Community Impact Program

The Community Impact Program, administered by Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO), is a funding initiative designed to support projects that improve community quality of life by increasing access to the outdoors. GOCO, a well-established organization dedicated to preserving and enhancing Colorado’s parks, trails, open spaces, and wildlife, aims to partner with local and regional entities to create public outdoor recreation amenities that serve diverse community needs. This program supports both planning and capital projects, including the construction or renovation of parks, natural areas, trails, and other accessible outdoor spaces. Additionally, the program funds stewardship-focused initiatives that sustain or restore existing outdoor infrastructure and natural landscapes. GOCO prioritizes investments that reflect strong community demand, benefit a wide range of users, and serve as impactful assets at the local, regional, or state level. Projects are expected to demonstrate alignment with GOCO's core values—resource conservation, outdoor stewardship, community vitality, equitable access, and youth connections. A key consideration is the project’s readiness and urgency, as well as its potential to fill funding gaps or leverage additional resources. GOCO also evaluates how projects align with local or statewide planning strategies and the anticipated outcomes in terms of accessibility, sustainability, and collaboration. Applicants must submit a concept paper as an initial step in the application process. GOCO regional officers assist with project development and provide feedback on submitted concepts. If selected, applicants are invited to submit a full proposal. The complete application may include a summary sheet, detailed narrative, maps, photos, a resolution of support from the governing body, wildlife impact review, and letters of support. A project site visit may also be requested. Grant awards are determined through a peer review process, followed by board-level decisions. The funding range for grants is between $100,000 and $2,000,000 per project. Beginning in fiscal year 2027 (starting July 1, 2026), proposals for funding above $2,000,000 will be considered, with an expectation that only one or two such awards will be made each year. GOCO may recommend funding adjustments based on application competitiveness and alignment with funding priorities. While there is no formal matching requirement, applicants are encouraged to explore partnerships and other sources of support. GOCO typically reimburses awardees in a single payment upon project completion, though alternative arrangements may be made when necessary. All funded projects must provide reasonable public access and commit to maintenance for the life of the project or a minimum of 15 years. For capital projects, the applying entity must own or hold a legal interest in the property. Wildlife reviews are required, and applicants must coordinate with local Colorado Parks & Wildlife managers to ensure environmental considerations are addressed. Eligible applicants include municipalities, counties, Title 32 special districts, land conservation organizations, political subdivisions of the state of Colorado focused on open space, and Colorado Parks and Wildlife. The Community Impact Program runs in two funding cycles each year. For the first cycle, concept papers are due July 24, 2025; applications are invited by August 8, 2025; and full applications are due by September 11, 2025. Awards will be announced in December 2025. The second cycle requires concept papers by January 15, 2026; applications are invited by January 30, 2026; and final submissions are due by March 5, 2026, with awards announced in June 2026. These recurring cycles allow applicants to plan according to their project timelines and readiness.