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Funding & Technical Assistance
NWCCOG Regional Grants Navigator
NWCCOG has a Regional Grants Navigator on staff to assist with identifying appropriate grant opportunities, reviewing grants prior to submission, or helping to gather letters of support. Feel free to reach out to him for assistance: Jonathan Godes, NWCCOG Regional Grants Navigator - jgodes@nwccog.org.
Federal Opportunities
Safe Streets and Roads for All. Deadline: June 26. US Department of Transportation. Federal. Planning and demonstration or implementation funding. Eligible entities metropolitan planning organizations, local government, special districts, certain transit agencies, Tribes. A comprehensive safety action plan is the foundation of this grant program. Planning and demonstration grants are used to develop, complete, or supplement and Action Plan. Implementation grants are used to implement projects or strategies that are consistent with existing Action Plans to address a roadway safety problem.
USDA Announces $99 Million in New Grant Funding Available
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently announced $26.5 million in grant funding available through the Local Agriculture Market Program (LAMP) and $72.9 million in grant funding available through the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP).
Energy Improvements in Rural or Remote Areas Funding
NOFA to be released soon | Details here. U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Office of Clean Energy Demonstrations (OCED) issued a Notice of Intent (NOI) for up to $400 million to spur innovative, community-focused clean energy solutions in rural and remote areas across the United States. The anticipated funding plans to support energy technologies that provide clean, resilient, reliable, affordable power, while also aiming to increase local economic development.
State Opportunities
Colorado Creates Grant. Deadline: May 21. Colorado Office of Economic Development & Economic Trade. State. Eligible entities arts focused Colorado-based organizations. The purpose of Colorado Creates, Creative Industries’ largest annual competitive grant program, is to support arts programs, services, and activities associated with carrying out the National Endowment of the Arts strategic plan. From this funding, OEDIT has developed the Colorado Creates Grant, which provides general operating support for arts-focused organizations for the presentation of public programming.
Film Festival Support and Promotion Grant. Deadline: Rolling. Colorado Office of Economic Development & Economic Trade. State. Eligible entities to apply for this sponsorship, your film festival needs to take place in Colorado. The Film Festival Support and Promotion Grant supports more than 40 film festivals and educational events each year throughout Colorado. With a focus on Colorado’s rural areas, film festivals bring economic activity to different areas of the state by attracting new visitors.
Colorado Outdoor Regional Partnerships Initiative. Next grant cycle will open June 2025. Colorado Parks and Wildlife and Great Outdoors Colorado. State. Advances regionally driven collaboratives working to ensure that Colorado’s land, water and wildlife thrive while also providing equitable access to quality outdoor recreation experiences. For areas that do not have a partnership, these grants support collaborative efforts to establish a coalition that is committed to convening a broad range of outdoor interests to identify and advance conservation and sustainable recreation objectives. For areas with established Outdoor Regional Partnerships, grant funds support collaboration, public involvement, research, and planning that build on existing efforts. The next grant cycle
Human Bear Conflict Reduction Grants. Deadline: May 30. Colorado Parks and Wildlife. State. Eligible entities local government, HOAs, community groups, businesses, Tribes, Universities. Provides local communities with support to reduce human and bear conflicts. Seeks to foster innovative solutions that can be replicated throughout the state. This effort is does in tandem with other tools including bear management, CPW bear conflict response, and the game damage program.
Non-Motorized Trails Grants. Colorado Parks and Wildlife. State. Eligible entities local government, Tribes, and nonprofits with a 501(c)3. Supports projects that enhance outdoor recreation through trail construction, maintenance, planning, and related activities, while protecting natural and cultural resources. Funding comes from Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO) and the Federal Recreational Trails Program (RTP). Deadline will open with initial deadline in September and a secondary deadline in October.
Proposition 123 Local Planning Capacity Grant
Opens May 1 and closes May 30 | Details here. This funding supports local government implementation of Proposition 123 requirements including fast track and planning efforts that advance affordable housing strategies or projects. These funds are only available to those local governments who have filed a commitment and are eligible for Proposition 123 funds. LPC funds can also support implementation of 2024 land use and housing legislation? Projects could include:
- Adopting ADU strategies (HB24-1152) or displacement mitigation strategies (HB24-1152 & SB24-174);
- Calculating Housing Opportunity Goals or designating Neighborhood Centers (HB24-1313), and;
- Updating land use codes to address parking minimums (HB24-1304) or occupancy limits (HB24-1007).
Housing Planning Grant Program (HPLN)
Funding Cycle Opens June 9 and closes July 11 | Details here. This program offers grant funds to support housing needs assessments, housing action plans, and comprehensive plans elements (strategic growth and water supply). Program guidelines, application materials, and other relevant information is available on the program website, and interested applicants should email Program Manager Ashley Basham to discuss your project.
