Community Impact Program

The Community Impact Program administered by Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO) is designed to enhance the quality of life and expand outdoor access across communities in Colorado. GOCO was established to invest a portion of Colorado Lottery proceeds in state parks, trails, wildlife, rivers, and open spaces, supporting projects that have a lasting impact on Colorado’s outdoor infrastructure and environmental stewardship. This grant opportunity focuses on planning and implementation efforts for outdoor recreation and natural area projects, such as parks, trails, and conservation-focused initiatives. GOCO emphasizes funding that aligns with community needs and priorities, promotes equitable access, and encourages meaningful community involvement. Eligible applicants include Colorado cities, towns, and counties, Title 32 special districts eligible for Conservation Trust Funds, land conservation organizations focused on acquiring open space, political subdivisions of the state engaged in natural area management or acquisition, and Colorado Parks and Wildlife. These organizations may apply for funding to support a variety of project types, including construction, land acquisition, planning, community engagement, and other expenses associated with creating or enhancing outdoor spaces. However, the program does not fund structures like amphitheaters, entertainment stages, or public art installations, nor does it allow project contingency budgeting. The grant provides awards ranging from $100,000 to $2,000,000 per project. Starting in fiscal year 2027 (July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2027), larger requests exceeding $2,000,000 will be considered, with only one or two such grants expected to be awarded annually. GOCO does not require a formal match, though applicants are encouraged to demonstrate financial partnerships or additional funding sources that may enhance the project's success and sustainability. The application process begins with submitting a concept paper, followed by an invitation-only full application for selected projects. Concept papers are due twice a year, with the first cycle’s due date on July 23, 2026, and the second on January 21, 2027. Applications for each cycle are due September 10, 2026, and March 11, 2027, respectively. Award announcements are expected in December 2026 and June 2027. A typical project completion period is one to three years, with GOCO offering flexibility depending on the deliverables. Payments are generally made upon project completion, although alternative arrangements may be discussed with GOCO. Proposals are evaluated on alignment with GOCO's core values: resource conservation, outdoor stewardship, community vitality, equitable access, and youth engagement. Additional assessment criteria include urgency, project need, community-centered approaches, anticipated outcomes, and how well the project integrates with existing local, regional, or statewide plans. Applicants must engage with a GOCO regional officer before submitting a concept paper. A wildlife review coordinated with Colorado Parks and Wildlife is also required during the application phase to identify and mitigate habitat impacts. GOCO supports a collaborative and participatory planning process. Applicants are expected to demonstrate community involvement in shaping the project vision and implementation and may include support letters, planning documents, maps, and photos as part of their submission. The required documents for the concept paper include a narrative, budget, maps, and photos. Full applications will include more extensive documentation such as wildlife impact reviews, resolutions from governing bodies, and optional planning or engagement materials. For additional guidance or support, applicants are encouraged to contact their regional GOCO officer well in advance of the concept paper deadline.

Early contact with regional officers is advised; community participation and plan alignment are prioritized.