Search Through Grants for International Development in Colorado in the U.S.

Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade

The Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT) creates a positive business climate that encourages dynamic economic development and sustainable job growth. We advance the state’s economy through financial and technical programs under the leadership of the Governor and Executive Director. We work hard to grow a resilient economy where everyone not only gets by, but thrives. Our agency consists of 14 divisions and offices that support various industries, regions, and sectors.

Community Development Block Grant Planning and Feasibility Studies Grant

Program Summary

The Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Planning and Feasibility Study Grant helps Colorado communities plan economic development projects that create or retain permanent jobs.

The project needs to create or retain at least one full-time equivalent job per $20,000 funded. Generally, the project needs to fill at least 51% of the jobs it creates or retains with low- to moderate-income persons. This program may award up to $75,000 in grants per year.

Every year, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s State CDBG program(opens in new window) gives Colorado money for community and economic development. We receive about one-third of this money for economic development across the state. Specifically, we use this money to aid the state’s business loan funds.

The money goes into 14 regional loan funds to create and retain jobs in Colorado. There used to be 16 regional loan funds. One fund merged and another fund is no longer active.

The funds cover most of Colorado’s rural areas. Each of the 14 regional funds is led locally with its own dedicated regional business loan fund manager, local loan review committee, and local board of directors.

Overview

The Daniels Fund provides grants to support highly effective nonprofit organizations in Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming through the Daniels Fund Grants Program.

Bill Daniels helped a tremendous number of people during his lifetime, and continues to do so in extraordinary ways through the foundation he established. The Daniels Fund honors Bill’s direction and carries forward his legacy of generosity. We strive to be compassionate, approachable, and responsive. 

The Daniels Fund focuses on supporting highly effective and ethical nonprofit organizations that achieve significant results in the community. The geographic regions we serve, as well as our grant funding areas, were personally defined by our founder, and they do not change.

Funding Areas

These funding areas were established by our founder and they do not change:

Aging

Bill helped to fulfill his mother's wish to remain in her own home and maintain her independence as she aged. In his later years, Bill gained additional insight from his own personal experiences.

• Older adults achieve maximum independence and quality of life.

• In-Home Services:
• Seniors receive the services they need to live independently in their own homes for as long as possible. Respite care and navigator services are readily available to support family members caring for their elderly loved ones.
• Community Engagement:
• Seniors enjoy the benefits of remaining physically and mentally active, and participate in meaningful activities that contribute to their sense of purpose.
• End-of-Life/Palliative Care
• Seniors nearing the end of their lives have access to high quality, compassionate hospice and palliative care.

Amateur Sports

Bill loved sports and knew from personal experience that participation in sports and the influence of quality coaches could change the direction of a young person's life for the better.

Youth experience the benefits of participating in sports programs. Elite amateur athletes have the opportunity to participate in national and international competition.

• Youth Sports
• Affordable, community-based, multi-sport activities are available for youth, led by coaches trained to build a positive youth sports culture that promotes confidence, discipline, teamwork, and sportsmanship.
• Competition
• National and international amateur sports competitions take place in the community. The costs of participation in national or international competitions — such as training and travel expenses — are offset for elite athletes.

Disabilities

One of Bill's sisters was born with developmental disabilities. Bill observed how his parents' choice to provide compassionate care at home enhanced his sister's health and happiness. Later in life, he suffered from his own disability — severe hearing loss.

People with disabilities achieve dignity through maximum independence and quality of life.

Drug & Alcohol Addiction

Bill suffered from alcoholism and embraced sobriety after seeking treatment. He talked openly about his ongoing recovery as a way to educate and provide hope to others. Bill personally helped countless friends and business associates seek treatment and regain control of their lives.

Adults and youth with drug and alcohol addiction challenges achieve and maintain stability.

• Prevention (Emphasis on Youth)
• The risks and repercussions associated with drug and alcohol addiction are effectively conveyed to young people, resulting in positive behavioral and perceptional changes.
• Treatment & After-Care Services (Recovery)
• Individuals maintain long-term sobriety by having access to high quality treatment programs and supportive after-care services.

Early Childhood Education

Bill saw the need for healthy, safe, and nurturing early childhood experiences in the home and beyond. He wanted to ensure early childhood education started children on a path to success.

Kindergarten readiness is ensured through an improved early childhood system.

• Teacher/Leadership Quality
• Teachers, leaders, and caregivers receive the essential training and support that ensures children in their care are well-prepared for kindergarten.
• Program Quality
• System-level investments improve curriculum, materials, and resources across multiple learning sites.
• Parental Engagement
• Parents and other caregivers are empowered to become "first teachers" by gaining awareness of important developmental milestones and knowledge of effective strategies to ensure children reach them.

Homeless & Disadvantaged

Bill's great compassion for people struggling to meet basic human needs fueled his desire to help them get back on their feet. He wanted to offer disadvantaged individuals and families a hand-up and spark their motivation to reenter the workforce.

Homeless individuals and families achieve and maintain self-sufficiency without the need for public assistance.

• Transitional Housing & Supportive Services
• Individuals and families who are homeless or in danger of becoming homeless break the cycle of poverty and attain economic self-sufficiency by receiving access to transitional housing, comprehensive supportive services, and employment opportunities.
• Emergency Services*
• Individuals and families experiencing the initial stages of homelessness move from crisis toward economic self-sufficiency by receiving overnight shelter and food assistance in a structured manner that encourages both accountability and participation in case management.

* Our investment in this area is limited

K-12 Education Reform

Our Strategy: Support innovative efforts to reform the K-12 education system, resulting in a wider range of high quality school choices and increased student achievement.

Desired Outcomes:

• Reform/School Choice
• Achieve systemic education reform by supporting high-performing charter schools and tuition assistance programs (portable vouchers) that broaden quality educational options for families. Competition prompts challenges to the status quo.
• Teacher/Leadership Quality*
• Teachers and school leaders receive innovative training and support to maximize student achievement.
• Parental Engagement
• Parents are better educated in the areas of school quality and choice, and understand how to be effective advocates for their children.

