Best Grants for Environmental Conservation in Colorado

Colorado environmental conservation nonprofits working on private land protection, ecosystem restoration, or restorative economies can access funding through Biophilia Foundation; awards range from US $5,000 - US $25,000. U.S.-based organizations, especially in the arid Southwest, may send a brief letter of inquiry outlining their mission, project, location, and requested support.

Colorado 501(c)(3) nonprofits working on economic and workforce advancement, safe and affordable housing, or community arts and culture can access funding via U.S. Bank Foundation. Organizations based in and serving designated U.S. Bank communities, especially those led by people of color and advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion, may be competitive applicants.

Nonprofit organizations running youth environmental education programs in Colorado’s Summit and Lake Counties can apply for Copper Environmental Foundation’s annual grants, typically ranging from US $500 - US $7,000. Funding supports hands-on projects for ages 5–18, and may benefit groups focused on environmental conservation education and youth leadership development in Colorado.

Operators of existing water diversion, delivery, or storage facilities in Colorado can seek funding to mitigate environmental impacts through the Fish and Wildlife Resources Fund. Grants from Colorado Department of Natural Resources help Colorado environmental conservation projects acquire or appropriate water rights and implement river restoration studies or construction, including efforts benefiting threatened or endangered wildlife in riparian ecosystems.

Nonprofit and nongovernmental organizations using technology for crisis response, education access, economic empowerment, or climate resilience in Colorado and beyond can apply for Global Impact Cash Grants, with awards up to US $100,000. With a mission to strengthen communities, Cisco Systems Foundation provides early-stage, tech-enabled social impact programs with project-focused funding for underserved populations worldwide.

Educational institutions, government programs, and eligible nonprofits in Colorado can seek funding for safety, education, and community development initiatives, including disaster preparedness, affordable housing, and K-12 or higher education programs. Grants from State Farm Companies Foundation may benefit environmental and conservation groups whose projects address community safety, resilience, sustainable housing, transportation, or related neighborhood revitalization needs.

The Hearst Foundation: Culture Grant aims to support outstanding nonprofits that enhance cultural engagement and artistic talent in the U.S. With a focus on programs that reach young people, the grant prioritizes organizations that create lasting impacts in the arts and sciences. The Foundation allocates 25% of its funding to cultural initiatives, favoring established organizations with a history of significant results. Eligible nonprofits must encourage inclusivity and sustainability in their programs.

The Michael & Susan Dell Foundation provides grants to organizations focused on improving the lives of children in urban poverty in the U.S., India, and South Africa. They prioritize projects in education, health, and family economic stability. Grants typically do not exceed 25% of a project's budget or 10% of an organization's annual expenses. The foundation seeks to partner with organizations already making an impact, ensuring funding supports impactful social enterprises.

The PNC Foundation aims to enhance the lives of individuals in local communities through partnerships with nonprofit organizations. Their focus includes promoting educational opportunities, particularly for early childhood education, and supporting economic development initiatives. Grants are available for organizations that benefit low- to moderate-income families and enhance community growth. The foundation prioritizes programs that foster sustainability and diversity, ensuring a lasting impact on the communities they serve.

Roche Corporate Donations and Philanthropy (CDP) focuses on impactful projects that foster sustainable development, engage employees, and leverage Roche's expertise. Their philanthropic efforts prioritize humanitarian, educational, environmental, and cultural initiatives, aiming to build stronger communities and support innovative projects. Eligibility is limited to local organizations, while ineligible projects include those with political or religious ties. The foundation strives to create a positive societal impact through collaboration and strategic partnerships.

The Robinson Foundation Grant, established in 2016, aims to alleviate hardships faced by individuals and communities, demonstrating God's love through charitable contributions. As a family-operated foundation, it focuses on creating meaningful, long-term impacts in various areas including animal welfare, education, and disaster relief. Organizations eligible for funding must be 501(c)(3) public charities. The foundation prioritizes fiscally responsible projects with the potential for tangible results, while not supporting capital projects.

The Lawrence Foundation is a private family foundation established in 2000, dedicated to granting funds for environmental and human services causes. Eligible organizations include 501(c)(3) nonprofits and public schools, with grants typically ranging from $5,000 to $10,000. The foundation supports unrestricted grants for various projects, including disaster relief and environmental programs, but does not fund individuals or for-profit entities. Applications are evaluated based on alignment with the foundation's priorities.

The Environment Pillar Award by Honda supports nonprofit organizations and schools in the U.S. focused on sustainability. Grants aim to reduce environmental impact through programs in decarbonization, clean energy, and efficient resource use. Eligible projects must align with Honda's mission and primarily benefit communities where Honda associates live and work. Organizations can apply for up to two grants, provided they meet specific eligibility criteria, including tax-exempt status under the IRS.

