Best Grand County Grants for Nonprofits in Colorado

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 Division of Local Government

The Division of Local Government provides strategic expertise, advocacy, and funding to strengthen Colorado. The division promotes local problem solving, informs decision making and invests in communities.

CDBGPF Construction Grant

The CDBGPF Construction Grant program offers financial assistance for eligible applicants to complete their public facilities and infrastructure projects. Eligible activities include acquisition, construction, reconstruction, rehabilitation or installation of public improvements or public facilities. The maximum grant award for the CDBGPF Construction program is $600,000.

All CDBGPF Construction grant applicants must submit a CDBGPF Design and Engineering Progress Report and a CDBGPF Environmental Progress Report to the CDBGPF Program Manager, James Spiers (james.spiers@state.co.us). Once the reports are submitted to the CDBGPF Program Manager, a certification will be issued to the applicant that they will upload in their application. 

Grand County, Colorado nonprofits can access funding through Grand Foundation for specific projects or programs with measurable results, including limited operational support. Organizations enhancing local quality of life through arts and culture, health and human services, environment, education, or amateur sports may be eligible, primarily 501(c)(3) entities and certain other nonprofits in Colorado.

With a mission to improve access to basic needs, this grant provides Grand County, Colorado nonprofits and other qualifying groups with funding for health and human services, with education as a secondary focus. Applicants can seek support for specific projects, programs with measurable results, or limited operational needs that enhance quality of life for county residents.

Nonprofit safety-net clinics, public health agencies, school-based health centers, and rural health clinics in Grand County, Colorado can receive funding to cover contraceptive costs, especially long-acting methods, for uninsured, underinsured, or confidential-care patients. Grants from Caring for Colorado Foundation support reproductive healthcare access and reduce financial barriers for young people and communities facing health inequities.

Grand County, Colorado 501(c)(3) nonprofits can access funding through Union Pacific Foundation’s Community Ties Local Grants, which provide US $5,000 - US $30,000 for safety, workforce development, community vitality, and environmental sustainability projects. Eligible programs must primarily benefit a Union Pacific–served community and demonstrate clear need, strong capacity, and a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Summit County–area 501(c)(3) nonprofits with programs in Grand County, Colorado can receive funding for arts and culture, education, health, human services, community development, public safety, environmental stewardship, and civic affairs. Summit Foundation provides Grand County, Colorado nonprofits with annual grant opportunities; first-time applicants must schedule a meeting before applying online.

The EASI: Exploration Supports Route, initiated by the Colorado Department of Education, provides streamlined funding for school improvement efforts in alignment with the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). By consolidating grant applications, Colorado aims to efficiently match schools' needs with evidence-based strategies. This planning phase allows Local Education Agencies (LEAs) to explore diagnostic reviews and community engagement, ultimately enhancing educational outcomes for schools designated under state accountability measures.

The EASI initiative by the Colorado Department of Education focuses on empowering districts to enhance school improvement strategies. Through the District Designed and Led route, districts can leverage tailored implementation support and major improvement strategies. This approach encourages collaboration with external partners, fostering sustainable improvement systems and building staff capacity aligned with effective educational frameworks. The goal is to ensure that schools in need receive the support necessary for meaningful and lasting change.

The EASI: Other Services Route, introduced by the Colorado Department of Education, streamlines school improvement funding through a single application process. It targets districts with schools needing comprehensive and targeted support as mandated by the Every Student Succeeds Act. This initiative focuses on aligning federal and state accountability while providing resources to enhance educational outcomes. Key routes include Exploration Supports and District Designed Services, fostering effective strategies tailored to local needs.

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.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations working on affordable housing, skilled trades, clean water, sanitation, or local economic wellbeing may be eligible for funding in Grand County, Colorado if within Ferguson’s geographic footprint. Grants from Ferguson help U.S.-based nonprofits address these community development priorities through the Ferguson Cares Grant program.

Colorado local governments in Grand County, Colorado can use this funding for design, engineering, planning, feasibility studies, and environmental clearance on eligible public facilities projects. The Colorado Department of Local Affairs supports water and other infrastructure improvements benefiting primarily low- to moderate-income residents, with awards up to US $100,000 for non-entitlement communities, including projects sponsored on behalf of nonprofits.

Water users managing active water rights in Grand County, Colorado can receive fully funded installation of diversion measurement devices, such as flumes, weirs, or pumps, to support water resource management. With a mission to improve accurate water measurement, Colorado Department of Natural Resources provides Upper Colorado River Basin diverters with compliant structures installed at their points of diversion by 2029.

