Colorado Private Grants

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

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

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

This program recognizes and honors young professionals under 40 in the Denver metro area who demonstrate exceptional leadership, community involvement, and significant career accomplishments.

The Rose Community Foundation is offering a grant opportunity to nonprofit organizations in the Greater Denver region, including Adams, Arapahoe, Boulder, Broomfield, Denver, Douglas, and Jefferson counties, or those advancing statewide policy efforts benefiting this area. This program aligns with the foundation's mission to foster equity, justice, inclusion, and engagement by supporting organizations engaged in equity-focused policy and advocacy work. The foundation seeks to fund a diverse array of organizations with varying approaches, perspectives, and populations served, working at local or state levels, and pursuing both short-term and long-term policy objectives. The grant program targets a diverse ecosystem of organizations in Greater Denver that leverage policy and advocacy to create conditions for equity for communities furthest from opportunity. The funding aims to achieve impact goals related to advancing equity and justice through strategic policy changes. While specific measurable results are not explicitly detailed, the foundation's emphasis on policy and advocacy work implies an expectation of policy changes, improved systemic equity, and increased engagement of underserved populations as outcomes. Organizations receiving program or project support will be required to report direct and grassroots lobbying expenses, indicating a focus on demonstrable advocacy efforts. The foundation's strategic priorities revolve around supporting policy efforts across a range of issues, ensuring a broad spectrum of approaches and populations are represented. The theory of change appears to be that by funding diverse organizations engaged in policy and advocacy, they can drive systemic changes that lead to greater equity, justice, inclusion, and engagement for local communities. This is evident in their support for general operating expenses to maximize flexibility for policy and advocacy work, as well as program-specific funding for organizations where advocacy is not their primary focus. Funding amounts typically range from $15,000 to $75,000, with most grant durations being one year. Eligibility extends to 501(c)(3)s and 501(c)(4)s or fiscally sponsored projects, provided they serve the seven-county Greater Denver region or advance statewide policy efforts benefiting this area. Local, municipal, state, and federal government agencies are not eligible. The foundation also outlines specific conditions for organizations that have received prior funding or have active multi-year grants, encouraging consultation with their grantmaking team for eligibility clarification. This structured approach aims to maximize the grant's impact within their strategic framework.

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

The Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure (RFSI) Program Cooperative Agreements, a joint effort between the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agriculture Marketing Services (AMS), and the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD), aims to bolster the middle-of-the-food-supply-chain and fortify local and regional food systems. The core mission of this program aligns with creating new revenue streams for Michigan producers and enhancing the overall resilience of the food supply chain. MDARD will facilitate this by issuing subawards, primarily in the form of Infrastructure Grants, to businesses operating within the middle of the supply chain. This strategic approach is designed to foster more diverse local and regional market options and generate greater economic opportunities for communities, ultimately allowing them to retain a larger share of the value chain dollar. The RFSI program is specifically targeting agricultural producers or processors, groups of agricultural producers and processors, nonprofit organizations, local government entities, tribal governments, and institutions such as schools, universities, or hospitals involved in middle-of-the-supply-chain activities. The overarching impact goals include establishing a robust food systems infrastructure that supports competitive and profitable market access for domestic farm products. Additionally, the program seeks to support the development of value-added products for consumers, promote fair prices and wages, create safe job opportunities that retain profits in rural communities, and increase diversity in processing options across business models, geography, and accessibility for underserved communities. USDA has established clear priorities for RFSI program funding, focusing on Infrastructure Grant activities. These priorities include expanding capacity for processing, aggregation, and distribution of agricultural products to create more and better markets for producers. Modernizing manufacturing, tracking, storage, and information technology systems is another key focus, alongside enhancing worker safety through new technologies or investments in equipment and facility improvements. Improving the capacity of entities to comply with federal, state, and local food safety requirements, and improving operations through training opportunities are also critical. The program further prioritizes supporting the construction of new facilities, modernizing or expanding existing facilities, constructing wastewater management structures, modernizing processing and manufacturing equipment, and developing or installing equipment that reduces greenhouse gas emissions, increases water use efficiency, improves air/water quality, or meets USDA’s climate action goals. Expected outcomes and measurable results from this program include a strengthened and more resilient middle-of-the-food-supply-chain in Michigan, evidenced by increased processing, aggregation, and distribution capacities. The program anticipates creating more diverse local and regional market options, leading to increased economic opportunities and a greater retention of value chain dollars within Michigan communities. Successful proposals will demonstrate an ability to develop value-added products, ensure fair labor practices, and contribute to the diversification of processing options. With Michigan awarded over $10 million, the program offers two types of grants: Equipment Only Grants ranging from $10,000 to $100,000 for smaller projects and Infrastructure Grants with a maximum award of $475,000 for more substantial investments. The program's strategic priorities and theory of change are rooted in the belief that targeted investments in food systems infrastructure will directly lead to enhanced market access for producers, improved economic vitality for communities, and a more sustainable and equitable food supply chain for Michigan.

