Best Diversity Grants for Nonprofits in Colorado

Colorado diversity, equity, and inclusion nonprofits and local governments can access funding through the Laura Jane Musser Fund’s Intercultural Harmony Initiative to plan or implement collaborative cross-cultural projects. Awards up to US $25,000 support new efforts that build intercultural understanding, strengthen relationships across cultures, and create tangible community benefits in shared spaces and activities.

Colorado NCAA Division II schools and multisport conference offices can access funding through the National Collegiate Athletic Association to create full-time, entry-level athletics administration internships. Awards of US $30,000 support intern salary plus additional professional development funds, advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion for ethnic minorities and women in athletic administration roles.

Colorado NCAA Division II conferences and institutions seeking to improve diversity, equity, and inclusion in athletics administration can access funding through the National Collegiate Athletic Association. Grants support full-time, mid- to senior-level administrative roles focused on strategic planning, compliance, fundraising, and student-athlete welfare, and may benefit nonprofits connected to collegiate sports programs.

Colorado food pantries seeking support to purchase and distribute healthy, culturally relevant foods can apply for grants of US $5,000 - US $30,000. Focused on equitable food access and local agriculture, Buen Provecho Collective funds meat, dairy, and fresh produce purchases, with an emphasis on Colorado products and culturally significant foods for diverse communities.

Colorado-based 501(c)(3) nonprofits serving marginalized older adults can seek funding to strengthen organizational resilience and advance equity-focused aging work. Focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion, Next50 Foundation invites Colorado organizations to pursue support for strategic planning, partnerships, staff training, technology upgrades, and other efforts that improve long-term financial stability and make aging more affordable.

NCAA Division II member colleges creating new assistant coaching positions to increase ethnic minority and gender representation can receive US $48,000 over three years for salary, wages, and benefits. With a mission to advance diversity, equity, and inclusion in athletics, the National Collegiate Athletic Association provides Colorado institutions and other Division II schools with support for these coaching roles.

NCAA Division III conferences and institutions seeking to enhance ethnic minority and gender representation in mid- to senior-level athletics administration roles can apply for this national Strategic Alliance Matching Grant, including in Colorado. The National Collegiate Athletic Association supports positions focused on strategic planning, budgeting, fundraising, compliance, diversity initiatives, and student-athlete welfare over a five-year commitment.

NCAA Division III member institutions in Colorado seeking to expand assistant coaching staff and improve ethnic minority and gender representation can apply for this coaching enhancement grant. National Collegiate Athletic Association provides Division III schools with two years of matching support for salary, wages, and benefits for a newly created assistant coach position to advance diversity, equity, and inclusion in athletics.

Individuals and institutions affiliated with NNLM Region 4 member libraries in Colorado and neighboring states can receive US $2,500 for professional development in health information access, data science, or DEI-focused library services. National Library of Medicine funding supports workshops, conferences, speakers, and training that strengthen capacity to serve underrepresented communities.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and schools working on diversity, equity, and inclusion, health, hunger, youth, veterans, or human services in Colorado can apply for $500 - $5,000 in program support. The Albertsons Companies Foundation’s Safeway Foundation Denver Grants also serve nearby areas in CO, WY, NE, NM, and SD, with quarterly application reviews.

Colorado-based nonprofits and PK–12 schools can apply for Think 360 Arts for Learning’s Equity in Arts Learning grants, awarding US $10,000 - US $25,000 for arts education projects with historically marginalized youth ages 4–21. Focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion, projects must partner with professional artists or culture bearers in accessible educational settings.

Nonprofit and charitable organizations with 501(c)(3) or 170(c)(1) status serving Colorado within Huntington’s footprint can seek program-specific funding for community revitalization, services, affordable housing, and economic development. Focused on racial and social equity, Huntington National Bank invites initiatives advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion and improving self-sufficiency and quality of life for low- and moderate-income residents.

Nonprofit organizations in Colorado running culturally responsive, out-of-school programs for BIPOC, LGBTQIA2S+, and other youth facing inequities can apply for Colorado Health Foundation’s Developing Agency, Identity, and Belonging in Young People Grants. Awards up to $125,000 per year for two years support sustained, relationship-based programming that builds identity, agency, and community belonging.

The Research Opportunities for New and At-Risk Investigators (R01 Clinical Trial Optional) program invites applications that promote workforce diversity in health-related sciences. This initiative encourages researchers from underrepresented backgrounds to propose independent research projects in alignment with NIH's mission. Important deadlines for standard and renewal applications range from February 2025 to November 2027. This effort aims to enhance diversity and inclusion within the scientific community.

