Limited Gaming Impact Grant

The Limited Gaming Impact Grant is administered by the Colorado Division of Local Government, a state agency responsible for supporting local governments through funding, technical assistance, and policy implementation. This program is specifically funded through a portion of state tax revenues generated from limited stakes gaming activities in the municipalities of Cripple Creek, Black Hawk, and Central City. The intent of the program is to redistribute a share of these revenues to surrounding communities that experience secondary impacts from gaming activity, ensuring that infrastructure and public services can keep pace with these effects. The primary purpose of the grant is to provide financial assistance to eligible local governments for projects that directly address documented gaming impacts. These impacts may include increased demand for infrastructure, emergency services, public safety, and other municipal or county-level services. Funding can be used for planning, construction, and maintenance of public facilities, as well as for the provision of public services. A critical requirement is that applicants must clearly quantify the gaming-related impacts and demonstrate how the proposed project addresses those needs. Eligibility for the program is limited to specific counties in Colorado, including Archuleta, Boulder, Clear Creek, Douglas, El Paso, Fremont, Gilpin, Grand, Jefferson, La Plata, Montezuma, Park, and Teller. Municipalities within these counties are also eligible, excluding the three gaming cities themselves. Additionally, special districts within these counties that provide emergency services may apply. Eligible local governments are also permitted to submit applications on behalf of nonprofit organizations that serve populations affected by gaming impacts, expanding the program’s reach to community-based service providers. The application process is competitive and requires coordination with program staff. Applicants must schedule an appointment with the program manager to review requirements prior to submission. Applications must be submitted through an online portal, and no paper or email submissions are accepted. Supporting documentation must demonstrate both the existence of gaming impacts and the necessity of the proposed project. The program provides access to application materials, rating criteria, and supporting statutory references to guide applicants in preparing a complete submission. The application window for the current cycle opens on May 29, 2026, and closes on July 3, 2026. Applicants must ensure that all materials are submitted within this timeframe. While specific award notification timelines are not provided, the structured application period and annual funding announcements suggest a recurring funding cycle. The total funding available for the 2026 cycle is approximately $5,700,000, though this amount is subject to change based on tax revenue collections. Evaluation of applications is based on documented need, the strength of the proposed solution, and the ability to demonstrate measurable gaming impacts. Applicants are expected to align their proposals with program priorities and provide clear justification for funding. The program is overseen by a designated program manager, who serves as the primary contact for application guidance. Additional support is available through regional managers who assist with initial interest and eligibility inquiries. Overall, the program represents a targeted effort to mitigate the broader community effects of gaming through strategic public investment.

Ensure strong quantitative evidence of gaming impacts and clearly link proposed project to documented community needs