The Yampa River Fund (YRF) is a community-based collaborative established to support the conservation and restoration of the Yampa River. Founded in September 2019, the fund was created through a partnership of 21 public, private, and nonprofit organizations to ensure the long-term health and sustainability of the river. The YRF provides financial support for projects that enhance water security for communities, agriculture, and the economy while maintaining the natural ecosystem and recreational opportunities within the Yampa River Basin.

The primary objectives of the YRF include improving water security, enhancing river flows through voluntary water leases from reservoirs, and maintaining or restoring river function through holistic restoration efforts. The fund operates under the guidance of the Yampa White Green Roundtable’s Basin Implementation Plan, which outlines key priorities such as addressing municipal and industrial water shortages, improving agricultural water supplies, and protecting non-consumptive water uses for the environment and recreation.

The 2025 grant cycle opens on February 17, 2025, with applications due by April 1, 2025. The YRF Steering Committee and Advisory Technical Committee will meet with applicants for a Q&A session on April 18, 2025. The final funding decisions will be announced by early June. Grant applications must be submitted online through the Yampa Valley Community Foundation’s grant portal.

Eligible applicants include state and local government entities, public districts, irrigation entities, mutual ditch companies, homeowners’ associations, and nonprofit organizations. Private landowners are encouraged to partner with one of these entities to apply. Additionally, applicants must conduct a mandatory 15-minute consultation with the YRF manager before submitting their proposals. Contact information for assistance includes mike@friendsoftheyampa.com for project development support and greg@yvcf.org for technical support with the grant portal.

The YRF grant program funds projects in three categories: Flow Enhancement Reservoir Releases, Restoration Actions, and Infrastructure Improvements. Flow enhancement projects focus on voluntary water leases that improve river flows during critical periods. Restoration projects address riparian, in-channel, and streambank habitat improvements, with a focus on water quality and ecosystem health. Infrastructure projects aim to support both consumptive and environmental/recreational benefits by modernizing water infrastructure and enhancing river passage.

Grant proposals are evaluated based on a scoring system that considers alignment with YRF goals, inclusion of matching funds or in-kind contributions, and integration with other planned projects. Proposals receive additional points for supporting ecological flow targets, benefiting endangered species, and utilizing efficient restoration techniques. Reporting requirements include semi-annual progress reports and a final project report detailing financial expenditures, project outcomes, and associated documentation.

Friends of the Yampa serves as the management entity for the fund and coordinates grant disbursements. Grant payments are made on a reimbursement basis, with an initial disbursement possible. The final payment is issued upon acceptance of the completed project report. Grant recipients must provide electronic documentation of all project-related data and outcomes.