA applicants, and capacity-building initiatives. Priorities include defending individuals facing removal proceedings and supporting innovative projects to increase the availability of immigration attorneys. This initiative serves residents of Denver with limited income, ensuring equitable access to legal resources.

The Laura Jane Musser Fund was established by the estate of Laura Jane Musser of Little Falls, Minnesota to continue the personal philanthropy, which she practiced in her lifetime.

Environmental Initiative Program

The Laura Jane Musser Fund assists public or not-for-profit entities to initiate or implement projects that enhance the ecological integrity of publicly owned open spaces, while encouraging compatible human activities. The Fund’s goal is to promote public use of open space that improves a community’s quality of life and public health, while also ensuring the protection of healthy, viable and sustainable ecosystems by protecting or restoring habitat for a diversity of plant and animal species.

Projects must..

• Focus on protecting/restoring a sustainable ecosystem that is a defined, public open space.
• Promote public access to and use of the defined open space.
• Involve active participation of local community members, with a particular appreciation for volunteer and youth engagement and stakeholder contributions.
• Contain measurable outcomes within the first 12-18 months.
• Include a plan for the long term financial and environmental sustainability of the proposed program.

Projects during any one grant period will be eligible for either:

• implementation grants or 
• planning grants

Environmental Initiative - Implementation Grant Program

Implementation grant applications must demonstrate clear evidence of local community active participation and support.

Projects will be eligible for either planning or implementation funds during any one grant period.

The Environmental Initiative Grant Program by the Laura Jane Musser Fund aims to support public and nonprofit entities in enhancing the ecological integrity of open spaces. It promotes community involvement in planning and implementing projects that improve quality of life and public health while protecting ecosystems. Grants range from $8,000 for planning to $35,000 for implementation, targeting projects in specific states, fostering sustainability, and ensuring active local participation.

The Dudley T. Dougherty Foundation Grant supports nonprofit charitable organizations recognized under section 501(c)(3) of the IRS Revenue Code. Established in 2002, the foundation aims to empower groups committed to positive change, fostering respect for life and the environment. Their vision emphasizes collaboration for a better future, encouraging applicants to embody these values in their initiatives. With a focus on impactful projects, this grant is an opportunity for organizations striving to make a critical difference in our world.

The Equity in Arts Learning for Colorado Youth (EAL) Grant Program aims to enhance access to arts education for historically marginalized youth in Colorado. Grants ranging from $10,000 to $25,000 will support projects that engage professional artists in educational settings for youth aged 4-21. This initiative, backed by significant foundations, seeks to dismantle barriers to arts education, fostering creativity and community engagement while promoting equity, diversity, and inclusion.

The Nonprofit Sabbatical Grant Program, funded by The Colorado Health Foundation, offers up to $100,000 to support nonprofit leaders in Colorado. This initiative allows executives to take a much-needed sabbatical of three to four months, fostering rejuvenation and innovative thinking. The program emphasizes diversity in its grantee selection, aiming to address entrenched inequities while ensuring sustainability in organizational operations during the absence of leaders. By investing in interim leadership and staff development, it enhances the capacity of nonprofits to serve their communities effectively.

The Changing Aging (CA) Grant supports innovative projects aimed at enhancing economic opportunities for older adults and combating ageism. Priorities include advancing digital equity and promoting aging in place for marginalized communities. Funded by Next50, the grant encourages collaboration among nonprofits and requires an equity-focused approach to project design. Organizations may apply for up to three years of funding, with no maximum request limit, although a pre-application call is necessary for larger requests.

The Colorado Organizational Resiliency (COR) Grant, offered by the Next50 Initiative, supports Colorado-based nonprofits that serve marginalized older adults. The grant aims to enhance resilience through infrastructure improvements, technology upgrades, and strategic planning. Eligible organizations must demonstrate innovation and a commitment to equity. This funding opportunity is aimed at addressing challenges faced by nonprofits while fostering economic opportunities for older adults and their communities, ensuring impactful long-term recovery from setbacks.

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 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 Women and Girls of Color Fund: Rural Cycle aims to empower women and girls of color in Colorado by addressing systemic disparities they face in health, wealth, and access to resources. By focusing on organizations led by women of color, the fund prioritizes initiatives that build economic power and promote community organizing. This fund not only seeks to increase financial support but also strives to dismantle oppressive structures, ensuring that marginalized communities receive the necessary resources to thrive.

The Colorado Disability Funding Committee Grants aim to enhance the quality of life for individuals with disabilities by funding innovative programs. Under the Laura Hershey Disability Support Act, the committee invites proposals from nonprofit entities that can provide new solutions for accessing disability benefits and improving independence. With $800,000 available in this grant round, each grant will not exceed $50,000, focusing on projects that prioritize those facing significant barriers.

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.

The Colorado Bar Foundation Grant supports nonprofits in Colorado by funding programs that improve legal services for the disadvantaged, promote law-related education, and enhance the administration of justice. With a 70-year history and over $2.5 million awarded, the Foundation emphasizes community needs and innovative projects. Organizations are encouraged to apply for specific program expenses, with a focus on clarity, financial stability, and the likelihood of success. Applications are accepted annually from March 1 to May 24.