Routt County Climate Action Collaborative Fund

The Routt County Climate Action Collaborative Fund is administered by the Yampa Valley Community Foundation, a regional nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening communities through philanthropic support and strategic grantmaking. This fund was established specifically to advance the goals outlined in the Routt County Climate Action Plan, a locally developed framework aimed at addressing climate change impacts and promoting sustainability within the county. The fund reflects a collaborative effort among local stakeholders, including government agencies, nonprofits, and community leaders, to support targeted environmental initiatives. The primary purpose of this grant program is to provide financial support to projects that directly contribute to the implementation of the Routt County Climate Action Plan. Eligible projects must align with one of five designated sectors: Energy, Transportation, Waste, Land Use, and Economy. These sectors encompass a wide range of activities, including renewable energy deployment, waste diversion programs, habitat restoration, fuel-switching initiatives, and climate-friendly transportation solutions. The fund emphasizes local impact, prioritizing projects that deliver measurable environmental benefits within Routt County. Funding is available in amounts up to 25000 dollars per project. While the total program funding and number of awards are not specified, the fund supports multiple projects per cycle based on available resources and alignment with strategic priorities. There is no indication of a required cost share or matching contribution. Funds are intended to support project implementation and related activities that contribute to emissions reduction, climate resilience, or environmental sustainability. Specific restrictions on use are not explicitly outlined, but all funded activities must align with the Climate Action Plan objectives. Eligibility for the grant includes 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, governmental entities, and special entities that have formally adopted the Routt County Climate Action Plan. Additionally, all proposed projects must be physically located within Routt County. This geographic restriction ensures that funding directly benefits the local community and supports region-specific climate initiatives. The program does not specify inclusion of for-profit organizations or individuals, and therefore these are considered ineligible unless otherwise clarified. The application process is conducted through an online portal managed by the Yampa Valley Community Foundation. For the 2026 grant cycle, applications open on April 17, 2026, and must be submitted by May 26, 2026 at 1159 PM. There are no pre-application requirements such as letters of intent or concept papers indicated. Applications are reviewed by the Routt County Climate Action Plan Collaborative Board, which evaluates submissions based on alignment with plan objectives and potential impact. Funding decisions are expected in early June following the application deadline. The grant operates on an annual cycle, with recurring opportunities for eligible applicants. While exact evaluation criteria are not detailed, the emphasis on sector alignment and local impact suggests a competitive review process focused on environmental outcomes and feasibility. Interested applicants are encouraged to subscribe to the nonprofit newsletter or contact program staff for updates and guidance. The primary contact listed is Camille Sachs, who can be reached via email for inquiries related to the grant cycle and application process.

Ensure strong alignment with one of the five Climate Action Plan sectors and demonstrate clear local impact within Routt County.