Our Open Space Grants help fund the acquisition and protection of unique open space and natural areas of statewide significance through fee acquisitions or conservation easements. Land acquisition projects intended for low-impact, passive recreation with very limited facilities should be submitted through our Open Space Program; acquisition projects intended for high-impact, active recreation with significant facility development should be submitted through our LPOR Program.
Project areas include:
- buffers/inholdings
- greenways/stream corridors
- community separators
- agricultural land
- natural areas and non-game wildlife habitat
- scenic viewsheds
- urban open-space parcels
Who Can Apply
Non-profit land-conservation organizations, municipalities, counties, political subdivisions of the state, and the Colorado Division of Parks and Wildlife are eligible for Open Space Grants.
How To Apply
Download our Open Space Grant application, which contains instructions, explanations, criteria and deadlines. New applications are developed for each grant cycle, with changes occasionally made between cycles. Always use the current grant application. Review the entire application prior to starting work on it, paying particular attention to the eligibility information to ensure that your project meets all requirements. You should also:
- Call us prior to beginning work on your grant application to discuss the project’s eligibility and whether it will compete well in the process. Also feel free to contact us at any point during the completion of your application. We are always willing and happy to assist you.
- Submit a draft application to GOCO staff up to two weeks prior to the submission date for our comments.
When To Apply
Open Space Grants are offered twice each year, once in the spring and once in the fall. Applications for our spring grant cycle are typically due in March, with grant decisions made by the GOCO Board in June; applications for our fall cycle are typically due in August, with decisions made in December.
Questions?
Contact Josh Tenneson, Open Space Program Manager, at jtenneson@goco.org or 303.226.4522.