Colorado Arts Grants

The Colorado Gives Foundation is offering the Convenient Neighborhoods Grant Program, a funding opportunity designed to bolster community spaces in Jefferson County, Colorado. This program aligns with the foundation's mission to enhance the health and well-being of all Jefferson County residents by ensuring easy access to essential amenities. These amenities include parks, transportation hubs, farmers markets, and recreation centers, with a particular emphasis on fostering easy and safe access to public transportation, bike-friendly routes, and accessible paths. The foundation's strategic priority is to help Jefferson County thrive by supporting organizations committed to serving its residents and demonstrating measurable impact within the county. The primary beneficiaries of this grant are the residents of Jefferson County, with a focus on increasing their access to public transportation, improving neighborhood mobility, and expanding outdoor green spaces. The program aims to achieve several impact goals: increasing access and enrollment in public transportation benefits, advocating for policies that facilitate public transportation access and neighborhood mobility, and developing and preserving outdoor green spaces and community gathering places. These goals reflect the foundation's theory of change, which posits that improved access to these resources will lead to better overall health and well-being for the community. The grant program prioritizes organizations that are advancing work in specific areas. These include supporting efforts to increase access and enrollment in public transportation benefits, advocating for policies to enhance public transportation access, improve neighborhood mobility, and increase outdoor green spaces. Additionally, the program supports initiatives to develop and preserve outdoor green spaces, such as parks and open areas, and community gathering places like integrated community hubs and recreation centers. Expected outcomes and measurable results include an increase in the number of Jefferson County residents served, a higher percentage of organizational budget applied to Jeffco-specific programs, and the implementation of concrete programs directly focused on Jeffco populations. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits or operating under fiscal sponsorship and must demonstrate a clear commitment to serving Jefferson County residents. The grant offers typical funding between $5,000 and $25,000 per year, for a project period from October 1, 2024, to September 30, 2026, with a grant duration of two years.

The Laura Jane Musser Fund offers grants up to $25,000 for collaborative rural community projects in selected states and counties, prioritizing initiatives that involve diverse community participation, demonstrate local support, and aim for positive change within 18 months.

The Larimer County Behavioral Health Services (BHS) is offering its Impact Fund Grant Program to invest in and enrich community-based behavioral health services. This initiative aligns with the foundation's mission to address the behavioral health needs of Larimer County community members through strategic funding. The program is part of a 20-year sales tax initiative, demonstrating a long-term commitment to improving local behavioral health programming. The target beneficiaries of this grant program are residents of Larimer County, with a focus on those requiring behavioral health services. The impact goals are broad and aim to foster a healthier community through improved access, coordination, and early intervention in behavioral health. The program seeks to reduce stigma, increase public awareness, and ensure the provision of quality preventative care. The funding priorities of the Impact Fund Grant Program include Access & Affordability, Care Coordination & System Integration, Early Identification & Intervention, Stigma Reduction & Public Awareness, Quality Care, and Prevention. BHS funds organizations through two types of grants: Targeted Grants and Responsive Grants. Program/Project support grants typically range from $10,000 to $150,000, with requests up to $250,000 considered. The project period is up to 12 months. Expected outcomes include enhanced accessibility and affordability of behavioral health services, more streamlined care coordination, and earlier identification and intervention for those in need. The program also aims to achieve measurable results in stigma reduction and public awareness campaigns, leading to an increase in quality care and effective prevention strategies across Larimer County. The BHS does not provide general operating support but restricts funds to direct or indirect behavioral health services for Larimer County residents, limiting overhead costs to 20% of the budget, ensuring funds are primarily directed to services.