* Emphasis is on charter schools

Youth Development

Bill supported character-building programs that help youth become confident, patriotic, and independent. He wanted kids to develop personal accountability and responsibility. He also wanted them to understand the value of money, the free enterprise system, and that success is earned through hard work.

Youth develop character and gain the necessary life skills to become successful adults.

• Career & Technical Education
• All youth — whether planning to earn a college degree or not — develop clear pathways to meaningful employment through opportunities for career exploration, job shadowing, internships, and apprenticeships.
• Civic Engagement
• Youth actively contribute to bettering their communities as engaged, informed citizens with strong American values.
• Financial Literacy & Free Enterprise
• Youth become active participants in the free enterprise system by developing a strong understanding of economics, business, financial literacy, and entrepreneurship.

We Would be Delighted to Visit with You

The Daniels Fund grants team spends time visiting the communities we serve to get to know area nonprofits, learn about effective programs and projects, and understand how needs vary from place to place.

We continually look for opportunities to support excellent programs that align with our funding priorities. We look forward to speaking with you.

Our State-Specific Grantmaking Approach

The Daniels Fund has tailored its grantmaking strategies and objectives for Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming to address specific needs in each state.

National Grant Funding

The Daniels Fund supports select programs with a nationwide focus by invitation only. We do not provide funding for regional, local, or community-based programs outside our four-state region.

Due to our focused strategy, we do not accept unsolicited national grant applications.

Program Overview 

The main objective of the foundation is to carry on the legacy of Joseph and Vera Dresner by supporting the work of organizations in our focus areas. It was the Dresner’s mission that the foundation would provide a channel to improve the lives of people and animals in their communities. 

The foundation’s approach empowers community members to benefit from the grant investments that we make. We partner with organizations that are committed to creating opportunities for the underserved in our communities. Those partners include a wide-range of entities, including hospitals, community centers, and other nonprofits. 

Our goal is to provide organizations with the necessary resources, so they can continue offering services to those most in need. We seek to test innovative approaches, determine lessons from current commendable activities, and promote the adoption of creative thinking on a broad scale through direct grant making and support for research and other ventures that advance community support. 

We Offer 3 Types of Support: 

• Project – Development of new programs, expansion of existing programs, or continuation of sustainable, recognized effective current programming. 
• Capital – Equipment purchase, acquisition, construction and/or renovation of facilities. 
• Funding for special circumstances, in support of existing grantee  programs, will be considered on a case by case basis. Please note the foundation will not accept unsolicited proposals for this type of support. 

Our Focus Areas Include: 

Health 

We fund projects that support institutions conducting medical research and clinical trials specifically related to Myelodysplastic Syndromes. We also fund projects that improve access to health care and health outcomes. Click here to view information about the Foundation's Myelodysplasia Research Grant.

- support for programs that improve the health outcomes of vulnerable people, particularly underserved, low-income individuals who don’t have adequate access to health care. 

The foundation is equally interested in efforts that have broad and meaningful impact and focus on intervention and prevention beyond the boundaries of any one disease. 

Therefore, we seek to support a network of hospitals and community-based organizations that work to improve the health outcomes of these individuals through enhanced access to health care.

Youth and Family 

It is critical that disadvantaged, underserved, and special needs children have access to programs that allow them to learn and foster important life skills. We help organizations develop and sustain programs that empower children and their families and offer opportunity to improve their lives. 

– support for youth programs that foster self-empowerment and self-esteem through academic, artistic, personal or social enrichment. 

Regardless, if a child lives in poverty or has a chronic disease, it is essential that they have access to programs that encourage self-expression and move their lives forward in a meaningful way. Therefore, we support organizations that empower children and optimize their development by providing access to programs that promote academic, artistic, personal and social enhancement opportunities. 

– support for programs that reinforce families. 

We are also interested in organizations that support youth through the provision of services that strengthen their families such as, but not limited to, workforce development, housing and family food assistance.

Animal Welfare 

We work with animal care organizations to make certain that they have the resources needed to ensure the best care and secure shelter for animals and offer corresponding public education initiatives.

– support for state-of-the-art facilities and services and corresponding public education initiatives.  

The foundation works with animal welfare organizations to make sure they have the resources they need to advance their work. We are interested in supporting state-of-the art facilities and services. Animal welfare efforts that the foundation will consider are, but not limited to, providing adequate treatment resources, upgrading equipment, improving and maintaining facilities, aiding in the shelter of animals in communities, and public education initiatives.

Mission Statement

The mission of the Dunn Family Foundation is to support programs that utilize education to build a better society and employ innovative approaches to the use of testing and support materials for educational initiatives. 

Values

The work of the Dunn Family Foundation expresses the values of its founders Lloyd & Leota Dunn and that of Dr. Douglas Dunn, who was passionate in his own pursuit of and support for life long learning. Our founders believed that education is a prime vehicle for the betterment of society. Their belief was that excellence in testing allows educational assets and resources to be employed more efficiently and that materials developed to support teachers in their educational environments is a necessary part of the educational process. 

Areas of Interest

At this time, the Dunn Family Foundation has three main areas of interest: 

• The development and implementation of educational testing materials for children and adults.
• The development and implementation of educational support materials for use by teachers in the education of society's children and adults.
• The innovative use of education to build a better society.

Types of Grants

Initial grants will be given for project funding only. After an initial grant is made, the Foundation may make general operating grants to continue supporting the organization. 

Capital funding is only available for projects connected to previous Foundation support. No endowment funds will be granted.

For reference, the average grant size generally ranges from $5,000 to $25,000. 

Dunn Family Foundation Policy on F&A Costs

The Dunn Family Foundation recognizes that organizations often require Facilities and Administrative (F&A) costs (a.k.a. indirect costs) be added to all grant requests. While we recognize that F&A costs are real, we work to focus our funding on direct costs and trust the sponsoring organizations will "keep the lights on" as part of their support for funded research. 

Extraordinary circumstances, when indirect costs exceed 10%, may be considered on a case by case basis. 

Investing in nonprofits that are advancing a new, transformative system of justice with the core values of racial equity, economic well-being, and fundamental fairness for all.

