Best Larimer County Grants for Nonprofits in Colorado

Special Education Teacher Shortage Grant

The Colorado Department of Education’s (CDE) Office of Special Education is offering 2026-2027 IDEA grant funding to administrative units and local education agencies to address the critical shortage of special education teachers specific to Teachers of Students with Visual Impairments, Teacher of Deaf/Hard of Hearing, Early Childhood Special Educators and Special Education Generalists. These shortages have been the most frequently cited concern since the late 1990s and remain a persistent challenge. The funding aims to support a cohort of special education teacher candidates in meeting the requirements for full licensure.

CDE is requesting Local Education Agencies (LEAs) and Administrative Units (AUs) to act as fiscal agents in collaboration with university educator preparation programs to recruit, employ, and support teacher candidates from preservice to induction. By fostering partnerships at the state, regional, and district levels, we hope to create a robust support system that ensures every student, regardless of location, has access to qualified and dedicated educators.

State Historical Fund: Survey Plan Grants

Survey plan grants create a comprehensive document to help communities assess the current state of their survey documentation and make informed decisions regarding future architectural survey projects. This planning document is strictly related to survey and does not cover topics generally included in a larger historic preservation plan. Survey plans are often developed for entire municipalities, communities, or neighborhoods, however, they are not intended for single properties.

The survey plan evaluates previous survey work, identifies appropriate historic contexts, identifies current survey needs, and prioritizes recommendations for future survey projects. Survey plan grants require completion of a limited reconnaissance survey and incorporate public involvement to introduce the project and share results.

Survey plans should be completed by consultants that are experienced and familiar with survey and planning projects. The selected consultant should be knowledgeable in applying the Secretary of Interior's Standards for Identification and Evaluation.

Request Amount:

• Up to $20,000.

Cash Match:

• 10% for all applicants

Wages and Stipends Grant

Sponsors receive funding for the meals they serve through accurate meal counting and claiming. Additional funding opportunities are available to help sponsors support healthy, nutritious meals and innovative programs.

CDE Office of Grants Program Administration is dedicated to enhancing school improvement through federal and state grant opportunities. Education professionals can find detailed information on grants, awards, and other relevant opportunities available through various CDE offices.

The Wages and Stipends grant offers funding to eligible sponsors to provide wage increases and/or stipends to frontline food service workers. Sponsors can expect to receive up to $0.12 per lunch served in School Year 2024-25 for School Year 2026-27.

Available Funds and Duration of Grant

$0.12 per lunch served in the 2024-2025 school year is available for the 2026-2027 school year, with funding contingent on approval of appropriations from the State Legislature. At minimum, eligible applicants who opt-in to the program will be eligible to receive $3,000 if their calculated awarded amount is less than the minimum amount. Grants will be awarded for a two-year term beginning in the 2026-2027 fiscal year. Additional grant funding for subsequent years will be contingent upon annual appropriations by the State Legislature, and grantees meeting all grant, fiscal, and reporting requirements.

Local Food Program

Farm to school programs connect schools with local producers to provide students with fresh, healthy food in school and summer meals. These programs promote healthy eating habits, support local agriculture and offer educational opportunities for students to learn about food systems, agriculture and nutrition through activities like school gardens and farm visits.

The Local Food Program offers funding to eligible sponsors for the purchase of Colorado grown, raised or processed products. The program has expanded to include all sponsors operating Healthy School Meals for All including individual charter schools, residential childcare institutes and facility schools. Sponsors are eligible to receive $0.25 per lunch served in SY 2024-25 for SY 2026-27.

The Local Food Program (LFP) offers eligible Child Nutrition Sponsors funding for the purchase of Colorado grown, raised, or processed products. The purpose of this grant program is to support small and mid-sized Colorado producers, while in return fostering nutrition education, bolstering nutrition activities in the state, and supporting Colorado producers, farmers and food manufacturers. This Colorado state funded grant program exists to:

• Provide funding to eligible school nutrition operators for the procurement of Colorado grown, raised, processed, and value-added products to be used in federal Child Nutrition Programs.
• Support implementation of Local Food Program requirements by utilizing a set percentage of the allocated funding for:
  • The mandatory advisory committee made up of students and parents (up to 12%)
  • Allowable costs associated with the administration of the Local Food Program (up to 10%)

Colorado products must be served to students in the School Breakfast Program and/or National School Lunch Program.

