Best Weld County Grants for Nonprofits in Colorado

Latinos Investing in the Future Together (LIFT): for nonprofits serving Northern Colorado Grant

The LIFT Fund was created to shift the narrative around Latino philanthropy in Weld County and Northern Colorado and to build a legacy of impact in the community. Latinos have long been leaders, organizers, and changemakers in Northern Colorado, often working behind the scenes to make a difference. This fund brings that collective investment into the light by providing mini-grants to local nonprofits advancing initiatives in: 

• Youth Engagement & Success 
• Economic Mobility and Small Business Support 
• Community-Led Research & Innovation  

Grant Amount:

• up to $5,000 (subject to change)

The LIFT Fund of Weld County will, in particular, look for:

• A project that drives meaningful change 
• Has measurable outcomes
• Partnership and volunteering opportunities
• Goal of program self-sufficiency
• Financial stability
• Opportunities to leverage funds

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving Weld County, Colorado with programs in youth, education, housing, food security, mental health, homelessness, or poverty relief can apply for Ent Community Advocacy Grant funding. Grants from Ent Credit Union, administered with Pikes Peak Community Foundation, may also support legacy community initiatives connected to its Colorado Springs heritage.

The Weld Trust offers Cycle Grants to nonprofits, schools, and government entities serving Weld County residents. They accept Letters of Inquiry three times a year for various initiatives including access to resources, childhood literacy, and food security. Eligible organizations can receive up to two grants per cycle and six per year, with funding available for indirect costs up to 15%. This initiative aims to foster health and education within the community.

The Weld Trust's Flagship Grants support significant community projects in health and education for nonprofits and schools in Weld County. Grants typically exceed $750,000 and require additional funding sources, covering 15-35% of project costs. Eligible applicants must be tax-exempt organizations or operate under a tax-exempt nonprofit. These grants aim to foster partnerships that address fundamental issues and deliver measurable outcomes, particularly in rural areas where resources are limited.

The Weld Trust offers Rapid Response Grants of up to $25,000 for nonprofits, schools, and government entities in Weld County to address urgent health and safety needs. Applications are typically processed within 7-10 business days. Eligible projects may include essential items for emergency shelters or assistance for displaced individuals. This initiative aims to quickly support organizations tackling pressing issues in the community.

Weld County, Colorado 501(c)(3) nonprofits working on mental health or affordable housing can apply for Elevations Foundation’s Local Change Community Grants, offering US $5,000 - US $10,000 for community-strengthening programs. Organizations in Weld and other eligible Front Range counties with smaller operating budgets receive priority consideration.

Nonprofits, public agencies, schools, faith-based organizations, and fiscally sponsored groups serving Weld County, Colorado can apply for Weld Community Foundation’s Fort Lupton Community Foundation Grant, offering up to US $5,000 for measurable community projects. Programs must primarily serve the Fort Lupton area and address unmet local needs with a well-planned, sustainable approach.

The BNSF Railway Foundation provides grants to enhance community quality of life across 28 states, focusing on educational, cultural, and social service initiatives. With over $150 million contributed since 2000, the foundation emphasizes projects with strong local engagement and BNSF employee involvement. Eligible organizations include public charities, local governments, and tribal governments, while ineligible entities encompass religious organizations and those with discriminatory practices. Priority is given to environmental, health, and cultural projects.

The EASI: Exploration Supports Route, initiated by the Colorado Department of Education, provides streamlined funding for school improvement efforts in alignment with the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). By consolidating grant applications, Colorado aims to efficiently match schools' needs with evidence-based strategies. This planning phase allows Local Education Agencies (LEAs) to explore diagnostic reviews and community engagement, ultimately enhancing educational outcomes for schools designated under state accountability measures.

The EASI initiative by the Colorado Department of Education focuses on empowering districts to enhance school improvement strategies. Through the District Designed and Led route, districts can leverage tailored implementation support and major improvement strategies. This approach encourages collaboration with external partners, fostering sustainable improvement systems and building staff capacity aligned with effective educational frameworks. The goal is to ensure that schools in need receive the support necessary for meaningful and lasting change.

The PLTW Engineering program, supported by Phillips 66, aims to enhance STEM education in middle and high schools. By providing $30,000 in grants over two academic years, it encourages schools to offer PLTW Engineering courses, fostering skills in students from underserved communities. This initiative is designed to prepare students for future careers in STEM fields, ensuring a diverse and capable workforce. Schools in designated counties are eligible, with a focus on those serving economically disadvantaged students.

The PLTW Computer Science program, funded by Phillips 66, aims to enhance STEM education in middle and high schools. By offering a minimum of two PLTW Computer Science courses over two years, the initiative seeks to empower students with vital skills for future careers. With a total grant of $20,000, the program focuses on schools in various states, prioritizing those serving economically disadvantaged students to foster diversity and inclusion in the tech field.

The PLTW Computer Science - Program Expansion grant from Phillips 66 aims to enhance access to quality education in STEM fields for middle and high school students. This initiative supports schools in expanding their existing PLTW Computer Science programs, particularly in high-need areas starting in the 2026-2027 academic year. Grants of $10,000 are available, prioritizing institutions with significant economic need among students, ensuring future generations are equipped for success in technology and engineering careers.

The PLTW Engineering program, in partnership with Phillips 66, aims to expand access to quality STEM education in underserved communities. With a total grant of $10,000 available for the 2026-2027 academic year, the initiative focuses on middle and high school programs that foster student engagement in engineering and computer science. Priority will be given to schools with high-needs student populations, ensuring equitable educational opportunities and workforce preparedness for future generations.

The Turnaround Leadership Development Program, initiated in 2014, aims to enhance leadership training for low-performing schools in Colorado. Modified in 2018, it became part of the School Transformation Grant program, which funds support for educational improvement. This program identifies participants through the EASI application, targeting schools needing assistance under state accountability measures and ESSA. It aligns with the Colorado Department of Education’s broader strategy to boost student performance across the state.

ConocoPhillips Charitable Investments focus on Water and Biodiversity Stewardship, promoting conservation and restoration of ecosystems. The initiative emphasizes collaboration with communities and organizations to enhance biodiversity, improve water availability, and foster innovative conservation practices. Proposals are evaluated based on their alignment with long-term conservation goals, community engagement, and innovative approaches. Eligible organizations must be recognized as tax-exempt charities or government subdivisions, while ineligible entities include those advancing political causes or engaging in discriminatory practices.

The School Transformation Network Grant, led by the Colorado Department of Education, aims to enhance student achievement in low-performing schools through targeted support and resources. This initiative fosters collaboration between local schools and their respective educational authorities, providing professional development and personalized learning opportunities. Schools will benefit from specialized guidance and funding, ensuring a robust improvement framework focused on culture, instruction, talent, and leadership development, ultimately driving sustained educational success.

The Larimer County Community Foundation offers Intersections Grants, focusing on impactful funding for organizations addressing community needs in Berthoud, Estes, Fort Collins, and Loveland. Aimed at 501c(3) entities and educational institutions, these grants prioritize general support for initiatives related to Sheltering & Caring and Connecting Intersections. This approach ensures that donor contributions effectively enhance community legacy and engagement.

The Arts Alive! Individual Artist Grants, offered by the Weld Community Foundation, support emerging artists in Weld County, enabling them to advance their artistic careers. This initiative encourages projects that enhance cultural experiences and access to the arts in the community. Applicants must be legal residents of Weld County and at least 18 years old, having resided there for a minimum of 12 months. Note that travel expenses are typically not funded.

The PLTW Gateway program, in partnership with Burns and McDonnell, aims to enhance STEM education by supporting schools in eligible counties to implement PLTW Gateway units. With a total grant of $20,000, schools are encouraged to offer at least one unit per academic year, fostering real-world skills and engagement in STEM fields. This initiative seeks to increase access and participation in high-quality STEM learning experiences, ultimately preparing students for future careers.

The PLTW Gateway program, in collaboration with Burns & McDonnell, aims to enhance STEM education by expanding access to Project Lead The Way initiatives in eligible communities. By providing grants for program expansion, the initiative encourages schools to implement new PLTW units and train teachers, empowering students with essential skills for future careers. This partnership seeks to inspire a new generation of learners through hands-on, real-world challenges, thereby fostering greater participation in STEM fields across various regions.

Burns and McDonnell, a 100% employee-owned firm, partners with Project Lead The Way (PLTW) to enhance access to STEM education. By expanding PLTW Computer Science programs in local schools, they aim to engage students in real-world challenges and equip them with essential skills. Eligible schools must be located in specific counties and serve a majority of students from low-income backgrounds. This initiative supports the growth of STEM education, fostering a brighter future for communities through enhanced learning opportunities.

The PLTW Computer Science program, supported by Burns and McDonnell, aims to enhance STEM education in various communities by funding schools to implement PLTW courses. This partnership promotes student engagement with real-world challenges, preparing them for future careers in technology. With a total grant of $20,000, schools must offer multiple PLTW courses over two years, ensuring access to quality education for underserved populations.

The PLTW Engineering program, in partnership with Burns and McDonnell, aims to enhance STEM education by providing grants to public and charter schools in specific counties. This initiative empowers students to engage with real-world challenges through hands-on learning experiences. Eligible schools must offer PLTW Engineering courses, ensuring access to quality education for students from diverse backgrounds. With a total grant of $40,000 over two years, this program seeks to inspire the next generation of engineers and innovators.

The PLTW Engineering Program Expansion by Burns and McDonnell aims to enhance STEM education in eligible communities. This initiative supports schools in expanding their existing PLTW Engineering programs, providing students with hands-on experiences and essential skills. The program focuses on empowering students through new courses and teacher training, ensuring access for underrepresented populations. By fostering excitement around STEM, Burns and McDonnell is committed to shaping the future workforce and enhancing educational opportunities in critical areas.

The Arts Alive! Organizational Grants, funded by the Weld Community Foundation, support innovative projects that enhance the arts in Weld County. These grants aim to expand artistic access, promote cultural diversity, and foster community engagement through the visual, performing, and literary arts. Ideal proposals should serve underserved populations, offer measurable outcomes, and have a positive impact on local artistic endeavors, ensuring a vibrant cultural landscape in the community.

The PNC Foundation aims to enhance the lives of individuals in local communities through partnerships with nonprofit organizations. Their focus includes promoting educational opportunities, particularly for early childhood education, and supporting economic development initiatives. Grants are available for organizations that benefit low- to moderate-income families and enhance community growth. The foundation prioritizes programs that foster sustainability and diversity, ensuring a lasting impact on the communities they serve.