Colorado Grants

The Historic Preservation Board’s Building Restoration Grant, offered by the City of Lafayette, Colorado, provides crucial financial support for the repair and restoration of buildings aged 50 years or older. This initiative aligns with the foundation's mission to preserve and celebrate Lafayette's historical architectural heritage, ensuring the longevity and aesthetic appeal of its older structures. The grant program directly supports the strategic priority of maintaining the city's unique historical character and promoting community pride in its past. The primary beneficiaries of this grant are owners of commercial buildings, houses, churches, and outbuildings within Lafayette city limits that are at least 50 years old. The program aims to encourage the preservation of these structures, with impact goals centered on preventing deterioration, enhancing historical aesthetics, and extending the lifespan of these significant buildings. By supporting both structural and cosmetic projects, the grant ensures a comprehensive approach to historical preservation. The grant prioritizes projects that demonstrate longevity, focusing on repairs that will significantly extend the building's lifespan. It also emphasizes appearance, encouraging the use of historic materials where applicable to maintain architectural integrity. Furthermore, the program encourages the use of Lafayette-based contractors or DIY efforts, fostering local economic activity and community engagement. Urgency of need is also a key consideration, along with thorough research on the property's history, which aligns with a broader theory of change that sees informed preservation efforts leading to more impactful and sustainable outcomes. Expected outcomes include a visible improvement in the condition and historical accuracy of older buildings throughout Lafayette. Measurable results will be assessed through the number of successful restoration projects completed, the extent of structural and cosmetic improvements, and the documented use of historical materials. The grant, offering between $1,000 and $10,000, with grants up to $3,000 to support preservation, aims to contribute to a vibrant historical landscape, reinforcing the city's strategic priority of cultural preservation and enriching the lives of its residents.

This grant provides financial support to residents, Home Owner Associations, and community organizations in Centennial to host inclusive neighborhood events that foster community engagement and social cohesion.

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 financial assistance to young people and families facing challenges related to education, poverty, housing, gender, and health, enabling them to access essential resources and support.

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 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.

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 2024 Bloomington Arts Commission (BAC) Operations Grant is designed to support 501(c)3 nonprofit arts organizations based in Bloomington, Indiana. This grant aligns with BAC's mission to foster a vibrant arts community by providing essential operational funding. The grant's primary objective is to ensure the fiscal soundness and organizational capacity of arts organizations that demonstrate a clear mission and planning to achieve it. Funding can be utilized for various organizational costs, including overhead, staff salaries, and programmatic expenses, reflecting a commitment to the holistic health of the arts sector. The target beneficiaries are nonprofit arts organizations with a primary mission centered around arts, located in Bloomington, Indiana. These organizations must possess a 501(c)(3) designation from the IRS and have an annual operating budget not exceeding $500,000. The grant aims to empower these organizations to address community needs, engage in larger community dialogues, and connect with diverse communities within Bloomington. The expected outcome is a more robust and inclusive arts landscape within the city, with organizations that are fiscally stable and actively contributing to the cultural fabric. The grant prioritizes organizational capacity, community impact, and equity and inclusion. Evaluation criteria specifically assess whether an organization demonstrates a clear mission and planning, is fiscally sound, and has committed staff or volunteers. For community impact, the focus is on whether the organization addresses a community need, engages in broader community dialogues, and reaches out to various communities in Bloomington. Furthermore, a strong emphasis is placed on an organization's actionable steps to increase equity and inclusion, ensuring that the grant supports a diverse and accessible arts environment. Measurable results include an increase in the number of financially stable arts organizations, enhanced community engagement through arts programming, and demonstrable progress in equity and inclusion initiatives within recipient organizations. While specific financial outcomes are tied to up to 5% of an organization's operating budget (not exceeding $5000), the broader impact is seen in the sustained operation and growth of Bloomington's arts sector. The BAC's strategic priority is to cultivate a thriving arts ecosystem through direct financial support and by encouraging responsible organizational practices and meaningful community engagement.

This funding opportunity supports nonprofit organizations in the Western United States that implement high-impact, sustainable programs benefiting their communities.

