Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO) is offering the Centennial Program Grants to support high-value, transformative projects that will have a lasting impact on the state and future generations. This grant program is designed to identify and fund once-in-a-generation visions and projects that enhance outdoor experiences and community engagement. GOCO aims to accelerate local visions that may otherwise take decades to realize, providing communities with the necessary resources and time to plan for impactful investments.

The primary purpose of the Centennial Program is to fund projects that develop and revitalize outdoor spaces as prioritized by the communities they serve. Applicants can request funding for various components, including capital construction, local capacity building, community planning and collaboration, land acquisitions, site-specific design, and project communications. The program seeks to foster collaboration among partners and communities, encouraging them to coalesce around shared visions of their natural and recreational amenities.

GOCO will consider grant requests of up to ten million dollars, with no matching requirement. Eligible costs include expenses related to project planning, coordination, implementation, and communication, as well as staff expenses for professional services directly related to project outcomes. Other eligible costs encompass surveys, engineering, design, land acquisition due diligence, and volunteer engagement expenses.

Eligible applicants for the Centennial 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 aims to engage a diverse range of organizations in enhancing outdoor spaces across the state.

The application process requires potential applicants to submit detailed proposals that address specific questions related to their projects. Evaluation criteria will focus on the project's alignment with GOCO's goals, the potential for community impact, and the feasibility of the proposed plans. Applicants are encouraged to clearly articulate their visions and demonstrate how their projects will benefit the community and the environment.

The deadline for submitting applications for the Centennial Program Grants is October 24, 2024. Interested parties should ensure they meet all submission requirements and prepare their proposals well in advance of this date. For further information, applicants can reach out to Jackie Miller at GOCO via email or phone.

Overall, the Centennial Program Grants represent a significant opportunity for communities in Colorado to secure funding for transformative outdoor projects that will benefit both current and future generations. By fostering collaboration and supporting innovative ideas, GOCO aims to enhance the state's natural and recreational resources.