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. Created by Colorado voters in 1992 through a constitutional amendment, GOCO has since invested $1.8 billion in more than 6,000 projects across 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 came in July 2000, when The Conservation Fund, Douglas County, and a local landowner partnered to permanently protect more than 17,000 acres between Denver and Colorado Springs along the I-25 corridor. This sweeping stretch of open space helps preserve the distinct landscapes between two of Colorado’s largest urban areas, preventing them from growing together into one continuous metro area. Today, thanks to this landmark conservation effort, travelers can still take in the scenic views and wide-open landscapes along this well-traveled stretch of highway.
Generation Wild
The dream: get an entire generation of Colorado kids outside. GOCO invests in 15 regional coalitions of youth-serving organizations, known as Generation Wild communities, that offer free or low-cost programs connecting kids and families with meaningful outdoor experiences. To spread the message even further, Generation Wild’s statewide communications campaign gives parents fun, accessible ideas for making outdoor time part of everyday life. Each summer brings a fresh theme and new inspiration, delivered through creative billboards, social media, commercials, community events, and giveaways like the popular '100 Things to Do Before You’re 12' list.
Fisher’s Peak State Park
Crazy French Ranch used to be privately owned. In 2020, it became a state park for all to enjoy. At its heart is the iconic Fishers Peak, a striking backdrop to Trinidad and the surrounding Las Animas County landscape. Spanning 55 square miles, the park offers abundant opportunities for outdoor recreation while protecting important habitat for wildlife, including the rare New Mexico jumping mouse. GOCO invested $17 million in this collaborative effort alongside Trust for Public Land, The Nature Conservancy, Colorado Parks and Wildlife, and the City of Trinidad, helping ensure this remarkable landscape is protected and accessible for generations to come.