The Rose Community Foundation's Jewish Life Grant Program aims to support organizations and programs that reflect Greater Denver's diverse Jewish communities. The program seeks to offer meaningful and relevant opportunities for engagement in Jewish life while welcoming diverse individuals, families, and practices. This initiative aligns with the foundation's broader mission to foster a thriving Jewish community and contribute to social well-being in the region. The target beneficiaries are organizations and programs serving the seven-county Greater Denver community, specifically focusing on Jewish people within Adams, Arapahoe, Boulder, Broomfield, Denver, Douglas, and Jefferson Counties. The impact goals include strengthening Jewish organizations, promoting diverse engagement in Jewish life, and advancing social justice through Jewish values and traditions. The program prioritizes efforts to increase the organizational strength and capacity of Jewish organizations working in the seven-county Denver metro area. It also focuses on programs and projects that are reflective of diverse Jewish communities and offer meaningful opportunities for engagement. Additionally, Jewish initiatives seeking to advance social justice by engaging Jewish people and using Jewish values to respond to key social and economic issues are a priority. Expected outcomes include enhanced organizational capacity within Jewish organizations, increased and more diverse participation in Jewish life, and a greater impact on social justice issues through Jewish-led initiatives. While specific measurable results are not detailed in the provided information, the program implies a focus on growth in organizational strength, community engagement, and social impact. The foundation's strategic priorities, as evidenced by this program, revolve around supporting and strengthening the Jewish community in Greater Denver. Their theory of change appears to be that by investing in the capacity of Jewish organizations, fostering diverse engagement, and supporting social justice initiatives rooted in Jewish values, they can create a more vibrant, inclusive, and impactful Jewish community that positively addresses broader societal challenges.

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

The Evansville Endowment Fund is accepting Letters of Inquiry for capital projects specifically designed to serve the City of Evansville. This grant program is aligned with the foundation's mission to support the community through the development of permanent facilities, promotion of arts and culture, enhancement of recreational activities, neighborhood revitalization, and economic development. The fund prioritizes tax-exempt organizations under sections 501(c)(3) and 509(a) of the Internal Revenue Code, ensuring that their activities contribute to the specified community upliftment criteria. The primary target beneficiaries of this grant are residents within the city limits of Evansville, Indiana, with a particular focus on the 4th and 6th wards, which will receive at least sixty percent of the distributed funding. The impact goals include improving community infrastructure, fostering cultural engagement, expanding recreational opportunities, revitalizing blighted areas for housing, and stimulating local economic growth. The fund aims to support projects that directly address these needs, leading to tangible improvements in the quality of life for Evansville residents. The program's priorities and focuses are clearly delineated across five key areas. These include supporting social and community-based organizations in acquiring, constructing, or renovating facilities; promoting arts and cultural activities through facility development; enhancing public recreational facilities; undertaking neighborhood revitalization efforts such as property acquisition, rehabilitation, and housing development for low to moderate-income persons; and contributing to economic development projects that augment existing municipal loan programs. Requests of at least $1,000 are preferred, indicating a focus on substantive capital improvements. Expected outcomes include the creation or renovation of vital community assets like museums, parks, and affordable housing. Measurable results could include the number of new or improved facilities, increased participation in cultural and recreational activities, reduction of blighted properties, and the development of new housing units. The Evansville Endowment Fund's strategic priorities are centered on long-term community development and sustainability, operating under a theory of change that investments in physical infrastructure and community programs will lead to a more vibrant, equitable, and economically robust Evansville.

