Best Larimer County Grants for Nonprofits in Colorado

The Kenneth King Foundation's Removing Barriers to Employment Grant aims to enhance job creation and entrepreneurship in Colorado. With a focus on individuals facing economic challenges, this grant supports programs providing essential services like financial assistance and job training. Organizations must demonstrate a proven track record in fostering job placements with livable wages. Average grants range from $5,000 to $20,000, promoting sustainable growth and self-sufficiency within the community.

The Kenneth King Foundation's Job Creation & Entrepreneurship Grant focuses on enhancing Coloradoans' earning potential and quality of life by funding programs that create jobs with living wages and support entrepreneurship. With an average grant size between $5,000 and $20,000, the foundation prioritizes organizations that demonstrate a proven track record in job creation and skills development. Ideal applicants are 501(c)(3) organizations based in Colorado, targeting low-income individuals, women, and communities of color.

The Foundation for Financial Planning provides grants to nonprofit organizations that connect volunteer financial planners with underserved individuals in need of financial guidance. Focused on scalable and sustainable programs, the grants support both established and new initiatives that foster one-on-one relationships between planners and clients. Eligible applicants must be U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofits and engage Certified Financial Planner professionals to ensure quality advice is accessible to those facing financial crises.

The Step Into Swim initiative aims to increase swimming participation among underserved communities by providing learn-to-swim programs. With over 300,000 swim lessons delivered, the program partners with various organizations to ensure children learn vital water safety skills. Funding is strictly for swim lessons, with a focus on developing safe swimmers who understand essential safety rules. Grants will prioritize facilities with certified pool operators, ensuring quality instruction and community engagement in aquatic activities.

The Adult Learn-to-Swim Grant, a collaboration between the USA Swimming Foundation and U.S. Masters Swimming, aims to enhance adult swimming safety and reduce drowning risks. By consolidating fundraising efforts, the initiative provides vital resources and support for swim instructors and programs serving adults aged 18 and over. This grant empowers communities through education and outreach, ensuring that more adults have access to essential swim lessons and water safety training.

The AOAP Life Jacket Grant supports aquatic facilities in drowning prevention by offering funds for swim lessons and life jackets. Administered by the Association of Aquatic Professionals, the program aims to provide at least 100 free lessons and distribute 500 life jackets annually. This initiative promotes safety education and awareness of life jacket usage, ensuring that underserved communities have access to vital water safety resources. Applications are open to AOAP members meeting eligibility criteria.

The Statistics Program, funded by the National Science Foundation, promotes research in statistical theory and methods applicable across various scientific and engineering domains. It supports projects ranging from individual investigators to interdisciplinary teams, fostering advancements in data collection, analysis, and interpretation. The program emphasizes the importance of statistical methods in modeling uncertainty and enhancing scientific discovery. For more information, please visit the NSF's official website.

The Foundation for Improvement of Justice Awards recognizes individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions to improving the civil and criminal justice systems in the U.S. Nominations are accepted year-round, with winners receiving a Paul H. Chapman Medal, $15,000, a certificate, and an expenses-paid trip to the awards banquet. This initiative aims to encourage continued innovation in justice practices. Eligibility includes unique improvements to justice systems, while future project grants and past awardees are ineligible.

The AARP Community Challenge Grant supports projects that enhance community living for residents aged 50 and older. With a focus on immediate improvements and long-term progress, grants range from $10,000 to $25,000, covering areas like public spaces, transportation, and digital literacy. Since 2017, AARP has awarded over $20.1 million through more than 1,700 grants across the U.S. Eligible organizations include nonprofits and government entities committed to serving the needs of older adults.

The Mary Elizabeth Martin Scholarship Trust, established in 1961, provides financial support for students pursuing higher education in the U.S. Managed by US Bank and the Greater Kansas City Community Foundation, this private foundation awards scholarships ranging from $500 to $3,000 annually. Eligible recipients include organizations exempt from federal income tax under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, ensuring that funds are allocated for charitable and educational purposes.

The AAAS Early Career Award for Public Engagement with Science recognizes outstanding early-career scientists and engineers for their significant contributions to public engagement in science. Established in 2010, the award includes a $5,000 prize, a plaque, and recognition at the AAAS Annual Meeting. Eligible nominees must be actively conducting research in STEM fields and demonstrate engagement beyond their job responsibilities, with one awardee chosen annually.

Good Sports is a national non-profit organization dedicated to donating new sports equipment, footwear, and apparel to schools and youth organizations across the U.S. This program allows approved organizations to receive up to eight donations over two years. Eligibility includes serving youth aged 3-18 in high poverty areas and ensuring access to physical activity. Organizations must also adhere to specific requirements, including shipping fees and evaluations after each donation.

The A.J. Muste Memorial Institute's Social Justice Fund Grant supports grassroots activist projects in the U.S. and abroad, focusing on those with limited funding access. Prioritizing efforts to dismantle systemic injustices, the grant seeks proposals from organizations lacking mainstream support, especially those addressing issues like immigration violence, racial inequalities, and economic exploitation. The fund emphasizes direct activism and diverse leadership, making it a vital resource for community-driven initiatives in the pursuit of social justice.

The WNAN Natural History Research Grant supports research in biological natural history within western North America. Grants of up to $2,500 are available for five authors to assist with travel, supplies, and other research-related expenses. This initiative particularly encourages applicants from institutions where research is not the primary focus, aiming to foster diverse contributions to natural history.

