Colorado Social Advocacy Grants

This program provides financial assistance to local law enforcement, tribal governments, and district attorneys for investigating and prosecuting illegal marijuana operations, particularly in rural areas and those linked to organized crime.

This grant provides matching funds to nonprofit and locally-owned newsrooms in Colorado to support their year-end fundraising campaigns, helping them raise awareness and financial support for public service journalism in their communities.

The Arts in Society Grant funds projects that help arts organizations and artists find solutions to civic and social challenges facing Colorado communities. Donor Name: Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT) State: Colorado County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 09/06/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: 2 Years Details: Funding Information You can apply for $5,000 to $35,000. The grant provides both financial and organizational support. Grantees will: attend learning community meetings where you will meet other grantees from across the state during the first year of funding to build a support network and share resources and expertise have a mini-documentary made highlighting your work participate in evaluation processes that measure and help to illustrate the impacts of the arts in cross-sector projects have your work promoted through Arts and Society marketing channels including Facebook, Instagram, and a blog. Grant Period Projects must be completed within 24 months of receiving funding.  Eligibility Criteria  You do not need to be an arts organization to apply for the grant. They encourage applications from individual artists and from non-arts organizations. This grant is for Colorado: artists activists nonprofit organizations universities and schools government agencies human service groups neighborhood organizations healthcare organizations When you apply, you need to: be a nonprofit or an individual residing in Colorado or work with an organization in Colorado have an arts idea that engages a social issue have a project in which artists, organizations, and a target community work together to address a problem or social justice issue. For more information, visit OEDIT.

The Equity Funds are a set of discretionary grantmaking funds of Community Foundation Boulder County addressing needs throughout Boulder County. Donor Name: Community Foundation Boulder County (CFBC) State: Colorado County: Boulder County (CO) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 09/05/2024 Size of the Grant: Less than $1000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Types of Funds BRAVO Fund The BRAVO Fund aims to improve the quality of life for Latino communities throughout Boulder County by engaging donors in philanthropy with the purpose of building resiliency through active voices and opportunities. The mission of the BRAVO Fund is to support the Latino community in Boulder County by raising money and distributing grants. The focus of the BRAVO Fund is to: Promote social justice. Strengthen opportunities for Latino leadership. Empower Latinos to engage in philanthropy that benefits their own communities. Funding Priority Priority will be given to projects that support and strengthen the arts, environmental, health and human services, civic, educational, and/or cultural aspects of Boulder County Latino communities and/or are initiated by Latinos to benefit Latinos. Funding Information Approximately $6,500 is available to grant this year, minimum grants will be $1,000. Open Door Fund The Open Door Fund supports lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning (LGBTQ+) individuals and allies in Boulder County The focus of the Open Door Fund is to: Support the strengths and needs of LGBTQ+ individuals. Build and cultivate the LGBTQ+ community. Foster collaboration and dialogue between the LGBTQ+ population and the broader community. Provide a source of support for organizations serving and impacting the LGBTQ+ community. Funding Priority Priority will be given to projects that support new and emerging ideas, especially those that contribute to system change. Preference will be given to those organizations which are primarily LGBTQ+-focused. Funding Information Approximately $50,000 is available to grant this year, minimum grants will be $1,000. Veterans Fund The Veterans Fund supports Boulder County Veterans and their families by raising money and distributing grants to community partners to create, sustain, or expand programs and projects for Veterans. The focus of the Veterans Fund is to: Support the strengths and meet the needs of Veterans, transitioning servicemembers, and their families in Boulder County. Build community around and among Veterans. Foster education about Veterans’ issues and dialogue between Veterans and the community. Provide a source of support for organizations serving the Veteran community. Funding Priority Priority will be given to projects and organizations that demonstrate strong Veteran involvement and engagement in the planning and implementation of the proposed activities. Funding Information Approximately $11,500 is available to grant this year, minimum grants will be $1,000. Eligibility Requirements Grantees must use grant proceeds only for the stated purpose of the grant or for charitable and educational activities consistent with the organization’s tax-exempt status. Grants from The Community Foundation’s discretionary funds are exclusively for activities or projects in Boulder County and/or for the benefit of Boulder County residents. Any nonprofit organization with an IRS 501(c)(3) public charities (not private operating or non-operating foundations) or any governmental or public entity can apply. Groups or organizations that do not have IRS 501(c)(3) designation may do so with a fiscal sponsor. The Community Foundation makes grants for specific projects as well as for unrestricted operating expenses, capital campaigns, endowments and technical assistance. The Community Foundation does not make grants to organizations where grant money from discretionary or field of interest funds would be used to further a particular religious doctrine. For more information, visit CFBC

This funding opportunity provides financial support to Colorado-based nonprofits for their state and local policy and advocacy initiatives, focusing on community engagement and coalition building.