It is the General Assembly’s intent that these grant funds be used primarily to support small and medium sized farms and ranches.

Farm to School programs enrich communities with fresh, healthy food and support local producers by changing food purchasing practices. It is the intent of the LFP for students to gain access to healthy, local foods while strengthening Colorado’s economy. Farm to School and programs like the LFP can increase equitable financial opportunities, market growth, and customer diversification for local producers while simultaneously providing kids and teens access to nutritious, high quality, local food so they are ready to learn and grow.

Community Foundation for Northeast Florida

The Community Foundation for Northeast Florida connects people who care with causes that matter. Since 1964, we have served the citizens of Duval, St. Johns, Nassau, Baker, Clay, and Putnam counties through a range of charitable and civic activities, while helping individual donors achieve their philanthropic goals. We believe in Giving Back. Forever Forward.

Scholarships

Thanks to generous donors, The Community Foundation offers several scholarships each year that benefit students in Northeast Florida who are seeking post-secondary degrees.

Talen Charles Birt Memorial Scholarship

The Talen Charles Birt Memorial Scholarship will provide financial assistance for students graduating from Andrew Jackson, First Coast, Jean Ribault, or William M. Raines High Schools in Duval County. In selecting the successful candidate, the review committee will consider the students’ demonstrated commitment to academics and leadership, plans to pursue a 2- or 4-year degree and can articulate why they have selected their area of study, and financial need. The one-time scholarship will support tuition and books, up to $2,000.

Community Foundation for Northeast Florida

The Community Foundation for Northeast Florida connects people who care with causes that matter. Since 1964, we have served the citizens of Duval, St. Johns, Nassau, Baker, Clay, and Putnam counties through a range of charitable and civic activities, while helping individual donors achieve their philanthropic goals. We believe in Giving Back. Forever Forward.

Scholarships

Thanks to generous donors, The Community Foundation offers several scholarships each year that benefit students in Northeast Florida who are seeking post-secondary degrees.

Bernie G. Yvon Memorial Fund Scholarship

For High School Seniors & College Students in The Theatre/Performing Arts

The purpose of the fund is to perpetuate the legacy of Bernie G. Yvon by supporting students pursuing study in the Theatre/Performing Arts with need-based scholarships. In this tenth year (2026), amounts up to $2000 each will be available from contributions to the fund via The Community Foundation for Northeast Florida. In selecting the successful candidate(s), the review committee will consider the following:

• Knowledge of Bernie G. Yvon
• Theatre/Performing Arts potential and past experiences
• Financial need
• Academic record
• Two letters of recommendation
• GPA

Elias Eade Jr. Scholarship

This scholarship was created in honor and memory of Elias Eade Jr. by his children. Elias Eade Jr. was a lifetime resident of Olean who faithfully served God, his country, his family and the Olean community. Mr. Eade was a graduate of Olean High School and St. Bonaventure University and a member of the Olean business community for many years. Mr. Eade was an entrepreneur, leader and a man of great strength and integrity with an unprecedented work ethic. Candidates must be a graduating senior of a high school in Cattaraugus County with good academic standing and leadership skills and who plan to continue their education at a trade school or 2- or 4-year college or university. Candidates must answer an essay prompt of their choice from the three prompts provided by the fund advisors.

Dennis Jones and Wayne Johnston Memorial Dice Run Scholarship

This fund provides a scholarship for a graduating senior from either Olean High School or Allegany-Limestone Central School who will be attending a 4-year college, with preference for a student planning to study business or business related field (i.e. accounting, finance, marketing, economics etc.)

Dresser-Rand Employees Scholarship

This Scholarship is open to graduating high school seniors who are the children of employees of Dresser-Rand/Siemens Energy. Employees must have been Olean-based employees as of February 2, 2020 with at least 12 months of service.

Don and Bern Holcomb Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship was created in memory of Don and Bern Holcomb and is for high school students from any school in Cattaraugus or Allegany county who plans to attend an accredited post-secondary institution, with a preference for a student majoring in an agricultural or conservation-related field or a female pursuing an engineering degree.

