Colorado Private Grants

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

The Denver Foundation's Care Fund invites qualified Colorado nonprofits to apply for funding to support the well-being of people with low incomes who also live with developmental, intellectual, or physical disabilities, or who are visually impaired or blind. This grant program directly aligns with the Foundation's mission to address critical community needs and improve the quality of life for vulnerable populations within the state. The primary beneficiaries of the Care Fund are individuals with low incomes who face the dual challenges of disability or visual impairment. The program's impact goals are centered on enhancing the well-being and support systems for these specific groups. The Foundation prioritizes organizations whose work directly connects with the purpose of the Care Fund, ensuring that grants are awarded to initiatives that can effectively serve these target populations. Grants from the Care Fund will range between $10,000 and $20,000. While the grant duration is not explicitly mentioned, the focus is on supporting programs that offer tangible benefits and positive outcomes for the beneficiaries. Expected outcomes include improved access to services, enhanced quality of life, and greater support for individuals with disabilities and visual impairments. The eligibility criteria emphasize that applicant organizations must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits or have a 501(c)(3) fiscal sponsor, and must be located in and conduct work within Colorado. This ensures that the Foundation's strategic priorities are met by investing in local organizations that have a direct impact on Colorado communities. While a formal "theory of change" is not detailed, the program's structure indicates a belief that targeted funding to qualified nonprofits serving specific vulnerable populations will lead to improved well-being and support for those individuals.

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

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

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

This program provides full funding and support for entrepreneurs in the Denver metro area who are addressing environmental challenges through innovative ventures focused on climate action and sustainability.

The Bowen Family Performing Arts Fund, managed by The Denver Foundation, aims to support performing arts programs. This initiative aligns with the foundation's mission to enhance opportunities for elementary and middle school youth, particularly those who have limited access to arts education. The grant seeks to foster an appreciation and understanding of various performing arts, connecting with the foundation's broader goal of supporting children from underserved or historically disadvantaged communities. The primary beneficiaries of this grant are elementary and middle school-aged youth who have fewer opportunities to engage with and learn about the arts. The impact goal is to increase their exposure to and appreciation of performing arts. The fund focuses on supporting programs within the seven-county Metro Denver region, ensuring that the foundation's efforts are concentrated within its defined service area and reach the intended demographic. The program prioritizes performing arts such as ballet, tap, jazz, opera, symphonic music, musicals, and theater productions. Strong applications will demonstrate an effective approach to promoting and furthering the teaching and appreciation of these art forms. The expected outcomes include increased participation in and understanding of performing arts among targeted youth, leading to enhanced cultural literacy and personal development. Measurable results could include attendance numbers, program completion rates, and feedback from participants and educators regarding the impact of the programs. While the document does not explicitly detail The Denver Foundation's overarching strategic priorities or theory of change, the focus on underserved youth in the arts suggests a strategic commitment to equitable access to cultural enrichment and youth development. The grant amounts, expected to range from $5,000 to $15,000, indicate a strategy of supporting numerous impactful, smaller-scale programs that can collectively create a significant difference within the community. The eligibility criteria emphasize supporting 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations or those with fiscal sponsors, ensuring that funds are distributed to legitimate and well-governed entities capable of delivering the intended programming.

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.

Program: Impact Grants Funding Organization: CCCF (Community and Conservation Charitable Foundation) Contact Information: For more information, please visit the CCCF website or contact the CCCF Grants Department at [email protected]. Award Details: The Impact Grants program provides funding for housing and environmental solutions. The grant application period is open from April 29 to May 31. The specific award amounts are not mentioned, but it can be assumed that the grants provide financial support to selected organizations. Eligibility: Eligible applicants are nonprofit organizations working towards housing and environmental solutions. Further eligibility criteria may be outlined on the CCCF website or in the grant application guidelines. CCCF invests in housing and environmental solutions through the Impact Grants. Other Relevant Information: It is recommended that potential applicants thoroughly review the CCCF website and grant application guidelines for detailed information on eligibility requirements, application process, and any additional criteria or restrictions.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to nonprofit organizations in the Metro Denver area that promote youth performing arts education, particularly for students from underserved communities.

This funding opportunity provides financial support for youth programs that promote holistic and culturally responsive physical well-being, prioritizing initiatives led by or serving youth of color, girls, youth with disabilities, and LGBTQ youth.

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.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit and government organizations in Colorado for horticulture-related projects that focus on education, therapy, research, and community improvements.

This program provides funding to non-profit organizations and community initiatives in Westminster, Colorado, to support projects that enhance community well-being, promote environmental conservation, and empower youth.

This initiative provides funding and support to nonprofit organizations, local governments, and Tribal governments in coal-impacted communities to develop and scale innovative economic projects that create job opportunities and foster local economic transformation.

This funding opportunity provides financial support for local, state, tribal, and non-profit organizations to restore and protect vital riparian and aquatic habitats in the headwaters of the Colorado and Rio Grande rivers, benefiting key species and promoting sustainable conservation practices.

Dutchess County Government is offering a grant program to incentivize food waste reduction within its municipalities and public schools. This initiative aligns with a broader mission to promote environmental sustainability and responsible waste management at the local level. By providing financial assistance for the installation and operation of in-vessel aerobic composters, the program directly addresses the issue of food waste, contributing to a greener and more efficient waste infrastructure within the county. The primary beneficiaries of this grant program are local government entities with taxing authority and public K-12 schools located within Dutchess County. The program's impact goals are centered on reducing the amount of food waste sent to landfills, thereby decreasing greenhouse gas emissions and extending the lifespan of existing waste disposal facilities. Encouraging collaborative applications among entities further amplifies the potential for widespread adoption and greater collective impact across the county. The grant prioritizes the purchase of in-vessel composting systems and covers ancillary installation costs such as piping, electrical work, concrete slabs, and roofing materials. This focus ensures that eligible applicants can establish functional and sustainable composting operations. The program is structured as a reimbursement grant, requiring purchases to be made and paid for by the applicant before the county reimburses 50% of eligible expenses, up to a maximum of $50,000 per award. A total of $200,000 has been appropriated in the 2024 Dutchess County Budget for this program. The expected outcomes of this program include a significant reduction in food waste volume from participating municipalities and schools, an increase in local composting infrastructure, and greater public awareness and engagement in sustainable waste practices. Measurable results will likely include the number of composting systems installed, the volume of food waste diverted from landfills, and the number of participating entities. The project period runs from September 1, 2024, to September 1, 2026, allowing for the implementation and initial operation of these composting systems.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to organizations in Colorado that focus on early childhood education and development, as well as teen pregnancy prevention, particularly in rural communities.