Best Fort Collins Grants for Nonprofits in Colorado

Basin Electric Power Cooperative's Charitable Giving Program focuses on supporting communities across its nine-state service territory. The program reviews funding requests periodically and allocates donations to various categories, including education, health services, civic betterment, and cultural initiatives. Additionally, it offers matching funds for member donations and contributes surplus office equipment to organizations in need. This commitment to community growth and sustainability reflects Basin Electric's mission to enhance the well-being of its members.

The Black Hills Charitable Giving Program supports community growth by providing sponsorships and donations to eligible organizations. Focused on thriving communities, conservation, and nurturing future leaders, it invites applications from 501(c)(3) organizations and schools. Funding priorities include critical needs like food security and education, while requests benefiting individuals or political causes are generally not funded. Applications are accepted year-round, with decisions made within 120 days.

The In-N-Out Burger Foundation supports organizations that aid children and youth affected by abuse and neglect, offering grants ranging from $5,000 to $50,000. Eligible nonprofits must be 501(c)(3) registered, operational for at least two years, and demonstrate a commitment to the foundation's mission. Applications are considered for traditional, capital, and program support, focusing on sustainable solutions and clear objectives. Organizations must operate in areas with In-N-Out Burger locations to qualify.

The Share the Bounty Grant, offered by The Andersons Inc Charitable Foundation, aims to enhance the quality of life in communities through support for agriculture, social services, civic engagement, education, arts, and health initiatives. By investing in these key areas, The Andersons seeks to foster environments where individuals and families can thrive, ensuring a sustainable and vibrant future for all residents in the regions they serve.

Nestlé Purina is dedicated to enhancing the well-being of pets and the communities they serve. Through their event sponsorship program, they support 501(c)(3) tax-exempt pet welfare organizations in the U.S. that focus on the welfare of cats and dogs. Eligible events must be located within 50 miles of their St. Louis headquarters, ensuring that their contributions directly benefit local communities. Purina's commitment to pets and people strengthens the bond between them.

The Ronald P. Vallort Engineering Scholarship, named after a former ASHRAE President, supports undergraduate engineering students focusing on refrigeration and the cold chain. Available to students enrolled in select universities, applicants must maintain a GPA of 3.0 or be in the top 30% of their class. This one-year scholarship promotes excellence in heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration, aligning with ASHRAE's mission to advance sustainable technology in the built environment.

Honda’s Community Event Sponsorship aims to support local, regional, and national events that enhance community engagement and celebrate diverse cultures. Organizations must be U.S.-based and tax-exempt, focusing on projects that serve communities where Honda associates are active. Eligible events include parades, festivals, and educational initiatives. Honda evaluates requests based on community needs and available funding, reinforcing its commitment to social responsibility and community enhancement.

Austin J. Hart Entrepreneurial Scholarship

The Austin J. Hart Entrepreneurial Scholarship is available to students who exemplify the entrepreneurial spirit. It is open to high school seniors set to graduate in the upcoming spring term and current Colorado State University students. The scholarship aims to support individuals who plan to attend or are already enrolled at Colorado State University. It is our aspiration that the awardees of this scholarship will perpetuate Austin’s enduring legacy characterized by selflessness, integrity, unwavering diligence, courage, and ambition.

Scholarship amount:

• $5,000

Number of awards:

• 1

Scholarship awards are one-time awards. The amount awarded to a selected recipient may be used for the cost of attendance. All scholarships will be paid directly to the recipient’s school and must be used for the upcoming academic year. Award disbursement is contingent upon the outside scholarship policies of a recipient’s college or university.

The Kayla Marie Adsit Memorial Foundation Fund, established in 2009 by the Community Foundation of Northern Colorado, aims to enhance music education for Poudre School District students. It supports financially disadvantaged students and non-profits, ensuring equal access to quality music programs. Grants, capped at $500 per semester, fund essential resources like instruments, uniforms, and music supplies, prioritizing projects that benefit low-income and special needs students, fostering a thriving musical community in Fort Collins.

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 Larimer County Community Foundation offers Intersections Grants, focusing on impactful funding for organizations addressing community needs in Berthoud, Estes, Fort Collins, and Loveland. Aimed at 501c(3) entities and educational institutions, these grants prioritize general support for initiatives related to Sheltering & Caring and Connecting Intersections. This approach ensures that donor contributions effectively enhance community legacy and engagement.

The CDBGPF Design, Engineering, and Environmental Clearance (DEEC) Grant, administered by the Colorado Department of Local Affairs, supports local governments in enhancing community infrastructure. This grant assists eligible applicants with vital design, engineering, and environmental clearance activities for projects that benefit low to moderate income communities. Projects can include water systems, community centers, and more, aimed at fostering development and addressing urgent community needs.

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.

Kirsten L. Tool Memorial Scholarship

The Kirsten L. Tool Scholarship is awarded to a cadet in the AFROTC DET90 at CSU or UNC, rising 300 or 400, i.e., a current sophomore or junior who will be a junior or senior in the Air Force ROTC program in the fall of the next school year; the applicant must excel in military and academic pursuits.

Scholarship amount:

• $2,500

Number of awards:

• 1

Scholarship awards are one-time awards. The amount awarded to a selected recipient may be used for the cost of attendance. All scholarships will be paid directly to the recipient’s school and must be used for the upcoming academic year. Award disbursement is contingent upon the outside scholarship policies of a recipient’s college or university.

The IMA Foundation Grant focuses on empowering communities by supporting nonprofit organizations dedicated to workforce development, financial security for families, and enhancing emergency preparedness. With a mission to provide philanthropic assistance, the foundation seeks partners that align with its vision and operational reach. Organizations must be 501c3 nonprofits and serve areas where IMA has offices, ensuring that their initiatives directly impact youth under 26 years of age.

