Colorado Grants for Nonprofits 2025: Local Funding Directory & Application Guide
Colorado nonprofits have access to hundreds of local and national foundations, state grant programs, and corporate giving initiatives. This comprehensive guide covers the top funding sources for Colorado organizations, application timelines, and strategies for winning local grants.
Quick Stats: Colorado Nonprofit Funding
- • 2,800+ foundations based in Colorado
- • $450+ million in annual foundation giving
- • Average grant size: $15,000 - $75,000
- • Top focus areas: Education, health, environment, arts
Search Colorado Foundations
Access our database of 2,800+ Colorado foundations with detailed profiles, giving history, application deadlines, and contact information. Filter by county, cause area, and grant size.
Top Colorado Foundations & Corporate Givers
Statewide Foundations
The Denver Foundation
Focus: Metro Denver community needs, equity, youth, environment
Grant Range: $10,000 - $150,000
Location: Metro Denver (7 counties)
Application: Competitive grants, multiple cycles annually
Website: denverfoundation.org
El Pomar Foundation
Focus: Health, human services, education, arts & humanities
Grant Range: $5,000 - $250,000
Location: Statewide (HQ Colorado Springs)
Application: Quarterly deadlines, LOI required
Website: elpomar.org
Gates Family Foundation
Focus: Education (early childhood & K-12), community
Grant Range: $25,000 - $500,000
Location: Colorado only
Application: By invitation, build relationships first
Website: gatesfamilyfoundation.org
Daniels Fund
Focus: Aging, disabilities, education, youth development
Grant Range: $50,000 - $1,000,000
Location: Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, Wyoming
Application: Invitation only, strategic focus areas
Website: danielsfund.org
Anschutz Family Foundation
Focus: Health, education, culture, community
Grant Range: $25,000 - $2,000,000
Location: Primarily Colorado & national
Application: Invitation-based for larger grants
Website: anschutzfamilyfoundation.org
Regional Community Foundations
Community Foundation of Boulder County
Service Area: Boulder County
Grant Focus: Education, environment, human services, arts
Typical Grants: $5,000 - $50,000
Website: commfound.org
Pikes Peak Community Foundation
Service Area: El Paso & Teller Counties
Grant Focus: Community needs, competitive grants
Typical Grants: $5,000 - $75,000
Website: ppcfoundation.org
Community Foundation of Northern Colorado
Service Area: Larimer County & surrounding areas
Grant Focus: Education, health, human services
Typical Grants: $5,000 - $40,000
Website: cfnoco.org
Western Colorado Community Foundation
Service Area: Mesa County & Western Slope
Grant Focus: Local community priorities
Typical Grants: $2,500 - $30,000
Website: wc-cf.org
Corporate Giving in Colorado
Xcel Energy Foundation
Focus: Education, community vitality, environment | Grants: $5,000 - $100,000
FirstBank of Colorado
Focus: Affordable housing, economic development, education | Grants: $5,000 - $50,000
Ball Corporation Foundation
Focus: Environment, disaster relief, community | Grants: $10,000 - $150,000
Arrow Electronics Foundation
Focus: Education (STEM), community development | Grants: $5,000 - $75,000
State of Colorado Grant Programs
State Agency Grants
Colorado Department of Human Services
Grants for social services, child welfare, homelessness prevention, and substance abuse programs. Typically $50,000 - $500,000.
Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment
Health equity, environmental health, chronic disease prevention grants. Range: $25,000 - $300,000.
Colorado Arts Council
Arts and culture grants for organizations statewide. Grants range from $2,500 - $50,000.
Colorado Department of Education
Education innovation, after-school programs, literacy grants. Range: $10,000 - $200,000.
Tips for Winning Colorado Grants
1. Emphasize Local Impact
Colorado funders prioritize organizations serving Colorado communities. Include specific data about the Colorado populations you serve, geographic reach within the state, and local partnerships.
2. Network Through Colorado Nonprofits Association
Join the Colorado Nonprofits Association (coloradononprofits.org) for training, networking events, and funder connections. Many foundations attend their convenings.
3. Start with Community Foundations
Regional community foundations are often more accessible for first-time applicants. Build relationships locally before pursuing larger statewide foundations.
4. Align with Colorado Priorities
Hot topics in Colorado philanthropy: outdoor recreation access, environmental conservation, education equity, affordable housing, rural community support, and behavioral health.
Track Colorado Grant Deadlines Automatically
Never miss a Colorado grant deadline. Expirely tracks 2,800+ Colorado foundations with automated deadline reminders via email and SMS. Filter by city, county, or cause area to find your best-fit opportunities.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the largest foundations in Colorado?
The largest Colorado foundations by assets are: Gates Family Foundation, El Pomar Foundation, Anschutz Family Foundation, Daniels Fund, and The Denver Foundation. Combined, they award over $200 million annually to Colorado nonprofits.
Can out-of-state nonprofits get Colorado grants?
Most Colorado foundations prioritize organizations based in Colorado or serving Colorado residents. However, national foundations with Colorado offices may fund out-of-state work. Focus on foundations with explicit national scope.
How competitive are Colorado foundation grants?
Competitiveness varies by foundation size and focus. Large foundations like Gates Family may have 10-20 applicants per award. Smaller community foundations and niche-focused foundations may have 3-5 applicants per award. Success rates range from 15-40%.
Does Colorado have state grants for nonprofits?
Yes. Multiple state agencies offer grants: Department of Human Services (social services), Department of Public Health & Environment (health), Department of Education (education programs), and Colorado Arts Council (arts/culture). Most range $25,000 - $500,000.