Planning and Capacity

The Pathways Program, administered by Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO), is designed to support Colorado-based planning, research, and capacity-building initiatives that address current and emerging challenges in natural resource conservation, outdoor recreation, equity, and community engagement. GOCO, a state-affiliated entity that invests Colorado Lottery proceeds into outdoor projects, seeks to expand access to nature, improve climate resilience, and foster long-term partnerships by supporting projects grounded in collaboration, sustainability, and equity. This program targets innovative, scalable efforts that focus on critical issues in the outdoors across Colorado, such as environmental threats, recreational pressures, and community well-being. It prioritizes projects that incorporate equity-focused practices, consider climate resilience, and include underrepresented communities in design and implementation. Special consideration is given to initiatives that advance transferable or replicable strategies for impact and align with statewide planning efforts like Colorado’s Outdoors Strategy. The Pathways Program accepts proposals from a range of eligible organizations, including Colorado cities, towns, counties, Title 32 special districts, land conservation nonprofits focused on open space acquisition, political subdivisions managing natural areas, and Colorado Parks and Wildlife. The fund does not support land use master plans for parks or trails, environmental education programs, or outdoor programming, directing such proposals to its Community Impact Program instead. Applicants must first work with a regional GOCO officer to develop a concept paper, which is submitted for review and feedback. Those invited to the next stage must submit a full application including a proposal narrative, budget, governing body resolution, and documentation on wildlife impact where applicable. Site visits may be conducted, and applications are reviewed by peer reviewers and GOCO staff. Final funding decisions are made by the GOCO Board following recommendations from the Programs Committee. Funding awards typically range from $100,000 to $300,000 per project, although there is no official ceiling. GOCO reserves the right to adjust requested amounts during the review process. Projects must be completed within one to three years, and payments are generally made on a reimbursement basis, although alternatives such as advanced or partial payments may be available under specific circumstances. Two annual funding cycles are offered. For the first cycle, concept papers are due by July 24, 2025, applications are invited on August 8, 2025, and final applications are due September 11, 2025, with awards announced December 12, 2025. The second cycle requires concept paper submission by January 15, 2026, with applications due March 5, 2026, and grants awarded in June 2026. GOCO encourages early engagement with regional officers to improve competitiveness and alignment with program goals.