Best History Grants in Colorado

The Aiken Audubon Mini-Grants program, initiated by the Aiken Audubon Society, aims to promote bird conservation in the Pikes Peak region. Grants ranging from $100 to $500 are available for individuals and community organizations that align with the society's mission. The program continues the legacy of ornithological study established by pioneers like Charles Aiken. With the goal of supporting at least four mini-grants per year, it fosters local engagement in wildlife conservation efforts.

The Anna Keesling Ackerman Fund Grants support nonprofit organizations in the Pikes Peak region, emphasizing arts and culture, education, health, and community initiatives. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits operating in El Paso and Teller counties, without recent grant funding or declines. The fund, managed separately from El Pomar's competitive grants, continues the legacy of Mr. Jasper D. Ackerman, who championed various charitable causes in this area.

The Auto Club Group Foundation focuses on creating a positive impact through grants that enhance traffic safety, driver education, and financial literacy across 14 U.S. states and two territories. With a mission rooted in community service, the foundation supports nonprofit organizations and government entities that align with its goals. Grants typically range from $5,000 to $15,000, addressing crucial areas such as traffic safety initiatives, financial literacy for K-12 students, and equitable access to driver education programs.

El Pomar Foundation

El Pomar Foundation was established in 1937 by Spencer and Julie Penrose, creating an enduring legacy to carry out their philanthropic wishes.

Our Mission: Since 1937, we have continued the mission set by Spencer and Julie Penrose to enhance, encourage, and promote the current and future well-being of the people of Colorado.

El Pomar's Grant Making

• El Pomar provides grants for general operating support, programs, and capital needs.
• The Trustees are interested in increasing support in Southern and rural Colorado. While they make grants in metro Denver, they are much more competitive in that region.
• Due to the tremendous need throughout the state of Colorado, requests, if funded, are often funded at lesser levels than requested. Generally speaking, the Trustees prefer to go broad rather than deep and therefore tend to make a lot of smaller grants rather than a few larger ones.
• For programs and capital needs, we recommend having about half the needed funds secured before submitting an application.

Bill and Kathy Hybl Fund

Mission: The Hybl Fund supports Olympic, Paralympic, and youth sports.

History: Bill Hybl, a lifetime public servant, has long been dedicated to amateur sport. Currently chairman of the United States Olympic Endowment, he believes the ideals of excellence, fair play, and hard work through sport are important for athletes as well as children.

If funded, applicants must wait two years (24 months) to be considered again. If declined, applicants must wait one year (12 months) to be considered again.

The Freda Hambrick Fund Grants are designed to support Colorado-based nonprofit organizations that focus on preventing cruelty to animals, offering direct care, and providing educational programs. Eligible applicants must have 501(c)(3) status and can apply for funding once every two years if awarded, or after one year if declined. Notably, the fund excludes applications from equine organizations and any projects related to euthanasia.

The State Historical Fund: Archaeological Assessment Grant, managed by History Colorado, supports essential archaeological data collection and analysis. This funding enables projects that establish a foundation for site preservation and interpretation. Eligible applicants include public entities and nonprofit organizations within Colorado, while federal agencies and for-profit entities may partner with eligible nonprofits. This grant aims to enhance the understanding of Colorado's rich archaeological heritage through targeted assessments.

The State Historical Fund: Emergency Grants provide crucial funding for immediate stabilization efforts when historic resources face imminent risk of damage due to unforeseen events like natural disasters. Administered by History Colorado, these grants support public entities and certified nonprofit organizations in Colorado. Timely application within three months of the incident is essential for eligibility. This program plays a vital role in preserving the state's rich cultural heritage and ensuring that significant sites are safeguarded from further harm.

The State Historical Fund offers grants for Historic Structure Assessments in Colorado, aimed at evaluating the physical condition of historic buildings. These assessments must be conducted by qualified architects or structural engineers and are crucial for making informed restoration decisions. Eligible applicants include public entities and nonprofit organizations in Colorado. Grants help ensure compliance with preservation standards and facilitate future restoration efforts. While assessments are recommended, they are not mandatory prior to applying for physical work grants.

The State Historical Fund's Noncompetitive Micro Grant, administered by History Colorado, supports grassroots preservation projects across the state. It offers flexible application timing for smaller-scale initiatives, including internships, workshops, and small physical projects. Eligible applicants include public entities and nonprofit organizations based in Colorado. This grant aims to foster community engagement and enhance access to historical resources, ensuring that the state's rich heritage is preserved for future generations.

The State Historical Fund's Planning Grant, offered by History Colorado, supports public entities and nonprofit organizations in Colorado to develop planning documents essential for future preservation projects. This grant fosters collaboration with experienced consultants familiar with the Secretary of Interior's Standards. Eligible applicants include state agencies, local governments, and certified nonprofits. The funding aims to enhance historical preservation efforts, ensuring that critical planning is completed to facilitate successful project execution.

The Wildland Fire Fund Grant, established by El Pomar Foundation, aims to support volunteer fire agencies and first responders in Colorado with essential emergency resources. Since its inception in 2002, it has provided over $6 million in grants. Eligible applicants include 501c3 organizations and government agencies, ensuring that local communities receive priority support. The competitive grant process allows for vital assistance in acquiring personal protection equipment and addressing urgent needs in wildfire response.

The Social Impact Theatre Grant Program supports innovative theatrical productions that address pressing social issues, fostering dialogue and community engagement. With a focus on sustainability, the program offers production-specific and change capital grants to eligible nonprofit organizations in select states. Grantees are encouraged to explore new models, deepen community connections, and support emerging leaders in theatre. Applications for the next cycle will open in Spring 2025, following the completion of the current funding round.