Grants Overview

Public Welfare Foundation awards grants to nonprofits that honor the Foundation’s core values of racial equity, economic well-being, and fundamental fairness for all. The Foundation looks for strategic points where its funds can make a significant difference and improve lives through policy and system reform that results in transformative change.

Our Work

Public Welfare Foundation aims to catalyze a transformative approach to justice that is community-led, restorative, and racially just.

• Adult Criminal Justice
• Youth Justice
• Legacy Initiatives
• Jurisdictions

Working in Communities, With Communities

Public Welfare Foundation believes that the best ideas bubble up from communities so we work to engage deeply in and with the communities we fund.

We work with communities to drive transformation from multiple angles including policy advocacy, organizing, leadership development, and demonstration projects. Public Welfare Foundation is committed to funding innovative solutions and investing in the leadership of those most proximate to the issues facing this nation.

Focusing our efforts on criminal justice and youth justice reforms allows us to achieve greater impact in the overhaul of the systems that were created to marginalize and contain our nation’s most vulnerable populations.

Grants Process

The Public Welfare Foundation has a two-step application process that includes both a Letter of Inquiry (LOI) and a full proposal. We invite full proposals after reviewing letters of inquiry. We only consider full proposals we have invited that fit within the program guidelines and available resources.

Current focus areas include:

• Organizations and projects with a focus on structural and systemic changes in the U.S. criminal justice system.
  • The Foundation does not typically fund direct service work (ex. individual support services, case management).
  • However, the Foundation will consider initiatives that aim to further a demonstration project to make the case for non-carceral alternatives and transformative approaches to justice reform.
• Organizations, projects, or special initiatives with a focus on reducing harm and violence using community-centered interventions.
• Reframing the narrative and fostering greater transparency and urgency around the U.S. criminal justice system through storytelling, journalism and other targeted efforts.

Grant Types: How We Fund the Work

General Support Grants

• General support grants are for day-to-day operating costs or to further the work of your organization. These grants are not earmarked for a particular program or project.

Program or Project Support Grants

• Program or project support grants support a specific program or activity of the organization. These are restricted grants and must be used for that program or project.

Special Opportunities Grants

• The Special Opportunities Program supports projects reflecting the Foundation’s mission and underlying values. These are one-time only grants that are especially timely and compelling. At times, this kind of grant serves as a laboratory for new ideas.

Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade

The Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT) creates a positive business climate that encourages dynamic economic development and sustainable job growth. We advance the state’s economy through financial and technical programs under the leadership of the Governor and Executive Director. We work hard to grow a resilient economy where everyone not only gets by, but thrives. Our agency consists of 14 divisions and offices that support various industries, regions, and sectors.

Skill Advance Colorado Job Training Grant

Grant Summary

The Skill Advance Colorado Job Training Grant (formerly the Colorado First and Existing Industry Grant) helps businesses and nonprofits create customized job training for employees.

This training:

• Develops Colorado’s workforce.
• Builds workers’ transferable skills.
• Improves workers’ resumes and long-term employment opportunities.
• Helps Colorado businesses remain competitive.

The funds are broken down into Colorado First funds and Existing Industry funds. Colorado First grant funds customized training only for net new hires at companies relocating to or expanding in Colorado. Existing Industry grant funds customized training to help established Colorado companies and nonprofits remain competitive in their industry, adapt to new technology, and prevent layoffs.

We alongside the Colorado Community College System jointly administer this program. Participating colleges manage the program.

Training Grants Support

• Net new hire and incumbent worker reskilling and upskilling
• Short term worksite training aligned with organization needs
• Wide ranging essential and technical skills development
• Employee retention efforts

Businesses interested in applying for funding work directly with a local college representative, who assists with eligibility determination, training needs assessment, and grant application development.

Grantees receive ongoing assistance with training implementation and grant management.

About History Colorado

Established in 1879, History Colorado is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization and an agency of the State of Colorado under the Department of Higher Educations.

We are committed to serving all Coloradans and offer access to our state’s history through enriching experiences at eleven museums and historic sites, with dynamic and relevant exhibits and activities. We steward about 15 million objects, photographs, and archival resources that make up the State’s collection, and serve tens of thousands of learners of all ages through dynamic programs. We work with school groups and youth through field trips, day camps, and traveling programs across the state of Colorado. We’re home to a free public research center, Colorado’s Office of Archaeology and Historic Preservation (OAHP), and the Colorado State Historical Fund (SHF), the nation’s largest preservation program of its kind.

Archaeological Assessment

Archaeological Assessment Grants fund initial archaeological data collection and analysis. These projects lay the foundation for future work, site preservation, and/or interpretation.

Types of Archaeological Assessments

• Site-specific assessments develop baseline documentation for known archaeological sites and/or collections.
• Small survey assessments assess areas with known archaeological potential for archaeological resources.
• Research assessments test archaeological research methodologies.

About History Colorado

Established in 1879, History Colorado is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization and an agency of the State of Colorado under the Department of Higher Educations.

We are committed to serving all Coloradans and offer access to our state’s history through enriching experiences at eleven museums and historic sites, with dynamic and relevant exhibits and activities. We steward about 15 million objects, photographs, and archival resources that make up the State’s collection, and serve tens of thousands of learners of all ages through dynamic programs. We work with school groups and youth through field trips, day camps, and traveling programs across the state of Colorado. We’re home to a free public research center, Colorado’s Office of Archaeology and Historic Preservation (OAHP), and the Colorado State Historical Fund (SHF), the nation’s largest preservation program of its kind.

Planning Grant

The Planning grant can include any planning documents which will help the project move forward, giving projects more flexibility to prepare for future physical work.

Planning grants should be completed by consultants that are experienced and familiar with planning projects. The selected consultant should be knowledgeable in applying the Secretary of Interior's Standards for physical work and nomination activity. Such projects may include:

• Nominations
• Contexts
• Construction Documents
• Schematic Design Plans
• Design Development Plans
• Investigation (HazMat, Geotechnical, Structural, Materials Analysis, etc.)
• Cost Estimating
• Maintenance Plans
• Master Plans

Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade

The Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT) creates a positive business climate that encourages dynamic economic development and sustainable job growth. We advance the state’s economy through financial and technical programs under the leadership of the Governor and Executive Director. We work hard to grow a resilient economy where everyone not only gets by, but thrives. Our agency consists of 14 divisions and offices that support various industries, regions, and sectors.