Agricultural producers, non-industrial private forest landowners, and Tribes in Colorado can receive funding to enhance conservation on working lands, including cropland, rangeland, pasture, and private forests. USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service of Colorado supports practices that improve soil health, water resources, wildlife habitat, fire management, and climate resilience through customized five-year Conservation Stewardship Program contracts.

Agricultural producers, ranchers, Tribes, and private forest landowners in Colorado can apply for USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service of Colorado’s Environmental Quality Incentives Program to cost-share structural and management conservation practices on working lands. Funding supports priorities like water quality and quantity, grazing management, soil health, wildlife habitat, forest health, and other environmental conservation improvements.

Governmental and private water users in Colorado can seek funding to plan, design, or maintain water supply projects and related environmental activities. Grants from Colorado Department of Natural Resources help cover technical assistance, feasibility studies, infrastructure work, and education or innovation efforts that support sustainable water resource management and conservation across the state.

With a mission to conserve and manage water resources, Colorado Department of Natural Resources provides Colorado environmental and conservation organizations with funding for water storage and supply, watershed health, sustainable agriculture, and recreation projects. Eligible projects include technical assistance, feasibility studies, structural design, and education or innovation efforts that advance the Colorado Water Plan.

Colorado environmental conservation nonprofits can access funding through Hillman Family Foundations for projects in conservation, environmental education, climate change mitigation, and wildfire resiliency. 501(c)(3) public charities in Boulder and nearby areas may be eligible, with most grants initiated by the foundation’s staff and board and occasional support for other U.S. locations.

Environmental and conservation organizations in Colorado working in southwestern counties may be eligible for grants supporting environmental justice, land and water conservation, parks, environmental literacy, and animal care facilities. Grants from Jacob and Terese Hershey Foundation help groups in these regions pursue advocacy, community organizing, legal strategies, and on-the-ground conservation projects.

U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofits addressing basic needs, community vitality, or volunteer-driven causes can apply for Ameriprise Financial’s Community Grants to support programs in hunger relief, housing, adult self-sufficiency, and cultural or community development. Colorado environmental or community groups that fit these focus areas and engage Ameriprise volunteers may be competitive, with priority to key Ameriprise employee centers.

Colorado municipalities, counties, eligible special districts, and land conservation nonprofits can seek funding to develop or revitalize parks, trails, schoolyards, fairgrounds, and other outdoor spaces that enhance community access to nature. Great Outdoors Colorado provides US $100,000 - US $2,000,000 for community-driven outdoor recreation and public space projects that may advance local environmental conservation goals.

The Nordstrom Community Grant focuses on supporting youth and families by providing over $1 million in grants annually. It aims to assist grassroots organizations that address essential community needs such as food, shelter, and clothing, as well as creating opportunities for economic mobility through mentorship and workforce development. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits located in areas where Nordstrom operates. Applications are encouraged for those meeting these criteria.

Colorado 501(c)(3) public charities and some governmental entities planning capital projects can apply for Gates Family Foundation’s GFF Capital Grants to support land, facilities, and civic infrastructure. Capital campaigns for construction, renovation, expansion, or land acquisition that benefit Colorado residents, especially in rural or low-income areas and conserving land, habitat, or parks, may be eligible.

Search and rescue nonprofit teams in Colorado can apply for the Rocky Talkie Search and Rescue Award to fund essential gear, operational projects, advanced training, and other critical needs. Grants from American Alpine Club support under-resourced SAR organizations across the U.S. and Canada, which may benefit teams helping protect backcountry users and natural areas.

501(c)(3) organizations working on environmental conservation in Colorado can apply for the Maki Foundation’s Maki Foundation Grant Program, awarding US $1,000 - US $5,000 for wilderness and wildlands protection, river and wetlands conservation, biological diversity, and public lands management. Smaller groups with annual budgets under $1 million are most likely to be funded.

Colorado land trusts, conservation nonprofits, and private forest landowners can receive funding to secure conservation easements that protect private forestlands from development. Focused on environmental conservation, the Colorado State Forest Service Forest Legacy Program supports projects in Colorado that reduce forest fragmentation, safeguard wildlife habitat and water resources, and lower wildfire risk while keeping lands in private ownership.

Eligible nonprofits, for-profits, schools, local governments, and Tribes in Colorado can apply for Colorado Parks & Wildlife’s Outdoor Equity Grant Program, with awards up to US $100,000 for outdoor access initiatives. Funding can support outdoor recreation, nature-based education, conservation-focused programming, gear, staff, operations, and outdoor structures that serve underrepresented youth and families.