Best Thornton Grants for Nonprofits in Colorado

The John C. Ensslin Memorial Scholarship Fund (UA1) supports students dedicated to journalism, offering a $3,000 award and consideration for additional $1,500 Damon Runyon Scholarships. Eligible candidates must be enrolled in select Colorado schools for the 2025/2026 academic year, maintain a GPA of 2.0 or higher, and show commitment to journalism. This one-time scholarship is intended to assist with tuition, fees, and related educational expenses.

The Mary J. Mullarkey Scholarship, funded by The Denver Foundation, supports students of color, women, and LGBTQ+ individuals pursuing law degrees at accredited U.S. law schools. Eligible candidates must be graduating with an undergraduate degree from an accredited Colorado college or St. Norbert College, demonstrate financial need, and show academic excellence along with community contributions. One scholarship of up to $10,000 is awarded annually based on these criteria, promoting diversity in legal education.

The Reed Penington Family Trust Scholarship Fund, managed by The Denver Foundation, supports Colorado residents who are undergraduate or graduate students in their final two years of schooling. This fund aims to assist those facing financial barriers that hinder their educational pursuits. Eligible applicants must maintain a GPA of 2.75 or higher and demonstrate financial need through FAFSA or CASFA. The scholarship fosters academic persistence and helps students graduate within two academic years.

The Lundbeck US Charitable Fund focuses on enhancing brain health through impactful donations. Established to support organizations dedicated to brain health, it addresses pressing needs by funding innovative strategies and community collaborations, particularly for at-risk populations. The Fund aims to transform lives and improve mental health care, with a commitment to responsible giving. With over 20 organizations supported in 2023, it drives meaningful change in communities affected by brain disorders.

The Lundbeck US Charitable Fund focuses on enhancing brain health through sponsorships that support various initiatives. These sponsorships are available to both non-profit and for-profit organizations, provided they align with Lundbeck's mission. Funds are primarily allocated for educational or awareness events, with an emphasis on community outreach and collaboration to address gaps in care, especially for vulnerable populations. By fostering innovative strategies, the Fund aims to drive meaningful change in the field of brain health.

Devinci's Community Grant Program aims to support North American cycling organizations with financial assistance for development projects. Eligible applicants include cycling clubs, non-profits, and individuals leading community initiatives. Projects must occur in Canada or the U.S. within the year, with a maximum grant of $5,000 CAD. The program collaborates with key industry partners to foster growth in the cycling community, making a lasting impact through local initiatives.

The APA: Essay Prize in Latin American Thought rewards the best unpublished, English-language philosophical essay in Latin American thought, aiming to foster original arguments related to Hispanic American and Latinx experiences. Sponsored by the American Philosophical Association, this annual prize includes a $500 award and publication in the APA Newsletter on Hispanic/Latino Issues in Philosophy. Eligible authors must be APA members and accept the publication terms.

The Museum of Contemporary Art Denver is offering the Failure Award Scholarship, providing $20,000 to a high school senior in Colorado who exemplifies creativity and a willingness to risk failure. This innovative scholarship focuses on a student's unique project demonstrating originality and creative risk-taking, rather than academic achievements. The award supports students pursuing higher education at accredited institutions or trade schools, with funds distributed over four years to encourage ongoing educational pursuits.

The Denver Foundation Community Scholarship supports first-generation, economically disadvantaged college students in Colorado. Aimed at promoting racial equity, this scholarship prioritizes students of color pursuing higher education. Selection criteria include academic performance, resilience, community service, leadership, and work experience. Recipients must demonstrate economic need and maintain a minimum GPA of 2.25. The scholarship funds are paid directly to the educational institution for the academic year.

The Care Fund Grant, offered by The Denver Foundation, supports nonprofits dedicated to enhancing the health and mental well-being of low-income individuals with disabilities. This initiative spans 100 years of philanthropic efforts in Metro Denver, allocating grants between $10,000 and $20,000. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits operating within Colorado, aligning their missions with the fund's purpose. This grant aims to uplift marginalized communities by providing essential resources and support.

The Congressional Science Fellowship Program offers a unique opportunity for Ph.D. holders to work at the intersection of science and government in Washington D.C. This prestigious fellowship, sponsored by ASA, CSSA, and SSSA, allows participants to apply their expertise as special assistants to Congress members. The fellowship begins in September 2025 and concludes in August 2026, providing an annual stipend and relocation expenses. Ideal for early to mid-career scientists, it encourages the use of scientific knowledge in public policy.

The American Indian College Fund offers scholarships for non-Tribal college students, providing financial support for American Indian and Alaska Native students pursuing higher education at accredited institutions. Applications open annually on February 1st, with a priority deadline of May 31st. Award amounts typically range from $2,000 to $3,000. Students are encouraged to apply early to ensure priority review for available scholarships, fostering educational opportunities and success for Indigenous youth.

The American Indian College Fund offers scholarships to American Indian and Alaska Native students enrolled at Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs). Applications open annually on February 1st, with a priority deadline of May 31st. Eligible students can apply for various merit-based scholarships, with awards averaging between $2,000 and $3,000. The College Fund encourages applications by the priority deadline for a better chance of funding.

The American Indian College Fund Scholarship supports high school students who are enrolled members of federally recognized tribes, or their descendants, pursuing higher education. Applications open annually on February 1st, with a priority deadline of May 31st. This merit-based scholarship provides an opportunity for students to receive awards averaging between $2,000 and $3,000 to help fund their college education. Eligible students should apply during their last semester of high school.

The Reproductive Health Equity initiative aims to enhance sexual and reproductive health for all Coloradans, particularly marginalized communities. By ensuring access to accurate information and culturally relevant services, we empower individuals to make informed decisions regarding their health. Our collaborative approach involves various stakeholders to promote equitable healthcare solutions. This initiative prioritizes young people, people of color, and low-income individuals, striving to dismantle systemic barriers and support reproductive autonomy across the state.

The AISES Stellantis Scholarship aims to enhance the representation of Indigenous peoples in STEM fields. Funded by Stellantis, this scholarship offers $20,000 for full-time students enrolled in colleges with Mopar Career Automotive Programs. Eligible candidates must be current AISES members and either enrolled citizens or descendants of recognized Indigenous groups. The program not only supports education but also fosters a diverse and inclusive workforce within the automotive industry.

The Cameron Impact Scholarship, awarded by the Bryan Cameron Education Foundation, offers a full-tuition four-year scholarship to 15 exceptional high school students annually. This merit-based program seeks leaders who excel in academics, community service, and extracurricular activities. Applicants must maintain a GPA of 3.7 or higher and demonstrate a commitment to positive change. The scholarship covers tuition, fees, and books at any accredited U.S. college, with an emphasis on public service careers.

The Cottrell IMPACT Award recognizes the significant contributions of Cottrell Scholars and Holland Award recipients in advancing science through leadership and service. It encourages excellence in academic leadership while raising the profile of awardees nationally. The award includes a $5,000 cash prize and highlights recipients at the Cottrell Scholar Conference and in professional journals, fostering a community of innovative researchers committed to impactful science.

The Cottrell SEED: New Research Directions grant supports early career researchers in chemistry, physics, and astronomy to launch innovative projects. With a maximum award of $60,000, this initiative encourages interdisciplinary and exploratory research without requiring preliminary data. Eligible applicants include Cottrell Scholars and Holland Award recipients, with a focus on fostering a diverse scientific community. The grant aims to enhance impactful research and academic leadership, aligning with the mission of the Research Corporation for Science Advancement.

