Grants and Funding Opportunities
About the Grants Program
The City of Aspen Grants Program supports nonprofit organizations that promote a mentally and physically healthy community, provide protection for our natural environment, and create opportunities for connections for all community members through partnerships, ease of access, stewardship, arts and cultural enrichment and innovation.
Since 1996, the City of Aspen has invested more than $31 million into the local nonprofit community in three strategic focus areas: arts and culture, community nonprofit, and health and human services. Learn more about the individual focus areas by expanding the tabs below.
CLICK HERE (Opens in a new tab⬈) to view the new Grants Program Guidelines booklet.
About
The City of Aspen supports artistically excellent nonprofit organizations that contribute to the cultural vibrancy of our community.
Funding Details
- Total Anticipated Available Funding* (2026): $1,114,585
- Grant Term: 2 years → next grant cycle will not be until 2027
- Tiered Funding: Tier 1 = Aspen-based organizations, Tier 2 = non-Aspen-based organizations
- Tier 1 = up to $100,000
- Tier 2 = up to $75,000
- Read more about the new funding tiers in the 2026 Grant Program Guidelines (Opens a new tab↗)
- Maximum Request: Up to 20% of an organization's operational budget not to exceed the maximum allowed in your funding tier.
Additional Requirements
- This grant is funded by the real estate transfer tax, thus, applicants must demonstrate how their proposal aligns with the intended use of the RETT fund as described in §23.48.060–Wheeler Opera House Real Estate Transfer Tax (Opens a new tab↗).
*Subject to 2026 budget approval
About
The City of Aspen enhances and supports nonprofit organizations that create and deliver high-impact programming.
Funding Details
- Total Anticipated Available Funding* (2026): $598,600
- Grant Term: 1 year
- Tiered Funding: Tier 1 = Aspen-based organizations, Tier 2 = non-Aspen-based organizations
- Tier 1 = up to $50,000
- Tier 2 = up to $37,500
- Read more about the new funding tiers in the 2026 Grant Program Guidelines (Opens a new tab↗)
- Maximum Request: Up to 20% of an organization's operating budget not to exceed the maximum allowable within their tier.
Additional Requirements
- There are no additional special requirements for this grant.
*Subject to 2026 budget approval
About
The City of Aspen strives to be a healthy and resilient community by supporting a comprehensive system of accessible mental and physical health care, human services, and community resources.
Funding Details
Total Anticipated Available Funding* (2026): $237,759
Grant Term: 1 year
Maximum Request: Up to 20% of an organization's operational budget not to exceed $30,000
Additional Requirements
- There are no additional special requirements for this grant.
*Subject to 2026 budget approval
Eligibility
Eligible organizations must:
- Be registered as tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code (or are a school). Organizations without this status may apply for a one-time exemption from this requirement if they received a grant during the 2025 grant cycle.
- Certify that grant funds will be used for operating or programmatic expenses that directly support service delivery within the Aspen to Glenwood corridor. Funded services must primarily benefit local residents and workforce in this area, as determined by the grants steering committee1.
- Have a submitted an impact and outcome report if funding was received in the previous cycle.
1 Organizations located outside of the Aspen-Glenwood corridor may be eligible to apply if they have received funding from the City of Aspen within the past three years.
Cultural Vibrancy Fellowship
Funding for Individual Artists
The City of Aspen offers funding opportunities for individual artists through the Cultural Vibrancy Fellowship. Artists ages 14+ are invited to apply for one of two cohorts:
- Youth Cohort: Ages 14–18
- Adult Cohort: Ages 19+
The application for the 2026 program has closed.
Learn More
Learn more about eligibility and program guidelines here: https://www.aspen.gov/1494/Cultural-Vibrancy-Fellowship