Colorado Community Development Grants

This funding opportunity provides financial support to local governments, conservation districts, non-profits, and organized private entities in Colorado for the management and eradication of noxious weeds.

The Colorado Gives Foundation is offering the Early Care and Education Grant Program, aimed at improving access to quality child care and education for children aged 8 and younger in Jefferson County, Colorado. This initiative directly aligns with the foundation's mission to support the thriving of Jefferson County residents by investing in early childhood development, which is a critical foundation for lifelong success and community well-being. The program's focus on quality child care and education underscores the foundation's strategic priority of fostering a supportive environment for children and families within the county. The primary beneficiaries of this grant are community partners, specifically 501(c)(3) nonprofits or fiscally sponsored organizations, who are committed to serving Jefferson County residents. The ultimate beneficiaries are children aged 8 and younger in Jefferson County, who will gain improved access to quality early care and education. The impact goals are centered around increasing the availability and affordability of quality programs, supporting age-appropriate social-emotional development, and coordinating systems that provide support to children and families in the region. The program prioritizes several key areas. These include supporting organizations that are implementing the Jeffco Bright Futures Roadmap, convening partners and stakeholders to advance policies aligned with strategic frameworks, and supporting evidence-based pilot programs to increase child care options. Another focus is to bring together stakeholders to develop a comprehensive Policy Blueprint aligned with the Jeffco Bright Futures Roadmap, aiming to improve access to quality early care and education programs, enhance social-emotional development, and coordinate supportive systems for children and families. Expected outcomes and measurable results include an increased number of Jeffco residents served by quality early care and education programs, demonstrated impact within the county through budget application percentages, and concrete program successes specific to Jeffco populations. The grant, ranging from $10,000 to $100,000 for a one-year duration, with funding information of $5,000-$25,000 per year for a project period from October 1, 2024 to June 30, 2025, reflects the foundation's theory of change: that by investing in and supporting community partners, particularly those focused on strategic initiatives like the Jeffco Bright Futures Roadmap, they can foster a stronger, more equitable environment for early childhood development and ultimately contribute to the long-term prosperity of Jefferson County.

The Fox Family Foundation annually opens its grant application specifically targeting organizations within southeastern Colorado, with a preference for those in the Fowler area. These grants aim to support small, practical projects across a wide range of fields including arts, culture, humanities, education, food, agriculture, nutrition, employment, economic development, business, housing, shelter, and recreational activities. While the grants are modest, they have been utilized for various purposes such as storefront improvements, purchasing equipment for outdoor activities, school concert outreach, and food pantry supplies. Nonprofits, regardless of their 501(c)3 status, are eligible to apply for these opportunities, making the foundation's grants accessible to a broad spectrum of organizations seeking to make a tangible impact in their communities. Grant renewed every year. Grantt Annual opening/closing deadline: beginning of September to the last Friday in October

This program provides funding for projects that reduce emissions and enhance sustainability in San Miguel, San Juan, and Ouray counties, targeting individuals, businesses, nonprofits, and community organizations.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to tribal governments, nonprofits, and educational institutions for solar energy projects that enhance energy independence and benefit low-to-moderate income communities.

This funding opportunity supports arts-focused organizations in Colorado to cover general operating expenses and enhance public programming, fostering artistic excellence and community engagement.

The Colorado Gives Foundation is offering a Housing Grant Program aimed at improving access to stable and affordable housing in Jefferson County. This initiative aligns with the foundation's mission to help Jefferson County thrive by addressing critical community needs. The grant provides general operating support to eligible community partners who are working to advance housing solutions, reflecting the foundation's strategic priority to support organizations directly impacting the community. The program targets Jefferson County residents who are experiencing challenges with housing stability and affordability. This includes individuals and families who would benefit from increased public awareness and education regarding affordable housing, those burdened by the cost of renting or homeownership, and residents in need of short-term housing or shelter. Additionally, the program seeks to support middle-income households earning between $52,000 to $150,000 (60% to 120% Area Median Income) by preserving or increasing affordable housing options. The grant program prioritizes several key areas. These include supporting efforts to increase public awareness and education about the impact of the lack of affordable housing and opportunities to increase housing options, such as through the Housing Advocacy Steering Committee and the Jeffco Advocacy Network. It also focuses on supporting advocacy and local, regional, and statewide public policy to reduce the cost burden of housing. Furthermore, the program emphasizes navigation efforts and resources for residents in short-term housing or shelters, and efforts to increase or preserve affordable housing options for middle-income households through impact investments like the Bring it Home Fund. Expected outcomes include a more informed public regarding affordable housing issues, tangible reductions in housing cost burdens, and increased availability of diverse housing options for Jefferson County residents. The foundation measures impact through the number of Jeffco residents served, the percentage of an organization's budget applied to Jeffco-specific initiatives, and concrete programs focused on Jeffco populations. The grant period runs from October 1, 2024, to March 30, 2026, with typical funding ranging from $5,000 to $25,000 per year, and overall grant sizes between $10,000 to $100,000 over a two-year duration, allowing for sustained efforts towards achieving these measurable results.

