GOCO’s Planning & Capacity grants help our partners in planning, capacity, research, pathways to career building opportunities for under-represented individuals, education, and storytelling projects that address opportunities, explore issues, and examine trends in the outdoors.

Our program accommodates a wide range of projects, including strategic plans and master plans. We also invest in capacity-building and education efforts that help our partners make better informed decisions and take the appropriate actions. Opportunities designed to create a pathway to career building opportunities for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) and others who identify as nonwhite, people with disabilities, members of the LGBTQIA2S+ community, and candidates from other marginalized communities will also be considered. Through this program, GOCO also invests in research projects to share and further knowledge and facilitate learning in conservation and recreation, as well as community engagement and educational efforts that develop and foster networks, partnerships, and collaborations. Finally, this program supports storytelling projects, helping our partners communicate the impacts, benefits, and challenges outdoor work brings.

Who can apply

  • Colorado municipality or county
  • Title 32 special district eligible to receive distributions from the Conservation Trust Fund
  • Political subdivision of the State of Colorado that includes in its mission the identification, acquisition, or management of open space and natural areas
  • 501(c)(3) non-profit land conservation organization that includes in its mission the identification, acquisition, or management of open space and natural areas, e.g., land trusts
  • Colorado Parks and Wildlife

When to Apply

First Cycle

  • Concepts accepted up to: July 20, 2023
  • Applications invited: August 9, 2023
  • Applications due: September 7, 2023
  • Grants awarded: December 8, 2023

Second Cycle

  • Concepts accepted up to: October 26, 2023
  • Applications invited: November 15, 2023
  • Applications due: December 14, 2023
  • Grants awarded: March 2024

Third Cycle

  • Concepts accepted up to: January 25, 2024
  • Applications invited: February 9, 2024
  • Applications due: March 6, 2024
  • Grants awarded: June 2024

Apply to this program

If you’re thinking about applying to this program, now is a great time to connect with your regional program officer to discuss your project. We recommend touching base with your regional officer and reviewing our frequently asked questions prior to submitting a concept paper.

Please read through the entire application before you start filling it out. In particular, review the eligibility information to ensure that your project meets all the necessary requirements. Our reviewer guidance speaks more to the merits considered when evaluating proposals.