Community Partnership Grant Program

The Community Partnership Grant Program is administered by the Mountain Recreation Metropolitan District, a local government entity in Colorado dedicated to enhancing the health, wellness, and quality of life of residents through recreational opportunities. The District operates under a voter-approved service plan that restricts the use of taxpayer funds to recreation-related purposes. This grant program reflects the District’s commitment to partnering with nonprofit organizations that align with its mission to foster community connection, promote lifelong health, and reduce social isolation through accessible recreational programming. The primary purpose of the Community Partnership Grant Program is to support nonprofit organizations that deliver recreational programs, services, or facility improvements that expand access to recreation within Western Eagle County. The program is designed to enrich residents’ lives, broaden the availability of recreational offerings, maintain affordability and diversity in programming, and build collaborative partnerships that enhance community well-being. Funding is intended for projects that directly contribute to these goals and demonstrate clear alignment with the District’s strategic priorities. Grant awards are available in amounts up to 2500 dollars per organization. In addition to direct financial support, the District may allocate in-kind resources through its fiscal year budget, including access to facilities, specialized program spaces, and staff assistance. These in-kind contributions are limited to programs that are not already part of established partnerships with Mountain Recreation and are subject to availability and scheduling constraints. Funds and resources must be used strictly for recreation-related purposes within the District’s approved service area, and cannot be applied to unrelated activities. Eligibility is limited to nonprofit organizations that are registered in good standing with the Colorado Secretary of State and hold 501c3 tax-exempt status. Applicants must demonstrate that their programs are recreational in nature or enhance recreational opportunities, serve Eagle County residents with at least 80 percent participation or direct benefit, and ensure equitable access without discrimination based on race, ethnicity, religion, ability, skill level, or financial capacity. These requirements ensure that funded programs remain inclusive and broadly accessible to the community. Applications must be submitted through the official grant application form and are accepted once annually between July 1 and August 14, with a firm deadline of 5 PM on the closing date. The Mountain Recreation Board of Directors reviews all submissions and makes final funding decisions during its September board meeting. Applicants requesting awards of 1500 dollars or more are required to present program outcomes to the Board within one year of receiving funding, providing accountability and demonstrating impact. The grant cycle follows a structured annual timeline. Applications for the 2026 cycle are open from July 1 through August 14, 2026, with awards determined in September 2026. Funded programs are expected to operate within the performance period of January 1 through December 31, 2027. The program is recurring annually, with future cycles expected to follow a similar summer application window. For additional information, applicants may contact the Superintendent of Recreation Programs, Anna Englehart, via email or phone as provided by the District.

Emphasize alignment with Mountain Recreation’s mission, vision, and strategic plan.