Best Health and Wellness Grants for Nonprofits in Colorado

The Colorado Health Foundation aims to empower young people in Colorado, particularly those facing health inequities, including youth of color and LGBTQ+ individuals. Their funding focuses on creating equitable outdoor spaces that foster community engagement and active participation. By prioritizing planning grants for outdoor projects, the Foundation seeks to address barriers to physical activity in low-income and rural communities, encouraging holistic health through collaborative design and inclusivity.

The Wellness Across the Lifespan Grant supports the health of communities by providing access to nutritious food and essential nutrition education. Grants ranging from $5,000 to $10,000 are awarded to 501(c)(3) nonprofits in areas where Sprouts Farmers Market operates. This funding emphasizes health and nutrition education, as well as programs that promote healthy lifestyles and nutrition security, ultimately benefiting adults and vulnerable populations.

The Gridiron Veterans Scholarship, provided by the Bob Woodruff Foundation, offers essential financial support for military veterans and first responders. This initiative focuses on wellness, rehabilitation, and recovery programs, ensuring participants can access mental health services, physical therapy, and holistic resources. The foundation prioritizes those facing emotional and physical challenges, empowering them to overcome barriers and improve their quality of life through customized, evidence-based support.

The Nonprofit Sabbatical Grant Program, funded by The Colorado Health Foundation, offers up to $100,000 to support nonprofit leaders in Colorado. This initiative allows executives to take a much-needed sabbatical of three to four months, fostering rejuvenation and innovative thinking. The program emphasizes diversity in its grantee selection, aiming to address entrenched inequities while ensuring sustainability in organizational operations during the absence of leaders. By investing in interim leadership and staff development, it enhances the capacity of nonprofits to serve their communities effectively.

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.

FNBO's Community Sponsorships provide vital financial support to nonprofit organizations and community events that enhance the well-being of our communities. By focusing on affordable housing, entrepreneurship, education, environmental sustainability, access to arts and culture, community cohesion, and health, FNBO aims to create impactful partnerships. Monthly reviews of sponsorship requests ensure timely decision-making, emphasizing FNBO's commitment to fostering community development and empowering historically underrepresented populations.

FNBO: Capital or Major Donations aims to support nonprofit organizations through significant financial contributions for capital projects. This initiative focuses on enhancing community well-being by addressing key areas such as affordable housing, environmental stability, and education. FNBO prioritizes partnerships with nonprofits dedicated to long-term impacts, especially for historically underrepresented populations. By fostering community engagement and providing essential resources, FNBO strives to create a positive influence in the regions it serves.

The Bellco Foundation Community Giving Grant supports initiatives in Financial Education, Quality of Life, and Arts & Culture. Focused on impactful contributions, Bellco aims to empower communities through partnerships with organizations like EconLitCO and Food Bank of the Rockies. The grant prioritizes requests from 501(c)(3) organizations aligned with Bellco's business objectives while excluding typical fundraising events and political affiliations. Applications must be submitted at least 90 days prior to events.

The GFF Capital Grants by the Gates Family Foundation support capital projects for nonprofit organizations in Colorado, emphasizing community needs and sustainable development. With a focus on enhancing public resources and addressing historical inequities, the foundation prioritizes projects that foster education, environmental protection, and community development. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) organizations, demonstrating strong community support and effective management. Capital grants are not given for general operating expenses, loans, or projects already completed.

The Exercise Grants program by BreatheStrong CF aims to support individuals with cystic fibrosis in maintaining a healthy lifestyle through physical activity. Providing funding for various fitness-related expenses, the grants cover gym memberships, exercise classes, and equipment. Eligible applicants include children and adults with cystic fibrosis residing in the U.S. The program encourages regular physical fitness to enhance both lung function and overall well-being.

The Ruth Abernathy Presidential Scholarship is awarded annually by SHAPE America to honor outstanding undergraduate and graduate students in health and physical education. Established in 1995, this scholarship supports three undergraduate and two graduate recipients. Candidates must be SHAPE America members, majoring in relevant fields, and demonstrate academic excellence and leadership. In addition to financial support, recipients receive a three-year membership to SHAPE America, fostering a commitment to health education and physical activity.

The What’s Your Gap Grant, provided by BreatheStrong CF in partnership with the Closing the Gap Foundation, supports teens and adults living with cystic fibrosis. This grant alleviates financial barriers, allowing recipients to pursue health and wellness opportunities tailored to their individual goals. It aims to empower applicants who envision a healthier lifestyle but face challenges in achieving it, serving as a catalyst for positive change in their lives.

The Indigenous Tomorrows Fund (ITF) is a youth-led initiative by Native Americans in Philanthropy aimed at supporting Indigenous youth leadership and community-driven solutions. In its 2025 pilot year, ITF will award up to 24 grants of $30,000 each to projects that enhance cultural continuity and sustainable futures. Priorities include promoting food justice, advancing community health, and strengthening cultural connections, particularly those addressing inequity and fostering long-term healing.

We support community programs that promote health, education, and human dignity.

The Alfred H. Lander and Janet L. Lander Family Charitable Foundation is a qualified 501(c)(3) private operating foundation that conducts charitable work that meets our mission statement. The Foundation seeks to uplift individuals and families through community programming in the following three areas:

• Programs promoting and supporting the physical and mental health of the community through fitness opportunities and access to services, resources, and qualified care providers.
• Educational programs providing a strong foundation for learning at all ages and levels, including those that improve workforce placement and success.
• Programs assisting individuals and families in meeting basic needs and include a pathway for upward mobility.