The Rose Community Foundation is pleased to announce the funding opportunity for nonprofit organizations in the Greater Denver region. Donor Name: Rose Community Foundation 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: Grant Deadline: 08/01/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: 1 Year Details: The foundation seeks to fund a diverse slate of organizations engaging in equity-focused policy and advocacy work. Applicants may work at the state level, the local level or both and may pursue short- or long-term policy objectives. They aim to support policy efforts across a range of issues, representing a broad spectrum of approaches, perspectives, and populations served.  This grant cycle is intended to support Greater Denver’s diverse and dynamic ecosystem of organizations that leverage policy and advocacy efforts to help local communities furthest from opportunity create conditions for equity, justice, inclusion and engagement. Types of support  General Operating Support. To provide maximum flexibility for nonprofit organizations engaging in policy and advocacy work, They anticipate that most grants will be for general operating support. Program or Project Support. Organizations that have a primary organizational focus that does not include policy and advocacy should apply for policy-specific program funding. Non-policy work will not be considered through this grant opportunity. Organizations that do national or multi-state work should apply for program funding and specify that grant dollars would be used exclusively for local activities or statewide efforts that benefit region. Organizations applying on behalf of a coalition are required to apply for program funding. 501(c)(4) organizations are required to apply for program funding to distinguish from candidate or partisan work, which the Foundation cannot fund. Any grant applicants may opt to have funding structured as program support if that is preferred. Please note: Organizations that receive program or project support will be required to report direct and grassroots lobbying expenses, as applicable. Funding Information  Funding amounts will typically range from $15,000 to $75,000. Grant Duration  Most grant lengths will be one year. Eligibility Criteria This opportunity is open to nonprofit organizations – 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 advancing statewide policy efforts that benefit those within that catchment area. Local/municipal, state and federal government agencies are not eligible for this opportunity. Organizations funded through donor-advised funds or giving circles at Rose Community Foundation are eligible for this opportunity, if other eligibility requirements are met. Organizations that house endowments at Rose Community Foundation are eligible to apply, but like all other applicants, are not guaranteed a grant award. Organizations that have received a separate grant from Rose Community Foundation in 2024 are unlikely to receive funding via this opportunity. They encourage organizations that think they may still be eligible to meet with Ray Barrie-Kivel, policy and advocacy manager, before beginning their application. Organizations that have active multi-year grants from Rose Community Foundation are not eligible for this opportunity. Rose Community Foundation has multiple open RFPs every year, and They encourage organizations that think they could be a fit for more than one opportunity to speak with a member of grantmaking team before beginning their application. For more information, visit Rose Community Foundation.

The Colorado Gives Foundation is inviting applicants for its Convenient Neighborhoods Grant Program. Donor Name: Colorado Gives Foundation State: Colorado County: Jefferson County (CO) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 08/09/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: 2 Years Details: Funding to support community spaces so all Jefferson County residents can easily access parks, transportation hubs, farmers markets, recreation centers and other amenities. Having easy and safe access to public transportation, bike-friendly routes and accessible paths supports overall health and wellbeing. Funding Information Typical Grant Funding Range: $5,000-$25,000 per year. Project Period October 1, 2024 to September 30, 2026. Eligibility Requirements This grant opportunity provides general operating support to community partners who are advancing work in one or more of the following: Support efforts to increase access and enrollment in public transportation benefits. Support policy and advocacy efforts to make it easier for people to access public transportation, improve neighborhood mobility and increase outdoor green spaces. Support efforts to develop and preserve outdoor green spaces, like parks and open areas, and community gathering places such as integrated community hubs and recreation centers. Your organization must also meet the following requirements to be eligible for this grant: Organization Eligibility: Your organization must be a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, or an organization operating under fiscal sponsorship of a 501(c)(3) nonprofit.  Geographic Eligibility: Colorado Gives Foundation is focused on helping Jefferson County thrive. As such they only fund organizations who are committed to serving Jefferson County residents and can demonstrate their impact in Jeffco with number of Jeffco residents served, percentage of budget applied to Jeffco or concrete programs that are specific to or focused on Jeffco populations. For more information, visit Colorado Gives Foundation.

