Best Small Grants for Nonprofits in Colorado

Colorado 501(c)(3) nonprofits providing direct services to people in financial hardship, youth, aging adults, or individuals with disabilities can receive general operating support, with awards up to US $20,000. Grants from A V Hunter Trust prioritize small, financially stable organizations under $1 million in annual budget, especially in rural or underserved communities.

Focused on youth education and child wellbeing, this program invites Colorado 501(c)(3) nonprofits to seek US $5,000 - US $75,000 for pilot projects, proof-of-concept efforts, capacity building, and general operating support. Organizations improving educational outcomes or community supports for children and youth, including early childhood initiatives, may be competitive applicants.

Colorado nonprofits and NGOs using technology to tackle crisis response, education access, economic empowerment, or climate resilience can access funding through Cisco Systems Foundation’s Global Impact Cash Grants, with awards up to US $100,000. Eligible organizations must primarily serve economically underserved communities and keep overhead at or below 25 percent, with applications accepted year-round via an LOI process.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and government entities in Colorado can apply for more than US $10,000 from the Roy and Gloria Dinsdale Foundation to support basic needs, healthcare, education, arts, or veterans and first responders. Rural and small-community programs may be especially competitive, and Colorado nonprofits seeking smaller project support may still benefit from these larger awards.

Colorado public entities and nonprofits can seek funding for archaeological assessment projects, including site-specific documentation, small surveys, and research assessments that support future preservation work. Grants from History Colorado help Colorado organizations cover initial archaeological data collection and analysis; awards up to US $20,000 support projects tied to historic preservation goals.

Colorado public entities and nonprofits can receive up to US $10,000 for grassroots historic preservation projects, including internships, workshops, conferences, small physical projects, and investigations. Grants from History Colorado help Colorado small nonprofits and local governments start or expand preservation efforts with more flexible application timing than larger competitive grants.

Colorado nonprofits with 501(c)(3) status and budgets under $1 million serving marginalized adults 50+ can seek one-time funding for sudden, urgent needs that disrupt services. Next50 Foundation supports small organizations improving older adults’ economic well-being and aligning with priorities like ending ageism, advancing digital equity, and supporting aging in place; awards up to US $30,000.

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 12 divisions and offices that support various industries, regions, and sectors.

Tourism Management Grant

Grant Summary

The Tourism Management Grant provides funding for tourism-related projects that develop, enhance, or manage visitor experiences in Colorado.

Funding requests up to $20,000 will be accepted and the required match is 4:1. For every $1 the qualifying grantee allocates to the project, the Colorado Tourism Office will provide $4 in matching funds up to $20,000. For example, if your total project budget is $25,000, you can request a $20,000 grant and you will need to provide the remaining $5,000 as a cash match.

The applicant can financially match the project cost at a higher amount if the cost exceeds grant dollar limitations.

This is a reimbursement grant. Awarded applicants will be provided reimbursement instructions after the formal grant agreement has been executed.

Eligible Projects

Eligible projects must advance the development, enhancement or management of visitor experiences in Colorado. 

Eligible use of funds for Tourism Management Grants

Eligible projects must support one or more of the eligible use of funds detailed below:

• Visitor education programs. Example: Travel philanthropy programs, trailhead and tourism ambassador programs.

• Tourism-related strategic planning. Example: Climate action planning, niche tourism planning, stakeholder and resident engagement, visitor accessibility plans. [For broad tourism planning efforts, please refer to the Destination Blueprint Program]

• Tourism research and data. Example: Accessibility audit, tourism economic impact report and dashboard, hotel and short-term rental analytics, visitor behavior data, visitor profile studies.

• Tourism signage that directly enhances the visitor experience through increased access or engagement. Example: Directional signage, digital information kiosk, educational or interpretive signage, wayfinding signage.

• Accessible and inclusive tourism projects. Example: Customized communication, implement inclusive programming, interpretive panels, train staff in inclusivity and accessibility, language translation

• Environmental sustainability efforts specific to tourism. Example: Destination stewardship dashboard, zero waste event strategy and tracking.

