Land Acquisition

Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO) is a state agency that invests a portion of Colorado Lottery proceeds to preserve, protect, and enhance Colorado’s parks, trails, wildlife, rivers, and open spaces. The Land Acquisition Program is one of GOCO’s flagship funding initiatives, focused on supporting projects that safeguard Colorado's most critical landscapes. The program specifically targets properties that provide passive public recreation opportunities, wildlife habitat and migration corridors, critical waterways, and open spaces—particularly those in or near communities that are disproportionately impacted or underserved. Projects that contribute to local climate resilience and scenic preservation are also strongly encouraged. The GOCO Land Acquisition Program funds fee-simple land acquisitions that allow for public access, and may also consider conservation easements when state tax credits are insufficient or impractical. Eligible organizations include Colorado municipalities (cities, towns, counties), Title 32 special districts eligible for Conservation Trust Fund distributions, land conservation organizations, state political subdivisions with an open space mission, and Colorado Parks and Wildlife. Funded projects must emphasize strategic conservation, outdoor stewardship, community vitality, equitable access to the outdoors, and youth engagement with nature. Priority is given to projects facing urgent conservation threats due to imminent land use changes or other pressures that might compromise conservation or community values. GOCO generally awards up to $3 million per project, but higher investments may be considered for high-impact initiatives. Loans and reimbursement options are also available to support complex acquisitions or those with short-term funding gaps. Eligible expenses include land acquisition at fair market value, due diligence and transaction costs, immediate habitat restoration, and site-specific planning activities. However, expenses related to existing buildings, structures, or general contingencies are not eligible. GOCO does not require a financial match, though leveraging additional resources is encouraged. Loan options may include low- or no-interest opportunities, depending on project needs and funding availability. Applicants begin by consulting their regional GOCO officer to develop a project concept. Drafts of concept papers are accepted on a rolling basis. After initial review and feedback, GOCO may invite full applications. Projects may involve a site visit by GOCO staff. The review process includes peer reviewers from relevant conservation and recreation sectors, with recommendations passed to the GOCO Board for final funding decisions. Grants are awarded at board meetings following Programs Committee presentations. Projects must typically be completed within 1–3 years, though extensions may be granted based on scope and deliverables. For the 2026–2027 cycles, GOCO has established two application rounds. In the first cycle, concept papers are due July 23, 2026; full applications (by invitation) are due September 10, 2026, and awards are announced December 11, 2026. The second cycle requires concept papers by January 21, 2027; full applications by March 11, 2027; with awards expected in June 2027. Projects facing urgent land acquisition needs may submit proposals at any time and should coordinate immediately with their regional officer. The application requires a concept narrative, budget and budget narrative (optional), due diligence documentation, project maps and photos, and relevant planning documents. If selected for a full application, additional requirements include a formal resolution from the applicant’s governing body, wildlife review forms, and letters of support. GOCO prioritizes projects aligned with state-level plans like Colorado’s Outdoors Strategy and the State Wildlife Action Plan. Applicants are strongly encouraged to engage the community, especially underrepresented groups, in both the planning and execution of their projects.

Start early with your GOCO regional officer to align on project goals and readiness; emphasize conservation threats and planning alignment.