Foothills Gateway, Inc. is now accepting grant applications for the 2024-25 Fiscal Year to enhance services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Larimer County. Funding of up to $50,000 is available for projects that improve community integration, provide behavioral health services, and support educational independence. Organizations are encouraged to apply for capital projects exceeding this limit, as each request will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

Colorado Strategic Wildfire Action Program

COSWAP funds can be spent on all land ownership types.

The Colorado Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Executive Director’s Office is the primary manager of the Colorado Strategic Wildfire Action Program. Per statute, the Colorado State Forest Service, Division of Fire Prevention and Control and DNR work collaboratively on program design.

The Colorado Strategic Wildfire Action Program (COSWAP) is designed to support wildfire risk reduction efforts in Colorado to protect life, property, and infrastructure. COSWAP was created after the devastating 2020 fire season by the Colorado legislature through the bi-partisan supported SB21-258. After a successful grant cycle, the program was permanently funded in the 2023 legislative session. While housed within the Department of Natural Resources, COSWAP was collaboratively designed by representatives from the Colorado State Forest Service and the Division of Fire Prevention and Control. This partnership helps ensure the program aligns with other state work and priorities.

Focus

All projects must be focused on reducing wildfire risk to life, property and critical infrastructure. SWIFT and conservation corps projects must be appropriate for hand crew work. This includes, but is not limited to, forest thinning, fuelbreaks, chipping, biomass removal, and pile or broadcast burning. Funding includes Awards of conservation corps or State Wildland Inmate Fire Teams crew time to complete on the ground fire mitigation work, as well as a cash grant for project management expenses. Cash awards for fire mitigation workforce development training. No defensible space projects. 

The Strategic Focus Areas include Boulder, Douglas, El Paso, Jefferson, Larimer, La Plata and Teller counties plus Rocky Mountain Restoration Initiative focal areas.

Funding

We typically fund 6 to 25 weeks of crew work or up to $100,000. A 25% match is required for cash awards, with the exception of tribal entities.

The Nordson Corporation Foundation Grant supports educational programs that enhance community quality of life. Focused on fostering self-sufficiency and job readiness, the Foundation values strong relationships and employee engagement. By funding diverse non-profit initiatives, it aims to ensure that all children have access to quality education and that communities thrive through enhanced educational opportunities. Currently, applications are invited only, aligning with their commitment to impactful community partnerships.

The Shoup Foundation Grant supports Protestant churches and organizations aiding needy individuals or disaster relief in Northern Colorado. This foundation funds charitable, nonprofit organizations as defined by IRS section 501(c)(3). Key program areas include animal welfare, arts, civic activities, community development, education, environment, health research, and social services. Interested applicants must comply with eligibility requirements, as individuals cannot submit grant applications directly.

The Stantec Community Engagement Grant is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life in communities where Stantec operates. Focused on arts, education, environment, and health and wellness, the grant supports initiatives that foster sustainable development and responsible practices. Organizations seeking funding must align with Stantec's values, emphasizing ethical practices and community impact. Preference is given to projects located near Stantec offices, ensuring a more significant local impact through their contributions.

The Northern Wisconsin Outdoor Experiential Education Scholarship Fund supports residents of Chequamegon Bay communities in accessing quality outdoor education programs. Created by anonymous donors passionate about outdoor experiences, the fund targets applicants demonstrating financial need and belonging to underrepresented groups in outdoor education. Awards of $1,000 are available for one year, enabling youth to engage in environmentally sustainable outdoor activities and develop social responsibility.

The Bohemian Foundation's Community Event Fund is set to support events in 2025, with applications accepted until 60 days prior to the event date. This fund aims to foster connections between local nonprofits and the community, encouraging engagement and philanthropy in Fort Collins. Nonprofits must be 501(c)(3) organizations serving the Poudre School District to apply. This is the final year for funding applications, as the program will sunset in 2026.

The Bohemian Foundation's Music Event Fund offers grants up to $2,500 to nonprofit organizations hosting live music events in Larimer and Weld counties. This fund aims to support local artists and enhance community engagement through contemporary music. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits or governmental units. Events should feature popular music as a core element, ensuring fair pay for artists and diverse community involvement. Applications are accepted continuously until funds are fully allocated.

The Brinker International Charitable Giving Program focuses on giving back to communities through support for kids, hunger, and education. Organizations eligible for funding must be 501c(3) non-profits and submit requests at least six weeks prior to events. The program does not support individuals, political or religious organizations, or explicit discrimination policies. Funding is provided through monetary donations or in-kind contributions like dining certificates.

Elevations Foundation Community Grants support Front Range nonprofits with funding between $5,000 and $10,000. The program prioritizes organizations focused on mental health and affordable housing, particularly those with operating budgets under $1 million and $3 million, respectively. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits serving specific Colorado counties, including Adams, Boulder, Broomfield, Denver, Jefferson, Larimer, and Weld. This initiative aims to strengthen communities through targeted financial assistance.

The Community Ties Giving Program by Union Pacific Foundation offers local grants aimed at enhancing community well-being through diverse funding priorities. These include safety initiatives, workforce development, community vitality, and environmental sustainability. The program emphasizes supporting organizations that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion, aiming to create impactful projects that resonate with Union Pacific's heritage and mission. Eligible applicants must be nonprofit organizations serving Union Pacific communities and demonstrate a clear need and capacity to deliver effective programming.

Nestlé Purina Animal Welfare Grants focus on enhancing the well-being of pets and their owners through monetary donations to 501(c)(3) tax-exempt pet welfare organizations in the U.S. These grants support capacity building, capital improvements, and spay/neuter funding. The program aims to strengthen relationships between pets and people, particularly in communities near Nestlé Purina facilities, ensuring that both pets and their owners thrive together.