Funding & Technical Assistance

Anschutz Family Foundation
Deadline: January 15, 2021. The Anschutz Family Foundation supports nonprofit organizations in rural and urban regions of Colorado that assist people to help themselves while nurturing and preserving their self-respect. The Foundation encourages endeavors that strengthen families and communities and advance individuals to become productive and responsible citizens. There is a special interest in self-sufficiency, community development, and programs aimed at the economically disadvantaged, the young, seniors, and people with disabilities. Grants generally range between $5,000 and $10,000. Visit the Foundation's website to review the funding areas and application procedure.

Nursing Workforce Diversity Program
Deadline: January 19, 2021. More info here. Department of Health and Human Services. The Nursing Workforce Diversity Program seeks to increase nursing education opportunities for individuals who are from disadvantaged backgrounds, including racial and ethnic minorities underrepresented among registered nurses. The goal of the Program is to expand and support a nursing workforce that includes individuals who are from disadvantaged backgrounds and who are equipped with the tools to provide quality, culturally-aligned care to rural and underserved communities in need.

Program Rejuvenates Main Streets in Small Communities
Deadline: January 19, 2021. More info here. Department of Housing and Urban Development HOPE VI Main Street Grant Program offers support to small communities to assist in the renovation of a historic or traditional central business district, or "Main Street" area, by replacing unused, obsolete, commercial space in buildings with affordable housing units. The objectives of the Program are to redevelop central business districts, preserve historic or traditional Main Street area properties by replacing unused commercial space in buildings with affordable housing units, enhance economic development efforts in Main Street areas, and provide affordable housing in Main Street areas. 

State Trade Expansion Program Grants
Did you know that your business could be eligible for grants as high as $10,000? SBA’s State Trade Expansion Program (STEP) is here to help small businesses to export. Are you interested in taking advantage of e-Commerce to sell to customers overseas? The future is moving online faster than ever! Nearly 60% of the entire world’s population is on the Internet, and 95% of the world’s consumers are outside the United States. Now is the time for small businesses to develop an international e-commerce platform to reach international buyers. Learn how STEP provides companies like yours with grants to increase exports in this webinar on December 15.

PeopleForBikes Community Grant Program for Infrastructure and Advocacy Projects
Grants of up to $10,000 are provided for bicycle infrastructure projects and targeted advocacy initiatives that make it easier and safer for people of all ages and abilities to ride. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations with a focus on bicycling, active transportation, or community development; city or county agencies or departments. Letters of interest for the Spring 2021 grant cycle will be accepted from December 14, 2020, to January 22, 2021; full applications will be due April 9, 2021. Visit the PeopleForBikes website to review the grant guidelines for the Spring 2021 cycle.

Sky Ranch Foundation: Programs for At-Risk Youth Supported
The Sky Ranch Foundation supports nonprofit organizations throughout the United States that work with at-risk youth. Preference is given to organizations that 1) serve troubled youth between the ages of 11 to 18, with priority given to programs that focus on youth between the ages of 11 to 15; 2) focus on preventing youth involvement in the criminal justice system, or provide long-term rehabilitation in a residential or alternative setting; and 3) provide comprehensive support services to youth that may include education, job training, enrichment activities, counseling, and case management. Letters of inquiry must be submitted by January 31, 2021. Visit the Foundation's website for detailed funding guidelines.

Support for Public Lands Experiencing Increased Use due to COVID
Deadlines: Feb.1, April 1, June 1. The Restoration and Resilience COVID Recovery Fund, an initiative of the National Environmental Education Foundation, is providing grants to support public lands, including parks, nature areas, and other green spaces, that have been impacted by increased use during the COVID-19 pandemic. The focus is on supporting agencies and organizations responsible for maintaining public lands by distributing resources and mobilizing volunteers to help keep up with increased human presence in these delicate ecosystems. Nonprofit organizations and local governments, and educational institutions are eligible to apply.

Funding for Healthcare Delivery Improvements
Deadline: Jan. 15, 2021. The COPIC Medical Foundation supports nonprofit organizations that address healthcare issues in the United States. The goal of the Foundation is to be a catalyst in improving the quality of healthcare delivery by reducing adverse outcomes and supporting innovation. The Foundation provides grants for initiatives that improve patient safety and quality of care through education and training of healthcare professionals.

Film Festival Grants
Deadline: Jan. 15, 2021. The Academy Grants Program is currently accepting grant applications from nonprofit organizations in two areas: FilmWatch grants support curated screening programs at North America-based film festivals, film societies, and other film-related organizations. Targeted programs include those that create culturally diverse viewing experiences, promote motion pictures as an art form, provide a platform for underrepresented artists, and cultivate new and dedicated audiences for theatrical film.

Rural Business Development Grants
Deadline: February 26, 2021 – Applications are being accepted now. USDA-Rural Development. Technical Assistance grants can be used to assist a specific small business with 3rd party problem solving support to help overcome obstacles that may hinder their startup or growth. It can also be used to assist a group of businesses with professional instruction to address the business community’s needs.  This avenue could be used to hold classes for eligible businesses that provide recovery marketing or advertising ideas as these businesses recuperate. A complete application packet can be emailed to you upon request.

Grants Promote Fire Prevention and Control
Deadline: Dec. 31, 2020. The FM Global Fire Prevention Grant Program supports a wide array of fire prevention, preparedness, and control efforts throughout the U.S. Funded projects include pre-incident planning, fire and arson prevention and investigation, and fire prevention education and training programs. Fire departments as well as regional, local, and community organizations are eligible to apply. 

FEMA: Two Hazard Mitigation Grant Programs
Flood Mitigation Assistance Grant - These grants are used for projects that reduce or eliminate the risk of repetitive flood damage to buildings that are insured by the National Flood Insurance Program
Building Resilient Communities and Infrastructure Grant - BRIC will offer $500 million in grants to help support states, tribes, territories and communities throughout the nation as they design and begin new infrastructure projects – projects that will reduce future disaster recovery costs and help save lives. Both grant applications will be open from Sept. 30 - Jan. 21, 2021.


Training Opportunities & Events

Monthly Call for Those Working in the Events Industry
Do you work in the events industry? How has Covid affected you and your business? Curious about the future of events? Join the Northwest SBDC for monthly calls where event professionals and businesses in Colorado can discuss their experiences and share tools, resources, and strategies. Upcoming calls: Jan. 14. More information and sign up here. If you missed the first one, you can listen to it HERE.


Buy Local Toolkit

The Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade has developed a toolkit encouraging shoppers to buy locally. Everyone in Colorado is invited and encouraged to participate in the campaign. This toolkit is designed to help economic development partners and small businesses participate in the campaign. Access toolkit HERE. 


Northwest Colorado Council of Governments
Economic Development District | www.nwccog.org/edd