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Funding & Technical Assistance
Energy/Mineral Impact Assistance Fund (EIAF)
Deadline: February 13 | Details here. The Energy/Mineral Impact Assistance Fund Grant (EIAF) program assists local governments that are socially and/or economically impacted by the development, processing, or energy conversion of minerals and mineral fuels to facilitate essential community improvements, including water and wastewater systems, resilient public facilities, comprehensive plans, and housing infrastructure.
A total of $15M will be available with Tier I (up to $200,000) and Tier II ($200,001 to $1,000,000) applications accepted. Municipalities, counties, school districts, special districts, and other political subdivisions are eligible to apply.
Rural Economic Development Initiative (REDI)
Deadline: February 4 | Details here. Are you REDI to build some economic resilience in your community? The Rural Economic Development Initiative (REDI) is intended to support rural communities in creating jobs locally and building economic resilience. Program details and informational webinar recording are available on the REDI webpage.
Community Schoolyards Grant Program
Applications open March 2 thru April 1 | Details here. The new Community Schoolyards Grant Program, an initiative created under HB25-1061 designed to fund the planning, design, and capital construction of innovative community schoolyards across Colorado,
offers a single grant opportunity that encompasses both the planning and design, and capital construction phases for innovative community schoolyards. This unified approach aims to streamline the funding process, supporting projects from formal design to completion.
YouthBuild 2025: Empowering Opportunity Youth Through Training and Job Placement
Deadline: March 2 | Details here. The Department of Labor’s YouthBuild 2025 program provides competitive grants to public, private, and nonprofit organizations to offer pre-apprenticeship occupational skills training, education, and job placement services to opportunity youth. Programs must include construction training and hands-on experience building affordable housing. Grants also support wraparound services such as transportation, childcare, and housing to help participants succeed.
Scholarship applications now open for CML 2026 Annual Conference
Details here. Get ready for CML’s can’t-miss event of the year! The 104th CML Annual Conference returns June 22-25, 2026, in beautiful Westminster, Colorado, and scholarship applications are now open.
Community Care Corps: Support for Volunteer Care Programs
Deadline: February 26 | Details here. Community Care Corps supports U.S. organizations in developing or expanding volunteer programs for older adults, adults with disabilities, and family caregivers. Funded projects aim to increase access to community-based care, reduce unmet needs, and strengthen supports that promote independence and well-being. Grants can support initiatives that integrate family caregiver strategies, engage students or interns, expand virtual or low-tech access, and build volunteer skills.
2026 Senior Executives in State & Local Government Program at Harvard Kennedy School | Gates Fellowship Opportunity
Deadline to apply: March 2 | Details here | Contact: Christian Flynn christian_flynn@hks.harvard.edu. The Fellowship supports Colorado’s public sector leaders in attending the Harvard Kennedy School’s Senior Executives in State and Local Government program. Since 1980, the Gates Family Foundation has sponsored more than 300 Colorado civic leaders through this program. Fellows participate in leadership labs, team projects, and peer learning sessions and return with new tools, clarity, and energy for the work ahead. Each year, up to seven fellowships are awarded to individuals currently serving in Colorado state or local government—including those in elected, career, and appointed roles—who are committed to advancing innovation, collaboration, and effective public service.
Cooperative Housing, Jobs and Food Access Grants
Deadline: February 9 | Details here. The Cooperative Development Foundation (CDF) supports organizations that use cooperative models to strengthen communities through self-help and mutual aid. For 2026, the Cooperative Development Fund will prioritize projects that address urgent community needs through housing co-ops, worker co-ops that create good jobs, and food co-ops that expand access to healthy food. Funding supports cooperative development, research, and technical assistance. Eligible applicants include organizations working in areas such as affordable housing, employment, and food access using collaborative approaches.
Grants for Arts Projects
Deadline: February 12 | Details here. The National Endowment for the Arts’ Grants for Arts Projects (GAP) program provides project-based funding to nonprofit organizations and government units.Funded projects span a wide range of disciplines, including arts education, dance, music, theater, visual and media arts, literary arts, folk and traditional arts, and multidisciplinary works, as well as arts and health initiatives.
Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) Grants
Deadline: February 24 | Details here. The U.S. Department of Transportation's (USDOT) Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) grant program provides grants for planning or constructing surface transportation infrastructure projects that will improve safety; environmental sustainability; quality of life; mobility and community connectivity; economic competitiveness and opportunity including tourism; state of good repair; partnership and collaboration; and innovation.
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.
Resources & News
State of Cities and Towns report published by Colorado Municipal League
CML has published a report detailing the results of its annual State of Our Cities and Towns survey. "Budgeting for Tomorrow's Economy: How Colorado Municipalities are navigating economic uncertainty and serving their constituents" examines municipal finances during a time of economic uncertainty. Colorado cities and towns answered survey questions regarding revenue trends, state and federal funding expectations, budgeting and financial planning, and how local governments are adapting to challenges. Read full story
EDCC Legislative Bill Report: Shaping Business-friendly Policy for Colorado
Read more here. The 2026 legislative session is officially underway, with early activity signaling a busy few months ahead. Legislative leadership in both chambers and Governor Polis have emphasized priorities around housing affordability, education, healthcare, mental health, and workforce issues. Nearly 100 bills have already been introduced, with early legislation reflecting a strong focus on housing development, workforce housing, and worker protections. As bill introductions continue and the pace of the session accelerates, EDCC will remain focused on tracking legislation with potential impacts on economic development professionals and communities across Colorado.
Learn about transformative projects that showcase innovation across Colorado’s downtown districts
Downtown Colorado, Inc. (DCI) announced the finalists for its 2026 Downtown Excellence Awards, recognizing outstanding achievements in downtown development, placemaking, and community partnerships across the state. The awards will be presented at DCI's annual Downtown Excellence Awards ceremony on April 2, 2026, at the historic Mesa Theater in Grand Junction as part of the 2026 IN THE GAME 2026 Vibrant Downtown Event. These projects span communities from Pagosa Springs to Steamboat Springs, Eaton to Aurora, showcasing downtown revitalization efforts in both urban centers and rural communities across Colorado.
Colorado’s 12th Iteration of the Annual Talent Pipeline Report
Access the report | Watch the event recording | Access the slide deck
It’s been one month since the 2025 Annual Talent Pipeline Report was released, and it continues to be a resource for understanding Colorado’s evolving labor market. Access the Report to explore: Top Jobs in Colorado—those with high annual openings, above-average growth, and a livable wage; Employment projections for the state; In-demand skills, qualifications, and key population factors for consideration.
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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