Best Douglas County Grants for Nonprofits in Colorado

The Basil O'Connor Starter Scholar Research Awards, offered by March of Dimes, support emerging researchers in maternal and child health. With a $150,000 grant over two years, the program prioritizes projects addressing preterm birth and health equity. Eligible applicants must be within four to nine years of completing their clinical training or terminal degree, holding a tenure-track position. This initiative aims to foster impactful research that enhances clinical treatments for serious maternal and newborn health conditions.

The Colorado Resource for Emergency and Trauma Education (CREATE) Education Grants support organizations in enhancing the emergency medical and trauma systems in Colorado. Eligible applicants include urban and rural emergency medical service agencies focused on education and training of providers. The grant aims to ensure high-quality emergency services across the state, fostering improved care and response capabilities in both urban and rural settings.

The Utility Arborist Research Fund Grant Program, managed by the TREE Fund and UAA, offers $50,000 in funding for 2024 to support vital research in utility tree care. The program prioritizes proposals focusing on employee safety, service reliability, and regulatory compliance. Grants range from $10,000 to $50,000, with the aim of addressing pressing issues in vegetation management. Applications are welcomed from those aligned with these priorities, promoting safety and efficiency in the utility industry.

The AmericanTrucks’ Positive Payload Grant Program provides a $250 donation to non-profit charities that utilize Ford, Chevy, GMC, or Dodge trucks in their operations. This initiative aims to support organizations that rely on pickup trucks to enhance their community services. Eligible charities can apply for a grant on an ongoing basis, making it a great opportunity for those making a significant impact with their vehicles. Apply now to help your charity receive vital funding!

The George Family Foundation offers Spirituality & Inner Life Grants to empower organizations that foster mindfulness and personal healing. They seek to support programs that promote respect, empathy, and compassion, aiming to bridge divides and enhance individual well-being. The foundation prioritizes initiatives that align with their mission, particularly those addressing meaningful community needs. They focus on 501(c)(3) organizations primarily in Minnesota and select areas, emphasizing innovative spiritual and inner life endeavors.

The Putting Patients First Grant Program, supported by Canon Medical and managed by AHRA, aims to enhance patient care and safety in medical imaging. In 2024, five grants of up to $10,000 each will be awarded to hospitals developing training or programs in categories such as Diagnostic Imaging and Radiation Safety. Recipients are also required to publish their findings in an AHRA publication, promoting shared best practices across institutions.

The OECD Conference Sponsorship aims to enhance scientific knowledge and provide essential information to influence policy decisions on sustainable resource use in food, agriculture, forestry, and fisheries. It supports international events that showcase innovative research and developments, inviting applications from scientists in these fields. The event sponsorship encourages collaboration among policymakers, industry, and academia, ensuring that research insights are effectively communicated and utilized in decision-making processes.

The African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund Grants support the preservation of historic sites that reflect African American cultural heritage. Grants ranging from $50,000 to $150,000 assist projects in areas like Capital Projects, Organizational Capacity Building, Project Planning, and Programming. Eligible applicants include public agencies, accredited colleges, and nonprofits. The program emphasizes themes such as activism, innovation, and historically significant sites, aiming to foster a deeper understanding and appreciation of African American history.

The Edward E. Ford Foundation offers Traditional Grants to independent schools in the U.S. for projects that enhance educational opportunities. With over $118 million granted since its inception, the Foundation emphasizes the importance of matching funds, requiring a dollar-for-dollar commitment from schools. Eligible institutions must serve grades 9-12, be NAIS members, and have a qualified Head of School. Applications are considered during the June and November Agendas, supporting diverse educational initiatives.

The EEFF Educational Leadership Grant, initiated in 2008 by the Edward E. Ford Foundation, supports innovative proposals from independent schools that aim to impact educational practices nationally. Schools can apply without prior invitations, and grants are awarded based on proposal quality. Eligibility includes serving grades 9-12, having a diverse mission, and a head of school in their third year. The program encourages original thinking and partnerships beyond the school community, aiming for significant, replicable change.

