The Colorado Outdoor Regional Partnerships Initiative (RPI) advances regionally driven collaboratives working to ensure that Colorado’s land, water, and wildlife thrive, and residents have equitable access to quality outdoor recreation experiences.

Funded by Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) and Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO), this grant program supports a network of Outdoor Regional Partnerships (RPIs) that create regionally driven visions and action plans aligned with Colorado’s Outdoors Strategy to achieve the following outcomes:

  • Conservation and restoration of lands and waters help wildlife and biodiversity thrive; habitats are resilient and connected; communities benefit from healthy ecosystems and agricultural lands.
  • A diversity of high-quality outdoor recreation experiences are accessible, equitable, and inclusive; management and stewardship enhance benefits and minimize impacts for people, landscapes, and local communities.

Coalitions awarded funding are provided tools, resources, best practices, and connections to a statewide network of recreation and conservation leaders. Designated CPW staff support the growth and development of regional coalitions and provide information as needed. 

GOCO and CPW are investing $50 million in the RPI program from 2025 to 2030.

Eligibility 

Eligible organizations: 

  • Federally recognized Tribes and lead entities and/or fiscal sponsors of new or existing Regional Partnerships, including Local, County, and Federal governments, Recreation and Metro Districts, and for-profit and charitable organizations (tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code). 

  • A land trust, local government, conservation organization, or other representative (third party) may submit a proposal on behalf of a landowner for land acquisition proposals. 

  • If an entity is applying on behalf of an existing Regional Partnership, the proposal must include a letter of support from that partnership.

Eligible projects: 

  • In geographic regions without existing Regional Partnerships, grants may support collaborative efforts to establish a new Regional Partnership. 

  • For established Regional Partnerships and the two sovereign Tribes in Colorado (the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe and Southern Ute Indian Tribe), grants may support collaboration, public involvement, research, regional planning, and the advancement of regionally significant priority projects and initiatives.  

Deadlines 

  • Request for Proposals (RFP) available: April 2026

  • Applications due to CPW: July 2026

  • Grants awarded: December 2026

Ready to get started?

CPW manages the RPI grant program and its application process. Visit their website for complete information. 

If you have questions, email Statewide Regional Partnerships Coordinator Morgan Anderson at morgan.l.anderson@state.co.us

Learn More from CPW