Colorado’s popularity as a place to live, work, and play has surged in recent years, and it shows no signs of slowing down. Faced with this reality, amid federal and state funding shortfalls, GOCO aims to improve the conditions of our state’s lands by providing grants for collaborative outdoor stewardship projects that demonstrate meaningful improvements to the state’s ecological and recreational amenities.

Colorado’s outdoor stewardship organizations coordinate, manage, and implement stewardship projects using dedicated staff and volunteers, serving a critical role in helping to address the state’s growing list of stewardship needs.

Who can apply

• Colorado municipality or county
• Title 32 special district eligible to receive distributions from the Conservation Trust Fund
• Political subdivision of the State of Colorado that includes in its mission the identification, acquisition, or management of open space and natural areas
• 501(c)(3) non-profit land conservation organization that includes in its mission the identification, acquisition, or management of open space and natural areas, e.g., land trusts
• Colorado Parks and Wildlife

When to Apply

First Cycle

• Concepts accepted up to: August 1, 2024
• Applications invited: August 15, 2024
• Applications due: September 12, 2024
• Grants awarded: December 6, 2024

Second Cycle

• Concepts accepted up to: October 24, 2024
• Applications invited: November 14, 2024
• Applications due: December 16, 2024
• Grants awarded: March 2025

Third Cycle

• Concepts accepted up to: January 23, 2025
• Applications invited: February 6, 2025
• Applications due: March 6, 2025
• Grants awarded: June 2025

Apply to this program

If you’re thinking about applying to this program, now is a great time to connect with your regional program officer to discuss your project. We recommend touching base with your regional officer and reviewing our frequently asked questions prior to submitting a concept paper.

Please read through the entire application before you start filling it out. In particular, review the eligibility information to ensure that your project meets all the necessary requirements. Our reviewer guidance speaks more to the merits considered when evaluating proposals.