Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO)’s independent board awards competitive grants to eligible entities for projects that preserve and enhance the state’s parks, trails, wildlife, rivers, and open spaces.

Who can apply?

• Colorado cities, towns, and counties
• Title 32 special districts eligible to receive Conservation Trust Fund distributions
• Land conservation organizations that support open space and natural area acquisitions
• Political subdivisions of the State of Colorado whose missions are to identify, manage, or acquire open space and natural areas
• Colorado Parks and Wildlife

Please note: School districts, libraries, and other nonprofit organizations are not eligible for GOCO funding; however, ineligible organizations may partner with their local government or land trust to apply for funding. Please reach out to eligible organizations directly to discuss opportunities. 

The grant process

1. Explore grant programs and requirements.
2. Contact your regional officer and develop a concept. (6+ months)
3. Submit a concept paper.
4. If invited, submit an application.
5. Complete your project. (2-4 years)
6. Submit final documentation. 

Please note: The process may vary for GOCO’s Partner Programs. Learn more in ‘Grant opportunities’ below. 

Available funding

For fiscal year 2026 (July 1, 2025 - June 30, 2026), GOCO plans to invest around $16 million ($9 million in local government funds and $7 million in open space funds) through its base programs: Community Impact, Land Acquisition, Pathways, and Centennial projects. 

Grant opportunities

Frequently asked questions

What role does the regional officer play in GOCO’s grant process?

Your regional officer will provide critical guidance and feedback on project ideas, funding opportunities, the grant process, draft materials, and more. Working with them early and throughout the process gives you the best chance of success. 

Am I eligible for GOCO funding? 

Eligible organizations include Colorado cities, towns, and counties; Title 32 special districts eligible to receive distributions from the Conservation Trust Fund; land conservation organizations that advance the acquisition of open space; political subdivisions of the State of Colorado whose missions are to identify, manage, or acquire open space and natural areas; and Colorado Parks and Wildlife. 

Ineligible organizations may partner with their local government or land trust to apply for funding. Please reach out to eligible organizations directly to discuss opportunities. 

Certain grant programs may have additional requirements; visit the grant program pages for more information. 

Are GOCO grants challenging to get? 

Given limited resources, GOCO grant funding is competitive. However, we aim for the process to be accessible. You should not need outside help, like a grant writer, to deliver a strong proposal. Competitive proposals align with GOCO’s program values and priorities. Contact your regional officer using the map below several months before the concept paper deadline to ensure you meet requirements. 

What does GOCO consider when reviewing project proposals?

GOCO considers many factors when reviewing project proposals, including but not limited to: 

• Alignment with GOCO’s program values;
• Project urgency;
• Need for GOCO funds;
• Scale of impact for residents/visitors;
• Use of community-centered approaches;
• Location, as GOCO seeks to invest resources throughout Colorado;
• Confidence in the applicant and partners involved; 

And other factors outlined in GOCO’s Grantmaking Philosophy. 

How long does the GOCO grant process take? 

From concept development to application the process takes around a year. Once concept papers are submitted, it takes two to three weeks to be notified if you’ve been invited to the application. Once an application is submitted, grants are announced around six months later. Following grant awards, projects are typically implemented over a two- to four-year period. 

How do I pick the grant program that best fits my project? 

GOCO’s current grant opportunities are outlined above. However, your regional officer can confirm if and where your project will be most competitive based on various factors. 

What goes into a concept paper and application? 

Before you begin, review grant opportunities and requirements. Contact your regional officer to learn whether your project idea will be competitive for GOCO funding and what to expect from the grant process. 

Your regional officer will guide you through submitting a concept paper. This may involve several rounds of feedback, so it’s important to contact your regional officer early. 

GOCO staff will then review concepts and invite the most competitive proposals to submit an application. If selected, you have five weeks to complete and submit your application. 

What is GOCO’s application review process? 

GOCO staff review concept papers and select the most competitive to invite for application. Once submitted, applications are reviewed by staff and a panel of individuals from relevant outdoors organizations. GOCO staff meet with this peer review panel to discuss their comments. Then, recommendations are made by GOCO staff to our board of directors at their programs committee meeting. The board approves grant awards at the following board meeting. 

If my application is successful, what’s next?

A GOCO grants officer will contact you with information on administrative and reporting requirements, including the grant contract, receiving funds, any modifications or extensions, and submitting the final report. 

GOCO prefers to provide funds as a reimbursement at project close; however, grantees can request one progress payment of up to 75% of the award, with the remaining 25% paid once the project is complete. 

Lastly, let us know if there are any ribbon-cutting ceremonies, gatherings, or other celebratory events for your completed project. We’d love to be there!

Contact your regional officer 

For general grant questions, please contact Programs Coordinator Kylie Yang at kyang@goco.org or 303.226.4515.