Colorado’s First Nonprofit Infrastructure Grant Program

Eight Regional Access Partners (RAPs) are collaborating with the Colorado Department of Local Affairs (DOLA) to select and administer the Nonprofit Infrastructure Grant in the state of Colorado. 

The Nonprofit Infrastructure (NPI) Grant has been created for small nonprofits, with annual budgets between $150,000 and $2,000,000, that can show they have been impacted or disproportionately impacted by COVID-19. 

Applying organizations or groups must have a track record of providing effective, culturally appropriate, and relevant programs and services to their communities who have historically been underrepresented, underserved, or under-resourced in Colorado. 

The governing bodies and staff of these organizations must consist of a majority of residents who live in the communities they serve, have a history of providing services in specific communities in the state, and have their main offices in one of the communities that they serve.

Attention – The application window for this grant opportunity has closed

The application period for the Nonprofit Infrastructure (NPI) Grant Program closed on August 31, 2023. Thank you to all the organizations that applied for funding. Applications are being reviewed by Regional Access Partners and funding notifications will be announced in mid-December 2023.

If you have any questions about the NPI program or other grant opportunities, please contact reach out to the Regional Access Partner assigned to the county where your main offices are located (see below for more information).

Program Timeline

July 5, 2023-August 31, 2023 – Application open

November 1, 2023 – Final award recommendation completed by RAPs and ready for review by DOLA

December 15, 2023 – January 15, 2024 – Provide notice to award to NPO, Execute Contracts, Issue first payment

December 30, 2024 – NPO Awards Deadline

December 30, 2026 – All funds must be spent

Using Grant Funds

Grant funds may be used toward things like:

• Strategic planning and organizational development
• Professional development for staff and board
• Data technology, data collection and/or technology infrastructure
• Marketing and communications
• Existing program expansion, development or evaluation

Grant funds cannot be used toward programming or capital improvements, including:

• Real estate or land acquisition
• Building construction, renovation or improvement
• Payment of debt
• Advocacy or lobbying
• Organizing
• Endowments or reserves 

Eligibility Requirements

The following organizations are eligible to apply for the NPI Grant:

Nonprofit Organization: A small community-based charitable or social welfare organization impacted or disproportionately by the Covid-19 public health emergency.

Fiscal Agent: A tax-exempt charitable organization or social welfare organization operating under a 501(c)(3) that has an arrangement with a small community-based nonprofit organization (NPO) that may or may not have its own tax-exempt status.

Fiscal Sponsor: A tax-exempt charitable or social welfare group operating under a 501(c)(3) that has an arrangement with small community-based groups (SCBG)  that are not registered NPOs.

Follow this chart to find out if your organization is eligible. Link to chart in English // Link to chart in Spanish

Applying organizations must also demonstrate that their services meet community-identified needs, including: Health Equity, Workforce Development, Community Economic Development, Early Childhood Care, Education Support, Housing, Food Justice, and Other community identified need

The NPI Grant Program will provide funding for infrastructure improvements that are intended to positively impact an organization’s operational structure. 

Find your Regional Access Partner here:

Regional Access Partners are assigned to counties around the state of Colorado. Based on where your organization headquarters are located, you will apply to the RAP assigned to your county.

Learn More About our Partnership With the Colorado Department of Local Affairs

The Colorado Department of Local Affairs (DOLA) is collaborating with eight organizations across the state to help select and administer the NPI Grant. Learn more about the NPI Grant Program and DOLA here: NPI Grant Program