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Funding & Technical Assistance
Rural Economic Development Initiative Grant (REDI)
Applications open January 7 and close Feb. 4, 2026 | Details here. Are you REDI to build some economic resilience in your community? REDI is intended to support rural communities in creating jobs locally and building economic resilience. Join us on December 8, 2025, at 2 p.m. to learn about who and what types of projects are eligible for REDI as well as to hear stories from a panel of past REDI grantees about why REDI worked for them and what exciting projects they are bringing to life in their communities.
Innovative Local Government Workforce Solutions Grant Pilot Program
Deadline: January 15 | Details here. The Innovative Local Government Workforce Solutions Pilot Program seeks to fund innovative approaches that help local governments build a skilled and sustainable workforce that can be replicated in other local government organizations of similar size or complexity. This program is intended to identify best practices, concepts and ideas that support local governments in developing, testing, and scaling innovative workforce strategies.
Extended Producer Responsibility | Requests for Reimbursements (RFR)
Deadline to request reimbursement: January 16 | Details here. Under Colorado’s Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) law, recycling service providers including local governments, can be reimbursed for 100% of the net costs of the eligible recycling services they provide to Colorado residents. The program helps expand recycling access, upgrade Colorado’s recycling infrastructure and educate the public on how to recycle.
Sustainable Forests and Rural Communities Initiative | Weyerhaeuser Family Foundation
Deadline: January 15 | Details here. Target population: Forest-based communities
The Weyerhaeuser Family Foundation’s Sustainable Forests and Communities Initiative supports efforts that strengthen the environmental, economic, and social well-being of forest-based communities in the U.S. Funding focuses on sustainable forest management, conservation, ecological restoration, and community-driven economic development.
Journey For Good Foundation | Local Solutions to Poverty
Deadline: January 15 | Details here. The Journey For Good Foundation strengthens communities by addressing the root causes of poverty. Funding focuses on improving access to food, stable housing, education, workforce development, and support for veterans and their families. The Foundation is particularly interested in projects that create lasting, holistic impact at the local level. Collaborative and community-centered initiatives are strongly encouraged.
Best and Brightest Management Internship and Fellowship | DOLA Division of Local Government
Details here. This program partners counties, municipalities and universities across the state, striving to meet the needs of communities, engage future leaders, and meet students where they are in their professional development, connecting them to community work in public service. How to Participate: Interested local governments should contact their Regional Manager to explore candidacy. A mentoring plan and a community profile are due February 2, 2026 | Students: Contact your academic program director to determine if this program is right for you, or contact Program Manager Randi Snead. Applications for the Fellowship are due March 3, 2026.
Advancing Undergraduate STEM Education | U.S. National Science Foundation
Deadline: January 21 | Details here. The U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) funds projects that improve undergraduate STEM education. Grants support innovative, evidence-based approaches that bring new STEM knowledge into the classroom, strengthen teaching practices, and drive institutional improvements. Funding is open to all U.S. colleges, universities, and associated organizations.
Eagle County Lodging Tax Marketing Committee Grants
Deadline: January 16, 2026 | Details here. The Eagle County Lodging Tax Marketing Committee is allocating approximately $350,000 in grant funds to support eligible organizations in their marketing and communication efforts, with the goal of promoting sustainable tourism, recreation opportunities, and cultural programs. Applicant organizations must exist for at least three (3) years before requesting funds, must fall into one of the following categories: 501(C)(3 or 6), a for-profit, independently owned local business, a special district or authority that does not collect lodging tax, or Municipality of Gypsum, and must be registered with the Colorado Secretary of State's Office and be in good standing with Eagle County for required permits, licenses, taxes, and fees.
Climate Smart Communities Initiative Grants
Deadline: March 12, 2026. | Details here. The Climate Smart Communities Initiative (CSCI) is now accepting applications from communities looking to accelerate their climate resiliency plans and projects. Awards range from $75,000-$115,000. The funds can be used over a twelve-month period to advance a range of activities including risk assessments, community engagement, and implementation.
Main Street Webinar: AARP Funding for Main Street
January 20, 2026 | 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. | Register here. Join Colorado Main Street to learn about AARP opportunities to support your Main Street goals.
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.
Resources & News
State Demography Office Annual Summit Data & Materials now Available
Summit materials are available on the SDO website here. The 43rd State Demography Summit was held on November 7, 2025 at the Arvada Center. Over 400 people participated in this annual event.
Building on underutilized land: Solutions for type, place, and price
Read more here | by Jeri Mintzer, Michael Rodriguez, provided by Smart Growth America. Many communities declare that they are “built out” or “full,” yet these same communities often contain large surface parking lots, vacant parcels, underused commercial centers, and formerly contaminated sites that sit idle or contribute far less than they could. These overlooked spaces are often exactly where people want to live—near jobs, schools, and services. Redeveloping them is not only better for the environment but also more fiscally responsible. Extending roads, sewer, water, and utilities to greenfield developments is one of the most expensive choices local governments can make, while infill development makes better use of infrastructure that already exists. Read more here.
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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