Colorado Recreation Grants

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 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 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.

The Philip S. Miller Resource Grant Program (PSMRGP) funded by the Philip S. Miller Trust Fund aims to support social and human services in Castle Rock. Donor Name: Town of Castle Rock State: Colorado City: Castle Rock Type of Grant: Grant Deadline:  08/01/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Focus Areas Funding requests must include provisions for at least one of the necessities of life as listed below: Water Energy Food Shelter assistance Funding Information This year, the Town budgeted $45,000 for up to five organizations. Eligibility Criteria Organizations currently approved and operating for a minimum of five years, pursuant to the terms of the Internal Revenue Code as: 501(c)(3) – An organization may qualify for exemption from federal income tax if it is organized and operated exclusively for one or more of the following purposes: religious, charitable, scientific, testing for public safety, literary, educational, fostering national or international amateur sports competition, the prevention of cruelty to children or animals. To qualify, the organization must be a corporation, community chest, fund or foundation 501(c)(19) – To be exempt under Internal Revenue Code section 501(c)(19), an organization must be either be (A) a post or organization of past or present members of the United States Armed Forces; (B) an auxiliary unit or society of such post or organization; or (C) a trust or foundation for such post or organization. For more information, visit Town of Castle Rock.

This funding opportunity is designed for academic or institutional partners within the Colorado Plateau CESU network to conduct research on riparian restoration in the Colorado River Basin, focusing on improving ecological health and supporting avian populations.

This program provides funding to local government agencies and organizations in Colorado to upgrade or replace pump-out stations for recreational motorboats, helping to protect water quality and aquatic wildlife.

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

The Denver Business Journal is seeking nominations for its 2024 Fast 50 Awards to recognize the region’s fastest-growing private companies based on revenue from 2021 to 2023. Donor Name: Denver Business Journal State: Colorado County: Adams County (CO), Arapahoe County (CO), Boulder County (CO), Broomfield County (CO), Denver County (CO), Douglas County (CO), Jefferson County (CO) Type of Grant: Awards and Prizes Deadline: 06/17/2024 Size of the Grant: Not Available Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Eligibility Requirements The annual Fast 50 list is a ranking of privately held companies based on percentage of growth in annual revenue for the past three fiscal years. To be in the running for this sought-after honor, the company’s gross annual revenue must be $1 million or more. Companies are grouped into categories based on annual reported gross revenues which are verified by an independent accounting firm. Finalists and winners will be showcased in a Denver Business Journal special section published October 20, 2023, and recognized at a special awards celebration on Thursday, October 24. Eligibility Requirements The company must be privately held, independently owned without a parent company, and must be for profit. It must be headquartered in the 7-county metro Denver region (Adams, Arapahoe, Boulder, Broomfield, Denver, Douglas, or Jefferson counties). Have a 3-year financial history (through full fiscal years 2021, 2022 and 2023 with revenue gains from 2022 to 2023. Have an average of at least $1 million in revenue during the 3 most recent years, and earned no less than $200,000 in revenue in 2021. Nominations that leave any of the revenue fields blank will not be considered. Approve the publishing of financial information by Denver Business Journal. A C-level executive from your company is expected to attend the event on October 24, 2024. To be considered for this award, please complete the questions below thoroughly. Nominations that leave any of the revenue fields blank will not be considered for the award. Finalists will be ranked on revenue growth based on the verified information submitted. For more information, visit Denver Business Journal.

