Best Disaster Preparedness and Relief Grants in Colorado

Colorado 501(c)(3) nonprofits and government agencies working on disaster preparedness, first responder support, and community resilience can access funding via Marathon Petroleum. Grants support workforce development, sustainability, and thriving communities, including safety projects that help communities prepare for, mitigate, and respond to disasters, with preference for areas where the company has significant operations.

Colorado organizations and collaborative projects focused on wildfire risk reduction and forest restoration can seek funding to implement community-level mitigation in the wildland-urban interface. Focused on disaster preparedness, the Colorado State Forest Service offers this competitive, cost-share program with awards up to US $2,000,000 for projects benefiting multiple properties and improving forest health.

Colorado K-12 public schools with existing libraries that suffered significant library damage from recent disasters can access funding through Dollar General Literacy Foundation to rebuild books, media, and equipment. Eligible schools must be within 15 miles of a Dollar General store or distribution center and have experienced qualifying natural disasters, fires, or federally recognized acts of terrorism.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Colorado offering humanitarian aid, youth development, education, or related community programs can seek approximately US $75,000 in flexible support, including projects, operations, or capital, from Daniels Fund. Focused on Aging, homelessness, addiction, youth, and education, it may benefit Colorado groups engaged in disaster relief and community resilience efforts.

Colorado public entities and eligible nonprofits needing immediate stabilization of historic buildings or sites after sudden disasters can receive up to US $15,000 for temporary preservation work. History Colorado’s State Historical Fund supports emergency responses to events like fire, flood, hail, or crashes, which may help organizations addressing disaster preparedness and relief needs.

Alpenglow Impact provides Colorado disaster preparedness and relief organizations with Dollar Tree gift card grants to support individuals and families in crisis. 501(c)(3) nonprofits and Title I schools in the contiguous U.S. can receive US $2,500 - US $10,000 in cards to address essentials insecurity, family stability, youth needs, and disaster-affected populations.

Colorado 501(c)(3) nonprofits facing unplanned emergency needs from disasters or crises can seek up to US $5,000 to cover unforeseen costs. The Rosendin Foundation supports community-focused organizations in its operating areas with one-time emergency funding tied to emotional, occupational, and nutritional health, which may benefit disaster relief and humanitarian aid efforts.

Organizations, artists, schools, and agencies using arts to address social or humanitarian issues in Colorado can apply for grants of US $5,000 - US $35,000. Grants from RedLine Contemporary Art Center support cross-sector, arts-based projects that promote social justice, community welfare, and disaster relief or humanitarian aid, plus learning community, evaluation, and communications support.

Colorado electric utilities planning advanced grid monitoring and resilience projects in Colorado can apply for up to US $500,000 from the Colorado Energy Office. Focused on disaster preparedness and wildfire and extreme weather impacts, this program supports tools like fire monitoring systems, vegetation management technologies, pole sensors, smart meters, and grid modeling to strengthen grid reliability.

Colorado Watershed Restoration Grant Program

The Colorado Water Conservation Board (CWCB) has approved a release of the Colorado Watershed Restoration Program. The Program will focus on the development of Wildfire Ready Watersheds Action Plans and implementation of projects designed to mitigate post wildfire impacts. Post-wildfire impacts such as flooding and debris flows are a threat to life, safety, and property, and have a profound impact on water supply, transportation, and other infrastructure. The Colorado Water Conservation Board approaches planning and hazard mitigation implementation in this realm with urgency. Catastrophic wildfires and subsequent flooding and debris flows occur with little or no warning during all seasons.

Applications will be accepted for capacity building, planning, engineering, implementation, and post-wildfire emergency funding to address the susceptibility of values at risk to post wildfire hazards.

This project aims to address the invasive grass-fire cycle affecting native grasslands in the eastern Northern Great Plains by collaborating with key resource managers. By mapping the presence of this cycle and identifying effective management strategies, the project seeks to enhance community resilience to wildfires. It aligns with federal priorities on wildfire prevention and aims to improve decision-making through actionable science and data, ultimately supporting sustainable land management practices.

Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment serves Coloradans by providing public health and environmental protection services that promote healthy people in healthy places. Public health professionals use evidence-based practices in the public health and environmental fields to create the conditions in which residents can be healthy. In addition to maintaining and enhancing our core programs, the department continues to identify and respond to emerging issues affecting Colorado's public and environmental health.

PFAS Grant Program

The purpose of the per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) Grant Program is to provide financial assistance to minimize risk to the public from certain hazardous substances (ex: PFAS) in drinking water. The Program provides funding to support efforts in identifying, assessing, and reducing environmental impacts of PFAS on human health and the environment. The PFAS Grant program is administered through the Water Quality Control Division (WQCD). The WQCD monitors and reports on the quality of state waters to prevent water pollution, protect, restore and enhance the quality of surface and groundwater while ensuring that all drinking water systems provide safe drinking water.

Emergency Assistance

Funding for Emergency Assistance projects will be provided to communities and water systems affected by PFAS levels above the EPA maximum contamination levels and at the discretion of the Department on a case by case basis. The grantee applying for Category 2 - Emergency Assistance applications will work directly with CDPHE to create and implement an action plan. To be eligible for financial assistance under this category, the project must meet the following criteria:

• levels of PFAS above the EPA maximum contamination levels.
• the release of PFAS poses an immediate threat to public health and/or the environment.

