Best La Plata County Grants for Nonprofits in Colorado

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 Division of Local Government

The Division of Local Government provides strategic expertise, advocacy, and funding to strengthen Colorado. The division promotes local problem solving, informs decision making and invests in communities.

CDBGPF Construction Grant

The CDBGPF Construction Grant program offers financial assistance for eligible applicants to complete their public facilities and infrastructure projects. Eligible activities include acquisition, construction, reconstruction, rehabilitation or installation of public improvements or public facilities. The maximum grant award for the CDBGPF Construction program is $600,000.

All CDBGPF Construction grant applicants must submit a CDBGPF Design and Engineering Progress Report and a CDBGPF Environmental Progress Report to the CDBGPF Program Manager, James Spiers (james.spiers@state.co.us). Once the reports are submitted to the CDBGPF Program Manager, a certification will be issued to the applicant that they will upload in their application. 

The Moniker Foundation's Southwest Region Grant offers $10,000 grants and $1,000 participation grants to eligible organizations in a competitive process. Applicants must operate within designated counties and be a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt public charity. The program emphasizes early childhood education, youth programming, food security, and environmental initiatives, with an in-person Pitch Day required for selected applicants. Organizations are encouraged to focus on critical operating activities during the application process.

The EASI: Other Services Route, introduced by the Colorado Department of Education, streamlines school improvement funding through a single application process. It targets districts with schools needing comprehensive and targeted support as mandated by the Every Student Succeeds Act. This initiative focuses on aligning federal and state accountability while providing resources to enhance educational outcomes. Key routes include Exploration Supports and District Designed Services, fostering effective strategies tailored to local needs.

The EASI initiative by the Colorado Department of Education focuses on empowering districts to enhance school improvement strategies. Through the District Designed and Led route, districts can leverage tailored implementation support and major improvement strategies. This approach encourages collaboration with external partners, fostering sustainable improvement systems and building staff capacity aligned with effective educational frameworks. The goal is to ensure that schools in need receive the support necessary for meaningful and lasting change.

The EASI: Exploration Supports Route, initiated by the Colorado Department of Education, provides streamlined funding for school improvement efforts in alignment with the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). By consolidating grant applications, Colorado aims to efficiently match schools' needs with evidence-based strategies. This planning phase allows Local Education Agencies (LEAs) to explore diagnostic reviews and community engagement, ultimately enhancing educational outcomes for schools designated under state accountability measures.

The Rural Jump-Start Program Grant, managed by the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade, incentivizes new businesses to establish in rural, economically distressed areas. It offers tax benefits and matching grants up to $25,000 for eligible businesses. Applications for tax benefits are accepted until December 31, 2030, and for grant benefits until June 30, 2028. This initiative aims to foster economic growth and job creation in designated Rural Jump-Start zones.

The Rocky Mountain Health Foundation's Simple Gifts Fund supports organizations focused on community health, including coalitions, gardens, language justice, peer support, and respite care. Grants of up to $15,000 are available, emphasizing a streamlined application process and minimal reporting requirements. A pre-application Zoom call is mandatory for all applicants to ensure eligibility and discuss funding requests. This fund aims to strengthen community health through direct services and support.

The Rocky Mountain Health Foundation's Healthcare Fund aims to enhance access and affordability in healthcare. By providing multi-year General Operating grants, the fund supports organizations delivering direct physical, behavioral healthcare, and specialized disability services. Eligible applicants include those offering medical, mental health, and substance abuse interventions. The Foundation is dedicated to empowering nonprofits that strengthen community health, with the next application cycle set for fall 2026.

The Rocky Mountain Health Foundation's Basic Needs Fund provides vital support for organizations addressing essential services like food, temporary housing, transportation, and safety. This multi-year, general operating grant program emphasizes strengthening community health by funding nonprofits committed to meeting the basic needs of vulnerable populations. Eligible organizations are encouraged to participate in a pre-application Zoom call to discuss their funding requests and organizational details.

Spectrum Digital Education Grants support nonprofit organizations in educating communities about broadband benefits and usage. These grants aim to bridge the digital divide, particularly for seniors and those with disabilities or ethnically diverse backgrounds. Applicants must demonstrate community partnership, address specific needs, and provide measurable impact metrics. With a focus on financial feasibility and meaningful outcomes, this initiative ensures that underrepresented urban and rural communities gain access to essential digital resources, fostering long-term improvement in their lives.

The Payroll Department Grant provides two $12,000 grants to nonprofit organizations in La Plata County, Colorado, focusing on youth, environment, and human services. This funding aims to support programs that enhance the nonprofit's mission and encourage the development of sustainable funding sources. Applicants must create a feasible matching plan for the required $12,000 match while ensuring they are aligned with the grant's focus areas. Note that organizations are ineligible to reapply for three years after receiving funds.

