Best Human Rights Grants in Colorado

Nonprofit 501(c)(3)s, community-based organizations with a fiscal sponsor, and Sovereign Tribal Nations in Colorado can apply for CommonSpirit Health’s Health Equity & Advancement Fund to support community health programs. Funding can cover projects, operations, capacity building, or technical assistance that advance social justice, address social determinants of health, and serve underrepresented communities near CommonSpirit facilities.

Nonprofit organizations in Colorado, or those with a fiscal sponsor, can seek funding for social justice and human rights projects that advance Latino and Latina communities. With a mission to strengthen community leadership and equity, The Denver Foundation provides support for education, basic needs, financial stability, emerging leaders, and culturally rooted community efforts through the LatinasGive! Fund, offering US $1,000 - US $4,000.

Colorado nonprofits providing legal services to disadvantaged people, law-related education, or justice system improvements in Colorado can apply for Colorado Bar Foundation grants; awards are approximately US $5,699 for specific program expenses. Organizations, including small and rural groups, working on social justice or human rights–related legal programs may benefit.

Nonprofit and community groups in Colorado working on health equity, social justice, and community building can seek US $20,000 - US $45,000 to strengthen social connections and address health challenges. The Colorado Health Foundation supports efforts that build social capital among marginalized residents, amplify underrepresented voices, and honor cultural heritage to advance human rights and health equity.

Nonprofit and charitable organizations with 501(c)(3) or 170(c)(1) status serving communities in Huntington’s Colorado footprint can seek program-specific funding for human rights and social justice initiatives. Focus areas include community services, racial and social equity, affordable and supportive housing, workforce development, and community revitalization benefiting low- and moderate-income individuals and families.

Colorado 501(c)(3) nonprofits focused on social change, civil rights, or environmental stewardship can apply for the Wolcott Family Foundation’s grants, awarding US $1,000 - US $5,000 for general operating or project support. Small, grassroots groups addressing root causes of poverty, ecological problems, or human rights issues are especially encouraged to seek one-year funding.

The BJA FY 2026 Emmett Till Unsolved Civil Rights Crimes Act Program aims to assist state, local, and tribal law enforcement agencies in investigating and prosecuting civil rights offenses that resulted in death before December 31, 1979. This funding opportunity is part of the DOJ's broader commitment to enhance public safety, protect civil rights, and ensure justice for victims of violent crime. Applications are due on November 20, 2026.

The WWT Foundation Grant aims to empower organizations aligned with the foundation's values, focusing on community service, employee engagement, and business impact. Key areas of support include career readiness, STEM education, human services, and health and wellness. Eligible organizations must be located in the U.S. and registered as 501(c)(3). Applications are accepted year-round, allowing for flexible engagement and support for impactful community initiatives.

The AJ Muste Foundation's Rapid Response Grants support U.S.-based organizations engaged in grassroots activism for social justice. These grants, up to $5,000, are aimed at addressing immediate needs of groups fighting for equality and liberation. The funding is designed for unexpected opportunities and emergencies, promoting powerful organizing efforts. The foundation prioritizes groups lacking traditional funding sources and those focused on systemic change rather than individual support.

The HRE USA 2025 Edmonds Summer Fellowship honors the legacy of Kirby Edmonds by offering young leaders hands-on experience in human rights education. This fellowship provides mentorship and learning opportunities to engage youth in creating human rights-friendly schools and communities. Supported by the Dorothy Cotton Institute, it aims to nurture future leaders committed to human rights advocacy. Eligible candidates must be 18 or older, reside in the U.S., and commit to 100 hours of work between June and August 2025.

The Alexandra Hallock Capacity Building Grant for Small Nonprofits, established in 2024, honors the legacy of Alexandra Hallock by supporting small nonprofits focused on human rights, women's empowerment, and LGBTQ+ causes. This grant offers a one-time $20,000 unrestricted funding along with pro-bono capacity building support. It aims to strengthen organizational infrastructure and governance, ensuring impactful community engagement. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)3 nonprofits with revenue under $400,000, operating for at least one year, and based in the U.S.

The Park Foundation Grants for Civic Participation aim to enhance democracy through active civic engagement. Focused on mobilizing voters and protecting their rights, this program supports grassroots organizations addressing social injustices. By fostering year-round involvement rather than just election-focused efforts, the foundation seeks to empower communities and ensure robust participation in the democratic process, ultimately contributing to a more equitable society.

The Call for Kindness Grant, offered by Riley's Way Foundation, empowers young leaders aged 13-23 to launch impactful social projects focused on kindness and community connection. With grants up to $5,000, recipients receive essential mentorship, coaching, and community support. This initiative has already benefited over 3,500 youth nationwide, promoting values of empathy and social change. Applicants can pursue projects in diverse areas, including environmental justice, ensuring a broad impact in their communities.