The SBE Postdoctoral Research Fellowships, offered by the National Science Foundation (NSF), are designed to promote early-career independence by supporting research and training goals in the social, behavioral, and economic sciences. Applicants can choose between two tracks: Fundamental Research and Broadening Participation. This initiative addresses significant scientific questions, aligning with NSF's mission to enhance the scientific workforce and foster diversity in research fields.

The Yann Weymouth Graduate Scholarship provides $5,000 and mentorship to a graduate student focusing on sustainability, resilience, wellness, and beauty in design. Administered by the Architects Foundation, candidates must have a GPA of 3.0 or higher, be U.S. citizens, and enrolled in a NAAB-accredited architecture program. Previous recipients can reapply. This scholarship honors the legacy of Yann Weymouth, an accomplished architect known for his significant contributions to major design projects.

The Jason Pettigrew Memorial ARE Scholarship, administered by the Architects Foundation, supports emerging architecture professionals by covering costs for the Architect Registration Examination (ARE). Open to current Associate AIA members, the scholarship honors Jason Pettigrew's legacy and encourages applicants who demonstrate significant contributions to the profession. Recipients gain financial assistance for exam fees and study materials, aiding their journey toward architectural licensure and fostering a new generation of architects committed to community impact.

The Mockingbird Foundation offers competitive grants for music education for children. Focused on underserved communities, the foundation supports innovative projects that engage children directly through music. Grants are only available for nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status, including public schools, in the U.S. The aim is to enhance creative expression and provide music education in unconventional settings. Applications must demonstrate a commitment to diversity and inclusion in their programs.

The AMS Young Scholars Grant Program, offered by the American Mathematical Society, provides grants of up to $15,000 to support summer mathematics programs for talented high school students. Designed to aid established programs, funding should be allocated equally between student scholarships and program expenses. Programs must exist for at least a year, involve a minimum of 20 students, and focus on problem solving or research in mathematics, fostering the next generation of mathematicians.

Funding Overview

Our responsive grants program is designed for you to propose your best ideas to achieve impact within one or more of our focus areas. The program is intended to respond to an urgent community need; address emerging opportunities; test innovative approaches or breakthrough ideas; or implement proven programs. At each funding deadline (Feb. 15, June 15, Oct. 15), we will identify specific objectives for our responsive grants program, which may change from deadline to deadline. Grant funding is highly competitive across all objectives open for the responsive grants program in a funding cycle. Organizations that apply for funding in the responsive grants program for this funding cycle will have to compete across the following objectives: Adult Recovery Supports, Caregiver Resources, Food Program Efficiency, Food Program Participation and Housing Financial Assistance.

Adult Recovery

Focus Area: Advance Health and Well-Being

The Colorado Health Foundation believes recovery is possible for those experiencing mental health and substance use issues.

We envision a Colorado where adults on their recovery journeys can access culturally responsive and linguistically appropriate recovery services close to their homes.

Why It Matters

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) defines recovery as “a process of change through which individuals improve their health and wellness, live a self-directed life, and strive to reach their full potential.”

Additional services beyond clinical treatments and traditional substance use interventions are useful for beginning and maintaining the process of recovery. Nonclinical, evidence-based supports and tools, including peer-support groups, employment services and more, help bring recovery closer. These services are most effective when they align with a person’s background, culture and values.

Mental and behavioral health conditions affect Coloradans across socioeconomic levels and ethnicities. However, barriers to accessing recovery-related services persist for certain groups of Coloradans. Obstacles include a shortage of available services, especially those tailored to Coloradans of color, concerns about affordability, and stigma associated with mental health services.

The Innovations in Alzheimer’s Caregiving Awards, overseen by the Family Caregiver Alliance, recognize organizations that enhance support for family caregivers of individuals with Alzheimer’s disease. These awards highlight innovative approaches in three categories: Creative Expression, Increasing Access and Reducing Stigma, and Public Policy. Each award is valued at $20,000, and applicants must be non-profit organizations, government agencies, or universities operating within the U.S. that focus on the needs of unpaid caregivers.

