Best Prowers 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 SCCF: Community Fund Grant supports organizations in southeastern Colorado, enhancing leadership and promoting philanthropy. It prioritizes requests that foster community leadership, focusing on counties like Pueblo, Alamosa, and Huerfano. The Southern Colorado Community Foundation aims to improve the quality of life across diverse landscapes, from mountains to plains. Organizations must operate within the designated counties to be eligible, ensuring that funds are allocated effectively to local initiatives.

The BNSF Railway Foundation provides grants to enhance community quality of life across 28 states, focusing on educational, cultural, and social service initiatives. With over $150 million contributed since 2000, the foundation emphasizes projects with strong local engagement and BNSF employee involvement. Eligible organizations include public charities, local governments, and tribal governments, while ineligible entities encompass religious organizations and those with discriminatory practices. Priority is given to environmental, health, and cultural projects.

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.

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 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: 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 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 FHL Foundation Giving program focuses on Animal & Human Welfare in its Winter 2026 Grant Cycle, from December 7, 2025, to January 7, 2026. Interested organizations should email to discuss potential trackable projects. Grants are awarded to 501(c)(3) organizations in Northern New Mexico and Southern Colorado, with clear objectives that can be measured. The foundation meets quarterly to review proposals across various focus areas, ensuring accountability in grant spending.

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 Myron Stratton Home Grant aims to honor Winfield Scott Stratton's legacy by supporting organizations that assist underserved populations, including the elderly, children, and those unable to work due to illness. The grant prioritizes innovative projects that enhance existing services or create new programs to meet community needs in El Paso and Teller counties. Collaborative efforts that prevent service duplication are especially encouraged, ensuring that resources effectively reach those in need.

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 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 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.

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 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. 

Catholic Extension provides essential funding to support the construction, expansion, or renovation of churches and community facilities. This initiative aims to meet the facility needs of under-resourced Catholic dioceses across the U.S. By focusing on active projects, Catholic Extension ensures that communities can enhance their worship spaces and support local ministries, ultimately fostering a stronger church community. Funding is available for both minor and major requests, with an emphasis on urgent needs and robust funding strategies.

The Fox Family Foundation

The Fox Family Foundation accepts grant requests, from the beginning of September to the last Friday in October. Grant awards are announced prior to the year end, and distributions of those grants made shortly thereafter. Grant amounts vary, but are typically between $500 and $1,000 each. 

The Fox Family Foundation was established in 2005 for the purpose of providing an ongoing philanthropic support to non-profit organizations, even if not designated as a 501(c)3. A preference in the selection process is given to those organizations located in Southeastern Colorado. The foundation commends all applicants for their hard work and worthy endeavors to better their community and the wider community. The Foundation is precluded from providing grant awards for political-based organizations.

The Francis Grants, established by Catholic Extension, offer funding for significant events in poor mission dioceses, such as the ordination of new Bishops, anniversaries, or papal visits. These grants also support educational endeavors for Bishops. Named in honor of Francis Clement Kelly, Francis Cardinal George OMI, and Pope Francis, the program aims to strengthen the Catholic faith across the U.S. Since 1905, Catholic Extension has invested over $500 million to assist communities in need.

The Building Foundation Grants by Catholic Extension aim to support essential pastoral and administrative functions in under-resourced communities. These grants provide salary subsidies and operational funding to ordained, religious, and lay ministers, ensuring access to Catholic services. Prioritizing areas with significant financial need, this initiative seeks to sustain the church's presence where it is most critical, enabling continued ministry and outreach for those who may otherwise be underserved.

The Catholic School Leadership Development Grant Program aims to cultivate and retain promising leaders within the Catholic school system. In partnership with Loyola Marymount University, this initiative offers a graduate-level online Certificate in Catholic School Administration, covering 80% of tuition costs and providing funding for essential travel. The one-year program focuses on mission effectiveness, operational management, and instructional leadership, requiring participants to serve two years in their diocese post-completion, thereby enhancing local educational leadership.

The Building Leaders Grants by Catholic Extension aim to enhance the recruitment, education, and ongoing formation of church leaders. This initiative provides critical funding for the professional development of both ordained and lay leaders in mission dioceses. By fostering partnerships with various organizations, it addresses the need for trained ministers and supports various funding areas, including seminarian sponsorship and diaconate formation, ensuring a robust future for church leadership.

ConocoPhillips Charitable Investments focus on Water and Biodiversity Stewardship, promoting conservation and restoration of ecosystems. The initiative emphasizes collaboration with communities and organizations to enhance biodiversity, improve water availability, and foster innovative conservation practices. Proposals are evaluated based on their alignment with long-term conservation goals, community engagement, and innovative approaches. Eligible organizations must be recognized as tax-exempt charities or government subdivisions, while ineligible entities include those advancing political causes or engaging in discriminatory practices.

The Engaging Young Catholics Grants aim to support ministries that provide faith formation to children, teens, young adults, and families. By focusing on the pastoral needs of young Catholics, the program enhances community vibrancy and fosters new leadership within the church. Catholic Extension prioritizes operational support and seed funding for initiatives that develop youth and young adult ministries, ensuring that dioceses can effectively reach and engage younger generations in their faith.

The Building Capacity Grants by Catholic Extension aim to enhance the financial and operational capabilities of dioceses. This initiative focuses on funding projects that promote efficiency, financial stability, and effective fiscal management, ultimately fostering a self-sustaining community. Eligible programs include fundraising development initiatives and operational assessments, ensuring resources are utilized efficiently while supporting professional development for church leadership. This grant empowers dioceses to strengthen their foundations for future growth.

Catholic Extension's Enhancing Pastoral and Social Ministry Grants aim to empower the church to broaden its outreach and foster societal transformation through targeted pastoral and social initiatives. This program supports specific elements of the church's ministerial efforts, including funding for catechetical resources, marriage and family ministries, and social outreach for vulnerable populations. By investing in these areas, Catholic Extension seeks to enhance the church's role in communities, especially following disasters.

The Bob Zylstra STEM Scholarship, offered by the Grand Rapids Community Foundation, supports undergraduate students who identify as female or as students of color from West Michigan. This scholarship aims to empower students pursuing STEM majors by removing barriers to education and fostering diversity in these fields. Each year, the foundation awards scholarships ranging from $2,000 to $5,000 to help students achieve their academic and career aspirations.