Colorado Media Project and Local Media Association are pleased to announce a new partnership that will bring the proven, in-depth training and coaching program of the LMA Lab for Journalism Funding to local newsrooms across Colorado. Donor Name: Local Media Association State: Colorado County: All Counties Type of Grant: Program Deadline:  06/19/2024 Size of the Grant: Not Available Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Community-based, locally controlled Colorado news organizations are invited to apply to join this state-centered cohort to learn how to develop local journalism projects that are responsive to community priorities and can be funded through philanthropy. Applicants must be producing original, local news for Colorado audiences at least weekly; priority will be given to newsrooms with philanthropic giving programs that are less than five years old. Local news partnerships or coalitions are also encouraged to apply, particularly if they have a joint initiative that they are seeking to fund via philanthropy. The LMA Lab for Journalism Funding, made possible with continuing support from Google News Initiative, has helped more than 100 news organizations across the U.S. raise more than $22 million to support local journalism since 2020. Each newsroom in the cohort will work with LMA coaches and CMP staff to: Set a fundraising goal, in consultation with the coaches, that is in line with that publisher’s market size. Develop a list of fundraising prospects, and develop a pitch deck and campaign materials to promote their newsroom and their project. Meet with funders and other lab participants in person at the CMP Summit on August 22. Participate in the end-of-year #newsCOneeds fundraising campaign with support from CMP and the Colorado Gives Foundation. Contribute best practices and lessons learned for case studies and an industry playbook published in 2025. Preference will be given to Colorado news organizations that: Have strong local leadership with deep ties to the community. Are focused on high-quality local journalism. Have leadership-level buy-in to participate in this lab and an organizational commitment to dedicate staff time and resources. Value staff and leadership diversity. Are relatively new to raising philanthropic support for local news (membership and/or grant programs of less than five years OR new staff members who could benefit from this training and cohort). For more information, visit Local Media Association.

The Town of Avon accepts applications for community grant funding from non-profit organizations that provide programs and services in the areas of arts, culture, education, environment, health, heritage, housing, human services and recreation. Donor Name: Town of Avon State: County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 09/06/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The Town has identified housing, food insecurity and childcare as the top three needs to address through 2025 Community Grant Program funding. The overall intent of this program is to provide financial support to programs and services that benefit the Avon community which are not otherwise provided through the Town of Avon municipal government. Funding Information Grant requests may not exceed $10,000 per organization. Eligibility Criteria  Applications must meet the following minimum requirements to eligible:  Applications must be complete and received by the Closing Date. The applicant must be a nonprofit (501(c)(3)) organization in good standing with the IRS, State of Colorado and Town of Avon, and all funding-related local, state and federal agencies. The applicant must be registered as a Colorado nonprofit organization with the Colorado Secretary of State and be organized in the State of Colorado in order to be considered a nonprofit organization. The application must propose a service or program that is offered to and benefits the Avon community, including residents and businesses.  Grant funds may not be used for political or religious purposes. For more information, visit Town of Avon.

The Town of Frisco is proud to offer support to local non-profits through a yearly grant process. Donor Name: Town of Frisco State: County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant | In-Kind Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 08/14/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Every year the Town provides an opportunity for non-profits seeking support to apply through a county-wide grant program.  Funding Information  Requests for cash may not exceed $5,000. Requirements Description of past grant awards from Frisco, and use of funds and/or services awarded Vision, mission, and values alignment with the Town of Frisco’s strategic objectives around a thriving economy; quality core services; vibrant culture, arts, and recreational opportunities; and community inclusivity Prevalence of programs and projects promoting sustainability Examples of significant and positive impacts on the Frisco and Summit County communities Demonstration of sound fiscal practices and planning. For more information, visit Town of Frisco.

Western Colorado Community Foundation 2024 Community Grants: Youth Outside and Offline is funding to support after-school and out-of-school programs that get youth outside participating in a variety of activities while teaching healthy ways to use technology, reduce screen time, and engage safely with social media. Donor Name: Western Colorado Community Foundation State: Colorado County: Delta County (CO), Eagle County (CO), Garfield County (CO), Mesa County (CO), Montrose County (CO), Ouray County (CO), Rio Blanco County (CO) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 05/24/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Funding Information Each year Western Colorado Community Foundation selects a theme for ‘community grants’ and awards approximately $100,000 in funding to nonprofits across a seven county region in western Colorado. Eligibility Criteria Applicant organizations must be a registered 501(c)(3) or other qualified charitable entity (school, church, or government) serving Delta, Eagle, Garfield, Mesa, Montrose, Ouray, or Rio Blanco Counties in Colorado. Organizations should be registered and in good standing with the Colorado Secretary of State. For more information, visit WCCF.