Chautauqua Cattaraugus Board of Realtors Scholarship 

This scholarship benefits students in Chautauqua and Cattaraugus counties, in good academic standing, with a preference for those entering a business-related field of study. Two $500 awards are made to two students each from Cattaraugus and Chautauqua Counties.

Cattaraugus County Trappers Memorial Scholarship

Created by the Cattaraugus County Trappers Association, this scholarship will be awarded to a graduating high school student who plans to pursue a degree in Natural Resources Conservation, Fish & Wildlife Management, Forest Management or similar area of study at a 2- or 4-year college. Financial need will be considered. Applicants must include list of outdoors sports in which they participate, a statement on importance of the role of sportsmen in conservation and management of fish and wildlife and natural resources, and information on career path in their goal statement.

Deputy Wayne and Carol Krieger Scholarship

Established in memory of sheriff's deputy Wayne Krieger by his family, this scholarship benefits graduating seniors of Cattaraugus County and Allegany County high schools intending to study criminal justice, with a preference for a student who is a BOCES criminal justice student. 

Daniel and Patrick McCarthy Scholarship

Given through the generosity of the Catherine M. Cridler Trust and named in honor of Daniel McCarthy, one of the founders of Olean Business Institute, this scholarship is available to students pursuing undergraduate business studies. The fund was renamed in 2023 to include Patrick McCarthy, son of Daniel, who also served as director of Olean Business Institute for many years.

Carroll Swanson Memorial Scholarship for the Performing Arts

This fund was established to provide a scholarship for a student at the following schools: Allegany-Limestone, Olean and Portville who has participated in a school music program (band or choral).

Big 30 Athletic Fund

This scholarship is for four graduating high school seniors from Big 30 participant schools. One award overall from any Big 30 school, one for a student from Cattaraugus County, one for a student from Allegany County, and one for a student from Pennsylvania. Students must have participated in at least two sports for all four years of high school. Emphasis will be placed on involvement in sports, but academic achievement will also be considered. Financial need may be considered.

Who We Are

The Community Foundation of Central Illinois will make a sustainable philanthropic impact in our community through visible leadership in connecting people who care with causes that matter.

Vietnam Veteran’s Moving Wall Fund

The Vietnam Veteran’s Moving Wall Fund Scholarship was established to support the children of local veterans who served in the Vietnam War or subsequent conflicts. It was created in 1990 by the Vietnam Veteran’s Moving Wall Committee using remaining funds originally raised to bring the National Vietnam Veteran’s Moving Wall Exhibit to Glen Oak Park in Peoria, Illinois. The exhibit honors the 58,126 Americans who lost their lives during the Vietnam War.

Who We Are

The Community Foundation of Central Illinois will make a sustainable philanthropic impact in our community through visible leadership in connecting people who care with causes that matter.

Vernon “Butch” Gudat Scholarship Fund

The Vernon “Butch” Gudat Scholarship Fund was established to create a living legacy in memory of Peoria Fire Captain Vernon “Butch” Gudat. College scholarships are provided to qualifying children and grandchildren of career and volunteer firefighters in Peoria, Tazewell, and Woodford counties.

Who We Are

The Community Foundation of Central Illinois will make a sustainable philanthropic impact in our community through visible leadership in connecting people who care with causes that matter.

Epilepsy Scholarship Fund

The Epilepsy Scholarship Fund was established in memory of David S. Izard, who lived in Canton, Illinois, and was active in football, track, and basketball. He graduated from Western Illinois University and worked as an Assistant Manager at Wal-Mart in Georgia. Diagnosed with epilepsy at age 3½, David lived a full and active life. He passed away on December 5, 1992, just fifteen days before his 27th birthday. Additional contributions have also been made in memory of other individuals. 

The fund provides scholarships to students pursuing an education at a junior college or four-year college or university.

Who We Are

The Community Foundation of Central Illinois will make a sustainable philanthropic impact in our community through visible leadership in connecting people who care with causes that matter.

Gerald C. Bulkeley Scholarship Fund 

The Gerald C. Bulkeley Scholarship Fund was established by his family to honor his legacy of service to the Abingdon community. A graduate of Abingdon High School, Mr. Bulkeley was dedicated to supporting young people through civic and educational leadership.

This scholarship is available for students attending school in District 276 and residing within the boundaries of former District 217. The student will receive the scholarship award each year for four years.

