Colorado Gives Foundation’s Early Care and Education Grant

The Colorado Gives Foundation, based in Jefferson County, Colorado, supports initiatives that foster vibrant communities through strategic grantmaking. Its Early Care and Education Grant Opportunity aims to increase access to high-quality early childhood care and education services for children aged eight years and younger in Jefferson County. This funding is grounded in the organization’s commitment to the Jeffco Bright Futures Roadmap, which outlines a shared strategic framework for addressing the region’s early childhood development needs. This grant opportunity offers general operating support to nonprofits and governmental organizations aligned with specific early childhood strategies. Eligible initiatives include those that convene stakeholders, implement strategies outlined in the Jeffco Bright Futures Roadmap, develop policy blueprints, and pilot evidence-based programs to expand childcare options. The overarching goal is to enhance availability, affordability, and quality in early care and education while also supporting children's social-emotional development and family support systems. To be eligible, applicants must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits, government entities, or organizations fiscally sponsored by 501(c)(3) nonprofits. Moreover, all applying organizations must demonstrate a strong commitment to Jefferson County, evidenced through resident impact metrics, budget allocations specific to Jeffco, or targeted programming. Funding decisions are influenced by strategic alignment, the extent of services in Jeffco, adherence to the foundation's guiding principles, and an emphasis on underserved populations. Grants may be fully or partially funded based on these evaluations. Applicants may request between $10,000 and $100,000 per grant term, with typical allocations equivalent to $5,000 to $50,000 per year. However, awards will not exceed 20% of an applicant's total operating budget. The grant period runs from July 1, 2025, to March 31, 2027. The application window opens on May 5, 2025, and closes on May 25, 2025. Virtual office hours are available on May 9, May 13, and May 19 to assist applicants with any queries regarding the submission process or alignment with the foundation’s goals. These sessions are aimed at helping organizations complete their submissions correctly and efficiently. Interested applicants are encouraged to utilize the GranteeView portal for application management, where grant writers and multiple administrators can collaborate on behalf of an organization. Technical and application-related support is available through the foundation’s main contact channels listed on their website.