The Office of Gun Violence Prevention (OGVP) within the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CPDHE) has established a grant program for organizations to conduct community-based gun violence initiatives focused on interrupting cycles of gun violence, trauma, and retaliation. Donor Name: Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment State: Colorado County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 05/17/2024 Size of the Grant: $100,000 to $500,000 Grant Duration: 2 Years Details: This year, OGVP will provide funding focused on firearm suicide prevention and community violence intervention initiatives. The overall goal of this funding is to address disparities in those communities at the highest risk. OGVP will fund projects that fall within two categories, also known as Paths: Path 1 Projects focused on the prevention of unintentional and intentional firearm-related harm.  Path 1 strategies will reduce unauthorized firearm access and educate about temporary out-of-home gun storage for individuals at risk of harming themselves or others, preventing unintentional and intentional firearm-related harm or death through a or b, below. Safe Storage and Lethal Means: Applicants will focus on projects promoting, educating, and providing access to firearm safe storage and/or lethal means counseling and options to reduce access to the methods people use to kill themselves. Extreme Risk Protection Orders: Applicants will focus on projects educating the public on Extreme Risk Protection Orders, a legal form of temporary out-of-home gun storage that restricts access to guns for individuals who have demonstrated they are at risk of harming themselves or others. Path 2 Projects focused on Community Violence Intervention or Interruption. Path 2 strategies will address firearm violence with those most likely to be involved in or impacted by firearm-related harm in communities at the highest risk. Path 2 strategies will align with c or d below: Hospital-Based Violence Intervention Program (HVIPs) and Community-Based Intervention Program (CVIPs) strategies that emphasize the “teachable moment” immediately after youth have been involved or affected by violence and the building of relationships with those most at risk through a “credible messenger” model. Violence Interruption Program strategies that provide an immediate response to shootings to prevent retaliation and the promotion of non-violence through community engagement events. Funding Information Total funding available through this RFA is approximately $500,000 each fiscal year.  Up to 10 grant awards may be available, ranging between $50-100k per awardee. The total funding period is July 1, 2024 – June 30, 2026 with a potential of another year of renewal through 2027.  Eligibility Criteria Applications are open to Colorado-based community and grassroots nonprofit organizations, nonprofit educational institutions, nonprofit health care organizations or systems, and nonprofit organizations providing services on a reservation or Tribal land with a letter of support from the applicable Tribe. Fiscal agents are eligible to apply on behalf of organizations without an IRS 50(c)(3). The OGVP program particularly encourages applications from organizations that advocate or serve the priority communities most impacted by firearm homicides and suicides (Black, Latino, Indigenous, People of Color; LGBTQIA+ communities; youth and young adults; veterans; middle-aged men; and isolated rural communities. For more information, visit CPDHE.

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.

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.

The Denver Foundation is pleased to invite qualified nonprofits to apply for funding from the Bowen Family Performing Arts Fund. Donor Name: The Denver Foundation State: Colorado County: Adams County (CO), Arapahoe County (CO), Broomfield County (CO), Clear Creek County (CO), Denver County (CO), Douglas County (CO), Gilpin County (CO), Jefferson County (CO) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 07/15/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The fund is to support performing arts programs for elementary and middle school youth who have fewer opportunities to learn and appreciate the arts. Funding Areas  Arts, Culture, Humanities. Funding Information Grant ranges are expected to be in the $5,000 to $15,000 range. Eligibility Criteria Your organization must be a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization or have a 501(c)(3) fiscal sponsor. Your work must connect with the mission of supporting programs for children from underserved or historically disadvantaged communities. Your organization must be located in or do work in the seven-county Metro Denver region. A strong application will effectively promote and further the teaching and appreciation of the performing arts such as ballet, tap, jazz, opera, symphonic music, musicals, and theater productions. For more information, visit TDF.

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.

The Public Welfare Foundation's Grant Program aims to support community-led, restorative, and racially just approaches to justice in the United States. The focus areas include innovative criminal justice reform in specific states and cities, dismantling structures that have harmed people of color, investing in community-based solutions to reduce mass incarceration, and reframing the narrative around the U.S. criminal justice system through storytelling and journalism.

Topfer Family Foundation Grant Program focuses on supporting nonprofit organizations within the program areas of Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment, Youth Enrichment, Children’s Health, Aging In Place, and Job Training & Support. Eligible applicants must be exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the IRS code. The foundation primarily invests in communities where the family resides, including the greater Austin, Texas and greater Chicago, Illinois metropolitan areas. Additionally, they have started providing grants to organizations in Denver, CO and Broward County, FL. For more information and to apply for a grant, visit Topfer Family Foundation's website.

This program honors and recognizes women leaders in the Denver metro area who demonstrate exceptional leadership, innovation, and community impact through their professional and volunteer efforts.