The AE Foundation Community Grants aim to support US and Canadian non-profit organizations focused on enhancing the mental health and well-being of young people. By funding local programs, the AE Foundation empowers teens and young adults to embrace authenticity and build a brighter future. Eligible organizations must be certified 501(c)3 non-profits or registered charities, and grant funding should be utilized within 365 days of receipt. This initiative reinforces the importance of mental health in today's society.

The CDC's initiative, 'Holistic and Evidence-Informed Wellness for STI Prevention', addresses the significant public health burden of STIs in the U.S. by promoting a comprehensive approach that emphasizes healthy choices and relationships. By supporting a coalition of sexual health experts, the program aims to enhance STI prevention through strategic resource allocation and the dissemination of high-quality, evidence-based materials, targeting priority groups most affected by STIs. This holistic strategy seeks to reduce STI morbidity and improve overall sexual health.

The WWT Foundation Grant aims to empower organizations aligned with the foundation's values, focusing on community service, employee engagement, and business impact. Key areas of support include career readiness, STEM education, human services, and health and wellness. Eligible organizations must be located in the U.S. and registered as 501(c)(3). Applications are accepted year-round, allowing for flexible engagement and support for impactful community initiatives.

The Athene Charitable Foundation focuses on corporate social responsibility through community involvement, aiming to create positive social impacts in education, health, human services, and the environment. Their initiatives include partnerships, employee volunteering, and donations aligned with their mission. They prioritize organizations that support diversity and inclusion while ensuring compliance with their non-discrimination policies. Eligible entities must be registered 501(c)(3) organizations or equivalent, enhancing community welfare where Athene employees live and work.

The Get Out and Get Active Grant by the Anxiety & Depression Initiative supports innovative projects that promote the mental health benefits of physical activity. This funding aims to reduce anxiety and depression through community fitness programs and educational campaigns, emphasizing the intersection of physical activity and mental health. Eligible applicants include nonprofits and academic institutions in the U.S. seeking to enhance well-being and integrate active lifestyles for individuals living with mental illness.

The Share the Bounty Grant, offered by The Andersons Inc Charitable Foundation, aims to enhance the quality of life in communities through support for agriculture, social services, civic engagement, education, arts, and health initiatives. By investing in these key areas, The Andersons seeks to foster environments where individuals and families can thrive, ensuring a sustainable and vibrant future for all residents in the regions they serve.

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 Pikes Peak Region Grant, offered by The Moniker Foundation, provides nine grants of $10,000 each, totaling $90,000, to support organizations addressing critical needs in health, education, environment, and arts. Applicants must operate in designated counties, be a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, and focus on specific areas such as housing assistance, educational programming, and environmental conservation. This competitive grant emphasizes community engagement and prioritizes essential operating activities.

The Town of Granby Donor Advised Fund Grant, facilitated by the Grand Foundation, supports local non-profits enhancing community welfare in arts, education, environment, health, and recreation. Established in 1996, the Grand Foundation has provided over $23.7 million in grants, focusing on projects with measurable impacts. This grant encourages operational funding requests, but typically not multi-year commitments. Eligible applicants must be tax-exempt under IRS regulations, fostering collaboration among agencies for effective community service.

The Impact100 Global Veterans Awards empower women to make a significant difference by awarding grants up to $100,000 to nonprofits that serve veterans. Focus areas include art and culture, education, health and wellness, environment, and family initiatives, promoting the well-being and support of veterans across the United States. Eligible organizations must meet specific criteria, including tax-exempt status, and are encouraged to submit proposals that utilize funds effectively within two years.

The Thriving Community Impact Fund supports local events and initiatives that promote health and well-being in the community. Applications should be submitted at least 12 weeks prior to the event date. The fund prioritizes non-profit organizations, schools, and government agencies that align with the Health System’s Community Health Improvement Plan. Event sponsorships, local memberships, and partnerships are encouraged to enhance community engagement and address social needs, ultimately fostering a healthier community.

The Vibrant Communities: Health Grant Opportunity supports nonprofits in Jefferson County by funding initiatives that promote holistic wellbeing. This includes enhancing mental, social, spiritual, and physical health through operational support for organizations focused on Medicaid enrollment, public education campaigns, and community-building efforts. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits serving Jeffco residents, demonstrating measurable impact in the community. This grant aims to foster vibrant, connected communities in Jeffco.

Adam R Scripps Foundation

Adam Scripps lived a life of humble generosity, helping to improve the lives of others without seeking recognition or fanfare for himself. The family-run Adam R. Scripps Foundation, established posthumously in 2023, allocates millions annually to his cherished causes like animal welfare and community development, with grants overseen by his relatives to honor his legacy.

Honoring Adam’s legacy, we make grants to collaborate, provide support and build resources that create opportunities and transformative pathways. For generations to come, we will improve lives and transform communities because we are a leader in family philanthropy. We value helping communities create lasting change. We do this through compassion, love of neighbor, humility, and generosity.

Healthcare/Mental Health/Research Grant

Health is a key factor in overall quality of life and strength of community. Recognizing that health and welfare is affected by a wide range of factors, the foundation supports the full spectrum of health care, mental-wellness and medical-research programs.

• Healthcare
  • Grants are available to programs and facilities providing a variety of care services to individuals and communities. These organizations include:
    • Low-income health clinics
    • Expanding access to primary care
    • Nonprofit hospital facilities
    • Inpatient or outpatient centers
• Mental Health
  • Financial hardship can exacerbate and compound mental health struggles in historically under-resourced communities. Our foundation will support programs designed to address these challenges, including:
    • Substance abuse and addiction counseling
    • Suicide Prevention
    • Awareness and education initiatives
• Research
  • The Adam R. Scripps Foundation will address medical challenges facing our communities today. As part of our commitment, our support of research programs, includes:
    • Disease research and vaccination development
    • Studying brain function and predisposition toward addiction
    • Support of an academic physician