Public Education, Participation, & Outreach Grant Program

The Public Education, Participation, and Outreach (PEPO) Grant Program was launched by the Colorado Water Conservation Board (CWCB) in 2022 to enhance statewide and basin-specific water education and outreach efforts. This initiative was designed in alignment with the Colorado Water Plan and Basin Implementation Plans, and it represents a coordinated effort between the CWCB and the nine Colorado river basin roundtables. Funding under the PEPO program is allocated across two primary categories: Basin Coordinator grants and Statewide Initiative grants, each with specific aims and implementation guidelines. The program is funded through the Water Supply Reserve Fund, which derives resources from the state's severance tax distributions, restructured under Senate Bill SB 21-281. PEPO Basin Coordinator grants provide up to $25,000 per basin per year to fund an individual or organization tasked with overseeing basin-level outreach and educational efforts. These coordinators must maintain close collaboration with their respective roundtables and the CWCB to ensure consistency in messaging and project alignment. Activities funded through this stream include preparing for and participating in up to three roundtable meetings per year, coordinating local education initiatives, and supporting community engagement around water topics. Coordinators are required to present scopes of work that align with basin-specific educational priorities and submit final reports detailing outreach metrics and outcomes. The Statewide Initiatives funding stream supports larger-scale water education and outreach projects with a broader geographic reach. Up to $75,000 is made available annually for efforts that span multiple basins or have statewide relevance. Eligible projects may include awareness surveys, educational campaigns, development of materials and collateral, and initiatives that elevate public understanding of the Colorado Water Plan. Applications in this category must show alignment with CWCB priorities and demonstrate clear multi-basin support. Projects requesting over $50,000 must be reviewed and approved by the CWCB Board during the March or September meetings, depending on the submission timeline. Applications to the PEPO Grant Program must be submitted via the CWCB Portal and include specific supporting documents: a completed Statement of Work (Exhibit A), a Budget & Schedule (Exhibit B) in both Word and Excel formats, and a letter of support from the applicable basin roundtable for Basin Coordinator applications. Only one Basin Coordinator application is allowed per basin each year. All applications are evaluated by CWCB staff for completeness and alignment with stated goals. Key evaluation criteria include demonstrated need, the extent of community engagement, coordination with CWCB and roundtables, and the scope's consistency with state and basin water education objectives. A 25% matching fund requirement applies to all PEPO grants, which may be fulfilled through cash contributions, in-kind services, or a combination of both. Applicants must provide documentation to substantiate the match, including hourly rate breakdowns for in-kind labor and award letters for secured funds. Waivers to the match requirement may be granted in cases of financial hardship, contingent upon CWCB approval. Final deliverables, including progress and completion reports, are mandatory and must outline the outreach activities conducted, engagement metrics, and any challenges encountered. Ten percent of the grant award is withheld until satisfactory completion and reporting are confirmed. Through structured support at both the local and statewide levels, the PEPO Grant Program aims to foster a more informed and engaged public around water issues critical to Colorado’s future. The grant cycle recurs semi-annually, with application deadlines set for June 1 and December 1. This predictable schedule enables applicants to plan ahead and coordinate effectively with basin roundtables and CWCB representatives in the development and submission of proposals.

Only one Basin Coordinator application accepted per basin; 25% match must be documented; basin roundtable letter of support is mandatory.