Colorado Private Grants

This grant provides financial support to LGBTQ+-owned and allied restaurants, cafes, and bars to help them thrive and recover in their communities.

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.

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 grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations in Custer County, Colorado, to support community-building projects and events that promote artistic expression across various disciplines.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to nonprofits and community projects in Montrose County, Colorado, that enhance local services and quality of life, particularly for underserved populations.

The Community Grants program, offered by the Community Foundation of Northern Colorado, invites applications from eligible entities for projects across all counties. This program aligns with the Foundation's mission to support charitable initiatives within the community by providing financial assistance to organizations that are in good standing with the IRS, including 501c(3) charitable entities, educational institutions, churches, and government entities. The grants typically range from $2,500 to $5,000, with a broader size of $1,000 to $10,000 also mentioned, suggesting a flexible approach to funding based on project scope and need. The target beneficiaries for these grants are diverse groups and communities served by eligible organizations. The program aims to achieve significant impact by addressing various community needs as identified by local Community Fund Committees. While some areas like Berthoud have no additional priorities, Estes Valley focuses on Food Security and Music & Arts, Fort Collins prioritizes Water and Workforce, and Loveland emphasizes Community Engagement. These specific priorities indicate the Foundation's strategic approach to addressing localized challenges and fostering community well-being, aiming for measurable results in these key areas. The Foundation's strategic priorities are evident in its focus on supporting established charitable entities and its encouragement of fiscal sponsorship for groups that do not meet the direct eligibility criteria. This demonstrates a commitment to broad community impact while maintaining fiscal responsibility. The theory of change appears to be centered on empowering local organizations to implement projects that directly address identified community needs, thereby creating positive and sustainable change. The expectation is that funded projects will lead to improved food security, enhanced cultural experiences, better water resource management, stronger workforces, and increased community participation, all contributing to a more vibrant Northern Colorado. The Community Grants program is designed to generate expected outcomes such as increased access to essential services, enrichment of local culture, development of critical community infrastructure, and strengthening of civic engagement. While specific measurable results are not explicitly detailed in terms of metrics, the outlined priorities suggest that successful projects would demonstrate tangible improvements in the respective focus areas. For instance, a food security grant would aim for increased access to nutritious food, and a workforce grant would aim for improved job readiness or employment rates. The Foundation's emphasis on eligibility and its clear delineation of what it typically does not fund further refine its strategic priorities, ensuring resources are directed towards impactful charitable work rather than individual ventures, political campaigns, or debt retirement.

The Wanser Fund, supported by The Denver Foundation, is a grant program designed to fund organizations actively working in animal health. This initiative aligns with the foundation's broader mission to support vital community needs, specifically focusing on the well-being of animals within the Denver Metro area. The program seeks to foster a healthier environment for animals by providing financial resources to qualifying nonprofits. The primary beneficiaries of the Wanser Fund are organizations dedicated to animal health in specific Colorado counties: Adams, Arapahoe, Broomfield, Clear Creek, Denver, Douglas, Gilpin, and Jefferson. The impact goal is to strengthen the capacity of these organizations to deliver effective programs and activities that directly improve animal health outcomes. This includes supporting direct care, advocacy, and other services that benefit animal welfare. The Wanser Fund's priorities are clear: funding programs and activities that focus on animal health. This means that organizations applying for grants must demonstrate a direct connection between their work and the mission of the Wanser Fund, ensuring that all supported initiatives contribute to the overall well-being of animals. The grant amounts, ranging from $5,000 to $7,000, are intended to support impactful projects within this specific funding area. Expected outcomes include enhanced animal health services, increased organizational capacity for animal welfare groups, and a general improvement in the health and living conditions of animals in the Denver Metro area. While specific measurable results are not detailed in the provided information, the focus on "programs and activities for organizations active in animal health" implies a commitment to tangible improvements in this field. The foundation's strategic priority, as evidenced by this fund, is to invest in community-based solutions that address specific needs, with a clear theory of change that by supporting dedicated organizations, positive and lasting change in animal health can be achieved.

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 funding opportunity supports nonprofit organizations that provide stable housing and empower low- and moderate-income communities, focusing on vulnerable populations such as working families, youth, seniors, and veterans.

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.

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.

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.