Colorado Tourism Office

The Colorado Tourism Office (CTO) is a division of the Governor’s Office of Economic Development and International Trade. The mission of the CTO is to empower the tourism industry by inspiring the world to explore Colorado responsibly and respectfully. We accomplish this goal through a statewide collaboration with destination marketing organizations, local communities, and private businesses. The Colorado Tourism Office seeks to advance the strength and resilience of the entire industry through collaboration, inclusivity, innovation and leadership

Tourism Marketing Grant

Grant Summary

The Tourism Marketing Grant provides funding for tourism marketing campaigns and initiatives that support the CTO’s mission “to empower the tourism industry by inspiring the world to explore Colorado responsibly and respectfully.”

The FY26 Tourism Marketing Grant Program will prioritize funding for marketing campaigns and initiatives that support the work of the America 250 - Colorado 150 Commission and celebrate this milestone. This includes marketing campaigns and initiatives that highlight Colorado's diverse heritage and cultures, and share those uniquely Colorado stories and experiences. This focus aims to boost tourism during the national commemoration of America's 250th anniversary and Colorado's sesquicentennial.

The minimum funding request is $2,500 and the maximum is $49,000.

Grant goals are to:

• Strengthen Colorado’s statewide economic growth by championing a strong Colorado brand.
• Advance the state’s competitive position as a leading four-season destination.
• Support the promotion and education on responsible travel and destination stewardship.
• Strive to ensure all feel represented and welcome in Colorado.
• Maximize the economic return on public and private investments in Colorado by leveraging funds to optimize marketing impact.

Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade

The Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT) creates a positive business climate that encourages dynamic economic development and sustainable job growth. We advance the state’s economy through financial and technical programs under the leadership of the Governor and Executive Director. We work hard to grow a resilient economy where everyone not only gets by, but thrives. Our agency consists of 14 divisions and offices that support various industries, regions, and sectors.

Global Business Development

The Global Business Development (GBD) division supports Colorado businesses and communities by using a data-driven approach to recruit, support, and retain businesses that contribute to a robust and diversified economy. We regularly host foreign delegations and participates in trade and investment missions around the world to strengthen global awareness of Colorado.

Advanced Industries Proof of Concept Grant

Program Summary

The Advanced Industries Proof of Concept Grant provides funding to help Colorado research institutions speed up applied research in advanced industries and commercialize products and services with the private sector. Projects can receive up to $150,000 in grant money. This grant award maximum can be lifted for joint proposals or projects that impact more than one advanced industry.

Projects must accelerate product or service commercialization through precommercial research and commercialization preparation. Funding cannot be used for basic research. Funding can be used to support these milestones:

• proof of principle
• intellectual property (IP) protection
• prototypes and technical validation
• market assessment
• start-up and corporate formation costs

Colorado research institutions and federal labs

Applicants must apply through one of the following Colorado research institutions. 

• University of Colorado Boulder - Office of Contracts and Grants
• University of Colorado Denver - Office of Grants and Contracts
• University of Colorado, Colorado Springs - Office of Sponsored Programs and Research Integrity
• University of Denver - Office of Research and Sponsored Programs
• Colorado State University - Office of Sponsored Programs
• Colorado School of Mines - Office of Research Administration
• National Jewish Health - Technology Transfer Office

Land, facilities, and civic infrastructure are long-term assets that can transform the ability of nonprofit and community organizations to serve Colorado communities. For this reason, the Gates Family Foundation invests in capital projects across the state, in both rural and urban areas. We strive to be responsive to each community’s unique needs and opportunities.

Our capital grants are generally limited to comprehensive capital campaigns, which are typically for building purchases, construction, expansion, renovation, and/or land acquisition. Only nonprofit organizations with capital projects that benefit Colorado and its residents are qualified to apply. When making funding decisions, we prioritize:

• Projects that address root problems with substantive solutions
• Projects with strong evidence of support from the community and the organization’s board
• Projects in rural and low-income areas across Colorado where there are fewer individuals and institutions providing support for capital projects
• Projects that serve individuals and communities of color who have faced historic inequities and lack of access to funding
• Projects that reinforce the foundation’s strategic priorities in K-12 public education, natural resources, community development, and informed communities
• Projects that address climate change, and/or incorporate green building and sustainable development practices

Priority Funding Areas

We fund capital projects within five categories that overlap somewhat with the Foundation’s strategic priorities, but are broader in scope in order to be more responsive to community needs.

Arts & Culture

The Foundation supports cultural organizations that:

• enhance the quality of community life while also strengthening the economy
• link a community with its heritage and contribute to usable community infrastructure
• serve as an educational resource for children, youth, and adults.

Funding examples in this area are:

• libraries & museums
• community theaters
• performing arts organizations
• historic preservation that contributes to community revitalization

Education

The Foundation supports major capital projects for:

• charter schools that serve a substantial proportion of low-income students (generally, at least 50% of the student body will qualify for Free and Reduced Lunch), have demonstrated high academic achievement, and are utilizing a sustainable financial model
• public schools in rural areas that have planned capital improvements which are heavily used by the community, and that reinforce the long-term viability of the area
• licensed early childhood education centers with particular, but not exclusive, interest in rural areas of the state to assure readiness for elementary school and to strengthen rural economies
• organizations that provide life-long learning and experiential learning to a broad audience
• independent school and public and private university capital campaigns on a highly selective basis

Funding examples in this area:

• participation in the matching requirement for a charter school receiving a BEST grant
• rural school improving its auditorium or athletic field for school and community use
• rural community establishing an early childhood education center to fill an unmet need
• early childhood education center making significant facility improvements in order to advance the quality of care for the children served
• facility improvements for an organization that provides adult GED, literacy, or vocational training
• on a highly selective basis, support for public and private universities with campaigns to improve their science, technology, library, and engineering related facilities

Well-being of Children, Youth & Families

The Foundation supports organizations that encourage individuals to:

