Colorado Recreation Grants

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.

The 2025 Small Grants Program, offered by Boulder County Parks & Open Space (BCPOS), provides funding for research and biological inventories on open space lands. The program aims to enhance resource management practices and improve visitor experiences through data-driven insights. Grants of up to $12,500 are available, with a proposal deadline of January 9, 2025. Applicants will be notified of funding decisions by February 20, 2025, and final reports must be submitted by December 8, 2025, to ensure complete payment. BCPOS has identified priority research topics in areas such as Plant Ecology, Wildlife, Forestry and Fire, Education and Outreach, and Invasive Plants. These topics include projects such as assessing the impacts of invasive species, evaluating fire behavior in cheatgrass-dominated areas, and creating habitat connectivity models. Proposals are not limited to these areas, and researchers are encouraged to propose innovative projects aligned with the department’s mission. Proposals must follow a specific format and include sections such as an abstract, introduction, methods, budget, and researcher qualifications. Applications must not exceed six double-spaced pages (excluding cover pages, maps, and resumes) and should be submitted electronically via the Research on Open Space webpage. Researchers are advised to contact BCPOS staff to discuss their topics before submission. If a proposal is initially incomplete, researchers may resubmit once before the deadline. Eligibility is open to universities, government agencies, private organizations, and individuals, including students with faculty sponsorship. Research must occur on BCPOS properties or conservation easements, with prior landowner permission if required. Overhead costs cannot exceed 15%, and there is no requirement for matching funds. Grant recipients are expected to deliver detailed reports, including raw data and mapping products, formatted according to BCPOS guidelines. For interdisciplinary projects, collaboration with other local entities, such as the City of Boulder Open Space and Mountain Parks, is encouraged. For more information or to discuss proposals, applicants can contact program coordinator Raquel Robles at rrobles@bouldercounty.gov.

This funding opportunity supports arts and culture projects in the Aurora Cultural Arts District to boost economic development and engage diverse audiences, welcoming applications from local organizations and individual artists.

The Philip S. Miller Resource Grant Program (PSMRGP), funded by the Philip S. Miller Trust Fund, is dedicated to supporting social and human services within Castle Rock. This program aligns with its foundation's mission by addressing fundamental community needs through targeted grant funding. The Town of Castle Rock serves as the donor for this grant, demonstrating a local commitment to enhancing the well-being of its residents. The program's primary beneficiaries are organizations that provide essential necessities of life to the community. The impact goal is to ensure that these vital services, specifically water, energy, food, and shelter assistance, are accessible to those in need. The grant seeks to strengthen the capacity of qualifying organizations to deliver these critical resources, thereby fostering a more stable and supportive environment in Castle Rock. The PSMRGP prioritizes funding requests that directly address at least one of the listed necessities: water, energy, food, or shelter assistance. While the grant duration is not specified, the funding information indicates that the Town has budgeted $45,000 for up to five organizations this year. This strategic allocation aims to distribute resources effectively among multiple organizations, maximizing the program's reach and impact within the community. Eligibility for the grant is restricted to organizations that have been approved and operating for a minimum of five years, pursuant to the terms of the Internal Revenue Code as either 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(19) entities. This criterion ensures that funding is directed towards established, legitimate organizations with a proven track record of service. The expected outcome is a sustained and enhanced provision of crucial social and human services, contributing to the overall welfare and resilience of Castle Rock.

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

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

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

The 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 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 Town of Avon Community Grant Program aims to support non-profit organizations offering programs and services across various critical areas, including arts, culture, education, environment, health, heritage, housing, human services, and recreation. This program is designed to provide financial assistance for initiatives that benefit the Avon community, particularly those not directly offered by the municipal government. The overarching mission is to enhance community well-being and address identified local needs through strategic partnerships with local non-profits. The primary target beneficiaries of this grant program are the residents and businesses within the Avon community. The Town of Avon has specifically identified housing, food insecurity, and childcare as the top three pressing needs to be addressed through the 2025 Community Grant Program funding. The impact goals are centered on improving the quality of life, increasing access to essential services, and fostering a vibrant, supportive community environment. The program's strategic priorities are clearly focused on these critical areas: housing, food insecurity, and childcare. While the program broadly supports a range of community services, special emphasis is placed on projects that directly address these core needs. The intent is to channel resources towards initiatives that can demonstrate tangible benefits and contribute to the town's strategic vision for community development and social welfare. Expected outcomes include a measurable reduction in housing instability, improved food security for vulnerable populations, and enhanced access to affordable and quality childcare services within Avon. While specific metrics are not detailed in the provided information, the program implicitly seeks to improve overall community health and resilience. The foundation's theory of change appears to be that by financially supporting qualified non-profit organizations, the Town of Avon can effectively leverage external expertise and resources to meet community needs that might otherwise go unaddressed, thereby fostering a more equitable and thriving local environment.