The Empathy Building Initiative, led by Acton Family Giving, seeks to foster partnerships with organizations aligned with its mission. While currently not expanding its portfolio, it invites inquiries from potential partners. Eligible organizations must hold 501(c)3 status and align with specific giving areas. The initiative focuses on a national or broad reach and evaluates grant applications based on alignment and conversation. For more details, potential partners are encouraged to review the grants list available on their website.

Doctoral students at U.S. institutions conducting social science dissertation research on social justice, human rights, inequality, immigration, work, or related topics can receive up to US $15,000 for data collection, analysis, and writing. Colorado-based scholars may be eligible if projects focus on improving social and living conditions in the U.S.

Early-career social science faculty researching economic mobility and systemic inequality in the U.S. can apply for project funding from the Russell Sage Foundation. Focused on social justice and human rights, this program invites Colorado and other U.S.-based scholars to propose one-year studies using diverse methods and innovative data sources to inform social policy.

Colorado local governments, public schools, and 501(c)(3) nonprofits can apply for Safe Routes to School National Parternship’s Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day mini-grants, awarding US $500 - US $1,000 for events. Funding supports November activities that promote activism, anti-racism, anti-bullying, and walking or rolling to school, especially first-time, middle, and high school celebrations.

501(c)(3) organizations working on education or social justice in Colorado can seek support for forward-thinking programs that advance human rights. Baskin Family Foundation supports initiatives across the U.S., so Colorado-based groups focused on social justice or related educational efforts may be eligible to apply.

Graduate students pursuing social justice, public or human service, education, or health who are residents of Kauai, Hawaii can apply for scholarship support from Hawai'i Community Foundation. Focused on human rights and related fields, this fund assists full-time master’s or doctoral students with financial need, including those planning to work in Hawaii after graduation.

The Norman Foundation Grants aim to empower communities in the U.S. to enhance their economic, environmental, and social well-being. By supporting projects that promote economic justice, prevent toxic waste disposal, and link grassroots efforts to broader reform, the foundation seeks to foster systemic change. It prioritizes organizations with annual budgets under $1 million, ensuring funds are directed to initiatives that resonate with the aspirations of those most affected by social issues.

The Anderson-Rogers Foundation Grant supports U.S.-based 501(c)(3) organizations focused on environmental protection, animal welfare, climate change mitigation, and social support. Established in 2001, this family foundation prioritizes innovative projects and general operating support for small organizations facing financial constraints. Note that applicants must first submit a letter of inquiry, as the foundation does not fund scholarships or grants to individuals or religious organizations, nor does it support organizations outside the U.S.

State and local education affiliates working on racial and human rights in Colorado can apply for National Education Association Staff Organization’s CRSJ Racial Justice in Education Grant, awarding US $5,000 - US $75,000. Funding supports awareness, capacity-building, and action projects that advance racial equity, develop leaders of color, and transform organizational policies and practices.

With a mission to advance racial justice in education, this grant provides Colorado education-focused organizations with support to build community advocacy partnerships. Eligible NEA state and local affiliates can fund initiatives that boost achievement for students of color, deepen social justice activism, and create union roles that strengthen parent and community engagement around human rights in schools.

State Aspiring Educators organizations and campus chapters in Colorado can apply for National Education Association Staff Organization’s CREATE grants, awarding up to US $2,000 for projects that strengthen AE programs and partnerships. Funding supports educator quality, community engagement, political action, or social justice initiatives that advance human rights and equity in education.

Recent humanities and interpretive social science PhDs authorized to work in the U.S. can receive multi-year fellowship funding to work with social justice–focused nonprofits, including those in Colorado. American Council of Learned Societies supports placements that use fellows’ advanced research, communication, and project management skills to advance human rights and equity initiatives; awards More than US $142,000 in stipend and benefits.

Colorado 501(c)(3) public charities, government entities, and qualifying foundations can access funding through American Electric Power Foundation to advance social justice, STEM education, and basic human needs. Eligible organizations must be within AEP’s multistate service territory or have regional or national reach benefiting the public, and demonstrate strong diversity, equity, and inclusion practices.

Colorado nonprofits advancing social justice, legal services, reentry, or juvenile justice can access funding through the Indigo Oak Fund’s Equal Justice Under the Law program. Grants support fairness in the justice system, rehabilitation and anti-recidivism efforts, civic engagement, and education for future attorneys and social justice workers, with occasional support for similar work beyond Colorado and the Bay Area.