Great Outdoors Colorado's Land Acquisition Grant Program aims to support land conservation projects that protect significant conservation values, enhance community connections, and promote ecological health. The program encourages collaborative efforts among partners to address shared community priorities and emphasizes the importance of considering diverse perspectives in project development. For the fiscal year 2025, GOCO plans to allocate a total of $18.9 million, which includes $10.3 million in local government funds and $8.6 million in open space funds, to advance various projects across its base programs.

The primary purpose of the Land Acquisition Grant Program is to facilitate land conservation efforts that yield public benefits, such as the protection of natural resources, the promotion of healthy communities through recreational and educational opportunities, and the enhancement of local economies. The program also seeks to address equity issues in Colorado by leveraging funding for outdoor projects that can help mitigate disparities. Applicants are encouraged to articulate the multifaceted benefits of their proposed projects, which may include environmental, social, and economic impacts.

Funding under this program can be utilized for a variety of components essential to land acquisition projects. Eligible costs include land acquisition and due diligence expenses, local capacity building, community planning and collaboration, habitat restoration, site-specific management plans, and project communications. This comprehensive funding approach is designed to support the full scope of a project and its intended outcomes, ensuring that applicants can effectively implement their conservation initiatives.

Eligible applicants for the Land Acquisition Grant Program include municipalities and counties in Colorado, Title 32 special districts that receive distributions from the Conservation Trust Fund, political subdivisions of the state focused on open space and natural area management, 501(c)(3) nonprofit land conservation organizations, and Colorado Parks and Wildlife. This broad eligibility framework allows a diverse range of organizations to participate in land conservation efforts.

Submission requirements for the grant application are detailed on the GOCO website, where applicants can find specific guidelines and necessary documentation. The application process may include questions related to project goals, community impact, and the anticipated benefits of the proposed land conservation efforts. Evaluation criteria will assess the alignment of projects with GOCO's objectives, the clarity of the proposed benefits, and the feasibility of the project plan.

The deadline for submitting applications for the Land Acquisition Grant Program is October 24, 2024. It is important for potential applicants to be aware of this timeline and to prepare their proposals accordingly. Additional important dates and details regarding the application process can be found on the GOCO website, which serves as a resource for interested parties seeking to engage in land conservation initiatives in Colorado. For further inquiries, applicants can contact Jackie Miller at GOCO via email or phone.