Higher Education Funding from BOKF Foundation
Colorado higher education nonprofits and institutions can access funding through BOKF Foundation to support basic education, higher education initiatives, and related community programs. Organizations in BOK Financial’s Colorado service counties working on education, economic development, basic needs, or health and safety may be eligible for charitable contributions accepted year-round online.
BOKF Foundation
Community Development Funding from US Bancorp Foundation
501(c)(3) nonprofits advancing economic and workforce development, affordable housing, or community arts and culture in Colorado can apply for US Bancorp Foundation’s Community Possible Grant Program. Organizations based in and serving U.S. Bank communities, especially those led by people of color and addressing multiple pillars of work, home, and play, may be competitive.
US Bancorp Foundation
William Randolph Hearst Foundation Support for Culture
U.S. 501(c)(3) cultural institutions with audited expenses over $2 million can seek funding for arts and science programs that engage broad audiences, especially youth, and demonstrate lasting impact. William Randolph Hearst Foundation supports program, capital, and limited general or endowment needs, which may benefit Colorado higher education institutions with strong arts education or STEAM initiatives.
William Randolph Hearst Foundation
Colorado Education Funding via Sidney Stern Memorial Trust
Colorado higher education and other 501(c)(3) educational, scientific, medical, and charitable organizations can apply for support to advance programs serving U.S. communities. With a mission to back broad-impact service organizations, Sidney Stern Memorial Trust provides funding that must be used within the U.S. and supports soundly managed initiatives benefiting the general welfare.
Sidney Stern Memorial Trust
History Colorado Grants for Colorado Archaeology
Colorado public entities and eligible nonprofits can seek funding to conduct archaeological assessments that support higher education research and preservation efforts. Grants from History Colorado help Colorado post-secondary institutions and partners document known sites, survey areas with archaeological potential, and test research methodologies, with awards up to US $20,000 for initial data collection and analysis.
History Colorado
History Colorado Emergency Preservation Grants in Colorado
Colorado public entities and eligible nonprofits needing immediate stabilization of historic buildings or sites after sudden disasters can access funding through History Colorado’s State Historical Fund emergency grants. Awards up to US $15,000 support temporary stabilization following events like fire, flood, hail, tornadoes, or vehicle crashes, which may include damage affecting higher education facilities.
History Colorado
Historic Preservation Funding from History Colorado
Public entities and tax-exempt nonprofits in Colorado can receive funding to prepare professional Historic Structure Assessment reports on eligible historic buildings or structures. Grants from History Colorado help Colorado higher education and other institutions document physical conditions, using licensed architects or structural engineers, to guide future restoration, maintenance, and potential applications for larger State Historical Fund competitive grants.
History Colorado
History Colorado Grants for Colorado Preservation
Colorado public entities and eligible nonprofits can access funding for small historic preservation projects, including internships, workshops, conferences, investigations, and small physical projects, with awards up to Up to US $10,000. Grants from History Colorado help Colorado higher education and other organizations undertake grassroots preservation efforts on a more flexible timeline than competitive grants.
History Colorado
Colorado Historic Preservation Planning Funding via History Colorado
Colorado public entities and eligible nonprofits planning historic preservation projects can receive up to US $20,000 for professional planning documents, such as construction documents, design plans, investigations, cost estimates, and master plans. With a mission to preserve state history, History Colorado provides Colorado higher education and other institutions with support to prepare for future physical preservation work.
History Colorado
Dakota Foundation Grants for Colorado Workforce Programs
Colorado higher education and workforce-focused nonprofits can seek funding to expand job training, entrepreneurship, and employment programs that build economic self-sufficiency. With a mission to foster sustainable, high-impact economic opportunity, Dakota Foundation provides program-related investments and limited grants for scalable, collaborative initiatives that empower people to improve their economic condition and employment prospects.
Dakota Foundation Dtd 122997
Denver Children's Foundation Youth Grants in Colorado
Applications due Jul 31, 2026
Nonprofit organizations serving at-risk and disadvantaged children in Colorado with education, health, advocacy, or enrichment programs can seek funding to improve youth outcomes. Denver Children's Foundation supports efforts such as educational access, college and career preparation, children’s mental and physical health, child welfare services, and mentoring that help break cycles of poverty and expand opportunities.
Denver Children's Foundation
Denver Broncos Charities Support for Colorado Youth
Applications due Aug 15, 2026
Colorado 501(c)(3) nonprofits and government-equivalent organizations serving youth ages 5–24 can receive funding for specific programs in health and wellness, youth and high school football, in and out of school enrichment, and career pathways. Denver Broncos Charities provides these grants to Colorado organizations, which may include higher education programs serving youth within this age range.
Denver Broncos Charities
Kerr Foundation Support for Colorado Education
Full proposal due Aug 15, 2026
Colorado 501(c)(3) colleges, universities, and other educational institutions can apply for Kerr Foundation grants to support higher education programs, capital projects, or operating needs. Funding also extends to related health, arts and culture, and human services initiatives, with Oklahoma organizations prioritized but Colorado applicants explicitly eligible.
The Kerr Foundation Inc
Women’s Foundation Support for Colorado Equity
Full proposal due Aug 21, 2026
Colorado higher education initiatives and 501(c)(3) organizations led by women, girls, or nonbinary people of color can access funding through the Women’s Foundation of Colorado’s Women & Girls of Color Fund; awards US $10,000 - US $60,000 in unrestricted support. Eligible projects include campus-based programs and community efforts advancing economic security, healing, justice, and liberatory leadership for women and girls of color.
