Community Impact

Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO) administers the Community Impact program as part of its broader mission to preserve and enhance Colorado’s natural heritage and outdoor spaces. GOCO is funded by the Colorado Lottery and reinvests those funds in local parks, trails, wildlife, rivers, and open spaces. The Community Impact program specifically supports projects that elevate outdoor access and quality of life for communities across Colorado, providing critical infrastructure for residents to connect with nature. The Community Impact program provides financial support for both the planning and construction of new or upgraded outdoor spaces. Eligible projects include parks, trails, natural areas, and other outdoor amenities, as well as stewardship activities that preserve and maintain these assets. GOCO aims to fund projects that demonstrate a lasting impact on community well-being and environmental stewardship, enhancing recreational access and ecological resilience. Entities eligible to apply include Colorado cities, towns, and counties, Title 32 special districts, nonprofit land conservation organizations that acquire or manage open spaces, political subdivisions of the state responsible for natural areas, and Colorado Parks and Wildlife. This broad eligibility reflects GOCO’s interest in supporting diverse stakeholders committed to sustainable land use and community recreation. Grant awards range from $100,000 to $2,000,000 per project. However, GOCO notes that projects requesting larger sums are subject to heightened scrutiny, and the organization may suggest a revised award amount during evaluation. Beginning in fiscal year 2027 (July 1, 2026 to June 30, 2027), GOCO will consider funding projects that exceed the $2,000,000 cap, though only one or two such awards are expected annually. The submission process includes two funding cycles each year. In the first cycle, concept papers are due by July 24, 2025. Selected applicants will be invited to submit full applications by August 8, 2025, with final applications due September 11, 2025. Awards will be announced on December 12, 2025. In the second cycle, concept papers are due January 15, 2026, invitations will be sent by January 30, 2026, applications are due by March 5, 2026, and awards will be made in June 2026. Interested applicants are encouraged to start by contacting their regional officer to craft a competitive proposal. Additional resources are available to help applicants, including sample resolutions, budget templates, guidance documents, and links to strategy tools like Colorado EnviroScreen and the Community-Driven Engagement Guide. For further assistance, applicants may contact GOCO directly at 303.226.4500 or visit their office at 1900 Grant St., Suite 725, Denver, CO 80203. GOCO emphasizes the importance of early engagement and alignment with community goals to increase the likelihood of funding success.

Applicants are encouraged to contact regional officers and review sample documents such as budget templates and resolutions to strengthen submissions.