Other Opportunities
Anschutz Family Foundation
Deadline: January 15 and July 1, annually. The Anschutz Family Foundation supports rural and urban Colorado nonprofit organizations working to strengthen families and communities and advance individuals to become productive and responsible citizens. Grants are provided for programs in areas including civic and community, crisis intervention, early childhood, food and shelter, homelessness, people with disabilities, self-sufficiency and families, senior programs, and youth development.
2025 Verizon Disaster Resilience Prize
Deadline: June 13 | Program seeks to fund exceptional solutions that strengthen disaster resilience in the United States. The Verizon Disaster Resilience Prize has a particular interest in solutions that Enhance early warning systems and disaster preparedness; Improve emergency response and resource coordination; Strengthen infrastructure and protect vulnerable communities; Support long-term recovery and community resilience after weather-related disasters
Bank of America Charitable Foundation: Stable Housing & Empowering Communities Funding
Deadline: Applications will be accepted from May 19 to June 30, 2025.
The Bank of America Charitable Foundation provides support in communities within the Bank’s footprint in the United States to advance economic opportunity. Support is currently available through the Stable Housing and Empowering Communities request for proposals. In the area of stable housing, the focus is on creation and preservation of affordable housing, access to affordable rentals, and access to affordable homes. In the area of empowering communities, the focus is on community leadership, community or neighborhood collaboration, and systemic change and reform.
Seed Funding for Innovative Child and Youth Mental Health Projects
Deadline: July 7. The Morgan Stanley Alliance for Children's Mental Health Innovation Awards aim to seed fund transformative mental healthcare solutions for children and youth across the U.S. The Awards seek new or piloted projects from direct-service organizations that will help address stress, anxiety, depression, or other mental health issues in children and young adults. U.S.-based 501(c)(3) public charities with an annual total revenue under $5 million are eligible to apply.
Rural & Community Support Grants. Deadline: July 15. Anschutz Family Foundation. General operating and project-based funding. Eligible entities nonprofits and local government partnering with a nonprofit. The foundation supports nonprofit organizations focused on improving quality of life for individuals and families in Colorado, particularly in rural and underserved communities. Priority is given to projects addressing basic human needs, community and economic vitality, self-sufficiency, and access to opportunities. Eligible proposals should demonstrate community engagement, strong leadership, and sustainable impact, with an emphasis on organizations serving low-income and vulnerable populations.
Supporting Coloradans in Recovery Through Non-Clinical Programs. Deadline: June 15. The Colorado Health Foundation. Project-based funding. Eligible entities local government, Tribes, nonprofits, for-profits. Provides funding for non-clinical programs that support Coloradans in recovery from substance use disorders. Grants focus on addressing social determinants of health, promoting well-being, and reducing barriers to sustained recovery through services such as peer support, housing assistance, employment programs, and community connection activities. Priority is given to programs that are community-driven and culturally responsive.
Equitable Community-Designed Outdoor Spaces. Deadline: June 15. The Colorado Health Foundation. Project-based funding. Eligible entities local government, Tribes, nonprofits, for-profits. Provides funding to support the planning, design, and creation of outdoor spaces that promote health, well-being, and equity in Colorado communities. Grants prioritize community-led projects that address the unique needs of underrepresented populations by improving access to safe, inclusive, and culturally relevant outdoor environments. Funding can be used for planning, community engagement, and construction activities.
High Country Conservation Center| Funding for Waste Reduction Projects
Deadline: June 1. The High Country Conservation Center, in partnership with the Summit County government, is offering grant funding for waste reduction projects. Local nonprofits, businesses, homeowners’ associations, schools and government agencies can apply for the competitive grants aimed at reducing waste and increasing recycling and composting efforts. Grant amounts range from $1,000 to $75,000, and all projects must be completed within one year of award notice.
Resources
Community-Driven Engagement Guide for Community Planning
The Colorado Department of Local Affairs (DOLA) has released the new Community-Driven Engagement Guide for Community Planning to assist local agencies in the development of best practices for community engagement. This guide supports communities in meeting their formal requirements for specific grant-funded projects, such as a comprehensive plan, and encourages good governance through robust public participation in ongoing operations including annual budgeting, capital improvement planning, and policy creation.
Be Part of History – America 250 - Colorado 150 Needs You!
In 2026, we will celebrate a truly historic milestone—the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, and the 150th anniversary of Colorado statehood. This once-in-a-lifetime moment is an opportunity to reflect on our shared history, celebrate our communities, and shape the future together. These statewide efforts are being led by the America 250 - Colorado 150 Commission. Whether you’re planning new programs, want to co-brand an existing event, or are looking for funding opportunities, the Commission has the tools and resources to help.
Community Activation Toolkit
Provided by Economic Development Council of Colorado. Use this toolkit to engage with elected officials and build excitement for Economic Development.
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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