The Women's Foundation of Colorado
Ent Credit Union Support for Colorado Education
Applications due Aug 26, 2026
Colorado 501(c)(3) nonprofits working in youth, education, or community enrichment can apply for Ent Credit Union’s Community Advocacy funding to support programs, including scholarships at Colorado-based colleges and community colleges. Organizations located in or serving Ent’s chartered Front Range counties may be eligible for higher education-related initiatives.
Ent Credit Union
Creative West Support for Western Performing Arts
Applications due Sep 16, 2026
Nonprofit presenters, higher education institutions, tribal governments, and public agencies in Colorado and the broader Creative West region can receive US $2,000 - US $3,000 to present touring performers and literary artists. Focused on performing arts access in underserved communities, Creative West funds artist fees, travel, facilities, outreach, and related administrative costs for regional touring projects.
Creative West
Education Storytelling Funding from Couch Foundation
Applications due Sep 25, 2026
Colorado 501(c)(3) nonprofits and aligned for-profit organizations working in education, preservation, or wellness can seek the J.W. Couch Foundation Storytelling Grant to share their impact through compelling narratives. This U.S.-wide opportunity awards more than US $50,000 to help higher education and related programs communicate transformational work in their communities.
Jesse W Couch Charitable Foundation
Rural Microenterprise Funding from USDA
Applications due Oct 1, 2026
Nonprofits, federally recognized tribes, and institutions of higher education in Colorado can apply for USDA’s Rural Microentrepreneur Assistance Program, with awards up to US $500,000 for rural microloan revolving funds and technical assistance. Eligible organizations support rural businesses with 10 or fewer employees through loans and training for startup, growth, and related expenses.
United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)
Shooting Range Improvements Funding from Colorado Parks & Wildlife
Applications due Oct 24, 2026
Colorado shooting ranges and local government or parks agencies that host hunter education, public sight-in days, and youth shooting sports can access funding through Colorado Parks & Wildlife for facility improvements. Grants of US $500 - US $5,000 support substantial upgrades that expand public access and education, which may benefit higher education programs using range facilities.
Colorado Parks & Wildlife
Lawrence Foundation Grants for Colorado Education
Applications due Nov 1, 2026
Colorado higher education institutions and 501(c)(3) nonprofits can access funding for environmental, human services, and related programs through the Lawrence Foundation, with typical awards of US $5,000 - US $10,000. Eligible colleges, universities, and supporting organizations may request unrestricted operating or program/project support if their work fits the foundation’s priorities.
Lawrence Foundation
Community Vitality Funding from Ameriprise Financial
Applications due Jan 15, 2027
U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofits serving Colorado communities with basic needs, community development, or volunteer-driven programs can apply for Ameriprise Financial’s Community Grants to support programmatic work. Organizations must match one of Ameriprise’s three focus areas, demonstrate measurable outcomes and financial stability, and may be especially competitive if they engage Ameriprise volunteers or operate near priority employee centers.
Ameriprise Financial
Women’s Foundation of Colorado Grants for Higher Education
Applications due Feb 19, 2027
Focused on higher education and economic mobility, The Women’s Foundation of Colorado invites Colorado 501(c)(3)s, educational institutions, and public entities to apply for the Women and Girls of Color Fund: Rural Cycle, awarding US $10,000 - US $20,000. Rural, women-of-color-led programs that advance economic security for women, girls, and nonbinary people of color may be eligible.
The Women's Foundation of Colorado
Colorado Office Grants for Colorado Folk Arts
Applications due Apr 14, 2027
With a mission to strengthen higher education and cultural life, Colorado Office of Economic Development & International Trade provides Colorado colleges, universities, and other post-secondary institutions with Folk and Traditional Arts Project Grants. Eligible institutions, nonprofits, and tribal or government entities can receive US $3,000 for creating, presenting, teaching, or documenting folk and traditional arts that engage their communities.
Colorado Office of Economic Development & International Trade
Colorado Higher Education Funding via Colorado Housing and Finance Authority
Applications due May 1, 2027
Colorado nonprofits, public housing authorities, and local governments supporting affordable housing, economic development, food access, or education can apply for Colorado Housing and Finance Authority’s Direct Effect Awards. Focused on strengthening low- and moderate-income Coloradans, this program offers US $5,000 - US $50,000 for general operations and programs, which may include higher education access and achievement initiatives.
Colorado Housing And Finance Authority
Chick Fil A Foundation Grants for Education
Applications due May 1, 2027
Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations running youth education, community, food security, or environmental programs in Colorado and other eligible regions can seek project funding. Chick Fil A Foundation supports initiatives that build academic excellence, leadership, housing stability, and food access for underserved young people, with awards ranging from US $30,000 - US $350,000.
Chick Fil A Foundation Inc
Colorado Rural Development Funding via USDA
Applications due Jun 15, 2027
Rural public entities and nonprofit institutions of higher education in Colorado can use these grants to provide technical assistance and training for small rural businesses. Focused on rural economic and workforce development, USDA Rural Development supports projects like business counseling, facilities and equipment, revolving loan funds, distance adult learning, and rural business incubators that may benefit higher education initiatives.
USDA: Rural Development (RD)
Freeport-McMoRan Foundation Grants for Colorado Education
Applications due Jun 26, 2027
Freeport-McMoRan Foundation provides Colorado higher education and community-focused nonprofits and public agencies with funding up to US $20,000 for programs in education, workforce development, economic opportunity, and organizational capacity. Eligible projects must benefit residents in Lake, Summit, Chaffee, Eagle, Grand, or Clear Creek Counties and address identified community needs or priorities.
Freeport-Mcmoran Copper & Gold Foundation