The Foundation's Supporting Healthy Minds and Youth Resiliency funding opportunity focuses on honoring young people and supporting their growth and development amidst various challenges such as the pandemic, community violence, and discrimination. Specifically targeting youth of color and LGBTQ+ youth aged 12-18, this initiative seeks to nurture resiliency through identity, agency, and belonging, critical components in developing personal and interpersonal capacities like relationship building, problem-solving, and self-awareness. Proposals should align with the Foundation’s cornerstones, emphasizing service, informed approaches, and health equity. Funding requests typically range from $150,000 to $250,000 over two years, provided as program/project support grants. Organizations must include the same group of young people and adults over a sustained period, focusing on racial, ethnic, sexual, and/or gender identity development; demonstration of agency; and fostering a sense of belonging. A wide array of youth programming will be considered, including civic engagement, arts, cultural practices, outdoor adventures, and job skill training. Organizations interested in applying are encouraged to connect with the Foundation before submitting applications. Grant renewed every year.

The Kerr Foundation, Inc. focuses on supporting 501(c)(3) organizations that offer new or enhanced opportunities, especially for the youth, within its granting areas. The Foundation prioritizes projects in education, health, cultural development, and community service. While there's a preference for Oklahoma-based organizations, grants are also awarded to entities in Arkansas, Colorado, Kansas, Missouri, New Mexico, Texas, and the Washington D.C. area. Challenge Grants are typically awarded, requiring the recipient to match the grant amount within twelve months. The Foundation does not award consecutive annual grants to the same organization. A letter of inquiry is required before a formal grant application can be submitted. Grant renewed every year. Annual deadline: June 30th

This funding opportunity supports nonprofit and governmental organizations in Colorado that are involved in horticulture-related projects, providing financial assistance for capital improvements, matching grants, and program support.

This grant provides financial support to newsrooms in Colorado that serve BIPOC, non-English speaking, and rural communities, helping them strengthen their operations and improve local news access.

The Public Education, Participation, and Outreach (PEPO) Grant Program, established in 2022, provides funding for statewide education and outreach initiatives and supports individual coordinators for each of Colorado's basin roundtables. The program aims to enhance public awareness of water issues in line with the Colorado Water Plan and respective Basin Implementation Plans. Grants are available in two categories: funding up to $25,000 for Basin Coordinators to manage education and outreach within their basin, and Statewide Initiatives grants for broader educational projects. Applications require approval from one of the nine basin roundtables and must be submitted through the CWCB Portal. The program supports a wide range of activities, including developing water education campaigns, conducting water awareness surveys, and facilitating statewide or multi-basin outreach efforts. Grant renewed every year. Grant Summer annual deadline: June 1st

This program provides full funding and support for entrepreneurs in the Denver metro area who are addressing environmental challenges through innovative ventures focused on climate action and sustainability.

This program provides matching funds to local governments, nonprofits, and tribes in Colorado to replace high-water-use turf with water-efficient landscapes, promoting water conservation and community engagement.

This grant provides funding for community-driven projects to design and create outdoor spaces like parks and playgrounds in Colorado, focusing on promoting health equity for low-income families, communities of color, and rural areas.

This grant provides funding for visual art projects that enhance public spaces in Lafayette, Colorado, supporting both local and external artists and organizations to promote community engagement and cultural diversity.

The PEPO Statewide Initiatives Grant focuses on funding education and outreach initiatives that have a statewide or multi-basin impact in Colorado. Part of the Public Education, Participation, and Outreach (PEPO) Grant Program established in 2022, this category supports efforts such as developing new statewide education campaigns, conducting statewide water awareness surveys, and creating education materials to bolster public awareness on water issues. These initiatives must demonstrate support across multiple basins and align with priorities of the Colorado Water Conservation Board (CWCB), guided by the Colorado Water Plan. This grant category underlines the importance of collaborative efforts in advancing water education and outreach across the state. Grant renewed every year. Grant Summer annual deadline: June 1st

Program: Impact Grants Funding Organization: CCCF (Community and Conservation Charitable Foundation) Contact Information: For more information, please visit the CCCF website or contact the CCCF Grants Department at [email protected]. Award Details: The Impact Grants program provides funding for housing and environmental solutions. The grant application period is open from April 29 to May 31. The specific award amounts are not mentioned, but it can be assumed that the grants provide financial support to selected organizations. Eligibility: Eligible applicants are nonprofit organizations working towards housing and environmental solutions. Further eligibility criteria may be outlined on the CCCF website or in the grant application guidelines. CCCF invests in housing and environmental solutions through the Impact Grants. Other Relevant Information: It is recommended that potential applicants thoroughly review the CCCF website and grant application guidelines for detailed information on eligibility requirements, application process, and any additional criteria or restrictions.

This funding opportunity supports Colorado schools and community organizations in developing collaborative projects to improve youth mental health and reduce vaping among children and teens.

This funding opportunity provides financial support for youth programs that promote holistic and culturally responsive physical well-being, prioritizing initiatives led by or serving youth of color, girls, youth with disabilities, and LGBTQ youth.