The Caring for Denver Foundation is offering the "Alternatives to Jail" grant, aligning with its mission to address mental health and substance misuse conditions, particularly in relation to the criminal legal system. This initiative seeks to prevent unnecessary interactions with law enforcement, provide support within jail or prison systems, and offer culturally responsive community-based services for those impacted by the criminal legal system. The program is a direct manifestation of the Foundation's strategic priorities, aiming to foster a healthier and more supportive environment for Denver residents by reducing the reliance on incarceration for individuals with these conditions. The grant targets Denver residents, including those physically residing full-time in the city, individuals experiencing homelessness within the city, minors in the custody of Denver Human Services, minors in the primary legal and residency custody of a City resident, and non-City residents placed in mental health/substance abuse programs within a City Jail. The overarching impact goal is to improve mental health and substance misuse outcomes, reduce criminal legal system involvement for these populations, and enhance access to appropriate care and support. The foundation seeks to achieve measurable results through projects that demonstrate improved access to care, increased feelings of understanding and respect in care settings, and smoother transitions between care phases, ultimately leading to greater stability and reduced recidivism. The Foundation prioritizes projects that address Denver's mental health and substance misuse challenges across three key areas: Inclusive Access, Attention to Fit, and Care Over Time. Inclusive Access focuses on making care and support accessible in ways that are convenient, comfortable, and tailored to individual schedules, promoting participation and skill-building. Attention to Fit emphasizes culturally designed and matched care options, ensuring individuals feel understood and respected, and also supports the mental health of care providers. Care Over Time aims to improve care transitions, minimize disruptions, and increase stability, especially during critical periods like re-entry into the community from the criminal legal system. These focus areas reflect the Foundation's theory of change, which posits that by improving access, cultural relevance, and continuity of care, individuals will experience better outcomes and reduced entanglement with the criminal legal system. The total funding available for this grant area is $14.4 million, with a minimum of $4.8 million allocated to City and County of Denver agencies. Applicants, including 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations (or those fiscally sponsored by one), Indian or Native American entities, and government-supported entities, are encouraged to consider the total available amount when making their requests. The Foundation will evaluate grant budgets for reasonableness and consider prior grant history in allocation decisions. By strategically distributing these funds to eligible organizations and agencies, the Caring for Denver Foundation expects to see a significant positive impact on mental health and substance misuse challenges within the Denver community, contributing to a more equitable and supportive environment for all residents.

The 2024 Bloomington Arts Commission (BAC) Operations Grant is designed to support 501(c)3 nonprofit arts organizations based in Bloomington, Indiana. This grant aligns with BAC's mission to foster a vibrant arts community by providing essential operational funding. The grant's primary objective is to ensure the fiscal soundness and organizational capacity of arts organizations that demonstrate a clear mission and planning to achieve it. Funding can be utilized for various organizational costs, including overhead, staff salaries, and programmatic expenses, reflecting a commitment to the holistic health of the arts sector. The target beneficiaries are nonprofit arts organizations with a primary mission centered around arts, located in Bloomington, Indiana. These organizations must possess a 501(c)(3) designation from the IRS and have an annual operating budget not exceeding $500,000. The grant aims to empower these organizations to address community needs, engage in larger community dialogues, and connect with diverse communities within Bloomington. The expected outcome is a more robust and inclusive arts landscape within the city, with organizations that are fiscally stable and actively contributing to the cultural fabric. The grant prioritizes organizational capacity, community impact, and equity and inclusion. Evaluation criteria specifically assess whether an organization demonstrates a clear mission and planning, is fiscally sound, and has committed staff or volunteers. For community impact, the focus is on whether the organization addresses a community need, engages in broader community dialogues, and reaches out to various communities in Bloomington. Furthermore, a strong emphasis is placed on an organization's actionable steps to increase equity and inclusion, ensuring that the grant supports a diverse and accessible arts environment. Measurable results include an increase in the number of financially stable arts organizations, enhanced community engagement through arts programming, and demonstrable progress in equity and inclusion initiatives within recipient organizations. While specific financial outcomes are tied to up to 5% of an organization's operating budget (not exceeding $5000), the broader impact is seen in the sustained operation and growth of Bloomington's arts sector. The BAC's strategic priority is to cultivate a thriving arts ecosystem through direct financial support and by encouraging responsible organizational practices and meaningful community engagement.

This grant provides funding for local artists, organizations, and nonprofits in Basalt to create public art projects or ongoing arts programs that enhance community engagement and cultural appreciation.

This grant provides $100,000 to nonprofit organizations in the Denver area to support transformative projects that enhance economic opportunity, health, or social services for local residents.