The Town of Frisco offers a yearly grant program to support local non-profits within Summit County. This program aligns with the Town's strategic objectives, focusing on a thriving economy, quality core services, vibrant culture, arts, and recreational opportunities, and community inclusivity. Non-profits seeking support can apply through this county-wide grant program, demonstrating an alignment with the Town's vision, mission, and values. The target beneficiaries of this grant program are non-profit organizations operating within Frisco and Summit County, ultimately aiming to positively impact the communities they serve. The grant seeks to fund initiatives that contribute to a flourishing local environment across various sectors. The program prioritizes initiatives that promote sustainability and demonstrate significant positive impacts on the Frisco and Summit County communities. Additionally, applicants are required to showcase sound fiscal practices and planning, along with a description of past grant awards from Frisco, including the use of funds and/or services previously awarded. Expected outcomes include enhanced community well-being, increased cultural and recreational opportunities, a more inclusive community, and a stronger local economy. While specific measurable results are not explicitly detailed beyond "significant and positive impacts," the requirements suggest an emphasis on tangible contributions to the strategic objectives of the Town of Frisco. Cash requests for this grant may not exceed $5,000, with a total grant size ranging from $1,000 to $10,000.

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.

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment's (CPDHE) Office of Gun Violence Prevention (OGVP) has established a grant program to support community-based initiatives aimed at interrupting cycles of gun violence, trauma, and retaliation. This program aligns with the OGVP's mission to address disparities in communities at the highest risk by focusing on firearm suicide prevention and community violence intervention. The program targets communities and individuals most impacted by firearm homicides and suicides, including Black, Latino, Indigenous, and other People of Color communities; LGBTQIA+ communities; youth and young adults; veterans; middle-aged men; and isolated rural communities. The overarching impact goal is to reduce firearm-related harm and death, fostering safer and more resilient communities. The grant funding is structured around two primary paths. Path 1 focuses on the prevention of unintentional and intentional firearm-related harm through strategies like promoting safe storage, lethal means counseling, and educating the public on Extreme Risk Protection Orders. Path 2 is dedicated to Community Violence Intervention or Interruption, utilizing strategies such as Hospital-Based Violence Intervention Programs (HVIPs), Community-Based Intervention Programs (CVIPs) with "credible messenger" models, and Violence Interruption Programs that provide immediate responses to shootings and promote non-violence. Expected outcomes include a reduction in unauthorized firearm access, increased education on temporary out-of-home gun storage, decreased firearm suicides, and a decrease in community violence through intervention and interruption strategies. Measurable results will likely involve tracking participation in safe storage programs, knowledge of ERPOs, engagement in violence intervention programs, and ultimately, a reduction in firearm-related incidents and deaths in targeted communities. The OGVP's strategic priority is to address disparities in high-risk communities, and its theory of change posits that by investing in community-led initiatives focused on prevention and intervention, it can effectively break cycles of violence and trauma. Total available funding is approximately $500,000 each fiscal year, with up to 10 grant awards ranging from $50,000 to $100,000 per awardee. The initial funding period runs from July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2026, with a potential for renewal through 2027. Eligible applicants include Colorado-based community and grassroots nonprofit organizations, nonprofit educational institutions, nonprofit healthcare organizations, and nonprofit organizations serving reservations or Tribal land. The program particularly encourages applications from organizations advocating for or serving the identified priority communities.

This funding opportunity is designed for organizations within the Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Units Program to support natural resource management and conservation efforts at Edwards Air Force Base in California.

City of Centennial is accepting applications for the Broncos Youth Activity Grant Program, offering $900,000 in grant funding to support youth activity programs due to the sale of the Broncos Football Team. Organizations may apply for a maximum of $200,000 for capital projects and $100,000 for other initiatives. Projects must be completed within one year and applicants must demonstrate how the project benefits Centennial youth. Preference will be given to new projects that have not been previously considered, and discrimination-based groups or programs are not eligible for funding. Visit City of Centennial for more information.

The 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.