The Community-Initiated Solutions Grant by The Colorado Health Foundation aims to empower communities to address their own health challenges by funding projects led by community members. This initiative prioritizes health equity, particularly for communities of color, and encourages collaborative solutions that leverage local resources and strengths. The Foundation seeks proposals that clearly define health issues and demonstrate community-driven decision-making, ensuring that the solutions are actionable and sustainable.

The OTF Rapid Response Fund Grant provides urgent support for individuals and organizations facing digital emergencies that threaten their free expression. Through direct financial assistance and technical services from trusted partners, it aims to help high-risk individuals like journalists and activists mitigate digital threats. Eligible applicants can receive up to $50,000 to address specific needs, such as digital protection and tools development, ensuring swift and effective responses to oppressive situations.

Ameriprise Community Grants focus on supporting nonprofits that enhance community vitality and meet basic needs. With over 120 years of commitment to philanthropy, Ameriprise Financial engages employees in volunteerism and grantmaking. Key giving areas include hunger relief, housing stability, and community development. Priority is given to organizations with active volunteer engagement from Ameriprise advisors and employees, creating a meaningful impact on financial independence and community resilience.

The Prevent Cancer Foundation is launching a $100,000 community grant program for 2024-2026, focusing on patient navigation for cancer prevention and early detection. Community-based organizations can apply for funding over two years to enhance their efforts. Priority will be given to applicants demonstrating best practices, established community partnerships, and initiatives that address health disparities. Note that the application cycle opens in 2026, emphasizing the importance of proactive health measures.

The Moffat Geriatric Research Grant, offered by the Foundation for Physical Therapy Research, supports innovative physical therapy research. With a commitment to enhancing healthcare outcomes, this grant aims to fund both emerging and established researchers. By addressing health disparities and fostering a new generation of researchers, the program seeks to advance evidence-based practices that improve movement and health across diverse populations.

The Pediatric Physical Therapy Research Grant, funded by the Foundation for Physical Therapy Research, supports innovative research to enhance physical therapy practices. By fostering early career researchers, the grant aims to build a strong evidence base in physical therapy. Over the past 46 years, this initiative has created a sustainable pipeline for research funding, benefiting patients and healthcare professionals alike, while advancing the profession's evidence-based practices.

The Bob Woodruff Foundation Grants aim to support veterans and their families facing challenges after military service. By raising awareness and providing funding, the foundation focuses on improving health and well-being through direct service programs. Key criteria include enhancing access to healthcare, promoting healthy lifestyles, and fostering sustainability in organizations serving this community. This initiative plays a crucial role in helping veterans thrive post-service.

The Veneklasen Research Foundation Grant supports scientific research in acoustics and related fields, promoting high standards of research. Eligible applicants include public charities and individuals with a demonstrated interest in acoustics. The Foundation emphasizes careful stewardship of resources and maintains relationships within the private foundation community to enhance collaboration. Proposals are reviewed through a letter of inquiry and full proposals are by invitation only, ensuring alignment with the Foundation's mission and objectives.

The Lisa and Douglas Goldman Fund, a private foundation established in 1992, is dedicated to enhancing the Jewish community by awarding grants that foster inclusivity and vibrancy. The fund invites proposals from organizations committed to combating antisemitism and supporting progressive initiatives such as climate action and reproductive rights. Eligible applicants must hold 501(c)(3) status and can submit one request per year, focusing on projects in the San Francisco Bay Area or nationally.

The Goldman Fund, established in 1992, focuses on reproductive health and rights, providing vital support for organizations that enhance access to abortion services. They invite proposals from public charities with a 501(c)(3) status and prioritize projects that improve training for abortion service delivery. The fund supports initiatives across multiple states, excluding projects limited to a single state, except California, and considers requests by invitation only.