Colorado Bar Foundation Grant

The Colorado Bar Foundation Grant supports nonprofits in Colorado by funding programs that improve legal services for the disadvantaged, promote law-related education, and enhance the administration of justice. With a 70-year history and over $2.5 million awarded, the Foundation emphasizes community needs and innovative projects. Organizations are encouraged to apply for specific program expenses, with a focus on clarity, financial stability, and the likelihood of success. Applications are accepted annually from March 1 to May 24.

NOTE: Grant applications will be accepted from March 1 through May 24 at 11:59 p.m. MDT. Applicants are highly encouraged to submit their completed applications early.
The Colorado Bar Foundation has been providing grants to Colorado nonprofits for 70 years. Since 1953 the Foundation has awarded more than $2.5 million in grants. Foundation grants support statewide, regional, or local projects with demonstrated community need. Established programs and new or innovative projects are encouraged to apply. We fund programs, projects, and organizations that:

• assist in the provision or improved delivery of legal services to the disadvantaged promote law-related education, and/or  improve the administration of justice
• The Evaluation Process and Criteria

Each year, the Board of Trustees meets to review applications to determine the current year’s awards. In particular, the Board of Trustees strives to identify a pool of grantees that are diverse in terms of geographical location, subject-matter emphasis, and need. To increase efficiency for Foundation applicants, the grant application has been streamlined to eliminate several requirements, especially within the financial portion of the application.
Please note that the Foundation prefers to fund specific program expenses rather than general operating funds. Exceptions are made for organizations whose missions strongly and wholly align with the three funding areas noted above. Additionally, in its grant-review process, the Foundation generally considers the availability of other grant funds when allocating grant resources. The size of each grant award is dependent upon the amount requested, the size of the organization, and the total grant funds available for the year. Small organizations and organizations located in rural areas of the state are encouraged to apply.
During its evaluation process, the Board of Trustees places specific emphasis on the following factors:
alignment with the three funding areas clarity of application and sufficiency of information provided financial stability of the organization or program financial needs of the organization or program community need and impact geographic impact ability and likelihood of success of the organization or program
Funding
In 2023, the Foundation awarded $305,475 to 70 grantees throughout Colorado with an average grant size of $4,364. We recommend that prospective grantees review the current Annual Report for detailed information on the average grant award size, funding priorities, and previous grantees. Please note that the Foundation Manager is unable to provide guidance on specific funding request amounts. We encourage applicants to apply for funds based upon the needs of their individual programming and the general range indicated in the Annual Report.

Ineligibility

Please note that the Colorado Bar Foundation will not provide funding for the following excluded activities: grant making organizations except COLTAF political campaigns or activities endowments, fundraising benefits or solicitations; programs that are wholly or significantly funded by government grants or funds organizations that have or will receive funding through the COLTAF bar-sponsored pro bono block grant for the current fiscal year (see below) non-501(c) (3) entities unless the entity is considered a related entity to the Colorado Bar Foundation as classified by the IRS. Charitable organizations without 501(c) (3) status are encouraged to apply using a fiscal sponsor. Please contact eakalin@cobar.org for guidance on fiscally sponsored applications. individual scholarships non-charitable programs and organizations, including law firms and other for-profit businesses