Colorado Private Grants

The Rural Catalyst Grant Program, administered by the Boettcher Foundation, is designed to enhance the internal capacity of organizations as they strive to achieve the objectives set during the Foundation's Rural Leadership Collaborative meetings. These quarterly meetings serve as a platform for rural leaders to explore strategies that benefit their organizations, communities, and regions. The grants, ranging from $1,000 to $10,000, support strategic planning, convening, short-term staffing or contractors, and one-time operating costs. The focus areas eligible for funding include affordable rural housing, childcare, workforce retention and hiring, leadership development, mental health, rural placemaking, and inter-community collaboration. Eligibility is extended to organizations that have participated in the Foundation’s Rural Collaborative meeting on these issues and prioritize those based in or serving rural Colorado. Applications are evaluated based on strategic relevance to the organization and the potential impact on the specified issue areas.

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.

Grant Opportunity: Local Community Grants Funding Organization: Sangre de Cristo Electric Association in partnership with local donors Contact Information: For inquiries, please contact the Sangre de Cristo Electric Association at [contact information]. Program Description: The Local Community Grants program aims to support organizations serving Chaffee, Custer, Fremont, and Lake Counties. These grants are intended to provide financial assistance to nonprofit organizations that contribute to the betterment of the local community. Award Details: The grant funds available through this program will be awarded based on a competitive application process. The exact amount of funding and number of grants awarded will vary depending on the quality and number of applications received. Eligibility: Nonprofit organizations operating within Chaffee, Custer, Fremont, and Lake Counties are eligible to apply for these grants. There are no specific restrictions regarding the size or focus area of the organization. Application Period: Applications for the Local Community Grants will be accepted from July 22nd to August 23rd. Applicants are encouraged to submit their proposals during this timeframe. Additional Information: It is important for applicants to thoroughly review the grant guidelines and criteria provided by Sangre de Cristo Electric Association before submitting their applications. Successful applicants will be notified within a specified time frame after the application deadline.

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 National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) is offering the 2024 Monarch Butterfly and Pollinators Conservation Fund (Pollinator Fund) to advance pollinator conservation. The core mission of this fund is to protect, conserve, and increase habitat for the monarch butterfly and other native insect pollinators. This aligns with NFWF’s broader Monarch Butterfly Business Plan, indicating a strategic, long-term commitment to these species. The fund aims to support both technical assistance for private working lands and direct habitat improvement projects. The target beneficiaries of this grant program include monarch butterflies and other at-risk native insect pollinator species, such as the rusty patched bumble bee, Franklin’s bumble bee, Karner blue butterfly, Dakota skipper, Poweshiek skipperling, and Mitchell’s satyr. The program also indirectly benefits private landowners, farmers, ranchers, and forest landowners, especially those in Historically Underserved and Special Emphasis categories, by providing resources and incentives for conservation practices on their lands. The overall impact goal is to significantly enhance the quality, quantity, and connectivity of pollinator habitat across eligible states. The Pollinator Fund has two main categories of focus. The first is Technical Assistance for Private Working Lands, which prioritizes increasing voluntary engagement of private landowners in conservation practices through staff resources and targeted outreach for Farm Bill programs like CSP and EQIP. The second category, Habitat Improvement, focuses on on-the-ground restoration and enhancement of pollinator habitat, emphasizing regionally appropriate milkweed and diverse native nectar plants, as well as increasing the supply of native seeds and seedlings. These priorities align with NFWF's strategic goal of fostering sustainable ecosystems through direct habitat restoration and incentivizing private land stewardship. Expected outcomes and measurable results are central to this program. All proposals must demonstrate how they will directly and measurably contribute to the Pollinator Fund's goals, specifically by providing the number of acres restored or enhanced. A minimum of 100 acres in California or 500 acres in all other eligible states must be restored or enhanced. Historically, successful projects have averaged 2,120 acres, indicating a substantial scale for expected impact. The program's theory of change posits that by providing financial assistance and technical support, and by focusing on key geographical areas and species, NFWF can effectively reverse declines in monarch and other native pollinator populations, thereby contributing to broader ecosystem health and biodiversity. The total funding of up to $5.1 million in 2024, contributed by a diverse group of partners, underscores the collaborative and impactful nature of this strategic initiative.

