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Funding & Technical Assistance
Technical Assistance for Childcare Facility Projects
The Colorado Department of Local Affairs (DOLA) offers technical assistance for child care facility projects. DOLA is teaming up with Executives Partnering to Invest in Children to host technical support sessions. This support is designed to provide timely, flexible guidance for child care facility projects that are ready to move forward and could benefit from expert help. More information is available on the DOLA website.
Climate Awareness and Action | Earth Rising Foundation
Deadline: December 31, 2025. The Earth Rising Foundation funds U.S.-based organizations and groups working to raise awareness and drive action on the climate crisis. Priority is given to projects amplifying Indigenous voices, advancing regenerative agriculture, exploring climate intersections with social justice, fostering sustainable visions, and promoting youth activism. Grants are open to both emerging and established leaders advocating for a future grounded in cooperation and care for people and the planet.
Walmart Spart Good Local Grants
Deadline: Applications accepted quarterly. Spark Good Local Grants. Walmart Spark Good. Foundation funding. General. Eligible entities: Deed-verified organizations with a Spark Good account, including nonprofit organization (c3) government entities, schools, and faith-based groups with community-wide benefit. Provides local cash grants ranging from $250 to $5,000 to support community-specific needs through an open application process.
Hometown Grants: T-Mobile Foundation
Applications accepted quarterly. Hometown Grants. T-Mobile. Foundation. Project-based funding. Eligible entities: local government or nonprofit community leaders. The program will fund projects to build, rebuild, or refresh community spaces that help foster local connections in small towns (with populations less than 50,000), including town squares, historic buildings, outdoor parks, ball fields, or libraries. Elected leaders, town managers or employees, or nonprofit leaders are eligible to submit project details.
Water Plan Grants. Colorado Water Conservation Board. State. Project-based funding. Eligible entities local governments, special districts, water and sanitation, conservancy, conservation districts, irrigation and water activity enterprises, private entities such as mutual ditch companies, nonprofits, individuals and partnerships, etc. Provides funding to advance the Colorado Water Plan. Please see program guidelines for eligible project types. Preference given to projects that have multiple benefits and multiple purposes and involve multiple stakeholders. Deadline December 1 and July 1.
Community Funding Partnership. Colorado River District. Project-based funding. Eligible entities: include local governments, nonprofits, irrigation districts, and other stakeholders within the Colorado River District’s 15-county Western Slope region. Provides funding for multi-benefit water projects in five categories: productive agriculture, infrastructure, healthy rivers, watershed health and water quality, and conservation and efficiency. Grants aim to support projects that enhance water resilience and leverage additional funding from state, federal, and private sources. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis; however, for funding requests exceeding $50,000, applications must be submitted at least six weeks prior to the quarterly board meetings held in January, April, July, and October.
Resources & News
E-vehicles, real solutions
Read story here. In recent years, electric scooters, e-bikes, golf carts, toy vehicles, and other low-speed electric vehicles (collectively “e-vehicles”) have greatly increased in popularity with both adults and children. Increased usage has caused a rise in traffic violations, safety concerns, and public complaints. While state law provides several pertinent definitions for these vehicles and toys, local governments have the authority to set rules and regulations for usage in their municipalities under C.R.S. § 42-4-111. The rising use of e-vehicles highlights the need for clear, enforceable rules that complement state law and uphold community standards. Read full story. And for a briefing on legal issues facing Colorado cities and towns, read CML's monthly Update on Municipal Law.
What to Expect from Travel this Winter
VVP President's Post: Chris Romer | In mountain towns like ours, tourism is the lifeblood of the economy. Every plane that lands, every hotel room booked, every restaurant reservation made - it all supports our workforce and vibrancy. That’s why we watch travel trends the same way skiers watch the weather: closely, and with a healthy respect for how quickly things can change. Right now, the travel forecast (both domestic and international) is facing some headwinds. And while Vail and Beaver Creek remain an aspirational destination with strong demand in the luxury segment, we’re not immune to broader macroeconomic forces. Read story here.
2-1-1 Colorado can help determine community needs
For some community members, barriers like immigration status or the complexity of government systems can make it difficult to reach out for help. That's where 2-1-1 Colorado comes in. This free, multilingual service connects residents to essential support from tobacco cessation programs to guidance on public benefits they may qualify for. Beyond helping individuals, 2-1-1 Colorado also provides valuable, real-time insights into the types of assistance Coloradans are seeking most. By understanding where and how residents are accessing support, decision-makers can better target resources and make data-informed decisions to meet community needs. Read full story
Colorado Department of Local Affairs Local Community Funding Guide
The Division of Local Government (DLG) created this comprehensive resource to help local governments and nonprofit community organizations navigate the funding sources available through a variety of Federal and State programs. While not an exhaustive list, this guide is updated frequently as new information is available.
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