Best Grants for International Development in Colorado

With a mission to foster economic development, Colorado Office of Economic Development & International Trade provides Colorado organizations planning and feasibility funding to design projects that create or retain permanent jobs. Eligible projects must generate at least one full-time equivalent job per $20,000 funded, with most jobs filled by low- to moderate-income residents, and awards up to US $20,000.

The Daniels Fund Grants Program offers support to nonprofit organizations in Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming, focusing on areas such as Aging, Amateur Sports, Disabilities, and Youth Development. With no specific deadlines, applications are accepted year-round, and the review process generally takes about 120 days. The fund prioritizes impactful programs that drive meaningful change and foster community growth, honoring the legacy of founder Bill Daniels through strategic philanthropic efforts.

Colorado 501(c)(3) organizations working on health access, youth and family programs, or animal welfare can seek project or program continuation support through grants from Vera and Joseph Dresner Foundation. Hospitals, community centers, and nonprofits in eligible Colorado counties may benefit, especially those serving underserved or special-needs populations and improving care, enrichment, or shelter services.

Colorado 501(c)(3) organizations developing educational testing tools, teacher support materials, or innovative education projects can apply for Dunn Family Foundation grants of US $5,000 - US $25,000. Focused on education, Dunn Family Foundation invites eligible nonprofits to seek project funding, with potential for later operating or capital support tied to previously funded work.

Public entities and eligible nonprofit organizations in Colorado can seek funding to conduct archaeological assessments, including site-specific studies, small surveys, or research methodology testing. Grants from History Colorado help Colorado international development and community-focused groups document and analyze archaeological resources as a foundation for future preservation or interpretation, with awards up to US $20,000.

Public entities and eligible nonprofits in Colorado can use this grant to fund planning documents for historic preservation projects, from nominations and master plans to construction documents and investigations. With a mission to preserve state history, History Colorado provides support for consultant-led planning work that prepares sites for future physical preservation efforts.

Local, county, federal, tribal agencies and 501(c)(3) charitable organizations in Colorado can seek funding for non-motorized trail planning and support projects. Focused on outdoor recreation and trail development, Colorado Parks & Wildlife invites applicants to improve trail systems, build volunteer capacity, and enhance sustainable recreation infrastructure with awards up to US $45,000.

Colorado nonprofit organizations with under $2 million in recent annual revenue can receive support for programs improving high school graduation rates or early childhood development. The Nathan B. & Florence R. Burt Foundation provides project-specific grants, which may benefit groups whose international development work includes education initiatives connected to Colorado communities.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and schools in Colorado and other eligible states can seek funding to run hands-on manufacturing workforce education programs. Focused on manufacturing engineering, data analytics, and AI/automation training, American Honda Motor supports initiatives that build a future-ready workforce through its Education Pillar Award, offering US $25,000 - US $100,000 for programmatic support.

U.S. 501(c)(3) nonprofits and eligible schools with environmental programs in Colorado and other Honda communities can apply for $25,000 - $100,000 to advance decarbonization, clean energy, and efficient use of natural resources. American Honda Motor provides Environment Pillar Awards for initiatives like energy efficiency upgrades, onsite solar or wind, recycling, composting, and related education efforts.

Colorado nonprofits, public agencies, and fiscally sponsored groups serving low-income or priority youth ages 9–25 can seek funding for youth health and well-being programs, family supports, and youth-centered communities. Caring For Colorado Foundation offers US $25,000 - US $125,000 for program, general operating, and some capital needs, which may benefit organizations with international development-related youth work in Colorado.

Ent Credit Union

Ent’s mission is to improve our members’ financial quality of life. We make the communities we serve more vibrant and believe it is part of our responsibility to make a lasting, positive impact through our work as a financial cooperative and as a philanthropic partner. We foster mutually supportive relationships with, and strive to amplify the message of, the charitable organizations we support. 

Community Advocacy

By definition, a “community advocate” has a vested interest in the development of a neighborhood or community. At Ent, we believe that being an advocate for the numerous neighborhoods and communities we serve across the Front Range is crucial for our communities to thrive. 

Helping our communities across Colorado

For decades, Ent has contributed millions of dollars to support communities across Colorado as a part of our mission to improve our members’ financial quality of life. As a “community advocate” we have a vested interest in supporting the communities where our owner-members live, work and play.

We are partnering with the Pikes Peak Community Foundation to help us raise awareness of the funding available to organizations through Ent, identify volunteer opportunities for Ent employees and to maximize the impact of our financial contributions.

Ent provides funding to various nonprofits along the Front Range that fall into any of the following impact categories:

• Youth: Primary program impact focuses on children under the age of 18 with emphasis on impact in housing, food, behavioral and/or mental health.
• Education: Primary program impact supports classroom learning at all levels, with an emphasis on organizations that design and manage these educational initiatives. For higher education, the focus is primarily on providing scholarships to students attending Colorado-based universities and community colleges.
• Community: Primary program impact addresses major community issues with a focus on community enrichment, food banks, homelessness, and/or poverty.
• Legacy: Primary program impact does not fit into any categories above but may continue to receive support based on Ent’s Colorado Springs heritage.