The Cottrell SEED: Exceptional Opportunities grant supports high-impact research activities for Cottrell Scholars and Holland Award recipients. It encourages innovative projects at primarily undergraduate institutions, with a maximum award of $60,000. The initiative aims to advance existing research to new levels of innovation and impact. Eligible applicants include those six years post-Cottrell Scholar Award, with a focus on interdisciplinary collaboration. Preference is given to proposals in Physics and Astronomy in odd years, while Chemistry is prioritized in even years.

The Cottrell STAR Award recognizes exceptional research and educational achievements of Cottrell Scholars and Holland Award recipients. It aims to enhance science education at U.S. and Canadian universities, promoting the Cottrell Scholars' national profile. The award includes a $5,000 cash prize, with applications initiated through nominations. Highlighted at the summer Cottrell Scholar Conference, the award supports a vibrant community of early career faculty committed to innovative research and teaching in the physical sciences.

The AISES ARDC Scholarship provides $5,000 annually to undergraduate and graduate students pursuing degrees in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Computer Science, or related fields. Funded by the American Indian Science and Engineering Society (AISES), this scholarship aims to support Indigenous students who are current AISES members and enrolled full-time. Eligible applicants must also be citizens or descendants of recognized Indigenous tribes, ensuring a commitment to enhancing representation in STEM education and careers.

The AISES Sports and Technology Scholarship aims to empower Indigenous students pursuing degrees in STEM fields. Sponsored by the American Indian Science and Engineering Society, this scholarship supports American Indian, Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander, and First Nations students, ensuring they have the financial resources needed to excel. Eligible applicants must be full-time students in accredited programs and demonstrate tribal affiliation, contributing to a diverse future in technology and science.

The AISES Burlington Northern Santa Fe Foundation Scholarship supports Native students pursuing degrees in STEM fields. This scholarship aims to empower Indigenous students by providing financial aid and fostering diversity within the STEM community. Applicants must be full-time students and either enrolled citizens or descendants of recognized Native American or Indigenous groups. The program is part of BNSF’s commitment to enhancing educational opportunities for underrepresented communities in the transportation sector.

The National Science-Health-Environment-Reporting Fellowships are intended to support early-career journalists who are pursuing—or have a strong interest in pursuing —careers reporting on science, health, or environmental issues (or all three).

The program is primarily aimed at journalists in their first decade of professional work, who are interested in boosting their ability and confidence to tackle some of the most important stories of the 21st century.

The fellowship is designed to enable fellows to maintain their regular employment while attending concentrated training opportunities across the country, many of which will lead to stories for their employer or clients. Fellowship leaders and mentors will provide support and guidance through seminars, calls and e-mail consultations.

Curriculum will include basic science, interpreting medical studies, analyzing data, explaining evidence-based decisions, understanding climate science and more.

The program hopes to provide essential on-the-job training that might otherwise take years to accumulate.

Over the course of a year, selected fellows will: 

• Participate in workshops and other events held at the annual Environmental Journalism , Health Journalism  and Science Writers conferences. 
• Learn from custom webinars scheduled throughout the year for additional opportunities to gain skills, connections and resources to inform their reporting. 
• Be matched with a professional mentor.
• Receive prepaid memberships in the National Association of Science Writers, SEJ and AHCJ.
• Participate in peer-to-peer networking platforms. 
• Receive project support stipends if they are an independent journalist.

Project Lead The Way is offering a rolling grant opportunity for schools across the US to implement the PLTW Gateway program for the first time. With total funding of $9,100, the grant covers participation fees and training registration costs. Schools, including public, private, and charter, are encouraged to apply, particularly those serving low-income and minority majority populations. This initiative aims to enhance educational pathways in STEM for diverse student groups.

The NAMM Foundation Global Grantmaking Program provides music research grants aimed at enhancing music education and career mobility. With a focus on eliminating barriers for underrepresented communities, grants range from $5,000 to $25,000. The foundation supports high-impact organizations that demonstrate measurable outcomes and align with its mission of fostering music makers. Eligible applicants include those with a strong research track record and innovative project proposals that do not duplicate existing studies.