Projects should focus on one or more of the following shared industry priorities or advance specific strategies identified in the Destination Stewardship Strategic Plan(opens in new window):

• Advance off-peak tourism opportunities: Identify opportunities to extend the benefits of tourism throughout the year and increase demand for tourism outside of existing busy seasons.
• Champion the value of tourism: Build awareness of the value that tourism provides to your destination and the role that destination organizations have in enhancing local quality of life.
• Manage and enhance visitor experiences: Diversify tourism offerings and showcase the unique potential of your destination by increasing access or engagement.
• Encourage responsible and respectful use: Inspire visitors to engage in low-impact travel within Colorado, such as advancing climate action strategies.
• Foster inclusive travel opportunities: Develop strategies and resources to ensure your destination is welcoming and accessible to everyone.

Advance Payment Availability and Request Process

Applicants may apply for an advance payment to support immediate cash flow needs for public purposes. The amount of funds advanced is limited to the minimum immediate cash requirement necessary to cover the anticipated expenditures within 90 days from receipt of funds. Failure to deploy the advanced funds within this 90-day immediate-need timeframe will result in mandatory repayment of the unexpended balance.

Eligibility Criteria (Advance Payment)

To be eligible for an advance payment, your organization must:

• Submit all Application Requirements
• If requesting more than $15,000 of funds to be advanced over the life of the grant, you must undergo a risk assessment conducted by OEDIT during the application stage. Advance payments over $15,000 will only be approved for grantees evaluated as “low risk”.

Nonprofits, tribes, and higher education institutions in Colorado that support rural microentrepreneurs can apply for USDA’s Rural Microentrepreneur Assistance Program, with awards up to US $500,000 for lending and technical assistance. Funding helps Microenterprise Development Organizations build revolving loan funds and provide training for very small rural businesses with 10 or fewer employees.

The Dr. Scholl Foundation offers grants annually to IRS 501(c)(3) organizations, primarily focusing on U.S. applicants. The foundation supports projects in education, social services, healthcare, civic and cultural initiatives, and environmental efforts. While the grant cycle runs from October 1 to March 1, it encourages innovative solutions to global challenges. Only one application per organization is accepted each year, and funding is limited to one year. Unqualified organizations, including political entities, are ineligible.

Colorado K–12 schools and Larimer County nonprofits providing music education for children and youth can receive up to US $500 for instruments, supplies, program costs, and student participation needs. Grants from Community Foundation of Northern Colorado support Poudre School District music programs and youth arts opportunities, with preference for low-income and special needs students.

Nonprofit organizations, public agencies, and other 501(c)(3) groups working on historic and cultural preservation in Colorado can receive US $2,500 - US $10,000 for planning and emergency interventions. The National Trust for Historic Preservation’s Southwest Intervention Fund supports strategic efforts to protect archaeological sites, cultural landscapes, and traditional cultural resources in the Southwest region.

Colorado public agencies and 501(c)(3) nonprofits focused on historic preservation planning and education can apply for National Trust for Historic Preservation’s National Trust Preservation Funds, offering US $2,500 - US $5,000. Focused on preservation, the fund invites small nonprofits to seek support for planning, technical assistance, and innovative outreach to engage new audiences.

Colorado nonprofits and public agencies supporting child and family mental well-being can access funding through Intermountain Community Care Foundation for programs serving families with children. Grants from US $5,000 - US $100,000 support prevention, early intervention, family-centered mental health services, trauma-informed systems, and community behavioral health collaborations; applicants must have a recent audit and 501(c)(3) or comparable government designation.

Colorado 501(c)(3) nonprofits expanding access to medical, dental, or behavioral healthcare can seek US $5,000 - US $50,000 Healthcare Access Grants to support evidence-based programs or innovative pilots. Intermountain Community Care Foundation prioritizes projects that strengthen mental health, prevent suicide, address substance use, and improve community health outcomes.

