Best Workforce Grants in Colorado

Colorado workforce preparation and job readiness nonprofits can access funding through BOKF Foundation to support education, job training, and economic development initiatives. Organizations serving basic needs, healthcare access, community safety, and poverty alleviation in BOK Financial’s Colorado markets may also be eligible when advancing local economic wellbeing and quality of life.

Nonprofits, fiscally sponsored groups, and tax-supported entities in El Paso or Teller Counties can use this mini-grant for capacity-building projects that strengthen organizational skills, systems, or structures. Grants from Colorado Springs Health Foundation help Colorado health-focused organizations enhance staff and volunteer competencies in areas like planning, evaluation, training, process improvement, or one-time technology needs, with awards up to US $5,000.

Nonprofits, fiscally sponsored groups, and tax-supported entities in Colorado addressing community health through collaborative initiatives can seek funding for systems-change efforts. Colorado Springs Health Foundation supports collaborations in El Paso and Teller Counties focused on healthcare access, suicide and trauma prevention, food, physical activity, and housing, especially for high-need and under-resourced populations.

With a mission to strengthen community health, Colorado Springs Health Foundation provides Colorado nonprofits and public agencies with capacity-building support to improve healthcare access, workforce development, suicide prevention, and related health services. Eligible 501(c)(3)s, fiscally sponsored projects, and tax-supported entities serving El Paso or Teller Counties may fund planning, evaluation, training, restructuring, process improvement, or one-time technology needs.

Colorado 501(c)(3) organizations and government equivalents can seek approximately US $75,000 to support programs or capital projects in youth development, career and technical education, and related workforce readiness areas. Daniels Fund provides flexible funding for specific programs, general operations, or capital campaigns that improve life skills and employment pathways for young people.

Colorado 501(c)(3) nonprofits offering health, youth and family, or animal welfare programs can access funding through the Vera and Joseph Dresner Foundation for project support and some capital needs. Grants from Vera and Joseph Dresner Foundation help organizations, including those with workforce or family-strengthening services, improve outcomes for underserved and vulnerable community members.

The Hearst Foundation: Culture Grant aims to support outstanding nonprofits that enhance cultural engagement and artistic talent in the U.S. With a focus on programs that reach young people, the grant prioritizes organizations that create lasting impacts in the arts and sciences. The Foundation allocates 25% of its funding to cultural initiatives, favoring established organizations with a history of significant results. Eligible nonprofits must encourage inclusivity and sustainability in their programs.

Nonprofits and other organizations developing Colorado’s preservation workforce can apply for US $5,001 - US $250,000 to support training, apprenticeships, internships, and certification programs. With a mission to strengthen preservation skills and leadership, History Colorado provides workforce-focused funding that prioritizes underrepresented communities, rural and underserved areas, and succession planning for legacy craftspeople.

Colorado nonprofits, schools, and government entities that help women and girls build education, workforce skills, and small businesses can apply for workforce-focused support from Freeport-McMoRan Foundation. Programs in eligible Colorado counties that improve employment, income, job creation, or business growth may be especially competitive, particularly those serving rural communities with measurable, sustainable impact.

Colorado organizations addressing equitable and affordable housing or childcare services in Grand County can access funding through Grand Foundation’s Community Priorities Fund to support local workforce needs and visitor experiences. Eligible projects may include workforce housing and childcare initiatives that improve quality of life for residents and workers in Grand County, Colorado.

Colorado nonprofits, schools, and government agencies serving Weld County residents with health or education programs, including workforce development and job readiness, can access funding through The Weld Trust’s triannual Cycle Grants. Support covers direct project costs plus limited indirect costs for initiatives like workforce preparation, literacy, housing stability, food security, and behavioral or physical health.

Boettcher Foundation provides Colorado workforce and rural development organizations with US $1,000 - US $10,000 to build internal capacity through strategic planning, convenings, short-term staffing, and one-time operating costs. 501(c)(3) nonprofits and qualified government entities in rural Colorado working on housing, childcare, workforce, leadership, mental health, or placemaking may be eligible.

Colorado workforce and job-readiness nonprofits and schools can seek funding to run hands-on manufacturing workforce pipeline programs, with awards ranging from US $25,000 - US $100,000. Focused on technical training in design, data analytics, AI, automation, and manufacturing roles, American Honda Motor prioritizes initiatives that prepare individuals for current and future industry needs.

Nonprofits strengthening youth and family resiliency around social determinants of health in Colorado can access funding through Telligen Community Initiative, with awards up to US $150,000. Multi-year grants support family services, parenting education, school health, and related efforts that address health disparities and social drivers of health, which may benefit workforce preparation and stability.

Individuals affiliated with NNLM member institutions in Colorado can receive up to US $2,500 for professional development in health information access, data science, or related skills. Grants from the National Library of Medicine help libraries and community partners build workforce capacity through workshops, conferences, leadership training, and DEIA-focused educational activities that strengthen health information services.

Nonprofit organizations improving healthcare access, suicide prevention, or trauma prevention and healing in Colorado’s El Paso and Teller Counties can seek general operating, program, or capital support, including workforce-related health initiatives. With a mission to strengthen community health, Colorado Springs Health Foundation provides competitive grants to experienced organizations that demonstrate need, equity focus, and measurable impact; pre-application staff consultation is required.