Educational institutions, government programs, 501(c)(3) nonprofits, and 501(c)(4) volunteer fire companies in Colorado can apply for State Farm Companies Foundation’s Good Neighbor Citizenship grants to support safety, community development, and education initiatives. Funding can cover disaster preparedness, mitigation, and recovery projects that strengthen community resilience and public safety.

Nonprofit organizations working on disaster preparedness and relief in Colorado and across North America can seek up to US $25,000 for crisis response, including preparedness, disaster relief and recovery, and medicine and food support. The McKesson Foundation also funds related health equity efforts like cancer prevention, healthcare workforce development, and addressing social determinants of health.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and eligible public entities in Colorado can seek funding for disaster preparedness, relief, and related community needs, with awards of US $2,500 - US $10,000. With a mission to strengthen communities, International Paper Company Foundation also supports education, hunger relief, health and wellness, environmental projects, and critical needs in counties where it operates.

Colorado public entities and regional partners working on disaster recovery, preparedness, and long-term economic development can access funding through the Economic Development Administration’s FY25 Disaster Supplemental. Grants up to US $50,000,000 support readiness planning, implementation projects, and large-scale industry transformation efforts in areas economically impacted by 2023–2024 natural disasters across the U.S.

Colorado nonprofits and 501(c)(3) institutions working on disaster preparedness, relief, or related resilience projects can access funding through Japan Foundation’s Japan–U.S. Global Partnership Grant Program. Policy-oriented, collaborative projects between U.S. and Japanese organizations addressing global issues like climate change, disaster prevention, recovery, and community resilience may be supported, including initiatives involving science and technology experts.

Colorado nonprofits, government entities, and fiscally sponsored groups can seek funding for disaster preparedness and relief services, including search and rescue, fire prevention, safety education, and first aid. Focused on community resilience, Chaffee County Community Foundation also supports related health, human services, animal welfare, and environmental or historical preservation efforts in Chaffee, Custer, Fremont, Lake, and Saguache Counties.

Focused on disaster preparedness and backup power, Hillman Family Foundations invites Colorado nonprofits and local government agencies to apply for the Powered & Prepared Initiative, offering US $300,000 for resilient power solutions. Eligible 501(c)(3) and municipal entities must own the project site and primarily serve communities in specified southwestern Pennsylvania counties, but U.S.-based applicants may review criteria for fit.

Nonprofit organizations improving health equity through cancer prevention and care, healthcare workforce diversity, or crisis response can apply for McKesson Foundation grants over More than US $25,000 across the U.S. and Canada. Colorado organizations working on disaster preparedness, disaster relief, or medicine and food access for vulnerable communities may be strong candidates.

The Crawford Taylor Foundation focuses on enhancing programs that create lasting legacies in St. Louis. With priorities in community development, women's health, animal welfare, and environmental preservation, the foundation seeks to support 501(c)(3) organizations that meet specific eligibility criteria. They avoid funding multi-year grants or for-profit initiatives, emphasizing support for local causes and relief efforts deemed important by the Taylor family.

The IATSE Local 700 Hardship Relief Fund provides emergency financial assistance to eligible members of the performing arts and entertainment industry during critical times. This support helps cover essential living expenses, such as housing and healthcare, to prevent eviction and utility shut-offs. To qualify, members must have met minimum dues requirements or be officially retired. The fund does not cover expenses like credit cards, loans, or business-related costs.

The IATSE Local 798 Fund offers emergency financial assistance to performing arts and entertainment professionals facing unexpected critical needs. This support helps cover essential living expenses, including housing, utilities, and healthcare, to prevent eviction or service shut-offs. Eligible applicants must be union members for at least two years and have experienced unforeseen financial hardship due to circumstances beyond their control, such as injury or natural disasters.

The Broadcasters Foundation of America Emergency Grant provides vital financial assistance to broadcasters facing acute financial hardship due to natural disasters or emergencies. These one-time grants support those who have dedicated years to the broadcasting profession and are in need of help to recover. Applications can be submitted by individual broadcasters or their employers within 30 days of the event, ensuring timely support for those affected.

The AFM Local 802 Musicians’ Emergency Relief Fund provides emergency financial assistance to eligible performing arts and entertainment professionals facing unexpected critical needs. This fund supports basic living expenses, including healthcare, housing, and utilities, to help prevent eviction or shut-offs. To qualify, applicants must be current members in good standing and demonstrate financial need. However, the fund does not cover expenses such as credit cards, personal loans, and tuition.

The American Guild of Musical Artists Relief Fund provides emergency financial assistance to eligible performing arts professionals facing unexpected critical needs. This support aids in covering essential living expenses, including housing, healthcare, and utilities, to help prevent eviction or utility shut-offs. Applicants must be current members in good standing and provide necessary documentation to confirm their eligibility. This fund aims to ensure the well-being of artists during challenging times.

The Joan M. Wismer Foundation, established in 2001, honors the legacy of Joan Marilynn Wismer, who was dedicated to charitable work and community service. The foundation focuses on improving lives through education, youth development, safety, humanitarian services, and medical research. It primarily supports IRS-recognized 501(c)(3) organizations, schools, and churches, while emphasizing the importance of sustainable funding and effective financial management in its grant-making process.