The CAUSE High School Internship & Nonprofit Grant offers a unique opportunity for local high school students in La Plata County, Colorado, to engage in a hands-on, paid summer internship. This program pairs students with local nonprofits, providing them with mentorship from marketing professionals. Interns will work directly with nonprofit staff to develop social media campaigns and gain valuable skills. Nonprofits will receive an operational grant to support these marketing efforts, fostering a collaborative community environment.

Colorado Strategic Wildfire Action Program

COSWAP funds can be spent on all land ownership types.

The Colorado Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Executive Director’s Office is the primary manager of the Colorado Strategic Wildfire Action Program. Per statute, the Colorado State Forest Service, Division of Fire Prevention and Control and DNR work collaboratively on program design.

The Colorado Strategic Wildfire Action Program (COSWAP) is designed to support wildfire risk reduction efforts in Colorado to protect life, property, and infrastructure. COSWAP was created after the devastating 2020 fire season by the Colorado legislature through the bi-partisan supported SB21-258. After a successful grant cycle, the program was permanently funded in the 2023 legislative session. While housed within the Department of Natural Resources, COSWAP was collaboratively designed by representatives from the Colorado State Forest Service and the Division of Fire Prevention and Control. This partnership helps ensure the program aligns with other state work and priorities.

Focus

All projects must be focused on reducing wildfire risk to life, property and critical infrastructure. SWIFT and conservation corps projects must be appropriate for hand crew work. This includes, but is not limited to, forest thinning, fuelbreaks, chipping, biomass removal, and pile or broadcast burning. Funding includes Awards of conservation corps or State Wildland Inmate Fire Teams crew time to complete on the ground fire mitigation work, as well as a cash grant for project management expenses. Cash awards for fire mitigation workforce development training. No defensible space projects. 

The Strategic Focus Areas include Boulder, Douglas, El Paso, Jefferson, Larimer, La Plata and Teller counties plus Rocky Mountain Restoration Initiative focal areas.

Funding

We typically fund 6 to 25 weeks of crew work or up to $100,000. A 25% match is required for cash awards, with the exception of tribal entities.

Diversion Measurement Installation Program (DMIP)

Funding is now available for diversion measurement on the West Slope. Funds are available for the installation of measurement structures, such as flumes, weirs and pumps, to benefit water users in the Colorado River Basin of Divisions 4, 5, 6, and 7. Eligible water users will receive a measurement structure, installed at their point of diversion, at no cost to them.  Structures will be installed by 2029. The structure will be compliant with any relevant DWR rules and the local water commissioner will be given the opportunity to verify the installation.

The Diversion Measurement Installation Program will be administered by the Colorado Water Conservation Board (CWCB), in coordination with the Division of Water Resources (DWR). The Program is facilitated by CWCB’s contractor, SGM, who will coordinate closely with interested water users to ensure a successful process – from application to installation.  

Colorado received $7 million from the Bureau of Reclamation through the Upper Colorado River Commission (UCRC) for implementing a Diversion Measurement Program through 2029 across the West Slope. The purpose of the funding is to implement the 2019 Drought Contingency Plans. This funding will help with installation of measurement devices such as a flume or weir for eligible water users; it does not cover headgate or diversion structure construction or repair. The funding comes at a time when DWR is implementing rulemaking for measurement in the Colorado River Basin.

What geographic area is covered?

The program covers streamflow diversions within the Colorado River Basin in Divisions 4 (Gunnison River Basin), 5 (Colorado River Basin), 6 (Yampa and White River Basins), and 7 (San Juan and Dolores River Basins).

The Community Foundation Serving Southwest Colorado administers the Community Emergency Relief Fund (CERF) to address urgent community needs in Southwest Colorado. By collaborating with local stakeholders, including public health officials and nonprofits, CERF provides rapid funding for public health, safety, and economic support during emergencies. This initiative enhances community resilience and fosters a culture of philanthropy, ensuring that vital resources are allocated effectively to meet immediate challenges.

The School Transformation Network Grant, led by the Colorado Department of Education, aims to enhance student achievement in low-performing schools through targeted support and resources. This initiative fosters collaboration between local schools and their respective educational authorities, providing professional development and personalized learning opportunities. Schools will benefit from specialized guidance and funding, ensuring a robust improvement framework focused on culture, instruction, talent, and leadership development, ultimately driving sustained educational success.

The Ferguson Cares Grant is an essential aspect of Ferguson's Sustainability strategy, focusing on social challenges and community wellbeing. This grant supports nonprofit organizations in the U.S. dedicated to affordable housing, skilled trades workforce development, clean water access, and enhancing local economic quality of life. Ferguson aims to create lasting partnerships that drive positive impact within their operational regions, reflecting their commitment to social responsibility and community support.