This program provides funding to commercial property owners and managers in Boulder to create affordable spaces for small businesses, particularly those owned by women and minorities, helping them thrive in the community.

This grant provides financial support to fire districts and departments in rural and mountain areas of Boulder County for equipment, infrastructure, and training improvements to enhance emergency services.

The Disability Inclusion Fund (DIF) at Borealis Philanthropy is actively seeking applications from organizations dedicated to advancing disability inclusion, rights, and justice. This grant program is deeply aligned with Borealis Philanthropy's broader mission to foster a more vibrant, just, and joyful world for people with disabilities. The fund's strategic priorities are rooted in intersectional cross-movements and collaborative efforts, supporting initiatives ranging from arts and culture to policy and advocacy that dismantle ableism and promote authentic representation of disabled people. The primary beneficiaries of DIF grants are organizations whose work is driven by and accountable to the disability justice movement, with a particular emphasis on those most impacted by injustice and exclusion. This includes disabled people with multiple and intersecting social and political identities, such as race, gender identity, class, and sexual orientation. The fund prioritizes organizations led by disabled people, specifically Black, Indigenous People of Color (BIPOC), queer, gender non-conforming, and women with disabilities, where over 50% of the leadership (management staff, advisory committees, or governing boards) identify as disabled. DIF's core focuses include promoting radical inclusion by removing barriers and ensuring access, valuing lived experience, and emphasizing the leadership of those most impacted. The program also fosters cross-movement solidarity, encouraging collaboration and bridge-building among disability justice activists and across various social movements like Black lives, climate change, immigration rights, labor rights, racial justice, and queer and trans liberation. This approach reflects a theory of change that believes systemic change occurs through interconnected movements and the empowerment of marginalized communities. Expected outcomes include strengthening grassroots disabled-led organizations, expanding their operational capacities for ongoing movement building, and driving narrative change that dismantles ableism in policy, society, and culture. Measurable results will stem from work that moves practices of disability inclusion and justice forward through community organizing, mutual aid, advocacy, and policy work, as well as strategies that celebrate and elevate the authentic representation of disabled people in arts, media, and literature. This two-year grant opportunity provides $75,000 per year, totaling $150,000, for eligible U.S.-based or U.S. territory-based 501(c)3 organizations or fiscally sponsored entities with an annual budget under $1 million.

This funding opportunity supports projects that improve habitats and migration routes for big game species in the western U.S., targeting conservation organizations, state and tribal agencies, and community groups involved in wildlife management.

This grant provides funding to Colorado nonprofits and schools to enhance access to arts education for historically marginalized youth through collaborative projects with professional artists.

The Colorado Gives Foundation is offering its Food Security Grant Program to support initiatives that improve food access for residents of Jefferson County (Jeffco), Colorado. This program directly aligns with the foundation's mission to help Jefferson County thrive by ensuring the availability of local, healthy, and culturally relevant food. The grant aims to address food insecurity by funding community partners dedicated to enhancing food access and promoting a healthier, more equitable food system within the county. The primary beneficiaries of this grant are Jeffco residents facing food insecurity. The program targets organizations that can demonstrate a clear impact on these residents, either through the number of individuals served, the percentage of their budget allocated to Jeffco-specific programs, or concrete initiatives focused on Jeffco populations. The overarching impact goal is to increase access to nutritious food, thereby improving the health and well-being of the community. The grant prioritizes several key areas. These include supporting organizations that increase enrollment in public assistance programs like SNAP and WIC, expanding food availability through programs such as Double Up Food Bucks to enhance purchasing power, and piloting new concepts in Jeffco. Additionally, the program focuses on fostering collaboration between local food producers and pantries to develop systematic approaches for increasing access to local, culturally relevant, and nutritious food. Advocacy efforts in local, regional, and statewide public policy to boost food access in Jeffco are also a significant priority. Expected outcomes include a measurable increase in food access for Jeffco residents, improved utilization of public assistance programs, and a more robust local food system. The foundation's strategic priority is to invest in community partners who are advancing these critical areas, with a typical grant funding range of $5,000-$25,000 per year, though the overall grant size can range from $10,000 to $100,000 for a one-year duration. The grant period is set from October 1, 2024, to March 30, 2025, allowing funded organizations to implement and demonstrate the effectiveness of their programs in addressing food security.

