Colorado Environment Grants

This grant provides funding for full-time graduate students in the Western U.S. to collaborate with their academic advisors and local producers on projects that promote sustainable agriculture through research and education.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations and government entities in El Paso and Teller Counties, Colorado, to promote healthy environments through initiatives that enhance physical activity, improve access to nutritious food, and support affordable housing solutions.

The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) is inviting proposals for its ConocoPhillips SPIRIT of Conservation program, which is specifically designed to advance bird species and habitat conservation. This program directly aligns with NFWF's mission to address the alarming loss of 3 billion birds since 1970. The foundation's strategic priority is to support projects that conserve, restore, or enhance critical habitats and to gather essential bird population data, ultimately aiming to reverse population declines. The primary beneficiaries of this program are bird populations, both migratory and non-migratory, particularly those inhabiting grassland, wetland, sage-steppe, and coastal habitats. The program's impact goals include improving habitat quality and quantity, enhancing breeding and wintering grounds, and supporting stopover periods for birds along major migratory routes. Expected outcomes include a measurable increase in bird populations, improved habitat conditions, and the collection of vital data to inform future conservation efforts. The program's priorities and focuses are centered on implementing science-driven and strategic conservation. This involves addressing habitat degradation, fragmentation, and loss. Geographic focal areas are critical, spanning major migratory routes from the northern slope of Alaska to the north-south axis of the central United States, including the Gulf Coast regions of Texas and Louisiana. The program emphasizes innovative methods for gathering lacking bird population data and conserving specific habitat types. Grant awards typically range from $100,000 to $275,000, with projects expected to be completed within two years. Eligible applicants include a broad range of non-profit organizations, government agencies (U.S. federal, state, local, municipal, tribal), and educational institutions. This inclusive eligibility criteria reflects NFWF's theory of change, which recognizes that collaborative efforts across various sectors are essential for achieving large-scale, sustainable conservation impacts for bird populations and their habitats.

This funding opportunity provides financial support for organizations within the Colorado Plateau CESU network to establish and maintain a network of high-frequency water quality sensors for monitoring river systems near reservoirs in New Mexico and southern Colorado.

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.

The Town of Avon Community Grant Program aims to support non-profit organizations offering programs and services across various critical areas, including arts, culture, education, environment, health, heritage, housing, human services, and recreation. This program is designed to provide financial assistance for initiatives that benefit the Avon community, particularly those not directly offered by the municipal government. The overarching mission is to enhance community well-being and address identified local needs through strategic partnerships with local non-profits. The primary target beneficiaries of this grant program are the residents and businesses within the Avon community. The Town of Avon has specifically identified housing, food insecurity, and childcare as the top three pressing needs to be addressed through the 2025 Community Grant Program funding. The impact goals are centered on improving the quality of life, increasing access to essential services, and fostering a vibrant, supportive community environment. The program's strategic priorities are clearly focused on these critical areas: housing, food insecurity, and childcare. While the program broadly supports a range of community services, special emphasis is placed on projects that directly address these core needs. The intent is to channel resources towards initiatives that can demonstrate tangible benefits and contribute to the town's strategic vision for community development and social welfare. Expected outcomes include a measurable reduction in housing instability, improved food security for vulnerable populations, and enhanced access to affordable and quality childcare services within Avon. While specific metrics are not detailed in the provided information, the program implicitly seeks to improve overall community health and resilience. The foundation's theory of change appears to be that by financially supporting qualified non-profit organizations, the Town of Avon can effectively leverage external expertise and resources to meet community needs that might otherwise go unaddressed, thereby fostering a more equitable and thriving local environment.

The Small Business Equity Fund (SBEF) grant program, launched by the Colorado Green Business Network (CGBN), provides funding to small businesses in disproportionately impacted communities, specifically Aurora and Commerce City, for energy efficiency upgrades. The program aims to support local small businesses, promote equity and resource efficiency, and enhance operational sustainability. Eligible projects can receive up to $10,000 per business for installations of LED lighting and other small energy upgrades, as well as upfront coverage of up to 70% of the cost for commercial refrigeration equipment replacements. Projects must be approved by the Colorado Green Business Network and are subject to a site visit for eligibility confirmation. Applications can be submitted online until August 1st, 2024, on a first-come, first-serve basis. Businesses must meet certain criteria such as being located in Aurora or Commerce City, operating for at least 2 years, paying utility bills, employing 50 or fewer employees, and being registered with the CO Secretary of State and IRS. To be eligible for additional energy-saving devices, businesses must sign up with Green Biz Tracker and become a Colorado Green Business Network support level member. Pictures of installed equipment must be provided. For further assistance or inquiries, applicants can contact the Colorado Green Business Network Specialists via email at [email protected] or phone at 720-968-0366.