The Aging Research Dissertation Awards aim to enhance diversity in the scientific research workforce focused on aging and related health conditions. This funding opportunity encourages applicants to submit Letters of Intent prior to full application deadlines. Key submission dates for standard and renewal applications span from February 2025 to October 2026, ensuring a wide array of research topics can be addressed.

Late-stage biomedical PhD students from diverse backgrounds, including those at Colorado institutions, can apply for the NIH Advancing Research Careers (ARC) F99/K00 award to support transition from doctoral research to mentored postdoctoral training. This two-phase program funds dissertation completion, postdoctoral research, and cohort-based mentoring, networking, and professional development in NIH mission areas.

Colorado research institutions and other eligible organizations advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility in biomedical research can access funding through the National Institutes of Health to support both health-related research and DEIA activities. Awards back projects within participating NIH Institutes’ programmatic interests across the U.S. and territories, including efforts to broaden who conducts and benefits from research.

Swim lesson providers and youth-serving programs in Colorado can receive more than US $1,000 to offer free or reduced-cost swimming lessons and transportation for children under 19. USA Swimming Foundation supports approved Swim Lesson Provider Network members expanding access to swimming for under-served and under-represented communities, which may benefit nonprofits focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion.

The NCI Continuing Umbrella of Research Experiences (CURE) Non-Mentored Research Scientist Career Development Award (K22) aims to support postdoctoral fellows from underrepresented backgrounds in transitioning to tenure-track positions. This award provides essential funding for salary and research support for three years, enabling candidates to establish independent biomedical careers. Key deadlines for applications range from February 2025 to October 2027, ensuring ample opportunity for eligible researchers to secure funding for their career development.

The Limited Competition Small Grant Program under the NCATS CTSA aims to enhance the research capabilities of scholars transitioning to independent academic translational scientists. This program supports diverse clinical and translational science projects, including pilot studies and methodology development. The R03 grants are designed for short-term projects with limited resources that generate preliminary data for future R01 applications, thereby fostering innovation and advancing health research.

The NIDCD invites R01 grant applications aimed at independent research projects related to the mission of the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders. This opportunity promotes workforce development by supporting Early Stage and New Investigators, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds in health sciences. Letters of Intent are encouraged 30 days before the proposal deadline, allowing diverse researchers to collaborate and contribute to vital health-related studies.

The NLN-Health Carousel Foundation Nurse Educator Scholarship Award provides a $8,000 scholarship to nurses who earned their initial nursing degree outside the U.S. and are now licensed in the U.S. This award supports those pursuing advanced degrees to enhance their careers as nurse educators. Eligible applicants must be enrolled in an accredited nursing program and have completed at least one academic year by the application deadline, with funds applicable for tuition, books, and research-related expenses.

The NLN Cecelia Lou Vriheas Scholarship Award offers an $8,000 scholarship to first-generation nursing students from historically marginalized groups pursuing advanced degrees. This award aims to support those committed to becoming full-time nurse educators. Eligible candidates must be enrolled in accredited nursing programs and demonstrate academic excellence. The scholarship can be used for tuition, books, and related expenses, fostering diversity in nursing education and leadership.

Early-career writers in fiction, creative nonfiction, or poetry residing in the U.S., including Colorado, can access funding and mentorship through the Emerging Voices Fellowship. Colorado diversity, equity, and inclusion advocates in underrepresented communities may be eligible for PEN America’s five-month virtual program, which includes professional development, community-building, and a US $1,500 honorarium.

U.S. institutions that serve health disparity populations and train predoctoral, health professional, or postdoctoral researchers can receive NIH support to build diversity-focused programs in cardiovascular, pulmonary, hematologic, and sleep disorders research, including in Colorado. The US Dept. of Health & Human Services: National Institutes of Health backs T32 training at institutions committed to broadening participation in these fields.

The Stanley C. Israel Regional Award for Advancing Diversity in the Chemical Sciences recognizes individuals or institutions promoting inclusiveness in the chemical sciences. This award includes a medal, a $1,250 grant, and reimbursement for travel expenses up to $1,500 for attending the ACS regional meeting where the award is presented. Eligible nominees must foster programs that increase participation from diverse groups in the chemical enterprise.

The Robert Holland Jr. Award honors senior scientists with diverse backgrounds who demonstrate excellence in research and teaching in Chemistry, Physics, and Astronomy. Recipients are invited to join the Cottrell Scholar community, fostering creativity and inclusivity. The award includes a $5,000 cash prize and promotes the contributions of underrepresented scholars. Candidates are evaluated on their mentoring, leadership in diversity initiatives, and potential impact on the academic community. This prestigious award is a key initiative by the Research Corporation.