Best Jefferson County Grants for Nonprofits in Colorado

The Newcomers Fund Grant, administered by the Rose Community Foundation, supports nonprofits in Colorado assisting new immigrants with essential services such as housing and employment. Since late 2022, over 40,000 individuals have arrived in the Greater Denver area. The grant aims to empower organizations that can efficiently serve 20 or more people, fostering community integration and resource navigation. Interested applicants should note that funding decisions will be influenced by the potential impact of their programs.

The Technical Assistance Grant Program by the Bonfils-Stanton Foundation supports nonprofit arts and culture organizations in Denver, offering up to $5,000 for one-time projects focused on enhancing operations or skills. Eligible applicants must demonstrate a commitment to community engagement and have an annual budget under $500,000. The program emphasizes inclusivity, equity, and support for diverse groups, ensuring that arts and culture are accessible to all in the community.

The Limited Gaming Impact Grant Program aims to support local governments in Colorado, specifically in areas negatively affected by limited stakes gaming, such as Cripple Creek, Black Hawk, and Central City. With a total funding pool of $7,500,000, the program assists in addressing issues like gambling addiction and the planning and maintenance of public facilities. Eligible participants include counties and municipalities, excluding the three gaming cities, and funds are intended for direct negative impacts of gaming.

The Bonfils-Stanton Foundation offers grants for capital projects, focusing on organizations with operating budgets under $5 million. With over $90 million in grants awarded since 1981, the foundation seeks to foster a vibrant arts community in Denver. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofit arts organizations that have a strong DEI plan and a history of public programming. Priority is given to projects serving diverse communities and enhancing equitable access to the arts.

The Economic Freedom: Workforce Development Grant Opportunity, offered by the Colorado Gives Foundation, aims to enhance job market adaptability for Jefferson County residents. This grant supports nonprofits that provide solutions leading to higher wages, promote educational transparency, and bridge skill gaps in education. Organizations eligible must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits or government entities focused on serving Jeffco, ensuring that their initiatives directly impact the community's workforce development.

The Equity-Focused Leadership Grant by the Bonfils-Stanton Foundation aims to foster diverse leadership in the nonprofit sector by providing up to $10,000 to organizations that support BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and disabled adults. This initiative addresses the racial leadership gap and promotes equitable opportunities for marginalized professionals, ensuring they can pursue executive roles. With an annual funding of over $3.5 million, the foundation reinforces its commitment to inclusive community engagement and innovative leadership development in Denver.

Elevations Foundation Community Grants support Front Range nonprofits with funding between $5,000 and $10,000. The program prioritizes organizations focused on mental health and affordable housing, particularly those with operating budgets under $1 million and $3 million, respectively. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits serving specific Colorado counties, including Adams, Boulder, Broomfield, Denver, Jefferson, Larimer, and Weld. This initiative aims to strengthen communities through targeted financial assistance.

The Vibrant Communities: Convenient Neighborhoods Grant Opportunity, provided by the Colorado Gives Foundation, aims to enhance access to community spaces in Jefferson County. This initiative supports nonprofits working towards improved public transportation, increased outdoor green spaces, and the establishment of integrated community hubs. By ensuring easy access to parks, farmers markets, and recreation centers, the grant fosters overall health and wellbeing for all residents. Organizations must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits committed to serving the Jeffco community.

The Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP) in Colorado supports nonprofit organizations at high risk of terrorist attacks by providing funding for security enhancements. Organizations must undergo a vulnerability assessment and apply to FEMA before seeking state funding. This program fosters collaboration between various agencies to enhance community safety and preparedness. Eligible nonprofits include those exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Funding covers security planning, training, and necessary equipment installation.

The PLTW Engineering - New Program, supported by Burns & McDonnell, aims to empower U.S. students through STEM education. By offering at least one PLTW Engineering course in the 2026-2027 academic year, schools can enhance their curriculum and foster critical skills. This initiative not only increases access to valuable programs but also prepares students for future challenges in college and careers, ensuring they thrive in an evolving world.

The PLTW Engineering - Program Expansion initiative aims to enhance STEM education by increasing access to Project Lead The Way (PLTW) programs in communities served by Burns & McDonnell. This partnership focuses on empowering students through real-world learning experiences, helping them develop essential skills for future careers. Starting in the 2026-2027 academic year, grants will support schools in expanding their existing PLTW Engineering programs to foster greater participation and engagement in STEM fields.

The PLTW Gateway - New Program, in partnership with Burns & McDonnell, aims to enhance student engagement in STEM by providing teachers with essential resources and support. Starting in the 2026-2027 academic year, eligible schools can apply for grants to introduce and expand PLTW programs, fostering real-world skills through applied learning. This initiative targets schools with significant free and reduced-price lunch populations, promoting equity in education across various U.S. counties.

The PLTW Gateway - Program Expansion initiative, led by Burns & McDonnell in partnership with Project Lead The Way (PLTW), aims to enhance STEM education by increasing access to PLTW programs for students in eligible communities. This program empowers students through real-world applied learning experiences, promoting essential skills for college and careers. Grants will support schools in expanding their existing PLTW Gateway programs starting in the 2026-2027 academic year, fostering a brighter future through education.

The PLTW Launch - New Program initiative, sponsored by Burns & McDonnell, aims to enhance STEM education by providing grants to eligible schools within specific U.S. counties. Schools must implement PLTW modules over two academic years, ensuring access to real-world learning experiences for students, particularly those from low-income backgrounds. This program emphasizes the importance of empowering educators and fostering student engagement in STEM fields to prepare them for future careers.