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment's (CPDHE) Office of Gun Violence Prevention (OGVP) has established a grant program to support community-based initiatives aimed at interrupting cycles of gun violence, trauma, and retaliation. This program aligns with the OGVP's mission to address disparities in communities at the highest risk by focusing on firearm suicide prevention and community violence intervention. The program targets communities and individuals most impacted by firearm homicides and suicides, including Black, Latino, Indigenous, and other People of Color communities; LGBTQIA+ communities; youth and young adults; veterans; middle-aged men; and isolated rural communities. The overarching impact goal is to reduce firearm-related harm and death, fostering safer and more resilient communities. The grant funding is structured around two primary paths. Path 1 focuses on the prevention of unintentional and intentional firearm-related harm through strategies like promoting safe storage, lethal means counseling, and educating the public on Extreme Risk Protection Orders. Path 2 is dedicated to Community Violence Intervention or Interruption, utilizing strategies such as Hospital-Based Violence Intervention Programs (HVIPs), Community-Based Intervention Programs (CVIPs) with "credible messenger" models, and Violence Interruption Programs that provide immediate responses to shootings and promote non-violence. Expected outcomes include a reduction in unauthorized firearm access, increased education on temporary out-of-home gun storage, decreased firearm suicides, and a decrease in community violence through intervention and interruption strategies. Measurable results will likely involve tracking participation in safe storage programs, knowledge of ERPOs, engagement in violence intervention programs, and ultimately, a reduction in firearm-related incidents and deaths in targeted communities. The OGVP's strategic priority is to address disparities in high-risk communities, and its theory of change posits that by investing in community-led initiatives focused on prevention and intervention, it can effectively break cycles of violence and trauma. Total available funding is approximately $500,000 each fiscal year, with up to 10 grant awards ranging from $50,000 to $100,000 per awardee. The initial funding period runs from July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2026, with a potential for renewal through 2027. Eligible applicants include Colorado-based community and grassroots nonprofit organizations, nonprofit educational institutions, nonprofit healthcare organizations, and nonprofit organizations serving reservations or Tribal land. The program particularly encourages applications from organizations advocating for or serving the identified priority communities.

This funding opportunity is designed for organizations within the Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Units Program to support natural resource management and conservation efforts at Edwards Air Force Base in California.

2023 Strengthening Neighborhoods Program offers small grants for community groups in Colorado to support grassroots community development and organizing. Projects should leverage existing community strengths and assets, such as residents' skills or neighborhood institutions. Funding areas include arts, culture, humanities, civic fabric, economic opportunity, education, environment & climate, food & nutrition, health & mental health, housing & homelessness, human services, religious institutions, transportation, and youth development.

City of Centennial is accepting applications for the Broncos Youth Activity Grant Program, offering $900,000 in grant funding to support youth activity programs due to the sale of the Broncos Football Team. Organizations may apply for a maximum of $200,000 for capital projects and $100,000 for other initiatives. Projects must be completed within one year and applicants must demonstrate how the project benefits Centennial youth. Preference will be given to new projects that have not been previously considered, and discrimination-based groups or programs are not eligible for funding. Visit City of Centennial for more information.

This grant provides financial support to individuals, businesses, and organizations in Denver to create projects that promote active living, such as improving walkability and bikeability in their neighborhoods.

The Belonging Colorado initiative, spearheaded by The Denver Foundation, is a timely effort to unite Coloradans across various lines of difference, including race, religion, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and age. The overarching goal is to cultivate a stronger sense of belonging throughout the state, enabling all residents to thrive. The program seeks to invest in innovative ideas that foster connections among diverse groups, addressing the growing social division and disconnection observed at both state and national levels. This aligns with The Denver Foundation's broader mission to support the long-term health, resilience, and well-being of Colorado communities by promoting collaborative work in the face of intense social, economic, and environmental challenges. The target beneficiaries for this grant program are community-based organizations, local governments, and other community-focused entities operating within Colorado. These entities are expected to have strong, trusted relationships within their communities and a proven track record of supporting community-driven work. The impact goals are centered on fostering greater belonging, building connections across differences, and enabling Coloradans to work effectively together. The program aims to support initiatives that strengthen social cohesion and demonstrate a commitment to collaborative efforts among diverse individuals and organizations. The priorities and focuses of the Belonging Colorado grant include supporting work that connects with the fund's mission of bridging divides and investing in ideas that build connections among people from different backgrounds. A key focus is on organizations that can model collaborative work and engage with groups and individuals holding differing views and experiences. The program emphasizes a commitment to building connections across difference, as well as the alignment, feasibility, creativity, and potential for impact of proposed programs. Applicants are also expected to demonstrate a willingness to receive feedback and iterate on their ideas. Expected outcomes include the successful implementation of programs that increase connections and a sense of belonging among Coloradans. Measurable results will likely stem from the commitment of selected partners to participate fully in a Community of Practice, including consistent attendance and active engagement during trainings, as well as a clear intention to submit a proposal for program implementation throughout 2025 and 2026. While specific quantitative metrics are not detailed in this description, the emphasis on "potential for impact" and the subsequent implementation grant suggest a focus on demonstrable positive changes in community connections and collaborative efforts. The Denver Foundation's strategic priorities and theory of change, as evidenced by this grant, involve addressing societal challenges through community-led initiatives that promote inclusivity and collaboration. By investing in organizations that bridge divides and foster belonging, the Foundation aims to create a more resilient and equitable Colorado. The provision of a planning grant, followed by an opportunity for a larger implementation grant, suggests a phased approach to support, allowing for initial program development and refinement before scaled execution, aligning with a theory of change that prioritizes thoughtful planning and sustained impact.

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

The Colorado Department of Local Affairs is offering a grant program for local government planning departments to increase their capacity and expedite the review process for affordable housing projects, with funds potentially used for implementing new technologies, regulatory changes, planning efforts, and other strategies that align with the program's goals.

This grant provides funding to agricultural professionals and organizations in the Western U.S. to implement educational and demonstration projects that promote the adoption of sustainable farming practices based on previous research findings.

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 grant provides funding for organizations to assist the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in managing cultural and natural resources at military installations in Hawaii, ensuring compliance with environmental and historic preservation laws.

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.

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