Grand County, Colorado nonprofits and schools supporting youth activities and educational opportunities can access funding through the Grand Foundation’s Opportunity for Youth Fund. Grants help cover fees for trips, camps, clinics, AP testing, and other enrichment so that young people can participate regardless of family finances.

Nonprofit organizations serving youth in Grand County, Colorado can receive funding for need-based participation in Winter Park Resort ski and ride programs. The Ski and Ride School Scholarship Fund from Grand Foundation pays program fees directly to the provider and supports developing lifelong enjoyment of mountain sports, with families contributing a portion of costs.

Nonprofit and other not-for-profit organizations in Grand County, Colorado can apply for Grand Foundation’s Donor Advised Funds: Town of Winter Park Grant to support specific projects and programs with measurable results. Funding may assist work in arts and culture, education, health and human services, environment, or amateur sports that enhances local quality of life.

Nonprofit and other not-for-profit organizations in Grand County, Colorado can apply for Grand Foundation’s Board of County Commissioners Donor Advised Fund to support projects improving access to basic needs in health, human services, environment, and education. Funding covers specific programs or projects with measurable results, and may also consider limited operational support.

The East Grand Education Fund, part of the Grand Foundation, enhances education in Grand County, Colorado, by supporting innovative projects in the East Grand School District. Funding is available for proposals that improve curriculum, foster community relationships, and introduce new learning methods. Only EGSD staff can submit applications, which are accepted on a rolling basis. This initiative aims to enrich educational experiences and address the evolving needs of students.

The School Transformation Network Grant, led by the Colorado Department of Education, aims to enhance student achievement in low-performing schools through targeted support and resources. This initiative fosters collaboration between local schools and their respective educational authorities, providing professional development and personalized learning opportunities. Schools will benefit from specialized guidance and funding, ensuring a robust improvement framework focused on culture, instruction, talent, and leadership development, ultimately driving sustained educational success.

The Community Investment Fund by Freeport-McMoRan aims to enhance community resilience and well-being in various regions, including Climax (CO), Globe-Miami (AZ), and Henderson (CO). Prioritizing education, economic opportunity, and leadership capacity, this fund supports projects over $10,000 that directly benefit local communities. Eligible organizations must have 501c-3 status or equivalent. The initiative fosters transformative change through collaborative partnerships and strategic investments, addressing essential community needs and promoting sustainability.

The Turnaround Leadership Development Program, initiated in 2014, aims to enhance leadership training for low-performing schools in Colorado. Modified in 2018, it became part of the School Transformation Grant program, which funds support for educational improvement. This program identifies participants through the EASI application, targeting schools needing assistance under state accountability measures and ESSA. It aligns with the Colorado Department of Education’s broader strategy to boost student performance across the state.

The Town of Grand Lake Fund Grant supports organizations that enhance the quality of life in Grand County, providing funding for programs in areas such as arts, health, education, and sports. Applicants must be tax-exempt and demonstrate a need, while past recipients must have current progress reports. Funding decisions are made annually, with a focus on projects that yield measurable results. It is essential to adhere to application guidelines to be considered for funding.

Nonprofit organizations providing health, basic needs, or related community services in Grand County, Colorado can seek general operating support for one year, with awards up to US $15,000. Grants from Rocky Mountain Health Foundation help community coalitions, gardens, language justice efforts, peer support groups, respite care, and direct basic needs or healthcare services with a streamlined process and minimal reporting.

Grand County, Colorado health and human services nonprofits providing direct physical healthcare, behavioral healthcare, or specialized disability services can access funding through Rocky Mountain Health Foundation. Multi-year general operating grants of US $10,000 - US $40,000 support activities like medical and dental care, mental health counseling, hospice and home health, substance abuse recovery, and disability day or residential programs.

The Community Priorities Fund Grant, established by the Grand County Board of County Commissioners, aims to enhance the quality of life in Grand County, Colorado, through targeted support for childcare, housing, and local tourism. Funded by lodging tax revenue, it allocates at least 30% for community needs and 50% for tourism marketing. The BOCC's commitment ensures that 20% of the new tax revenue will directly support community priorities, fostering a sustainable and vibrant local economy for residents and visitors alike.

Rocky Mountain Health Foundation provides Grand County, Colorado nonprofits addressing basic human needs with multi-year general operating support, awarding US $15 - US $45,000. Eligible organizations include those providing food, temporary housing, transportation assistance, safety services, and multi-need resource centers. A required pre-application Zoom call determines eligibility and next steps before submitting a full proposal.