• develop greater self-sufficiency, including the well-being and independence of disadvantaged families and the elderly
• increase leadership and life skills
• maintain good health and well-being rather than cure disease

Funding examples in this area:

• human service organizations promoting self-sufficiency
• community and senior centers
• family resource centers
• youth mentoring organizations
• nonprofit dental clinics
• residential treatment centers for youth
• transitional housing facilities
• job training
• rural health centers (non-FQHC)

Parks & Recreation

The Foundation supports capital projects that:

• invest in land and water protection that safeguards important natural resources, habitat, and the health of natural systems
• help preserve the state’s ranching and agricultural legacy and encourage smart land use patterns
• construct and improve urban and mountain parks and open space for public recreation and access
• maintain the state’s urban and mountain trail systems
• provide recreation, environmental education and leadership opportunities for young people
• encourage the spirit of scientific inquiry as well as the preservation of natural habitat

Funding examples in this area:

• land conservation and easement purchases
• greenways and trail systems
• outdoor/indoor recreation facilities
• urban public spaces and community gardens

Community Development & Revitalization

The Foundation invests in projects that:

• have the potential to reinforce and enhance the economic vitality of a community
• involve partnerships between public and private sector organizations that seek to improve the economic and cultural health of communities

Funding examples in this area:

• restoration of historically significant architecture that contributes to community revitalization
• development of rural main streets as a means of promoting community revitalization
• heritage tourism as a means of promoting economic health for rural areas
• public-private partnerships for economic development

What We Fund

At the Buell Foundation, we believe that investing in quality programs will lead to long-term changes in Colorado. The Buell Foundation seeks proven, promising, or developing programs that can demonstrate success in helping children thrive. We support efforts to improve quality and encourage meaningful evaluation and assessment. It is our goal to partner with outstanding organizations to improve the systems that serve children. Particular focus is placed on programs that target underserved communities.

Areas of Interest

Our funding strategy includes two primary areas of interest:

At the Buell Foundation, we believe in the potential of young children. As we work to support Colorado communities in raising thriving kids, we seek grant partners who work in the following areas: 

• Assessment and evaluation:
  • We support a variety of assessments used to gauge the effectiveness of programs and progress of program participants.
  • This may include process/fidelity measures as well as outcome measures (e.g., Teaching Strategies GOLD, Adult-Adolescent Parenting Index, Social Competence Scale, etc.). 
• Behavior and social competence:
  • We support direct programming as well as consultation in early learning settings with a focus on the promotion and prevention levels of behavioral health. 
• Early childhood education and preschool programs:
  • We support licensed child care centers and preschools that have a commitment to quality improvement and serving children from diverse populations. We also support the early learning components of community-based programs, such as family literacy. 
• Home visitation:
  • We support evidence-based and evidence-informed home visiting programs with a focus on supporting positive parenting skills and increased knowledge about child development. 
• Improvements directly related to quality:
  • We support ongoing quality improvement of all programs. This includes funding for materials, additional staff, coaching, and quality ratings. 
• Parenting education:
  • We support evidence-based and evidence-informed parenting education programs with a focus on supporting positive parenting skills and increased knowledge about child development. 
• Professional development and education:
  • We support projects that facilitate early childhood professionals’ access to college-level coursework, mentoring, or community-based trainings. 

The Buell Foundation funds proven, comprehensive, and medically accurate comprehensive sex education programs. The Foundation will not fund abstinence-only programs. 

Comprehensive sex education programs must: 

• Be facilitated by trained and experienced professionals, ideally by someone who has been prepared to facilitate sexual health education programs and/or a curriculum 
• Emphasize the importance of delaying sex 
• Instruct about the benefits and risks of condoms and contraception when engaging in sex 
• Impart information about sexual activity and the use of condoms and contraception that is deemed medically accurate by sources on which medical professionals rely 
• Provide education about consent and refusal skills 
• Occur in a safe, confidential, and non-judgmental learning environment for all youth 
• Be inclusive of the cultures, values, sexual orientation, and gender identity of youth participating in the program 
• Assess the effectiveness of the programs on the skills, knowledge, and attitudes or behavior change of the participants 

Other considerations:

• If adapting an evidence-based program, organizations must ensure that the intent of the program is not compromised and that the same skills, knowledge, and attitudes or behaviors are evaluated. 
• When an option, programs should link students to clinical and medical providers and services. 

If you have any questions about the types of programs that we fund, please call the Program Officer for your region. 

Grant types we prioritize:

• Program/project support and/or planning
• Operating support
• Technical assistance
• Capital improvements (limited child care programs)

Attributes we prioritize:

• Organizations/projects serving rural or underserved populations (e.g., low-income families, teen parents, communities of color, etc.) where there are fewer individuals and institutions providing financial support
• Organizations/projects with evidence of engaging community members to inform project priorities and best meet community needs (e.g., a parent advisory board, focus groups with local families, etc.). This includes collaboration with local stakeholders, such as the region’s early childhood council, a family resource center, the school district, and/or elected officials
• Projects that leverage public funding as sustainable revenue sources (e.g., the Colorado Child Care Assistance Program and Universal Preschool Program)
• Organizations with a commitment to continuous learning and improvement

About Colorado Parks & Wildlife (CPW)

The mission of Colorado Parks and Wildlife is to perpetuate the wildlife resources of the state, to provide a quality state parks system, and to provide enjoyable and sustainable outdoor recreation opportunities that educate and inspire current and future generations to serve as active stewards of Colorado's natural resources.

Non-Motorized Trails Grant

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​The Colorado State Recreational Trails Grant Program funds projects to continue to improve outdoor recreation opportunities, including trail construction, maintenance, planning, and support while protecting wildlife, habitat, and cultural resources. Funded by Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO) and the Federal Recreational Trails Program (RTP), eligible project types include trail construction, maintenance, planning, and support.​

Which projects are eligible?