The Colorado Gives Foundation is seeking applications for its Food Security Grant Program. Donor Name: Colorado Gives Foundation State: Colorado County: Jefferson County (CO) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 08/09/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: 1 Year Details: Funding to support improving access to food for Jeffco residents. This ensures the availability of local, healthy and culturally relevant food. Funding Information Typical Grant Funding Range: $5,000-$25,000 per year. Grant Period October 1, 2024 to March 30, 2025. Eligibility Requirements This grant opportunity provides general operating support to community partners who are advancing work in one or more of the following: Support organizations increasing SNAP, WIC and other public assistance program enrollment, navigation and utilization. Support efforts that increase food availability through enrollment, expand programs like Double Up Food Bucks that increase purchasing power and pilot new concepts in Jeffco. Bring together local food producers and pantries to develop a systematic approach to increasing access to local, culturally relevant and nutritious food. Support advocacy in local, regional and statewide public policy to increase food access in Jeffco. Your organization must also meet the following requirements to be eligible for this grant: Organization Eligibility: Your organization must be a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, or an organization operating under fiscal sponsorship of a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Geographic Eligibility: Colorado Gives Foundation is focused on helping Jefferson County thrive. As such we only fund organizations who are committed to serving Jefferson County residents and can demonstrate their impact in Jeffco with number of Jeffco residents served, percentage of budget applied to Jeffco or concrete programs that are specific to or focused on Jeffco populations. For more information, visit Colorado Gives Foundation.

The Colorado Gives Foundation is accepting applications for its Housing Grant Program to improve access to stable and affordable housing in Jefferson County. Donor Name: Colorado Gives Foundation State: Colorado County: Jefferson County (CO) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 08/09/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: 2 Years Details: Funding Information Typical Grant Funding Range: $5,000-$25,000 per year. Grant Period October 1, 2024 to March 30, 2026. Eligibility Requirements This grant opportunity provides general operating support to community partners who are advancing work in one or more of the following: Support efforts to increase public awareness and education around the impact of the lack of affordable housing on community and on opportunities to increase housing options that are affordable such as the Housing Advocacy Steering Committee and the Jeffco Advocacy Network. Support advocacy and local, regional and statewide public policy to reduce the cost burden of renting or homeownership. Support navigation efforts and resources to house residents in short term housing or shelters. Support efforts to increase or preserve housing options in Jeffco that are affordable for middle income households earning between $52,000 to $150,000 depending on household size (60% to 120% Area Median Income (AMI)) through impact investments such as the Bring it Home Fund. Your organization must also meet the following requirements to be eligible for this grant: Organization Eligibility: Your organization must be a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, or an organization operating under fiscal sponsorship of a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Geographic Eligibility: Colorado Gives Foundation is focused on helping Jefferson County thrive. As such they only fund organizations who are committed to serving Jefferson County residents and can demonstrate their impact in Jeffco with number of Jeffco residents served, percentage of budget applied to Jeffco or concrete programs that are specific to or focused on Jeffco populations. For more information, visit Colorado Gives Foundation.

The Rose Community Foundation is seeking applications for its Jewish Life Grant Program. Donor Name: Rose Community Foundation 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: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 08/16/2024 Size of the Grant: Not Available Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Jewish Life Grant Program supporting organizations and programs that are reflective of Greater Denver’s Jewish communities and offer meaningful and relevant opportunities to engage in Jewish life, while welcoming diverse individuals, families and practices. Grants may be structured as programmatic grants, and in some cases, general operating support may be considered. Requests should advance at least one of the following priorities: Efforts to increase the organizational strength and capacity of a Jewish organization working in support of the seven-county Denver metro area Jewish community  Program or project that is reflective of diverse Jewish communities and offers meaningful and relevant opportunities to engage in Jewish life  Jewish initiatives seeking to advance social justice by engaging Jewish people and using Jewish values and traditions to respond to one or more key social and economic issues of time Geographic Areas The Foundation accept applications for programs that serve the seven-county Greater Denver community of Adams, Arapahoe, Boulder, Broomfield, Denver, Douglas and Jefferson Counties. Programs with a broader geographic focus may apply, however, the application must address the program’s relevance to and impact on people living within these seven counties. For more information, visit Rose Community Foundation.