The Anna Lalor Burdick Program supports initiatives that enhance women's access to reproductive health care, contraception, and pregnancy termination. It prioritizes funding programs that provide comprehensive sexual and reproductive health education, particularly for disadvantaged women. The program seeks innovative approaches, clear goals, and sustainable models, while emphasizing advocacy efforts. Organizations dedicated to reproductive rights in restrictive environments are encouraged to apply, as the foundation aims to empower women through informed choices.

The OTF Rapid Response Fund Grant provides urgent support for individuals and organizations facing digital emergencies that threaten their free expression. Through direct financial assistance and technical services from trusted partners, it aims to help high-risk individuals like journalists and activists mitigate digital threats. Eligible applicants can receive up to $50,000 to address specific needs, such as digital protection and tools development, ensuring swift and effective responses to oppressive situations.

Ameriprise Community Grants focus on supporting nonprofits that enhance community vitality and meet basic needs. With over 120 years of commitment to philanthropy, Ameriprise Financial engages employees in volunteerism and grantmaking. Key giving areas include hunger relief, housing stability, and community development. Priority is given to organizations with active volunteer engagement from Ameriprise advisors and employees, creating a meaningful impact on financial independence and community resilience.

The Prevent Cancer Foundation is launching a $100,000 community grant program for 2024-2026, focusing on patient navigation for cancer prevention and early detection. Community-based organizations can apply for funding over two years to enhance their efforts. Priority will be given to applicants demonstrating best practices, established community partnerships, and initiatives that address health disparities. Note that the application cycle opens in 2026, emphasizing the importance of proactive health measures.

Exelixis Grants & Giving focuses on impactful charitable contributions, supporting non-profit organizations in community support, healthcare-related initiatives, independent patient assistance, medical education, and sponsorships. Their aim is to enhance oncology care, particularly for renal cell carcinoma and other cancer types, while ensuring proposals are submitted within specified timelines. Exelixis partners with organizations dedicated to improving patient outcomes and community health, demonstrating their commitment to making a difference beyond medicine.

The John H. Emery Rail Heritage Trust Grant aims to preserve the intercity rail passenger experience from 1920 to 1960. This private foundation supports projects that restore historic rail equipment and enhance passenger service. With an emphasis on operational railroads, the Trust encourages inclusive practices and the involvement of young people in rail heritage. Grant requests can reach up to $50,000, fostering opportunities for multiple annual awards to eligible organizations dedicated to rail heritage.

The Community-Built Playspace Grants, funded by KaBOOM!, aim to empower communities to create kid-designed playspaces that foster health and well-being. These grants address inequities in access to safe play areas, particularly in communities of color, ensuring that all children can benefit from spaces that promote social, emotional, and physical development. By supporting the construction of these playspaces, KaBOOM! works to enhance resilience and learning opportunities for children, transforming neighborhoods into vibrant, engaging environments.

The Tennant Foundation offers equipment donations to eligible 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations in the U.S. that promote a cleaner, safer, and healthier world. Donations focus on organizations that are charitable, educational, scientific, or literary. However, certain groups such as political or religious organizations, social clubs, and private foundations are ineligible. The foundation also considers the impact of donations on its partners and distributors before making decisions.

The Syringe Service Program Grant, offered by The Comer Family Foundation, aims to enhance harm reduction initiatives by funding syringe access programs across the U.S. These programs provide sterile syringes, education, and support services to mitigate the risks associated with drug use, including HIV and hepatitis transmission. Priority is given to organizations in underserved areas and those led by marginalized communities. Grants are available for operational costs, program development, and staff training, with a focus on sustainability and local partnerships.

The Bridge to Success Grant for Mid-Career/Senior Investigators, offered by the AASM Foundation, supports seasoned sleep and circadian science researchers seeking bridge funding while reapplying for larger grants. Eligible applicants include those with past NIH proposals that were not funded but scored. This initiative aims to retain experienced investigators in the field while ensuring a continued focus on vital research topics. The grant is a part of the AASM Foundation's commitment to advancing sleep research.

The Myocarditis Foundation offers research grants aimed at advancing the understanding and treatment of myocarditis, a rare but serious disease. These grants provide $40,000 in seed funding for promising physician-scientists within ten years of their MD or PhD. Recipients are expected to conduct research in the U.S. or Canada, culminating in a final report. The goal is to support innovative research that can lead to significant breakthroughs and ultimately, a cure for myocarditis.

The Skin Cancer Pilot Research Grants, funded by the Skin Cancer Foundation, support innovative studies in skin cancer prevention, detection, and treatment. With over $2 million awarded since 1981, these grants are aimed at early career dermatology investigators. Each year, researchers can apply for one-year projects, with a total of $125,000 available through two $50,000 grants and one $25,000 grant. This initiative is vital for advancing research and improving patient outcomes.

The Colorado Respite Coalition is offering a State Respite Grant aimed at enhancing access to respite care for family caregivers across Colorado. This funding supports both non-profit and for-profit organizations that provide essential respite services, ensuring that caregivers receive necessary breaks. Grants range from $10,000 to $30,000, with applications requiring a letter of intent for the 2025-2026 cycle. This initiative reinforces the Coalition's commitment to family welfare and caregiver support.