This funding opportunity provides financial support for community-based programs that help individuals facing mental health and substance use challenges, particularly those from marginalized backgrounds, access culturally relevant recovery services.

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 program recognizes and honors influential leaders in Colorado's agriculture industry who have made significant contributions to various agricultural fields and community involvement.

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.

This program provides free, hands-on support to small business owners in Denver with two to five years of experience, helping them improve operations, marketing, and leadership skills to prepare for sustainable growth.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations in Custer County, Colorado, to support community-building projects and events that promote artistic expression across various disciplines.

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.

The Wanser Fund, supported by The Denver Foundation, is a grant program designed to fund organizations actively working in animal health. This initiative aligns with the foundation's broader mission to support vital community needs, specifically focusing on the well-being of animals within the Denver Metro area. The program seeks to foster a healthier environment for animals by providing financial resources to qualifying nonprofits. The primary beneficiaries of the Wanser Fund are organizations dedicated to animal health in specific Colorado counties: Adams, Arapahoe, Broomfield, Clear Creek, Denver, Douglas, Gilpin, and Jefferson. The impact goal is to strengthen the capacity of these organizations to deliver effective programs and activities that directly improve animal health outcomes. This includes supporting direct care, advocacy, and other services that benefit animal welfare. The Wanser Fund's priorities are clear: funding programs and activities that focus on animal health. This means that organizations applying for grants must demonstrate a direct connection between their work and the mission of the Wanser Fund, ensuring that all supported initiatives contribute to the overall well-being of animals. The grant amounts, ranging from $5,000 to $7,000, are intended to support impactful projects within this specific funding area. Expected outcomes include enhanced animal health services, increased organizational capacity for animal welfare groups, and a general improvement in the health and living conditions of animals in the Denver Metro area. While specific measurable results are not detailed in the provided information, the focus on "programs and activities for organizations active in animal health" implies a commitment to tangible improvements in this field. The foundation's strategic priority, as evidenced by this fund, is to invest in community-based solutions that address specific needs, with a clear theory of change that by supporting dedicated organizations, positive and lasting change in animal health can be achieved.

The Grand Junction Commission on Arts and Culture (GJCAC) has announced the timeline and guidelines for its 2025 grant cycle. This funding opportunity supports arts and culture projects that align with the Commission's goals and provide meaningful community impact. Applications are open from December 9, 2024, and must be submitted by January 31, 2025, at 5:00 PM. After submission, organizations may receive follow-up questions, with responses due by February 14, 2025, at 10:00 AM. Presentations will occur on February 24 or 25, 2025, with grant decisions finalized by February 26, 2025. Notifications will be sent during the week of March 3, 2025, and funding will be distributed throughout March, contingent on completed paperwork. Applicants must communicate effectively with the GJCAC Liaison via email and ensure accurate and frequently monitored contact information. Submissions should be clear, concise, and free from spelling or grammatical errors. Applications should address each question fully while aligning the proposed project with GJCAC’s criteria and goals. Financial details must be precise, including an explanation of any deficits or profits. Multiple funding sources are encouraged, though GJCAC does not fund scholarships or provide rewards as honorariums. Presentations play a critical role in the application process. Applicants are expected to deliver a compelling 3-minute presentation covering five key points: a meaningful anecdote about the organization, unique aspects of the project, specific uses for grant funds, the project’s community impact, and the potential effects of not receiving GJCAC funding. Applicants should engage the audience and avoid reading directly from their application, while also being prepared for a brief Q&A session. Grantees are required to use the GJCAC logo on all promotional materials and register with the City’s Artist and Arts Business Registry if not already listed. Additionally, a GJCAC member will adopt each funded project to assist with promotion and evaluation. For ticketed events, grantees must provide at least two complimentary tickets for the adopter to attend and provide feedback. Post-event responsibilities include submitting a final report within 60 days of project completion. Failure to comply will result in disqualification from applying for GJCAC grants for two years. For assistance, applicants can contact Haley Van Camp at [email protected] or 970-254-3876. More details, including the required final report form, can be found on the Commission’s website.

This funding opportunity supports nonprofit organizations that provide stable housing and empower low- and moderate-income communities, focusing on vulnerable populations such as working families, youth, seniors, and veterans.