The US Geological Survey is offering a funding opportunity to a CESU partner for research on pollinators of northern Arizona throughout semi-arid grasslands that are utilized by bison. This research will be primarily comprised of field-based data collection prior to analyses of quantified biological data. The goal of this research is to examine pollinator communities, resources, and habitat quality in relation to areas of varying bison densities. Previous grazing exclusion experiments in this ecosystem revealed grazing-induced ecological changes that lead to altered grassland structure (i.e., plant species composition) and function (i.e., plant production, nutrient dynamics) (Musto 2023). However, no information has been collected on whether (and how) bison-induced changes to plant communities may affect the pollinator communities that utilize flowing plants as food resources and habitat.

This funding opportunity supports nonprofit and governmental organizations in Colorado that are involved in horticulture-related projects, providing financial assistance for capital improvements, matching grants, and program support.

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

The Caring for Denver Foundation is offering the "Alternatives to Jail" grant, aligning with its mission to address mental health and substance misuse conditions, particularly in relation to the criminal legal system. This initiative seeks to prevent unnecessary interactions with law enforcement, provide support within jail or prison systems, and offer culturally responsive community-based services for those impacted by the criminal legal system. The program is a direct manifestation of the Foundation's strategic priorities, aiming to foster a healthier and more supportive environment for Denver residents by reducing the reliance on incarceration for individuals with these conditions. The grant targets Denver residents, including those physically residing full-time in the city, individuals experiencing homelessness within the city, minors in the custody of Denver Human Services, minors in the primary legal and residency custody of a City resident, and non-City residents placed in mental health/substance abuse programs within a City Jail. The overarching impact goal is to improve mental health and substance misuse outcomes, reduce criminal legal system involvement for these populations, and enhance access to appropriate care and support. The foundation seeks to achieve measurable results through projects that demonstrate improved access to care, increased feelings of understanding and respect in care settings, and smoother transitions between care phases, ultimately leading to greater stability and reduced recidivism. The Foundation prioritizes projects that address Denver's mental health and substance misuse challenges across three key areas: Inclusive Access, Attention to Fit, and Care Over Time. Inclusive Access focuses on making care and support accessible in ways that are convenient, comfortable, and tailored to individual schedules, promoting participation and skill-building. Attention to Fit emphasizes culturally designed and matched care options, ensuring individuals feel understood and respected, and also supports the mental health of care providers. Care Over Time aims to improve care transitions, minimize disruptions, and increase stability, especially during critical periods like re-entry into the community from the criminal legal system. These focus areas reflect the Foundation's theory of change, which posits that by improving access, cultural relevance, and continuity of care, individuals will experience better outcomes and reduced entanglement with the criminal legal system. The total funding available for this grant area is $14.4 million, with a minimum of $4.8 million allocated to City and County of Denver agencies. Applicants, including 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations (or those fiscally sponsored by one), Indian or Native American entities, and government-supported entities, are encouraged to consider the total available amount when making their requests. The Foundation will evaluate grant budgets for reasonableness and consider prior grant history in allocation decisions. By strategically distributing these funds to eligible organizations and agencies, the Caring for Denver Foundation expects to see a significant positive impact on mental health and substance misuse challenges within the Denver community, contributing to a more equitable and supportive environment for all residents.

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 for unique projects that improve the quality of life for seniors and youth in Steamboat Springs and Routt County, Colorado.

The Rotary Club of Steamboat Springs offers an annual Community Impact Grant of $15,000 to a local non-profit organization in Routt County. The grant aims to create lasting, measurable impact on the community, particularly for projects benefiting youth and seniors, although it is not limited to these groups. Applications that serve the entire community are also considered. Grant renewed every year. Grant Annual deadline: May 1st

The U.S. Geological Survey Southwest Biological Science Center (SBSC) is offering a funding opportunity to a CESU partner for research to help build a program to (1) increase the understanding of how new soil and vegetation mapping products can improve land management decisions on western lands, (2) improve land-potential based decision tools, including state-and-transition models, and (3) increase the understanding of how drought and herbivory impact western lands. These are currently significant scientific challenges for management of large western landscapes in the face of climate change, drought, wildfire, and ongoing and changing land uses.

The "2024 Fall Advancing Advocacy and Justice with Communities of Color" grant aims to financially support advocacy organizations led by or focused on people of color, with the goal of promoting health equity, influencing policy, and advancing racial and economic justice in their communities.

This funding opportunity provides financial support for short-term advocacy projects that aim to improve health equity for low-income Coloradans by addressing issues like access to healthcare, mental health resources, and affordable housing.

This funding opportunity provides financial support for community-based programs that help individuals facing mental health and substance use challenges, particularly those from marginalized backgrounds, access culturally relevant recovery services.