The Colorado Outdoor Regional Partnerships Initiative (RPI) advances regionally driven collaboratives working to ensure that Colorado’s land, water, and wildlife thrive, and residents have equitable access to quality outdoor recreation experiences.

Funded by Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) and Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO), the grant program supports a network of Outdoor Regional Partnerships (RPIs) that develop visions and action plans that reflect regional priorities and support Colorado’s Outdoors Strategy—a statewide vision for conservation, climate resilience, and sustainable recreation. 

For areas that do not have a partnership, grants help to build a coalition of organizations representing a broad range of outdoor interests. For existing Outdoor Regional Partnerships, grants support continued collaboration, public engagement, research,  planning, and implementation. 

Coalitions awarded funding are provided tools, resources, best practices, and connections to a statewide network of recreation and conservation leaders. Designated CPW staff support the growth and development of regional coalitions and provide information as needed. 

GOCO and CPW are investing $50 million in the RPI program from 2025 to 2030.

Eligibility 

Eligible organizations include: 

  • Colorado non-profit organizations and government entities bringing together a coalition with a broad range of outdoor interests, including conservation, outdoor recreation, working lands, underrepresented populations, and government interests OR demonstrate a commitment to building a coalition with these interests.
  • Representatives of new or existing coalitions in areas that do not have a Regional Partnership OR represent an existing Regional Partnership. Please see the RPI map to determine if your coalition is eligible.
  • Applicants who demonstrate a commitment to identifying community-driven conservation and sustainable outdoor recreation values, objectives, and priorities while supporting the goals of Colorado’s Outdoors Strategy.

Eligible grant expenses include:

  •  Development, coordination, and facilitation of a regional coalition.
  • Regional conservation and recreation visioning and planning.
  • Recreation and conservation assessments, mapping, data collection, and surveys.
  • Public outreach and stakeholder engagement efforts engaging traditionally underrepresented communities
  • Webpage design, marketing and communications; and
  • Additional eligible grant expenses to be announced in June 2025. 

Deadlines 

The annual grant cycle will open in June 2025, with grants awarded in December 2025. Check back for more information. Coalitions experiencing a gap in funding may apply for bridge funding now until May 16, 2025. 

Ready to get started?

CPW manages the RPI grant program and its application process. Check back in June 2025 for more information. Email Statewide Regional Partnerships Coordinator Morgan Anderson at morgan.l.anderson@state.co.us with any questions. 

Learn More on CPW's Website