The Rose Community Foundation is offering a grant opportunity focused on supporting nonprofit organizations engaged in equity-focused policy and advocacy work within the Greater Denver region. This initiative aligns with the foundation's broader mission to foster equity, justice, inclusion, and engagement in local communities, particularly those furthest from opportunity. The foundation seeks to fund a diverse array of organizations working at both state and local levels, pursuing various short- or long-term policy objectives across a broad spectrum of issues. This grant cycle specifically aims to strengthen the dynamic ecosystem of organizations that leverage policy and advocacy to create equitable conditions for local communities. The primary beneficiaries of this grant are nonprofit organizations—both 501(c)(3)s and 501(c)(4)s—or fiscally sponsored projects serving the seven-county Greater Denver region (Adams, Arapahoe, Boulder, Broomfield, Denver, Douglas, and Jefferson counties), or those advancing statewide policy efforts that directly benefit this catchment area. The impact goals are centered on supporting policy efforts that address systemic inequities, representing a wide range of approaches, perspectives, and populations served. The foundation's strategic priority is to empower organizations that actively work to create conditions for equity, justice, inclusion, and engagement for communities facing significant barriers. The program prioritizes organizations whose work directly involves policy and advocacy. While general operating support will be the most common form of funding to provide maximum flexibility, program or project support is available for organizations whose primary focus isn't policy and advocacy but are pursuing policy-specific initiatives. Organizations conducting national or multi-state work must apply for program funding, ensuring grant dollars are exclusively allocated to local or statewide activities within the specified region. Additionally, organizations applying on behalf of a coalition or 501(c)(4) organizations must also apply for program funding to differentiate from partisan or candidate work. Expected outcomes include a strengthened and more effective network of organizations advocating for equitable policies in the Greater Denver area. The foundation anticipates supporting diverse policy efforts that lead to tangible improvements in conditions for communities furthest from opportunity. Measurable results will likely involve the number and type of policy initiatives supported, the reach and impact of advocacy efforts, and the ability of funded organizations to effectively engage in policy work. Organizations receiving program or project support will be required to report direct and grassroots lobbying expenses, as applicable, contributing to the measurable outcomes and accountability of the grant program.

This grant provides funding to Colorado artists, activists, and organizations to implement projects that use the arts to promote social justice and improve community welfare.

The Arts in Society Grant, funded by the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT), aims to leverage the arts to address civic and social challenges within Colorado communities. This program aligns with a broader mission of fostering community development and social justice through creative engagement, recognizing the arts as a powerful tool for societal change and problem-solving. The grant offers both financial and organizational support, indicating a commitment to not only fund projects but also to nurture the growth and impact of participating artists and organizations. The target beneficiaries for this grant are broad, encompassing Colorado artists, activists, nonprofit organizations, universities and schools, government agencies, human service groups, neighborhood organizations, and healthcare organizations. The program particularly encourages applications from individual artists and non-arts organizations, emphasizing inclusivity and a cross-sector approach. The impact goals are centered on empowering these diverse groups to collaborate on projects where artists, organizations, and a target community work together to address specific social issues, ultimately leading to positive community transformation. The program's priorities and focuses include fostering collaboration, building support networks, and illustrating the impact of arts in cross-sector projects. Grantees are expected to attend learning community meetings to build support and share resources, underscoring a strategic priority of community building and knowledge exchange among participants. Another key focus is the promotion of grantee work through various marketing channels, highlighting the program's commitment to showcasing successful initiatives and advocating for the value of arts in society. Expected outcomes and measurable results include the successful completion of projects within 24 months, with an emphasis on projects that demonstrably engage a social issue and involve collaborative efforts. The mini-documentary highlighting grantee work and participation in evaluation processes are crucial mechanisms for measuring and illustrating the impacts of the arts in these cross-sector endeavors. This suggests a strategic priority of OEDIT to document and disseminate the effectiveness of arts-based solutions to civic and social challenges, thereby validating and expanding the theory of change that art can be a catalyst for tangible societal improvement.