Focused on workforce preparation and job readiness, this invitation-only program offers Colorado 501(c)(3) organizations $5,000 - $20,000 for job creation, entrepreneurship, and related training initiatives. Eligible nonprofits must be Colorado-based, have at least two years of operations, and demonstrate proven results placing people in living-wage jobs or launching growth-oriented businesses.

Colorado 501(c)(3) nonprofits improving residents’ earning potential and job readiness can apply for workforce development funding from the Kenneth King Foundation, with typical awards of US $5,000 - US $20,000. Support is for programs like job training, apprenticeships, social enterprise employment, and wraparound services addressing housing, childcare, transportation, food, and other barriers to work.

Black-led, Black-serving 501(c)(3) nonprofits or fiscally sponsored groups in Colorado’s seven-county Metro Denver area can access funding from The Denver Foundation to address systemic racism and sustain their work. Grants of US $2,500 - US $25,000 support operational costs and programs in areas like economic opportunity, housing, health, youth, and racial justice that may include workforce development and job access.

The O'Reilly Automotive Foundation Grant focuses on enhancing community welfare through philanthropic initiatives that support economic stability, workforce development, health services, and disaster relief. Established in 2020, the Foundation seeks to empower underrepresented individuals and organizations in the U.S. by addressing vital community needs. It particularly aims to provide assistance to nonprofits that foster positive change and improve quality of life for those in need, ensuring a lasting impact in local communities.

Nonprofits, mission-oriented for-profits, and eligible housing entities working on equitable, affordable housing innovations in Colorado can apply for the National Housing Innovation Grant competition, with awards of US $2,000,000. Enterprise Community Partners and Wells Fargo support ready-to-scale solutions in design and construction, finance, or service delivery that expand affordable rental and workforce housing options.

Freeport-McMoRan Foundation provides Colorado workforce and community organizations with funding up to US $20,000 for education, workforce development, and economic opportunity projects. Eligible 501(c)(3) nonprofits, schools, and government agencies in Lake, Summit, Chaffee, Eagle, Grand, and Clear Creek Counties may apply for programs like job readiness training, small business support, and leadership capacity building.

Colorado safety-net clinics, public health agencies, school-based health centers, and rural health clinics can access funding through Caring for Colorado to reduce financial barriers to contraception for uninsured or underinsured patients. This program supports reproductive healthcare access, which may benefit organizations whose workforce initiatives intersect with young people’s health, autonomy, and opportunity.

Nonprofits, fiscally sponsored groups, Native American entities, and government-supported agencies serving Denver residents can seek funding for community-based mental health and substance misuse programs that expand access, cultural relevance, and coordinated care. Focused on equity and trauma-informed support, Caring for Denver Foundation invites Colorado organizations working with diverse communities and care providers to strengthen trusted, community-centered solutions.

Workforce development nonprofits and eligible government entities in Colorado can receive US $5,000 - US $50,000 in general operating support to help Jefferson County residents secure jobs with livable wages and benefits. With a mission to strengthen Jeffco, Colorado Gives Foundation supports programs that boost earnings, improve education and employment transparency, and bridge skills gaps for local jobseekers.

Colorado nonprofits and community organizations improving oral health access, prevention, or dental workforce diversity can apply for grants up to Up to US $300,000. Grants from Delta Dental Plan Of Colorado Foundation help expand place-based access to care, prevent tooth decay in pregnant people and young children, and increase underrepresented communities in dental professions.

Colorado Strategic Wildfire Action Program

COSWAP funds can be spent on all land ownership types.

The Colorado Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Executive Director’s Office is the primary manager of the Colorado Strategic Wildfire Action Program. Per statute, the Colorado State Forest Service, Division of Fire Prevention and Control and DNR work collaboratively on program design.

The Colorado Strategic Wildfire Action Program (COSWAP) is designed to support wildfire risk reduction efforts in Colorado to protect life, property, and infrastructure. COSWAP was created after the devastating 2020 fire season by the Colorado legislature through the bi-partisan supported SB21-258. After a successful grant cycle, the program was permanently funded in the 2023 legislative session. While housed within the Department of Natural Resources, COSWAP was collaboratively designed by representatives from the Colorado State Forest Service and the Division of Fire Prevention and Control. This partnership helps ensure the program aligns with other state work and priorities.

Focus

All projects must be focused on reducing wildfire risk to life, property and critical infrastructure. SWIFT and conservation corps projects must be appropriate for hand crew work. This includes, but is not limited to, forest thinning, fuelbreaks, chipping, biomass removal, and pile or broadcast burning. Funding includes Awards of conservation corps or State Wildland Inmate Fire Teams crew time to complete on the ground fire mitigation work, as well as a cash grant for project management expenses. Cash awards for fire mitigation workforce development training. No defensible space projects. 

The Strategic Focus Areas include Boulder, Douglas, El Paso, Jefferson, Larimer, La Plata and Teller counties plus Rocky Mountain Restoration Initiative focal areas.

Funding

We typically fund 6 to 25 weeks of crew work or up to $100,000. A 25% match is required for cash awards, with the exception of tribal entities.