The City of Boulder is seeking applications for its 2025 Human Services Fund. Donor Name: City of Boulder State: County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 08/26/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Through the Human Services Fund (HSF), the City of Boulder invests resources in improving well-being for community members experiencing social or economic disparities. An annual allocation from the city’s general fund serves as the source for this grant program. The HSF supports programs and service delivery that promote the following shared outcomes: Increased economic stability, mobility, and resilience (e.g., employment, financial assistance, benefits or other earnings, financial literacy, or other forms of self-sufficiency assistance). Increase the ability for people to obtain and maintain housing (e.g., rental assistance, legal representation for housing, pathways to housing for individuals experiencing homelessness, other services that help with housing retention). Advance personal growth, development and leadership potential (e.g., childcare; child, teen or adult academic support; youth, adult or older adult training; language access) Increase safe environment for people with diverse identities (e.g., through advocacy, legal representation, protection from violence or other form of vulnerability). Increase positive physical, mental or behavioral health and wellbeing (e.g., direct health care, wellness, food security or nutrition, social connectivity). Increased ability among community members to access critical services (e.g., transportation, digital divide, culturally centered assistance programs, independent living). Funding Information Proposals must request a minimum of $10,000 with at least $8,000 in eligible program expenses. Grant Period January 1, 2025, to December 31, 2025. Proposal Criteria  Proposals submitted in response to this RFP will be evaluated based on whether the proposed program:  Benefits people experiencing systemic socio-economic barriers or disparities; have been historically excluded and/or are in need of basic needs assistance;  Has leadership (agency board, staff and volunteers) that reflects the demographic diversity of clients served Aligns with a selected human services outcome;  Demonstrates sound research, evidence-based best practices;  Values lived experience, cultural knowledge and wisdom;  Demonstrates strong and long-term evaluation of outcomes, or the potential for such evaluation;  Meaningfully engages community members experiencing disparities in the design, implementation and/or evaluation of the proposed program;  Demonstrates strong collaboration and transformative, equitable partnerships that move beyond informal relationships; Demonstrates a cost-effective approach that benefits program participants, target populations or the community;  Demonstrates that the agency currently has, or demonstrates a plan for achieving sustained financial stability and organizational leadership;  Exhibits diverse funding sources or a plan to achieve diverse funding. Eligibility Criteria  Through the HSF, the city will fund programs rather than entire organizations, institutions, or agencies. Eligible programs may be located in nonprofit organizations, government agencies, or public or private educational organizations (i.e., pre-K-12 school or college/university. Businesses and for-profit agencies should not apply.’ Ineligibility  The Human Services Fund (HSF) does not support:  Arts, cultural, sport and/or recreation programs;  One-time presentations, events, activities, advocacy, outreach, or marketing campaigns that are not directly associated with ongoing human services programming;  General staff training or professional development programs outside of data collection, evaluation, or systems integration work;  Outreach and educational campaigns that do not include long-term evaluation;  Contributions to a political campaign or committee for a candidate or ballot measure;  Political lobbying or political advocacy campaigns to promote legislation or specific governmental policies, or express advocacy as defined in Boulder Revised Code section 13-2-2; Programs that cannot be directly linked to specific outcomes and indicators;  General operating funds or expenses (e.g., general salaries of staff not directly involved in providing services for the proposed program, rent/mortgage, utilities, professional development, fundraising, or other expenses) that are not directly related to carrying out the program;  Programs that cannot demonstrate established data collection or evaluation activities;  Individual applicants;  Programs proposing the same activities that are currently supported by other City of Boulder Department of Housing and Human Services funding1; or  Programs that are heavily reliant on a single funder, including the City of Boulder; or do not have a plan to request funding from other sources. For more information, visit City of Boulder.