Eligible projects fall under one of the following non-motorized trails grant categories:

• Planning - Trail layout, design, engineering, feasibility studies, inventory, use studies, analysis of existing and proposed trails, and master plans.
• Support - Building and enhancement of volunteer organizations, increasing volunteer capacity, and implementing trail training and education.​

Mission StatementThe Wolcott Family Foundation, WOLFF, focuses its funding in the areas of social change and environmental stewardship, with emphasis on supporting grassroots organizations for which a small grant can make a real contribution. We are a four generation family-run organization, convinced of the power of small groups to make a significant difference in helping people change their world.Grants for Social Change and Environmental StewardshipThe Wolcott Family Foundation (WOLFF) is a private grantmaking foundation with a geographic focus in Colorado. Consideration will be given to projects that emphasize environmental preservation, advocacy and community involvement aimed at root causes of societal problems.The parable of the fisherman says, "If you give a person a fish, you feed them for a day. If you teach them how to fish, you feed them for a lifetime." The WOLFF philosophy takes this further: "Teach them to teach how to fish, and together we can we can feed the world. Teach them how to teach fishing along with cooperative organization and sustainable practices and together we can feed the world with a high quality of life for generations to come".Priority is given to organizations that:

• empower individuals and communities to organize for social change
• seek to strengthen civil liberties and civil rights issues
  • Examples: equal opportunity, equal justice and racism, equal protection and due process, disabilities, reproductive rights
• build community development that seeks to address urgent ecological problems or break the cycle of poverty, create economic opportunity and build effective leadership in distressed communities
  • Examples: access to quality employment, leadership development, community participation
• demonstrate linkages and interdependence of ecosystems and economics with win-win solutions and collaborative approaches or address urgent ecological threats 

Consideration will be given to projects that emphasize environmental preservation, advocacy and community involvement aimed at root causes of societal problems.

Mission Statement

The Wolcott Family Foundation, WOLFF, focuses its funding in the areas of social change and environmental stewardship, with emphasis on supporting grassroots organizations for which a small grant can make a real contribution. We are a four generation family-run organization, convinced of the power of small groups to make a significant difference in helping people change their world.

Priority is given to organizations that:

• empower individuals and communities to organize for social change
• seek to strengthen civil liberties and civil rights issues
  • Examples: equal opportunity, equal justice and racism, equal protection and due process, disabilities, reproductive rights
• build community development that seeks to address urgent ecological problems or break the cycle of poverty, create economic opportunity and build effective leadership in distressed communities
  • Examples: access to quality employment, leadership development, community participation
• demonstrate linkages and interdependence of ecosystems and economics with win-win solutions and collaborative approaches or address urgent ecological threats 

White Rose Foundation Community Grant

The White Rose Foundation is the fiscal sponsor for the Denver (CO) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated, a volunteer-powered organization of Black women who have served Denver’s Black community for over 70 years. The purpose of the White Rose Foundation is to promote, encourage, assist, and engage in any and all kinds of charitable work to improve the educational, social, and economic welfare of people of color and other disadvantaged persons.  The organization is especially focused on transformational programs that reduce educational inequality, increase access to social determinants such as food, housing, transportation, and leadership development for Black women, teens and girls.   

Priority Areas

• Arts
• Services To Youth
• National Trends and Services
• International Trends and Services, 
• Health and Human Services

Additional Information

• In the area of education, the White Rose Foundation is responsive to the task of strengthening education at the primary and secondary school levels, with consideration given to selected higher education initiatives. Services include college scholarships for cross-cultural community interaction and philanthropic support of Black youth in the State of Colorado.
• In the area of health and welfare, activities that promote a healthy heart, women’s wellness, tissue donor awareness, and mental health are given priority.
• We support activities that promote equal opportunity, equity, diversity, advancement, and recognition for the Black community.
• We will continue to support a wide range of worthy activities, including matching challenge funds in collaboration with other educational, civic, or cultural organizations encompassing national and international trends and the arts.
• To assist with our learning and evaluation, please select your organization’s primary service area.
  • Along with our priority areas, you will have the option to select “other.” and write in your primary service area. Your grant application will be evaluated according to fit with the guidelines and the goals of the White Rose Foundation.

Nathan B. & Florence R. Burt Foundation Grant

The Nathan B. and Florence R. Burt Foundation is a non-profit corporation incorporated on December 13, 1984, operating as a private foundation as defined in Section 509(a) of the Internal Revenue Code (IRC), and is qualified as a tax-exempt organization pursuant to IRC Section 501(c)(3). The Foundation is endowed and does not seek contributions from others, but dispenses grants outright or on a matching/challenge basis, primarily to tax-exempt charitable and educational organizations.

The Foundation was established by the late Nathan and Florence Burt, the founder of the widely formerly known Burt Chevrolet, and other auto retailing businesses.

To best use the Foundation’s limited resources, and make the largest possible positive impact with those resources, and in consideration of the wishes of Nathan and Florence Burt, The Burt Foundation focuses its funding efforts in two key areas:

• programs that work to improve high school graduation rates, and
• early childhood development programs.

The Foundation supports organizations that promote the western values of self-reliance, personal responsibility and integrity. We believe these values foster an environment where entrepreneurial spirits flourish, helping Coloradans reach their full potential. The Foundation places a high priority on programs that help youth to prosper, encourage economic opportunities for adults and advance public policies that reflect our nation’s founding principles.

Our grant-making places a premium on entrepreneurship. Specifically, our traditional areas of support include one-to-one mentoring programs for youth, paid on-the-job training, and a variety of self-help initiatives. The Foundation also has an interest in bringing integrative medicine into the medical mainstream. In each of its giving areas, the Foundation seeks evidenced-based results.

Grantmaking Priorities: Youth and Adults

Youth and Youth Development

• One-to-one mentoring
• Academic tutoring
• Character development
• Leadership
• STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics)
• Financial literacy

Adult Work Programs

• Paid on-the-job training
• Vocational training
• Job placement

Caring For Colorado Grant Program: Youth Health and Well-Being

Priority: Youth Health and Well-Being

We’re working to advance health and well-being for young people, ages 9 to 25, in Colorado who experience health inequities due to economic injustice, racism, and discrimination through strategic investments designed to support young people, strengthen families, and build youth-centered communities.