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 Turnaround Leadership Development Program, initiated in 2014, aims to enhance leadership training for low-performing schools in Colorado. Modified in 2018, it became part of the School Transformation Grant program, which funds support for educational improvement. This program identifies participants through the EASI application, targeting schools needing assistance under state accountability measures and ESSA. It aligns with the Colorado Department of Education’s broader strategy to boost student performance across the state.

Basin Electric Power Cooperative's Charitable Giving Program focuses on supporting communities across its nine-state service territory. The program reviews funding requests periodically and allocates donations to various categories, including education, health services, civic betterment, and cultural initiatives. Additionally, it offers matching funds for member donations and contributes surplus office equipment to organizations in need. This commitment to community growth and sustainability reflects Basin Electric's mission to enhance the well-being of its members.

The Black Hills Charitable Giving Program supports community growth by providing sponsorships and donations to eligible organizations. Focused on thriving communities, conservation, and nurturing future leaders, it invites applications from 501(c)(3) organizations and schools. Funding priorities include critical needs like food security and education, while requests benefiting individuals or political causes are generally not funded. Applications are accepted year-round, with decisions made within 120 days.

The Community Foundation Serving Southwest Colorado

The Community Foundation serving Southwest Colorado facilitates the growth and effectiveness of philanthropic contributions and expands the culture of giving to meet the needs of our communities.

The Community Foundation inspires hope, leadership, and generosity in the region by bringing economic stability, professional development, and collaboration to the nonprofit sector.

DWE Partnership

We are excited to offer a nonprofit grant component to the Community Foundation’s largest fundraiser, the Durango Wine Experience. In addition to a taste of wine, our guests also receive a taste of SW Colorado’s nonprofit sector.

We will select 10 nonprofits to receive a $2,500 grant, along with the opportunity to share their missions with key constituents by volunteering at the DWE Walkabout on Friday, April 24 and at the DWE Grand Tasting on Saturday, April 25.

Grant requirements include providing four volunteers for each day (it does not need to be the same people each day). Volunteers need to be physically able to stand/walk for four hours and be able to carry approximately 30 lbs., helping our wine vendors as needed: carrying ice, greeting guests, ensuring alcohol does not leave the premises, and other duties. Volunteers can be staff, board members, or other organization reps – anyone that represents your organization well and knows how to work a crowd!

The time commitment Friday, April 24, is 3:15 to 8:00 PM. The time commitment Saturday, April 25, is a pre-assigned, three-hour shift between 8:30 AM and 8:30 PM. On Friday, your volunteer team will be paired with one of our Friday Walkabout locations in downtown Durango. On Saturday, your team will work under the big tent at the Smiley Building.

Your organization will have the opportunity to share your mission with the valuable demographic of Wine Experience attendees — visiting with DWE guests while concurrently carrying out your volunteer duties. You may bring limited marketing brochures, handouts, etc. to the Walkabout on Friday. Your volunteers will wear a DWE apron, and should plan to represent your organization in some creative way – think t-shirts, hats, name tags, etc.

We will select organizations across multiple nonprofit sectors and geographic locations.

The Albertsons Foundation - Southwest supports nonprofit organizations that enhance local communities in the Southwest, focusing on health, hunger, education, veterans, and diversity. Grants typically range from $1,000 to $5,000 for first-time applicants, with higher amounts considered for established organizations. Eligible applicants must have a valid 501(c)(3) designation and serve the community. The foundation does not fund individuals, political or religious organizations, or events.

The Rural Arts Initiative Grant Program, established by the Laura Jane Musser Fund, aims to support nonprofit arts organizations in rural communities. The program encourages access to the arts through scholarships, community engagement, and innovative activities. Priority is given to organizations located in areas with populations under 20,000, ensuring that artistic opportunities are available to both adults and children. Applications are accepted for one year of funding, with potential for up to three consecutive years.

The Jacob and Terese Hershey Foundation provides grants focused on environmental justice, reproductive rights, and community parks in Texas and southwestern Colorado. They accept letters of inquiry year-round, with cycles in Spring and Fall. Their funding supports diverse initiatives including project grants, operating grants, and capital grants, emphasizing investments that enhance the well-being of both people and nature, particularly in underserved communities.

The CDBGPF Design, Engineering, and Environmental Clearance (DEEC) Grant, administered by the Colorado Department of Local Affairs, supports local governments in enhancing community infrastructure. This grant assists eligible applicants with vital design, engineering, and environmental clearance activities for projects that benefit low to moderate income communities. Projects can include water systems, community centers, and more, aimed at fostering development and addressing urgent community needs.