Colorado Outdoor Regional Partnerships Grants - Plan Development Grants

The Outdoor Regional Partnerships Initiative Grant Program is administered through a partnership between Colorado Parks and Wildlife and Great Outdoors Colorado. These entities collaborate to support regionally driven partnerships that advance conservation, outdoor recreation, and climate resilience throughout Colorado. The initiative is aligned with Colorado’s Outdoors Strategy, which is a statewide framework designed to unify diverse stakeholders including public agencies, private organizations, and local communities. Through this coordinated approach, the program seeks to ensure that Colorado’s land, water, and wildlife resources are sustainably managed while also promoting equitable access to outdoor recreation opportunities. The primary purpose of the grant program is to support the development and implementation of regional partnerships that bring together multiple jurisdictions and stakeholders. These partnerships are expected to create and execute regional visions, goals, and action plans that contribute to conservation and recreation outcomes. The program emphasizes projects that enhance biodiversity, restore habitats, and promote resilient ecosystems, while also ensuring that outdoor recreation opportunities are inclusive, accessible, and beneficial to local communities. Funding may be used for a variety of purposes including coalition capacity building, planning activities, research, public engagement, and implementation of priority projects. Funding for the program is part of a larger five year investment totaling fifty million dollars from 2025 through 2030, with approximately ten million dollars distributed annually. Grants may support new partnerships in regions that do not yet have established collaboratives, as well as existing partnerships seeking to advance their planning or implement regional impact projects. The program prioritizes projects that demonstrate progression from planning to implementation, although early stage efforts and initial coalition building activities are also eligible depending on available funding. There is no explicit mention of matching requirements, suggesting that cost sharing is not mandatory for participation. Eligibility for the program is broad and inclusive, allowing applications from federally recognized tribes, local and county governments, federal agencies, recreation and metro districts, nonprofit organizations with tax exempt status, and for profit entities. Additionally, applicants may serve as fiscal sponsors or lead entities on behalf of regional partnerships. In certain cases, third party organizations such as land trusts or conservation groups may apply on behalf of landowners for land acquisition projects, provided they demonstrate support from the relevant regional partnership. All applicants representing existing partnerships must include a letter of support confirming alignment with the partnership’s goals. The application process involves multiple stages beginning with a review of program guidelines and consultation with program staff. Applicants are required to submit a letter of intent, which is reviewed to determine eligibility for invitation to submit a full proposal. Selected applicants then prepare a comprehensive application including narrative descriptions, budgets, timelines, maps, and letters of support. Proposals undergo a multi phase evaluation process that includes internal review and, in most cases, an opportunity for public comment. Certain project types such as land acquisition and tribal proposals may be exempt from public review. The program operates on a defined annual timeline. Applications open on April 27, followed by a webinar in May and a letter of intent deadline at the end of May. Full applications are due in July, with presentations occurring in September and award announcements made in December. Grant agreements are finalized between February and April of the following year. Successful applicants are required to implement their projects, submit progress reports, and participate in ongoing collaboration with other regional partnerships and program staff. This includes regular meetings and engagement in statewide networks that support knowledge sharing and coordinated action. Overall, the Outdoor Regional Partnerships Initiative Grant Program represents a comprehensive and collaborative funding effort aimed at strengthening regional coordination across Colorado. By investing in partnerships that integrate conservation and recreation priorities, the program seeks to deliver long term environmental, social, and economic benefits. Its structured process, broad eligibility, and emphasis on collaboration make it a key mechanism for advancing statewide outdoor and conservation goals on a regional scale.