Colorado 501(c)(3) organizations improving nutrition security or providing housing-related wraparound services can access funding via Intermountain Community Care Foundation. Grants of US $5,000 - US $100,000 support new or existing programs that address social drivers of health, including small equipment and materials essential to project success.

The True Inspiration Awards, established by Chick-fil-A in 2015, recognizes nonprofit organizations that significantly impact their communities. In 2025, the program will distribute $6 million in grants, ranging from $30,000 to $350,000, to sixteen selected organizations. Categories include Caring for People, Caring through Food, Community, and Caring for our Planet, with a focus on educational initiatives, food security, housing services, and environmental stewardship, honoring the legacy of founder S. Truett Cathy.

Nonprofit professional theatres in Colorado and select Western states producing contemporary plays on current social issues can apply for the Sheri and Les Biller Family Foundation’s Social Impact Theatre support. Grants of US $10,000 - US $25,000 fund production, artistic, and community engagement costs, plus limited change-capital projects for business models, community connection, or new leadership.

Rural public entities and nonprofit organizations in Colorado can use these grants to provide technical assistance, training, and infrastructure support for small rural businesses. Focused on rural development, USDA: Rural Development invites eligible applicants to seek US $10,000 - US $500,000 for projects like business counseling, facilities, revolving loan funds, and community economic development.

Colorado nonprofits providing legal services to disadvantaged people, law-related education, or justice system improvements in Colorado can seek project-focused support through this program. Focused on legal and justice initiatives, the Colorado Bar Foundation invites 501(c)(3) organizations, including small and rural groups, to apply for approximately US $5,699 in funding for specific program expenses.

Nonprofits, public agencies, schools, faith-based organizations, and fiscally sponsored groups in Colorado serving Weld County residents can seek mini-grants for youth engagement, economic mobility, small business support, and community-led research. Grants from Weld Community Foundation help small Colorado nonprofits drive measurable, community-focused projects with strong leadership, financial stability, and a path toward program self-sufficiency, offering up to US $5,000.

Nonprofits, public agencies, schools, faith-based organizations, and fiscally sponsored groups serving Weld County, Colorado can seek mini-grants up to US $5,000 for youth engagement, economic mobility, small business support, and community-led research projects. Colorado organizations predominantly serving Weld County residents may access this Weld Community Foundation funding for measurable, community-driven initiatives.

Colorado 501(c)(3) nonprofits focused on education, health, human services, environment, culture, or community development can seek small project or program funding through the Best Life Community Awards. Eligible organizations in Pueblo County may be nominated by Altra Federal Credit Union members to receive US $2,500 - US $10,000 from Altra Foundation.

The Wolcott Family Foundation provides Colorado nonprofits focused on social change and environmental stewardship with US $1,000 - US $5,000 for general operating or project support. U.S.-based 501(c)(3) organizations with annual budgets under $350,000, especially grassroots groups addressing civil rights, poverty, or ecological issues, may be prioritized.

With a mission to advance social change and environmental stewardship, the Wolcott Family Foundation provides Colorado 501(c)(3) nonprofits with US $1,000 - US $5,000 in one-year grants. Small, grassroots organizations with budgets under $350,000 may seek general operating or project support for civil rights, environmental preservation, poverty reduction, and community organizing initiatives.

Colorado nonprofits, schools, and government entities supporting women and girls can seek funding for education, workforce skills, and small business development programs. Focused on women’s economic opportunity, Freeport-McMoRan Foundation invites applicants in eligible Colorado counties to propose initiatives that improve income, employment, business creation, and post-secondary access or completion for female beneficiaries.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Colorado that support basic needs, at-risk youth education, workforce readiness, or domestic violence safety can apply for The Tjx Foundation’s TJX Foundation Grants. Eligible groups must be within 15 miles of a TJX store, distribution center, or office, meet mission alignment, and complete an eligibility questionnaire before submitting a letter of inquiry.