Our Values
Putting Colorado Lottery proceeds to work for landscapes, wildlife, and people
Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO) invests a portion of Colorado Lottery proceeds to preserve and enhance the state’s parks, trails, wildlife, rivers, and open spaces.
Our independent board awards competitive grants to local governments and land trusts and invests through Colorado Parks and Wildlife. Since our creation by Colorado voters in 1992, that’s $1.4 billion invested in 5,800 projects in all 64 counties.
Resource Conservation
We value strategic land conservation and resource protection work.
Outdoor Stewardship
We support sustainability and improvements to the state’s natural and recreational resources.
Community Vitality
We invest in conservation and outdoor recreation efforts that support communities and quality of life.
Equitable Access
We partner with communities to break down barriers to the outdoors.
Youth Connections
We support projects and programs that help children and families get outside more often and experience all its benefits.
EQUITY COMMITMENT
Nature and outdoor experiences for all
GOCO is committed to investing in efforts that make Colorado’s outdoors–from urban and suburban to mountain and rural communities–more accessible, safe, and welcoming.
Roxborough State Park. Photo by Caveman Collective.
Strategic Plan
Strategic Plan
Advancing the mission in a new era
Building on past successes and valuable insights from our partner network, we have an updated 2025 Strategic Plan outlining priorities and grant programs for 2026 to 2030. As much as ever, we’re working to be a responsive and trusted funder and collaborator, helping partners address outdoors issues impacting their communities today while laying the foundation for a sustainable future.
Our History
Our History
It’s all thanks to Colorado voters and visionaries.
In 1990, Gov. Roy Romer and Dept. of Natural Resources Executive Director Ken Salazar formed a citizens committee of Colorado conservation, business, and political leaders, asking the question, “What should we do to sustain and enhance our outdoor resources—parks, trails, wildlife, and open space—for the future?”
After an extensive public process, the committee proposed creating a trust fund to invest in the future of Colorado’s outdoors. A ballot initiative proposed redirecting up to half of Lottery proceeds each year. On Nov. 3, 1992, it was approved with 58% of voters in favor. Colorado became, and remains, the only state in the nation to invest lottery proceeds this way.
But don’t take our word for it. Hear the story from the founders themselves.
Spot GOCO
Heads up, there’s always a GOCO-funded project near you.
Greenland Ranch
One of GOCO’s most iconic investments to date happened in July 2000. The Conservation Fund, Douglas County, and the landowner permanently safeguarded 17,000+ acres between Denver and Colorado Springs along the I-25 corridor. Without this effort, these urban areas may have expanded enough to meet and become one continuous mega-city. Instead, we can enjoy the landscape’s scenic vistas every time we drive north or south on this key stretch of highway.
Generation Wild
GOCO’s Generation Wild communications campaign offers accessible ideas for getting kids outside more often, with a new, fun theme and activities launched every summer. If you’re a parent, you may have seen the campaign’s creative billboards, social media posts, commercials, event appearances, or giveaways like our 100 Things to Do Before You’re 12 list. Since 2015, GOCO has also invested in coalitions of youth-serving organizations called ‘Generation Wild communities’ that provide free or low-cost outdoors programs in their regions.
Fisher’s Peak State Park
Crazy French Ranch used to be privately owned. In 2020, it became a state park for all to enjoy. The stunning 19,200-acre property features the iconic Fishers Peak, a backdrop to Trinidad and broader Las Animas County. It’s 55 square miles of publicly accessible protected land offering many outdoor recreation opportunities. The park also contains habitat for various wildlife, including the rare New Mexico jumping mouse. GOCO invested $17 million towards this collaborative effort with Trust for Public Land, The Nature Conservancy, Colorado Parks and Wildlife, and the City of Trinidad.