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 Equitable Community-Designed Outdoor Spaces Grant, offered by the Colorado Health Foundation, supports planning grants for designing and constructing inclusive outdoor spaces like parks and playgrounds in Colorado. This initiative emphasizes community engagement, allowing families and youth, particularly from low-income and communities of color, to co-design their recreational areas, fostering health equity and belonging. Grants range from $25,000 to $50,000 and prioritize projects that address historical disparities in access to safe outdoor amenities.

The Ballantine Family Fund, established in 1957, supports nonprofit organizations that enhance life in Southwest Colorado. With a focus on education and community improvement, the fund has played a vital role in promoting local institutions like Fort Lewis College. While primarily serving La Plata and surrounding counties, it occasionally funds projects outside this area. Organizations must be 501(c)(3) tax-exempt entities. The fund exemplifies a commitment to philanthropy and social responsibility in the region.

The Jacob and Terese Hershey Foundation provides grants focused on environmental justice, reproductive rights, and community parks in Texas and southwestern Colorado. They accept letters of inquiry year-round, with cycles in Spring and Fall. Their funding supports diverse initiatives including project grants, operating grants, and capital grants, emphasizing investments that enhance the well-being of both people and nature, particularly in underserved communities.

The Joseph Henry Edmondson Foundation focuses on funding established nonprofit organizations in the Pikes Peak Region, primarily supporting youth organizations, animal welfare, arts, health services, community building, education, and environmental initiatives. Grants typically prioritize capacity building and operational support. First-time applicants are encouraged to contact the foundation beforehand, as the foundation emphasizes a history of funding relationships. Specific exclusions include individuals and organizations lacking 501(c)(3) status.

The Denver Reparations Fund, managed by the Denver Black Reparations Council, offers annual grants ranging from $2,500 to $7,500 to Black-led and Black-serving 501(c)(3) non-profits in Colorado. The fund aims to support initiatives that rebuild and sustain institutions affected by the historical impacts of slavery. Applications are open each fall, with a total of $50,000 available per cycle to foster economic strength, cultural preservation, and community health among Black communities.

The State Historical Fund, managed by History Colorado, supports significant preservation projects across Colorado, funded by gaming tax revenue. Established in 1990, it has awarded 4,743 grants totaling over $315 million. The Competitive General Grant, available twice annually, requires a cash match and funds requests ranging from $50,001 to $250,000. It aims to benefit historic resources and communities, particularly focusing on BIPOC projects.

The State Historical Fund: Competitive Mini Grant, administered by History Colorado, supports heritage preservation projects that demonstrate public benefit across Colorado. Established through a constitutional amendment in 1990, the fund has awarded over $315 million through nearly 4,800 grants. This program prioritizes projects that meet established historic preservation standards, offering financial support for various eligible initiatives, including those benefiting BIPOC communities, while maintaining stringent guidelines on ineligible expenses.

The Pueblo Day Nursery Children's Foundation Grant, established in 1926, supports tax-exempt organizations benefiting children in Pueblo, Colorado. The Foundation seeks specific project funding that directly impacts the community, with a focus on those that care for children of working parents. Organizations can submit one request annually, and the Foundation does not fund discriminatory practices or certain types of grants, such as to individuals or for religious projects.

The NRA Foundation offers grants in Colorado to support charitable purposes related to firearms and shooting sports. Organizations eligible for funding must be recognized under IRS 501(c)(3) or be government entities. The foundation aims to promote safety, education, and research in firearms and marksmanship. Ineligible applicants include labor organizations, private businesses, and individuals. All applicants must provide necessary documentation, such as an EIN and IRS determination letters, to qualify for funding.

The Equity in Arts Learning for Colorado Youth (EAL) Grant Program aims to enhance access to arts education for historically marginalized youth in Colorado. Grants ranging from $10,000 to $25,000 will support projects that engage professional artists in educational settings for youth aged 4-21. This initiative, backed by significant foundations, seeks to dismantle barriers to arts education, fostering creativity and community engagement while promoting equity, diversity, and inclusion.

The Fishing is Fun Grant Program, managed by Colorado Parks and Wildlife, aims to enhance angling opportunities throughout Colorado by providing up to $700,000 annually in matching funds. This initiative supports a variety of projects including habitat improvements, access enhancements, and public amenities at fishing sites. Eligible applicants include local governments, recreation departments, and nonprofit organizations. Over 30 years, the program has funded 375 projects, promoting sustainable fishing practices and community engagement.

The Foothills and Prairie Grant Program, offered by the Aiken Audubon Society, supports projects focused on the conservation and study of birds in the Pikes Peak region. Grants of up to $6,500 are available for educational and scientific initiatives. Past funded projects include bird banding stations and educational programs at local nature centers. The program aims to continue the legacy of ornithological research in Colorado by fostering community engagement and ecological preservation.

The Rocky Talkie Search and Rescue Award, sponsored by the American Alpine Club, provides $75,000 annually to support underfunded Search and Rescue (SAR) teams in the U.S. and Canada. The initiative aims to enhance community awareness of the vital contributions made by volunteer SAR members. Grants include $10,000 for five selected teams and a special $25,000 award for the Featured Rescue of the Year, spotlighting exceptional volunteer-led rescue operations and their impact on mountain safety.

The Folk and Traditional Arts Project Grant, offered by the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade, aims to celebrate and preserve Colorado's cultural heritage through folk and traditional arts. This grant fosters community well-being, cultural identity, and economic vitality. It provides funding for creating, presenting, or documenting folk arts, with a maximum amount of $3,000 available for projects that enhance community engagement and creativity, with a completion deadline of June 30, 2026.