Our Approach

Guided by local youth and community insight, and informed by the science of adolescent development, we believe that young people will experience greater health and well-being if they:

• Develop a strong sense of belonging, identity, purpose, and agency
• Experience secure and supportive relationships with their parents and caregivers
• Have equitable access to services, spaces, and systems that are youth-centered, culturally responsive, and trauma-informed

To advance youth health and well-being, Caring for Colorado will invest $6 million in the upcoming year through our Youth Health and Well-Being Funding Priority in three focus areas:

• Supporting Young People
• Strengthening Families
• Building Youth-Centered Communities

The Youth Health and Well-Being funding priority is designed to be flexible, leverage local community assets, and support grantee partners as they work to improve conditions for young people and their families. To understand how grant decisions are made, see our Guiding Principles.

We believe that investments in these focus areas have the power to yield a triple benefit: increased health and well-being for young people today, into adulthood, and for the next generation.

Funding

• Supporting Young People and Strengthening Families Focus Areas: The annual grant range for this focus area is $50,000-$125,000. We will also consider multi-year requests, for up to 36 months.
• Building Youth-Centered Communities: The annual grant range for this focus area is $25,000-$100,000. We expect the majority of grants in this focus area to have a term of 12 months.

Grant size depends on several factors, including but not limited to, the scale and scope of the proposal, other sources of funding available to support the work, and our available budget.

Successfully leading a nonprofit in today’s world takes endless dedication and time. Yet, nonprofit leaders are often so committed to their missions that spending time away to re-energize can be an afterthought. The Nonprofit Sabbatical Program aims to recognize and reward long-term and respected nonprofit leaders in Colorado and strengthen the organizations they lead by offering funds for interim leadership and staff capacity building. The program offers nonprofit executives the opportunity to step away from professional responsibilities and take time for themselves for rejuvenation. Ideally, the executive returns to their professional life with new ideas and a fresh sense of commitment to their work, the nonprofit sector as well as the health and health equity of all Coloradans.

Our three cornerstones are “must-haves” in all we do and guide us on our path to addressing the deepest, most historically entrenched inequities. We expect our partners to prioritize these cornerstones in their work alongside us. This commitment necessitates that we prioritize a diverse cohort of grantees whose work and values are in alignment with our cornerstones and who represent a range of identities including race/ethnicity, gender identity, ability/disability identity, sexual orientation as well as geographic area.Up to five sabbaticals will be awarded annually. Each sabbatical must be taken within 18 months of the receipt of the award.

The sabbatical award is made in the form of a grant – up to $100,000 – for charitable support to a Colorado-based nonprofit organization and includes:

• Grantee executive to take three-to-four month hiatus for activities of their choice to reflect, rest and rejuvenate:
• Up to $20,000 for sabbatical activities (e.g., professional development; travel; personal activities)
• Between $25,000-$55,000 subsidy for salary and benefits (dependent on current salary)
• Grantee interim leadership needs (individual or a team):
• Up to $10,000 to support interim leadership needs while grantee is away on sabbatical.
• Grantee staff capacity building needs
• Up to $15,000 to be used during the sabbatical period or up to two years after receipt of the award
• Organizations will need to demonstrate how staff have been involved in determining use of these funds to ensure that they are used for employee-directed needs

Our Approach

With optimism and dedication, we work to improve the lives of children and families in Colorado through collaboration, partnership, shared knowledge and grantmaking. We take a long-term view of our work as we seek to address root causes, promote prevention, improve systems and advance policy change.

Focus Areas

Caring for Colorado’s vision is that Colorado’s children and families are happy, healthy and thriving and our purpose is creating equity in health, well-being and opportunity for Colorado’s children and families. Given this, we focus our grantmaking in four primary areas. 

Healthy Beginnings

We believe infants, young children and their caregivers need and deserve equitable access to supportive resources that nurture healthy development.

We want Colorado’s children to have healthy beginnings — brain development is most rapid in the first three years of life and early experiences and relationships have significant impact on health and well-being.

Healthy Youth

We believe promoting youth-friendly services, centering youth voice and addressing systemic inequities are foundational to the healthy development of youth.

Adolescence is a time of significant brain, body and emotional growth. The changes in brain structure and connectivity that occur between the ages of 10 and 25 present important opportunities for positive, life-shaping development, and for recovering from past adversity.

Strong & Resilient Families

We believe all families need support and deserve equitable access to resources that nurture development, behavioral health, stability and healthy relationships.

Families need support to provide stable and responsive environments for children to grow. Children deserve to have safe and happy experiences throughout their childhood and adolescence and to grow up to have full adult lives.

Ent Says YES for Kids!

We see young people as crucial to the present and future success of our communities. And it’s why after 23 years, we’re still approving Youth Endowment Series (YES) grants to nonprofit agencies that benefit youth in the communities we serve. In 2022, we awarded $200,000 in grants to deserving organizations across the state of Colorado.

Since we began in 2000, Ent YES Grants totaling more than $1.8 million have helped over 250 Colorado nonprofits serve children of all ages in crucial and life-changing ways. YES Grants have helped organizations throughout the state provide shelter for children facing abuse, put food on the table, enhanced literacy programs and much more.

In 2022, we received more than 160 applications with grant asks of $1.5 million. Through competitive applications and the tireless work of our committee, we narrowed that down to a total of 74 grant recipients. YES Grants are particularly meaningful at Ent as the recipients are selected entirely by a committee comprised of Ent team members from a variety of areas throughout the credit union. See the list below to view our YES Grants recipients that are serving our Colorado communities.

The Dr. Virgilio Licona Community Health Leadership Award honors on-the-ground changemakers tackling significant community health barriers and advancing health equity on both community and systems levels. 

About the Award

Through the Dr. Virgilio Licona Community Health Leadership Award, The Foundation recognizes one Coloradan annually whose distinguished track record of leadership in the communities they serve and the systems they are working in demonstrates disruption for positive change. 

The annual award recipient is honored in their home community and offered the opportunity to designate a one-time $20,000 donation to support their nonprofit or another nonprofit working to improve the health of Coloradans.

