Nonprofit Resource Center

Return to Foundations and Nonprofits Databases by Topic

The Nonprofit Resource Center is located on Floor 3 of the Central Library. Whether you’re just starting your nonprofit or would like to enhance an existing one, we offer a wealth of resources including books, periodicals and databases. In addition, the Denver Public Library is a Funding Information Network of Candid.  Funding Information Networks are free information centers that provide a core collection of Candid materials and a variety of supplemental resources in areas useful to grant seekers.

Databases

Colorado Grants Guide Online

Search the most comprehensive database of funders that support Colorado-based organizations.  Video Tutorial

Available with a Denver Public Library Card.

Foundation Directory Online from Candid

Keep your nonprofit operating at peak effectiveness with Candid's searchable database of expanded, in-depth profiles of 140,000 grantmakers, plus inside looks at the grants they've actually made.  Please call (720-865-1363) or visit Reference at the Central Library for more information.

The Foundation Directory Online (Professional Version) database is available for full use at the Central Library only.  

You may also schedule a Nonprofit appointment to meet remotely with a librarian. 

Tips for using the Foundation Directory Online

Local Resources

General Information on Colorado Nonprofits from Candid Learning. 

Start-up guides, legal resources, associations and state agencies.  

Colorado Nonprofit Association 

A statewide nonprofit membership coalition connecting nonprofits of all sizes, missions and geographic locations. CNA strengthens the nonprofit community through training, issue discussions and public advocacy about the importance of the nonprofit sector.

Community Resource Center

The Community Resource Center (CRC) creates opportunities, tools and strategies to develop nonprofits and community groups to strengthen Colorado. Sign up for the Colorado Nonprofit Training Guide Quarterly or find articles written by CRC staff, board, and friends; featuring best practices and emerging trends.

Scientific Cultural Facilities District (SCFD)

This tax-based cultural funding model serves a region of seven front range counties. They fund nearly 300 organizations, distributing more than $60 million annually.

Starting and Managing Nonprofits

Am I ready to Start a Nonprofit?  

Check your readiness with the Nonprofit Startup Assessment from Candid Learning.  When you finish this free 75-point checkup, you can download a report of your results, which will include resources to build your skills.

How do I Start a Nonprofit Organization?

A basic guide with all of the steps, from the Colorado Nonprofit Association.

Principles & Practices for Nonprofit Excellence in Colorado

A comprehensive best practices guide developed by Colorado nonprofits for Colorado nonprofits.

Candid Learning

Offers detailed steps to starting a nonprofit, including laws and procedures for Colorado. Also has free webinars, tutorials, and articles.

Articles of Incorporation
Before applying to the IRS for a federal nonprofit designation, you must first establish the organizational entity. This is done by filing as a nonprofit corporation with the Secretary of State.

Alternatives to Starting a Nonprofit
There are options available for new projects that won't require the time, financial support and risks of a nonprofit. The Colorado Nonprofit Development Center is a local option to explore. 

Grant Proposal Writing Sites

Guide for Writing a Funding Proposal

A succinct guide to all sections of a proposal, with examples.  

Samples of Grant-Related Documents

A collection of grant proposals, letters of inquiry, business plans, and other documents you need to make your case to funders.

Colorado Common Grant Application

Allows Colorado grant makers and grant seekers to work from a common set of questions that reinforce solid nonprofit practices. Required by some grant makers.

Fundraising Resources

Requests for Proposals
Philanthropy News Digest, a service of Candid, publishes RFPs and notices of awards as a free service for grant making organizations and nonprofits. Find and apply for grant opportunities and then track your application.

Tech Soup
Technology resource aimed at nonprofit organizations featuring NPO discounts, discussions, articles, and recommendations.

Evaluation of Outcomes and Self-Assessment

IssueLab
Explore and access free research about critical social issues from social sector organizations around the world.

IssueLab Results
Find tools to assess your organization's impact, measure the effectiveness of your programs, and connect with peers to learn what works.

 

Government Resources

Grants.gov
Grants.gov is a central storehouse for information on over 1,000 government grant programs and provides access to approximately $500 billion in annual awards. Find and apply for grant opportunities and then track your application.

Colorado Creative Industries
Colorado Council on the Arts’ Colorado Creative Industries offers several grant programs for artists, arts groups, community organizations, schools and other government agencies to support arts and cultural activities that benefit Coloradans. Search for recent grants, apply for grants and find help managing your award.

Colorado Department of Education
This page is designed to be a central resource for all State and Federal Grant opportunities for preK-12 Education, either administered or recognized by the Colorado Department of Education.

Colorado Secretary of State
Helpful information about charities and fundraisers, including a start up guide for creating a nonprofit organization, a nonprofit Board Member course, and additional tutorials on nonprofit management.

 

Print Resources

As a Funding Information Network, the Denver Public Library owns a core collection of reference materials for the fundraising community. These materials are located in the Reference Room at the Central Library.

In addition, search the catalog for circulating materials using keywords such as: