Colorado Local Grants

We are so excited to be offering the Applefest Business Grant again this year! There are some amazing opportunities for businesses to capitalize on funding for those projects that can boost your business! This is a first come first serve grant program. All applications are reviewed by a committee and grant workshops will be held to assist those who need help filling out the application or who have questions about qualifying purchases. All grants are due by noon on Friday, November 1. Late applications will not be accepted. Since this is a rolling grant, once the funding had been dispensed, the grant program will close; even if it is before November 1.

The City of Lafayette, through its Historic Preservation Board (HPB), offers competitive grants aimed at the direct support and preservation of older buildings within Lafayette city limits. These grants are designed to maintain and enhance the historic character of the community, aligning with the broader mission of preserving local heritage and extending the lifespan of significant structures. The program underscores a commitment to fostering a sense of place and historical continuity for current and future residents. Target beneficiaries for this grant program are owners of commercial buildings, houses, churches, outbuildings, and barns that are 50 years old or older and located within Lafayette city limits. The impact goals are to encourage the restoration, repair, and overall improvement of these historic structures. Expected outcomes include the physical preservation of architectural heritage, improved structural integrity of older buildings, and the continued use of historic materials or the use of identical/similar materials when original ones are not feasible. The program prioritizes projects that extend the life of the building, enhance its historic character, and, where possible, involve Lafayette-based businesses or DIY efforts. Projects that remove non-historic features to expose original ones are also encouraged. Urgency of need is a significant factor in assessment, alongside the longevity impact of the project and the appearance achieved through the use of historic materials. Research on the property's history is also encouraged, drawing on local historical resources. Eligible improvements include structural repairs (like foundation work), restoration of original windows and doors, roof repair/replacement, gutter installation, masonry cleaning and restoration, and the reconstruction of original architectural details. Painting is also eligible, with an emphasis on determining original colors. Measurable results include the number of buildings preserved, the extent of historic materials retained or accurately replicated, and the overall improvement in the condition and historic authenticity of funded projects. The underlying theory of change is that by providing financial incentives and clear guidelines, the City of Lafayette can empower property owners to take an active role in preserving the city's unique historical fabric, contributing to community pride and economic vitality.

The Western Colorado Community Foundation's 2024 Community Grants, themed "Youth Outside and Offline," is designed to foster healthy development in young people by encouraging outdoor activities and promoting responsible technology use. This initiative aligns with the foundation's broader mission to support nonprofits and strengthen communities across its seven-county service area in Western Colorado by addressing critical community needs through targeted funding. The program primarily targets youth participating in after-school and out-of-school programs within Delta, Eagle, Garfield, Mesa, Montrose, Ouray, and Rio Blanco Counties. The core impact goals are to get youth engaged in outdoor activities, teach healthy ways to use technology, reduce screen time, and ensure safe engagement with social media. This focus aims to counteract the potential negative effects of excessive screen time and encourage a balanced lifestyle for young individuals. The grant prioritizes programs that actively get youth outside, offering a variety of activities that promote physical activity and connection with nature. Simultaneously, a significant focus is placed on educating youth about responsible technology use, including strategies to reduce screen time and navigate social media safely. These dual priorities reflect a comprehensive approach to youth well-being in the digital age. Expected outcomes include an increase in youth participation in outdoor activities, improved understanding and adoption of healthy technology habits, and a measurable reduction in recreational screen time. Successful programs will also demonstrate an enhancement in youth's ability to engage with social media responsibly. The foundation's strategic priority through this theme is to invest in programs that build resilient, healthy communities by supporting the positive development of its youngest members, embodying a theory of change that posits that a balanced and informed approach to technology, combined with outdoor engagement, leads to healthier and more engaged youth. The Western Colorado Community Foundation awards approximately $100,000 annually in community grants, with individual grant sizes ranging from $10,000 to $100,000. Eligible applicants must be registered 501(c)(3) organizations or other qualified charitable entities, such as schools, churches, or government entities, serving the specified counties and registered in good standing with the Colorado Secretary of State. This structured approach ensures that funding reaches credible organizations capable of delivering meaningful impact.

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.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to local organizations and communities in Boulder County to implement innovative projects that promote resource conservation and advance circular economy practices, ultimately helping to combat climate change.

This funding initiative provides financial support and mentorship for young people in Aspen to develop and implement community-based environmental and climate action projects.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to organizations in Pagosa Springs that offer early childcare and education services, with a focus on expanding access for local families and underserved populations.

This funding opportunity provides financial support for teachers at Title 1 schools in Boulder to take their students on cultural field trips, enhancing their exposure to the arts and creative careers.

This program provides financial support for community-led projects in Larimer County that aim to reduce disaster risks and enhance resilience against hazards.

This program provides financial support and strategic development resources to community-based organizations in Adams County, Colorado, to enhance their resilience and capacity to serve local residents.

This funding initiative provides financial support to non-profit organizations in Colorado that enhance the health and wellness of residents in Wheat Ridge, ensuring they do not receive other city funding.

This program provides funding for residents to create physical improvement projects that enhance public spaces in their neighborhoods, such as community gardens and park upgrades, on publicly owned property.

This funding initiative provides flexible financial support to cultural organizations in Boulder, enabling them to cover essential operational costs and enhance their community impact.

This funding program provides financial support to nonprofit organizations in Castle Rock, Colorado, for community projects that enhance quality of life, particularly for youth, seniors, and the arts.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations and projects in Golden that promote arts, culture, science, and technology, fostering community enrichment and innovation.

This funding initiative provides financial support to nonprofit organizations, community groups, and microbusinesses in designated neighborhoods of Denver to foster community building, economic mobility, and local engagement through various projects and events.

This funding opportunity provides financial support for local nonprofits, businesses, and government entities in unincorporated Eagle County and Gypsum to enhance their marketing efforts aimed at boosting tourism and cultural engagement.

This grant provides funding to community organizations and individuals in Fort Collins for projects that enhance natural spaces, improve wildlife habitats, and promote environmental stewardship in neighborhoods.

This program provides funding to nonprofit organizations in Colorado that deliver impactful services and programs benefiting the Mountain Village community, focusing on areas like health, education, arts, and environmental stewardship.

This funding program provides financial support to nonprofit organizations and county human services agencies in Colorado to assist individuals with disabilities in accessing essential benefits like SSI, SSDI, and Medicaid.