The Rural Economic Development Initiative (REDI) Grant Program is a Colorado state-funded initiative administered by the Colorado Department of Local Affairs (DOLA). The program is designed to support rural communities in diversifying their local economies and building long-term resilience. Eligible projects must focus on job creation, economic resilience, capacity building, or entrepreneurial ecosystem support.

The next REDI grant cycle opens on February 12, 2025, and closes on March 12, 2025. Applications must be submitted through the DOLA Grants Portal.

Eligible Applicants
Municipal and county governments in rural areas.
Applicants may pass funds through to eligible partners (as outlined in application instructions).
Rural community definition:
Counties with less than 50,000 people.
Municipalities with less than 25,000 people, and not adjacent to a city over 25,000 people.
Eligible Projects
Projects must create or retain jobs (directly or indirectly) and align with one or more of the following categories:

Job Creation and Retention
Projects that lead to new job opportunities or prevent job losses.
Capacity Building
Under special circumstances, REDI may fund local economic development capacity.
Funding for staff must be linked to a specific outcome, project, and timeline that contributes to economic resilience, business attraction, or job creation.
Economic Resilience
Projects that enhance the ability of a community’s economy to withstand disruption and adapt to change.
Entrepreneurial Ecosystem Support
Programs that provide training, networking, and infrastructure to support local entrepreneurs.
How to Apply
The application period is from February 12, 2025, to March 12, 2025.
Applications must be submitted through the DOLA Grants Portal.
Required documents:
Application Instructions and Guidelines
REDI Budget Financials Template
REDI webinar video (for guidance on application preparation)
For more details on previously funded projects, applicants can refer to the Rural Economic Development Initiative Annual Reports for 2023 and 2024.