Pathways Program

The Pathways Program, administered by Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO), supports research, planning, and capacity-building initiatives that address critical issues in the outdoors and natural resource management. GOCO is a state-funded organization that allocates Colorado Lottery proceeds to projects that preserve, protect, and enhance Colorado’s outdoor spaces. The Pathways Program plays a unique role within GOCO’s portfolio by focusing not on direct implementation projects but rather on upstream efforts that create strategic, research-based, and inclusive foundations for future impact. This grant opportunity targets high-level initiatives such as statewide and regional visioning processes, climate resilience efforts, equity-driven engagement strategies, and long-term planning across conservation and recreation sectors. Funded projects may include research and data gathering, the development of new models and tools, or efforts to expand organizational or regional staff capacity. Proposals that seek to strengthen partnerships, advance innovation, and promote replicable or transferable strategies across the state are especially encouraged. Priority will be given to projects that meaningfully involve disproportionately impacted communities and elevate diverse voices in both the planning and decision-making processes. Eligible applicants include Colorado cities, towns, counties, Title 32 special districts that receive Conservation Trust Fund distributions, political subdivisions of the state focused on natural areas and open space, land conservation organizations that support acquisitions, and Colorado Parks and Wildlife. GOCO does not require a match for this opportunity, though applicants are encouraged to explore strategic partnerships and complementary funding. Projects typically range in duration from one to three years depending on deliverables. Awards typically fall between $100,000 and $300,000, though there is no stated maximum. Funding may be used for strategic planning, implementation coordination, professional development, non-fixed technology assets, consulting, and community engagement. Ineligible expenses include advocacy or policy work, programmatic outdoor experiences or education, and local master plans related to parks or open space. GOCO prefers to reimburse funds upon project completion, but partial or advanced payment options may be discussed if reimbursement poses a barrier. The application process involves an initial concept paper, which must be developed in collaboration with a GOCO regional officer. Drafts may be submitted on a rolling basis, with final concept papers due twice annually. For the first 2026–2027 cycle, concept papers are due July 23, 2026, and full applications (if invited) are due by September 10, 2026. Awards will be announced in December 2026. The second cycle opens with a concept paper deadline of January 21, 2027, followed by a March 11, 2027, application deadline and June 2027 award announcement. Applicants whose concept papers are accepted will be invited to submit a full application, which includes a narrative, budget, resolution from the governing body, letters of support, a wildlife impact review if applicable, and other supporting materials. Peer reviewers from the outdoor and conservation sectors will evaluate proposals based on alignment with GOCO values such as equity, stewardship, youth engagement, and strategic conservation. All applicants receive feedback, and funded organizations are invited to present at GOCO’s Programs Committee Meeting and are formally recognized during the board meeting where awards are finalized.

Start early and contact regional officers at least 3 months in advance to build a competitive concept.