The Denver Arts & Venues (DAV) is offering a $70,000 grant through its P.S. You Are Here program to support short-term, community-led projects that transform Denver's public spaces through arts, culture, and creativity, with the funding covering expenses related to project planning, professional services, and materials.

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

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.

The Donor Alliance Foundation is offering grants to organizations in Colorado and Wyoming that support organ and tissue donation and transplantation. This initiative aligns directly with the Foundation's mission to extend the impact of organ and tissue donation and transplantation by fostering partnerships and dismantling obstacles that impede access to these life-saving gifts. The Foundation is committed to acknowledging and supporting all individuals affected by donation, ensuring they have access to vital resources. The program aims to address systemic barriers preventing individuals from receiving organ and/or tissue transplants, focusing on equitable and equal access to donation and transplantation resources. Target beneficiaries include underinsured, vulnerable, socio-economically disadvantaged populations, and those in rural areas of Colorado and Wyoming who are eligible for or awaiting a transplant. Impact goals include increasing access to resources, education, family assistance, and research projects, ultimately saving lives and improving the quality of life for those affected. Key priorities for funding include projects that demonstrate equitable access to donation and transplantation resources, consider diversity, equity, and inclusion, and propose innovative educational or assistance methods. The Foundation also maintains a focus on Pancreas research and data collection regarding the benefits of pancreas transplantation. They will support efforts to meet the financial needs of pre- and post-transplant patients, increase living donation, and fund medical and social research through pilot studies or seed grants. Expected outcomes include improved access to donation and transplantation resources for underserved populations, increased awareness and education about donation, enhanced family assistance and grief support, and advancements in transplantation research. The Foundation's strategic priorities are centered on community impact, barrier reduction, and fostering a belief that organ and tissue donation are human gifts that save lives. Their theory of change is that by funding organizations committed to equitable access, innovative education, and critical research, they can positively influence the donation and transplant community, leading to more successful transplants and better support for patients and their families.

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 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 GrowBoston grant program offers a total of $20,000 to community gardens and food forests in Boston, Massachusetts. This initiative is designed to support residents in growing their own food by providing funds for essential garden supplies, including tools, equipment, seeds, seedlings, compost, and other necessities for communal use. The program aligns with a broader mission to invest in Boston's community gardens and food forests, fostering local food production and community engagement within the city. The primary beneficiaries of this grant are community gardens and food forests within Boston. The program specifically targets non-profit organizations that are registered 501(c)(3) entities or community-based organizations partnered with a fiscal sponsor that is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit. The overarching impact goal is to enhance food security and promote sustainable food practices within Boston neighborhoods by empowering local communities to cultivate their own food sources. The grant prioritizes funding for items that directly contribute to the functioning and success of communal gardens, such as gardening tools, equipment, and essential supplies. A key focus is on ensuring that these purchased supplies are stored, maintained, and made accessible to all gardeners within the recipient organization. Up to 10% of the grant budget can be allocated for indirect or administrative costs, or for a fiscal sponsorship fee, demonstrating a commitment to supporting the operational sustainability of recipient organizations. Expected outcomes include an increase in the number of active and well-equipped community gardens and food forests across Boston. Measurable results could include the quantity of supplies purchased, the number of gardeners benefiting from communal resources, and potentially an increase in local food production. The program's strategic priorities are rooted in a theory of change that posits by investing directly in community-led food initiatives, GrowBoston can create a more resilient and food-secure city, fostering stronger communities and promoting environmental stewardship.

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