Who We Are

The Community Foundation of Central Illinois will make a sustainable philanthropic impact in our community through visible leadership in connecting people who care with causes that matter.

Illinois Mutual Employees’ Children Scholarship Fund 

The Illinois Mutual Employees’ Children Scholarship Fund was established by Illinois Mutual Life Insurance Company to provide scholarship support for the children of employees who are graduating from high school or are undergraduate college or vocational students who will be enrolled full time.

For general scholarship questions, please contact Illinois Mutual’s Community Relations Department. For questions about the application process or required materials, contact the Community Foundation of Central Illinois at 309-674-8730 or amanda@communityfoundationci.org.

Who We Are

The Community Foundation of Central Illinois will make a sustainable philanthropic impact in our community through visible leadership in connecting people who care with causes that matter.

Jean M. Brown Nursing Scholarship Fund 

Jean M. Brown graduated from the St. Francis School of Nursing in 1938. She went on to become Caterpillar’s first Industrial Nurse, a role she deeply valued. Inspired by her career, she wanted to help others pursue nursing as well.

Through her will, Ms. Brown established an endowed scholarship to support nursing students with financial need, with preference given to those pursuing a career in Occupational Nursing. The scholarship fund was created following her passing in October 2000.

Gene and Sandra Froebel Teachers Scholarship

This scholarship will be for graduating seniors from Olean, Allegany-Limestone, Portville, Hinsdale, Cuba-Rushford, Oswayo Valley and Bradford High schools attending a 4-year college who are in good academic standing and plan to pursue a career in education. Consideration is given to students who have overcome a hardship or challenge and/or have participated in athletics.

Elisa B. Hughey Scholarship for the Arts

Scholarships will be awarded annually from this fund for college-bound students from any Cattaraugus County High School committed to advancing their skills in any aspect of the arts. Preference will be for graduating seniors of Ellicottville, Cattaraugus-Little Valley, West Valley, Salamanca or Franklinville/Ten-Broeck Academy high schools. First preference will be for students pursuing the fine arts, with second preference for students pursuing performing arts fields. This award is not limited to students majoring in art.

The BJA FY25 Byrne State Crisis Intervention Formula Program aims to enhance state crisis intervention court proceedings and related initiatives, addressing critical public safety challenges. Funded by the US Department of Justice, this program supports mental health courts, drug courts, and extreme risk protection order programs, ensuring that only state governments can apply. The initiative is part of a broader effort to uphold civil rights and combat issues such as violent crime and human trafficking.

About the Foundation

Kern Community Foundation is a vibrant nonprofit enterprise with a powerfully simple mission of growing community and growing philanthropy.

Scholarships

Kern Community Foundation manages more than two dozen scholarship funds. Community stakeholders have created these scholarships to honor their loved ones, to support higher education, and to foster the improvement of students as they pursue their diverse ambitions. Students have access to all our scholarship resources through one simple application.

David Moore Agricultural Scholarship Fund

Established in 2005, the David Moore Agricultural Scholarship Fund (“Fund”), in memory of David Moore, is a permanently endowed scholarship fund. The Fund provides academic support to graduates of Kern County high schools who wish to pursue a career in agriculture. 

The Fund provides financial assistance to students who are U.S. citizens, and graduates of a Kern County high school who demonstrate motivation, perseverance, and a sincere desire to pursue a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, and who wish to pursue a career in agriculture. Students are required to have a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0 at the time of application

About the Foundation

Kern Community Foundation is a vibrant nonprofit enterprise with a powerfully simple mission of growing community and growing philanthropy.

Scholarships

Kern Community Foundation manages more than two dozen scholarship funds. Community stakeholders have created these scholarships to honor their loved ones, to support higher education, and to foster the improvement of students as they pursue their diverse ambitions. Students have access to all our scholarship resources through one simple application.

Nickel Family Scholarship for Agricultural Education

The Nickel Family Scholarship for Agricultural Education (“Fund”) was established in 2015 by Adele Nickel, on behalf of the Nickel Family and the Nickel Family Trust. The permanently endowed scholarship fund provides academic support to Central Valley students interested in Agriculture.

The scholarship is available to students admitted to community colleges, and public and private colleges and universities, including accredited technical schools.