The award is designed to:

• Recognize impactful efforts to advance health and health equity for Coloradans who have historically had less power and privilege.
• Advance innovative, proven and replicable solutions to address critical health issues in Colorado communities.
• Recognize the power of community health leadership in driving positive health outcomes.
• Inspire others to strive toward Dr. Licona’s standard of excellence and to honor those whose work embodies his spirit of care, compassion, activism and dedication.

Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade

The Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT) creates a positive business climate that encourages dynamic economic development and sustainable job growth. We advance the state’s economy through financial and technical programs under the leadership of the Governor and Executive Director. We work hard to grow a resilient economy where everyone not only gets by, but thrives. Our agency consists of 14 divisions and offices that support various industries, regions, and sectors.

Colorado Creative Industries

Colorado Creative Industries (CCI) believes in the power of creativity to inspire human connections, create social change, and support economic vibrancy throughout Colorado. We focus on strengthening the vitality of visual, performing, and literary arts through promotion, resources, and funding opportunities.

Our mission is to promote, support and expand the creative industries to drive Colorado’s economy, grow jobs and enhance our quality of life. The creative economy subgroups are design, film and media, literary and publishing, performing arts, visual arts and design, and heritage.

Folk and Traditional Arts Project Grant

Program Summary

The Folk and Traditional Arts Project Grant is dedicated to celebrating, documenting, and preserving Colorado’s cultural heritage through folk and traditional arts. It aims to enhance community well being, encompassing belonging, cultural identity, economic vitality, and sense of place. This initiative includes two funding opportunities:

• Funding for the creation, presentation, or teaching of folk and traditional arts.
• Funding for documenting folk or traditional arts and cultural heritage through the creation of community archiving, oral histories, or photojournalism, video or other creative and or documentary works.

Funding Amount: $3,000. The Colorado Creative Industries Folk and Traditional Arts Grant may be used to fully fund a project.

Background

Colorado Creative Industries (CCI) is a division of the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade. Established to capitalize on the immense potential for our creative sector to enhance economic growth in Colorado, the mission of Colorado Creative Industries is to promote, support and expand the creative industries to drive Colorado's economy, grow jobs and enhance our quality of life.

Colorado Creates Grants

The purpose of Colorado Creates, Creative Industries’ largest annual competitive grant program, is to provide support to nonprofit arts organizations who produce and present arts and cultural activities. All grants are for General Operating Support.

Grant awards are flat amounts based on the size of the applicant’s cash operating revenue for the organization’s most recently completed fiscal year (as of the grant deadline date). All applicants in the same budget range who are recommended for funding will receive the same dollar amount. Both the first year and the continuation of a second-year grant is contingent upon available funds.

If your cash operating revenue in your most recently completed fiscal year was $1 million or more, you will request $10,000. For $500,000-999,999 the amount is $8,500. For $250,000-499,999 the amount is $7,500.  For $100,000-249,999 the amount is $6,500.  For $25,000-99,999 the amount is $4,000.

Committed to Community

Each year, Boeing and our employees work to build better communities around the world. We have an opportunity — and a responsibility — to be a positive force for change in the places we call home. It’s part of who we are.

We believe that in order to remain a sustainable, dynamic and global company, it’s imperative that we invest time, talent and resources where our employees live and work — contributing to efforts that build and enhance our communities for generations to come.

Here, we showcase the evolution of our philanthropic journey — one that is fueled by purpose, driven by innovation, and dedicated to building a world where positive change is our commitment.

The Employees Community Fund (ECF) of The Boeing Company

One of the largest employee-managed funds of its kind in the world, the Employees Community Fund (ECF) of The Boeing Company has been empowering employees to make a greater impact by pooling their tax-deductible donations for more than 60 years. Employee-led grantmaking committees at 20 Boeing sites- provide combined employee donations to nonprofits in their communities through ECF grants.

Charitable or educational organizations can apply for grants from the Employees Community Fund (ECF) of The Boeing Company.

Colorado Chapter

The Colorado Chapter Grantmaking Committee is part of the Boeing Employees Community Fund (ECF) - an international network of Boeing employee-funded and operated nonprofit charitable foundations. Grants awarded have typically ranged from $2,500 to $5,000, depending on the amount of funds that the local chapter has available at the time of the request and the number of grant requests received during that same year. 

Focus Areas

The Colorado Chapter primarily funds Health & Human Services (H&HS) organization requests from local non-profit organizations (NPO)), but has also funded other worthy NPO organizations or efforts related to other fields (education, social support and development, etc.). The main priority for the Colorado Chapter is to support and fund local (Denver and/or Colorado Springs metro areas) NPO organizations that provide a necesssary service to the local communities as part of the overall Boeing Global Engagement strategy and Community Involvement.

Our Focus

Children are more likely to thrive when caregivers, families and communities experience opportunities for health and well-being. We believe all children, youth and families deserve equitable access to systems of support.

Partnering to promote public policy advocacy and systems change can promote justice and equity and achieve the greatest good for the greatest number of people in Colorado.

What We Fund

Caring for Colorado seeks to create lasting, meaningful and broad change that improves the lives of children for generations to come. We support public policy advocacy as a central tool for advancing our mission.

Public policy advocacy funding can support general operating, capacity building, network and coalition building, research and analysis, public education, policy implementation engagement and monitoring, leadership development, polling, nonpartisan voter education, regulatory efforts, and, in some cases, limited lobbying.

Public Policy Advocacy

Caring for Colorado funds public policy advocacy at local and state levels to support efforts that improve health, well-being and opportunity for children, youth, and families in Colorado. We prioritize work that aligns with the foundation’s Guiding Principles.

Statewide

We fund statewide public policy advocacy efforts that improve access to high quality health care for children, youth, and families experiencing barriers to care or support efforts to strengthen or expand public programs or benefits to help families prosper.

Children, youth, and their families must be a core component of an organization’s advocacy agenda, and the organization must explicitly work to create or improve policies that reduce economic, racial and gender-based inequities.

Local

We fund local policy advocacy efforts that respond to emergent or urgent issues, or capitalize on new opportunities to improve health, well-being and opportunity for children, youth, and their families.

Youth-Led

We fund policy advocacy efforts that partner with young people to identify and respond to issues that affect youth health, well-being, and opportunity.