Colorado Workforce Development Grants

This funding program provides financial resources to Colorado local governments for law enforcement agencies to investigate and prosecute unlicensed marijuana operations and combat illicit cultivation and distribution.

This grant provides financial support to public K-12 schools in the contiguous United States to enhance existing Automotive and Engineering Career and Technical Education programs, improving hands-on learning and workforce readiness for students.

The Arts in Society Grant, funded by the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT), aims to leverage the arts to address civic and social challenges within Colorado communities. This program aligns with a broader mission of fostering community development and social justice through creative engagement, recognizing the arts as a powerful tool for societal change and problem-solving. The grant offers both financial and organizational support, indicating a commitment to not only fund projects but also to nurture the growth and impact of participating artists and organizations. The target beneficiaries for this grant are broad, encompassing Colorado artists, activists, nonprofit organizations, universities and schools, government agencies, human service groups, neighborhood organizations, and healthcare organizations. The program particularly encourages applications from individual artists and non-arts organizations, emphasizing inclusivity and a cross-sector approach. The impact goals are centered on empowering these diverse groups to collaborate on projects where artists, organizations, and a target community work together to address specific social issues, ultimately leading to positive community transformation. The program's priorities and focuses include fostering collaboration, building support networks, and illustrating the impact of arts in cross-sector projects. Grantees are expected to attend learning community meetings to build support and share resources, underscoring a strategic priority of community building and knowledge exchange among participants. Another key focus is the promotion of grantee work through various marketing channels, highlighting the program's commitment to showcasing successful initiatives and advocating for the value of arts in society. Expected outcomes and measurable results include the successful completion of projects within 24 months, with an emphasis on projects that demonstrably engage a social issue and involve collaborative efforts. The mini-documentary highlighting grantee work and participation in evaluation processes are crucial mechanisms for measuring and illustrating the impacts of the arts in these cross-sector endeavors. This suggests a strategic priority of OEDIT to document and disseminate the effectiveness of arts-based solutions to civic and social challenges, thereby validating and expanding the theory of change that art can be a catalyst for tangible societal improvement.

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 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 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 haley.vancamp@gjcity.org or 970-254-3876. More details, including the required final report form, can be found on the Commission’s website.

This program connects local governments in Colorado with high school, undergraduate, and graduate students to provide paid internships and fellowships that foster future leaders in public service and enhance administrative capacity in rural areas.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to local governments, conservation districts, non-profits, and organized private entities in Colorado for the management and eradication of noxious weeds.

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 funding opportunity provides financial support to employers and apprenticeship sponsors in Colorado to develop or expand Registered Apprenticeship Programs, promoting a skilled and diverse workforce.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to organizations that assist migrant and seasonal farmworkers with employment services, training, and housing solutions.

This funding opportunity provides financial support for individuals or organizations that create educational programs aimed at improving safety for workers and the public during excavation activities in Colorado.

The Town of Olathe has received a Rural Economic Development Initiative (REDI) grant from the Department of Local Affairs (DOLA), aimed at revitalizing its Main Street and supporting local retail businesses. This grant directly aligns with a mission to foster economic development and community prosperity in rural areas by providing financial assistance for critical business improvements. The program’s focus on storefront enhancements and accessibility modifications is designed to create a more vibrant and economically robust town center, ultimately benefiting the entire community. The target beneficiaries for this grant are businesses located in the 200 and 300 blocks of Olathe’s Main Street, as well as retail businesses along Highway 50 Business Loop. The primary impact goal is to stimulate local commerce, attract more customers, and enhance the overall aesthetic appeal and functionality of the town’s commercial core. By supporting these businesses, the grant intends to create a more attractive and accessible environment for residents and visitors alike, fostering sustained economic growth. The grant prioritizes a range of physical improvements, including awning repair or replacement, new or updated business signs, and comprehensive façade improvements such as storefront repairs, window replacement, and the rehabilitation of historic architectural features. Additionally, modifications to improve business accessibility are a key focus, ensuring that the revitalized spaces are inclusive for all patrons. The grant explicitly excludes roof and foundation work, directing funds toward highly visible and impactful street-level enhancements. Expected outcomes of the REDI grant include increased foot traffic and sales for participating businesses, a significant improvement in the visual appeal of Main Street and the Highway 50 Business Loop, and a strengthened local economy. Measurable results will likely involve tracking the number of businesses that undergo improvements, the types of improvements made, and potentially, local sales tax revenue increases or new business establishments in the targeted areas. The strategic priority is to leverage this funding to create a ripple effect, encouraging further private investment and community engagement in Olathe’s ongoing revitalization efforts.

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.

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.

This program provides funding for Colorado businesses to train new and existing employees, enhancing their skills and productivity while supporting workforce development.

This grant provides financial support to local attractions, organizations, and agencies in Colorado Springs to promote tourism and stimulate economic growth through events and projects aligned with key tourism impact areas.

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 grant provides funding to support projects that boost economic development, promote tourism, and enhance cultural arts programs in Brighton, encouraging community engagement and attracting visitors.