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 Rose Community Foundation is pleased to announce the funding opportunity for nonprofit organizations in the Greater Denver region. Donor Name: Rose Community Foundation State: Colorado County: Adams County (CO), Arapahoe County (CO), Boulder County (CO), Broomfield County (CO), Denver County (CO), Douglas County (CO) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 07/25/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: 1 Year Details: The foundation seeks to fund a diverse slate of organizations engaging in equity-focused policy and advocacy work. Applicants may work at the state level, the local level or both and may pursue short- or long-term policy objectives. They aim to support policy efforts across a range of issues, representing a broad spectrum of approaches, perspectives, and populations served.  This grant cycle is intended to support Greater Denver’s diverse and dynamic ecosystem of organizations that leverage policy and advocacy efforts to help local communities furthest from opportunity create conditions for equity, justice, inclusion and engagement. Types of support  General Operating Support. To provide maximum flexibility for nonprofit organizations engaging in policy and advocacy work, They anticipate that most grants will be for general operating support.  Program or Project Support. Organizations that have a primary organizational focus that does not include policy and advocacy should apply for policy-specific program funding. Non-policy work will not be considered through this grant opportunity.  Organizations that do national or multi-state work should apply for program funding and specify that grant dollars would be used exclusively for local activities or statewide efforts that benefit our region.  Organizations applying on behalf of a coalition are required to apply for program funding.  501(c)(4) organizations are required to apply for program funding to distinguish from candidate or partisan work, which the Foundation cannot fund.  Any grant applicants may opt to have funding structured as program support if that is preferred.  Please note: Organizations that receive program or project support will be required to report direct and grassroots lobbying expenses, as applicable. Funding Information  Funding amounts will typically range from $15,000 to $75,000. Grant Duration  Most grant lengths will be one year. Eligibility Criteria This opportunity is open to nonprofit organizations – 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 advancing statewide policy efforts that benefit those within that catchment area.  Local/municipal, state and federal government agencies are not eligible for this opportunity.  Organizations funded through donor-advised funds or giving circles at Rose Community Foundation are eligible for this opportunity, if other eligibility requirements are met.  Organizations that house endowments at Rose Community Foundation are eligible to apply, but like all other applicants, are not guaranteed a grant award.  Organizations that have received a separate grant from Rose Community Foundation in 2024 are unlikely to receive funding via this opportunity. They encourage organizations that think they may still be eligible to meet with Ray Barrie-Kivel, policy and advocacy manager, before beginning their application.  Organizations that have active multi-year grants from Rose Community Foundation are not eligible for this opportunity.  Rose Community Foundation has multiple open RFPs every year, and They encourage organizations that think they could be a fit for more than one opportunity to speak with a member of our grantmaking team before beginning their application. For more information, visit Rose Community Foundation.

The "2024 Fall Advancing Advocacy and Justice with Communities of Color" grant aims to financially support advocacy organizations led by or focused on people of color, with the goal of promoting health equity, influencing policy, and advancing racial and economic justice in their communities.

This grant provides financial support to organizations in Colorado that help families and communities, particularly in rural areas, by promoting self-sufficiency and aiding the economically disadvantaged, youth, the elderly, and individuals with disabilities.

Neighborhood Grants: The Neighborhood Improvement Grant program offered by the city of Aurora provides funding opportunities for residents and neighborhood groups to improve the appearance of Aurora neighborhoods and strengthen community connections. The program offers competitive grants with a maximum award of $5,000 per project. Eligible projects include those that enhance a neighborhood's physical condition, increase pride and identity, improve neighborhood communication, and bring new assets to the community. Neighborhood organizations and residents are encouraged to apply, with eligible projects needing to be within Aurora city limits and involve at least three neighborhood households. Know Your Neighbor Mini-Grant: The Know Your Neighbor Mini-Grant provides resources to support connections among neighbors through small neighborhood block parties or clean-up events. Grant recipients receive a $100 gift card for either King Soopers or Home Depot, depending on the type of event. Funding is awarded on a first-come, first-served basis until allocated funds are used. Eligible expenses may include food and supplies for the event, but religious, political, or personal/private events will not be funded. Printing Assistance Mini-Grant: The Printing Assistance Mini-Grant offers in-house printing assistance for flyers and posters to publicize neighborhood events. This grant is available to participants registered in the Aurora Neighborhood Registration Program. Grant recipients can receive up to 25 color or 500 black and white flyers, or 10 color or 20 black and white posters. Materials must be picked up at the Aurora Municipal Center. Small Neighborhood Mini-Grant: The Small Neighborhood Activity Mini-Grant provides up to $250 for developing sustainable neighborhood groups and organizing larger-scale neighborhood events. Examples of eligible expenses include entertainment for festivals, neighborhood t-shirts, sports tournaments, or supplies for social gatherings with neighbors. Grants are awarded on a reimbursement basis and require completion of an application form and budget estimates. Please note that specific application dates for each grant opportunity are not provided in the information given.

This grant path supports projects focused on community violence intervention or interruption, particularly in high-risk communities. The initiatives should aim at directly engaging with individuals most likely to be involved in or affected by firearm-related harm. Projects should employ strategies like Hospital-Based Violence Intervention Programs (HVIPs) and Community-Based Intervention Programs (CVIPs) that capitalize on the "teachable moment" immediately after a youth has been involved in violence. Additionally, strategies should include violence interruption programs that provide immediate responses to shootings to prevent further violence and retaliation through community engagement events. Applicants must attend a pre-application webinar.