The 2025 Small Grants Program, offered by Boulder County Parks & Open Space (BCPOS), provides funding for research and biological inventories on open space lands. The program aims to enhance resource management practices and improve visitor experiences through data-driven insights. Grants of up to $12,500 are available, with a proposal deadline of January 9, 2025. Applicants will be notified of funding decisions by February 20, 2025, and final reports must be submitted by December 8, 2025, to ensure complete payment. BCPOS has identified priority research topics in areas such as Plant Ecology, Wildlife, Forestry and Fire, Education and Outreach, and Invasive Plants. These topics include projects such as assessing the impacts of invasive species, evaluating fire behavior in cheatgrass-dominated areas, and creating habitat connectivity models. Proposals are not limited to these areas, and researchers are encouraged to propose innovative projects aligned with the department’s mission. Proposals must follow a specific format and include sections such as an abstract, introduction, methods, budget, and researcher qualifications. Applications must not exceed six double-spaced pages (excluding cover pages, maps, and resumes) and should be submitted electronically via the Research on Open Space webpage. Researchers are advised to contact BCPOS staff to discuss their topics before submission. If a proposal is initially incomplete, researchers may resubmit once before the deadline. Eligibility is open to universities, government agencies, private organizations, and individuals, including students with faculty sponsorship. Research must occur on BCPOS properties or conservation easements, with prior landowner permission if required. Overhead costs cannot exceed 15%, and there is no requirement for matching funds. Grant recipients are expected to deliver detailed reports, including raw data and mapping products, formatted according to BCPOS guidelines. For interdisciplinary projects, collaboration with other local entities, such as the City of Boulder Open Space and Mountain Parks, is encouraged. For more information or to discuss proposals, applicants can contact program coordinator Raquel Robles at [email protected].

This funding opportunity provides financial support to nonprofits and community projects in Montrose County, Colorado, that enhance local services and quality of life, particularly for underserved populations.

The Community Grants program, offered by the Community Foundation of Northern Colorado, invites applications from eligible entities for projects across all counties. This program aligns with the Foundation's mission to support charitable initiatives within the community by providing financial assistance to organizations that are in good standing with the IRS, including 501c(3) charitable entities, educational institutions, churches, and government entities. The grants typically range from $2,500 to $5,000, with a broader size of $1,000 to $10,000 also mentioned, suggesting a flexible approach to funding based on project scope and need. The target beneficiaries for these grants are diverse groups and communities served by eligible organizations. The program aims to achieve significant impact by addressing various community needs as identified by local Community Fund Committees. While some areas like Berthoud have no additional priorities, Estes Valley focuses on Food Security and Music & Arts, Fort Collins prioritizes Water and Workforce, and Loveland emphasizes Community Engagement. These specific priorities indicate the Foundation's strategic approach to addressing localized challenges and fostering community well-being, aiming for measurable results in these key areas. The Foundation's strategic priorities are evident in its focus on supporting established charitable entities and its encouragement of fiscal sponsorship for groups that do not meet the direct eligibility criteria. This demonstrates a commitment to broad community impact while maintaining fiscal responsibility. The theory of change appears to be centered on empowering local organizations to implement projects that directly address identified community needs, thereby creating positive and sustainable change. The expectation is that funded projects will lead to improved food security, enhanced cultural experiences, better water resource management, stronger workforces, and increased community participation, all contributing to a more vibrant Northern Colorado. The Community Grants program is designed to generate expected outcomes such as increased access to essential services, enrichment of local culture, development of critical community infrastructure, and strengthening of civic engagement. While specific measurable results are not explicitly detailed in terms of metrics, the outlined priorities suggest that successful projects would demonstrate tangible improvements in the respective focus areas. For instance, a food security grant would aim for increased access to nutritious food, and a workforce grant would aim for improved job readiness or employment rates. The Foundation's emphasis on eligibility and its clear delineation of what it typically does not fund further refine its strategic priorities, ensuring resources are directed towards impactful charitable work rather than individual ventures, political campaigns, or debt retirement.

This funding opportunity supports arts and culture projects in the Aurora Cultural Arts District to boost economic development and engage diverse audiences, welcoming applications from local organizations and individual artists.