Applicants who have received Community Advocacy and/or YES Grants funding within the same calendar year may still qualify for an additional grant. However, if funding is limited, priority will be given to new applicants. Applicants may reapply if their initial application is denied.

Colorado nonprofit executive directors, CEOs, and tribal administrators focused on health and health equity can receive up to US $100,000 to fund a three- to four-month sabbatical, interim leadership, and staff capacity building. Focused on wellness, The Colorado Health Foundation invites Colorado 501(c)(3) organizations with at least five full-time staff to apply; international development nonprofits serving Coloradans may be eligible.

Colorado 501(c)(3) nonprofits and government entities supporting early childhood education and development can apply for funding to strengthen programs for children from birth to age five. The Temple Hoyne Buell Foundation supports quality improvements, home visiting, parenting education, professional development, and operating or project costs, with emphasis on rural and underserved communities that engage families and local partners.

Nonprofit and tax-supported organizations serving children, youth, and families in Colorado can seek funding for programs in Pueblo County that advance equity through basic needs, social and emotional well-being, behavioral health, and economic stability. Caring for Colorado Foundation supports flexible, community-driven efforts that create safe, stable, and nurturing environments for young people and their caregivers.

Nonprofit and local government projects serving low-to-moderate income residents in El Paso County, Colorado can seek support for community development, housing, and job creation. With a mission to strengthen local communities, El Paso County provides Colorado organizations with Community Development Block Grant funding for eligible activities outside Colorado Springs city limits.

The Advanced Industries Proof of Concept Grant, offered by the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade, provides up to $150,000 to Colorado research institutions for applied research in advanced industries. This funding aims to accelerate commercialization of innovative products and services through pre-commercial research, intellectual property protection, and technical validation. The grant prioritizes projects that impact multiple advanced industries and require matching funds from non-State sources.

Colorado 501(c)(3) nonprofits serving children and youth can seek YES Grants to support programs such as shelter for abused children, food assistance, literacy, and educational access. Ent Credit Union supports youth-focused organizations in the communities it serves across Colorado, which may include groups with international development components benefiting local young people.

Colorado 501(c)(3) public charities and eligible governmental entities planning capital projects can apply for Gates Family Foundation’s GFF Capital Grants to support land, facility, and civic infrastructure campaigns. Funding may benefit organizations across arts and culture, education, community development, parks and recreation, and services for children, youth, families, and rural communities statewide.

Colorado 501(c)(3) community-based organizations improving health and advancing health equity can receive a $20,000 designated donation through this leadership award. Focused on community health and health equity, the Colorado Health Foundation invites nominations honoring a Coloradan changemaker whose work benefits state residents and drives systems-level and community-level change, including internationally minded development efforts.

With a mission to strengthen creative industries, Colorado Office of Economic Development & International Trade provides Colorado cultural and community groups with $3,000 Folk and Traditional Arts Project Grants. Funding can fully support projects that create, present, teach, or document folk and traditional arts, which may benefit organizations engaged in international development–related cultural heritage work.

Arts-focused 501(c)(3) organizations and qualifying independent components in Colorado can receive US $4,000 - US $10,000 in general operating support for ongoing arts and cultural programming. With a mission to promote creative industries, Colorado Office of Economic Development & International Trade provides state arts groups with flexible funding for facilities, operations, maintenance, and insurance, which may benefit internationally focused cultural initiatives.

Colorado nonprofit organizations and government entities in Colorado working on conservation, outdoor recreation, and wildlife stewardship can receive US $50,000 - US $350,000 to build or strengthen Regional Partnerships and develop regional conservation and recreation plans. Colorado Parks & Wildlife and Great Outdoors Colorado fund coalition capacity, planning, public involvement, research, and early win projects that advance Colorado’s Outdoors Strategy.

Colorado health and human services nonprofits providing essential community services can access funding through the Employees Community Fund of The Boeing Company, with typical awards of US $2,500 - US $5,000. Organizations in the Denver and Colorado Springs metro areas, including those whose work intersects with international development, may be considered for support.

Eligible Colorado destination marketing organizations and statewide tourism industry associations can receive US $2,500 - US $49,000 to launch new tourism marketing campaigns that promote Colorado travel. The Colorado Office of Economic Development & International Trade supports initiatives that strengthen the state’s tourism brand and economy, which may benefit organizations engaged in international development-related tourism efforts in Colorado.

Colorado 501(c)(3) nonprofits focused on social change, civil rights, or environmental stewardship can receive US $1,000 - US $5,000 for general operating or project support. The Wolcott Family Foundation prioritizes small, grassroots groups, especially those addressing ecological problems or poverty, and organizations working internationally from a Colorado base may be eligible.

With a mission to advance social change and environmental stewardship, the Wolcott Family Foundation provides Colorado 501(c)(3) nonprofits with US $1,000 - US $5,000 for general operating or project support. Small, grassroots organizations working on environmental preservation, civil rights, poverty, leadership development, or related community advocacy, including internationally focused efforts based in Colorado, may be competitive.