The PLTW Launch - Program Expansion initiative by Burns & McDonnell aims to enhance access to STEM education in U.S. schools. This program focuses on empowering students by providing real-world learning experiences and essential skills. Grants will support schools in expanding PLTW programs during the 2026-2027 academic year, benefiting students from underserved communities. By fostering a deeper understanding of STEM, the initiative seeks to inspire the next generation of innovators and problem solvers.

Impact100 Metro Denver offers a transformative $100,000 grant aimed at empowering Denver-area non-profits to enhance their mission and community impact. With a focus on underserved populations, this initiative encourages innovative solutions across various sectors, including arts, education, health, and social services. By fostering a community of informed women philanthropists, the program not only provides funding but also promotes engagement in local needs, ensuring that the grant supports sustainable and meaningful projects.

Gary Community Ventures is an impermanent philanthropic organization committed to using all of its resources by 2035 to transform systems and build wealth for Colorado kids and families.

Using a powerful mix of catalytic grantmaking, impact investments, policy and advocacy and the development of new ventures, we create opportunities for Coloradans to thrive now and for generations to come.

Our mission is to partner with our community to leverage business, policy and philanthropy to reshape the arc of opportunity for Colorado kids and families.

Afterschool & Summer Enrichment for All

This RFP seeks to identify local systems ready to replicate My Spark-like programming (see program case study) in other locations throughout Colorado and to model the future of out-of-school learning — one where access is universal, funding is sustainable, and all kidshave opportunities to find their spark.

Description

Gary is seeking to identify a cohort of approximately 3-5 public systems (counties, cities and school districts) and/or the intermediary partners that seek to dramatically scale their out of school enrichment and learning opportunities, particularly for lower-income kids, through My Spark-like programming. The key components of My-Spark like programming are:

• Resourcing kids and families directly with funds to spend on afterschool and summer enrichment opportunities
• Supporting a wide variety of afterschool and summer providers - from arts to sports to tutoring and more - and including nonprofit, business and government providers
• Prioritizing student choice and interest

Priority will be given to proposals that:

• Serve Metro Denver (Adams, Arapahoe, Denver and Jefferson counties), though Colorado locations outside of Metro Denver will also be considered.
• Represent public/private partnerships - we believe that ultimately both public and private stakeholders need to be at the table to make this successful.

The Women and Girls of Color Fund: Rural Cycle aims to empower women and girls of color in Colorado by addressing systemic disparities they face in health, wealth, and access to resources. By focusing on organizations led by women of color, the fund prioritizes initiatives that build economic power and promote community organizing. This fund not only seeks to increase financial support but also strives to dismantle oppressive structures, ensuring that marginalized communities receive the necessary resources to thrive.

The Rapier Education Fund, managed by the San Antonio Area Foundation, supports high school seniors and college students pursuing degrees in the USA. Eligible applicants must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5 and be enrolled full-time. The fund covers tuition, fees, and books, and is renewable for up to three years. Since 1964, the foundation has awarded millions in grants to enhance community living through education and other initiatives, making a lasting impact on the San Antonio area.

The Helen M. McLoraine Nonprofit Employee Scholarship, offered by The Denver Foundation, supports nonprofit employees in the Denver Metro area pursuing education in human services. Eligible candidates must have at least a 2.5 GPA and be employed part-time or full-time for a minimum of one year. Awards are granted based on academic performance, passion for nonprofit work, and financial need. Recipients can reapply for funding over a maximum of three years, with awards directly applied to educational expenses.

The MHUW Strategic Investment Grants support nonprofit organizations in the seven-county Metro Denver area, focusing on basic needs, early childhood education, and out-of-school programming. These grants aim to empower organizations that align with the Mile High United Way's mission to foster community well-being and economic stability. This competitive grantmaking process emphasizes collaboration and community-driven solutions to address critical human service issues, ensuring every individual has the opportunity to thrive.

The Golden Civic Foundation's "For the Good of Golden" Grant Program supports the economic and cultural vitality of the Golden community. With over $7.62 million in funding since 1970, it prioritizes civic development, arts, education, and community improvement. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations, local governments, and public schools, focusing on projects that enhance community well-being and inclusivity while fostering collaborative partnerships for lasting impact.

The Collective Wellbeing: Food Security Grant Opportunity by Colorado Gives Foundation aims to enhance food access for residents of Jefferson County. This program supports nonprofits focused on increasing enrollment in public assistance programs, expanding food availability, and advocating for food access policies. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits serving Jeffco and demonstrate their impact in the community through concrete programs and metrics.

The In-N-Out Burger Foundation supports organizations that aid children and youth affected by abuse and neglect, offering grants ranging from $5,000 to $50,000. Eligible nonprofits must be 501(c)(3) registered, operational for at least two years, and demonstrate a commitment to the foundation's mission. Applications are considered for traditional, capital, and program support, focusing on sustainable solutions and clear objectives. Organizations must operate in areas with In-N-Out Burger locations to qualify.

The Economic Freedom: Early Care and Education Grant from the Colorado Gives Foundation aims to enhance access to quality child care and education for children under 8 in Jefferson County. This initiative supports nonprofits that align with the Jeffco Bright Futures Roadmap, focusing on collaboration among stakeholders to improve policies and pilot programs. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits serving Jefferson County residents, demonstrating their impact within the community.

The Vibrant Communities: Health Grant Opportunity supports nonprofits in Jefferson County by funding initiatives that promote holistic wellbeing. This includes enhancing mental, social, spiritual, and physical health through operational support for organizations focused on Medicaid enrollment, public education campaigns, and community-building efforts. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits serving Jeffco residents, demonstrating measurable impact in the community. This grant aims to foster vibrant, connected communities in Jeffco.