Land Acquisition

Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO), a state-supported funding entity, administers the Land Acquisition Program to support the conservation of Colorado’s landscapes through land acquisitions. The program is part of GOCO’s broader mission to preserve and enhance Colorado's parks, wildlife, open space, and trails using a portion of Colorado Lottery proceeds. GOCO partners with local governments, conservation organizations, and Colorado Parks and Wildlife to implement these priorities through accessible, transparent grantmaking processes. The Land Acquisition Program funds the purchase of land or conservation easements that protect natural resources, safeguard wildlife habitats and migration corridors, enhance climate resilience, support scenic and open space preservation, and expand access to passive outdoor recreation. It targets landscapes under immediate development or ecological threat and supports projects that align with local, regional, or statewide conservation plans, such as the State Wildlife Action Plan and the Keep It Colorado Roadmap. Eligible applicants include Colorado municipalities, counties, Title 32 special districts eligible for Conservation Trust Funds, land conservation organizations, political subdivisions of the State of Colorado with conservation missions, and Colorado Parks and Wildlife. Projects must involve fee-simple acquisitions with public access or, when necessary, conservation easements. GOCO does not fund acquisition costs associated with existing buildings or structures or project contingencies. However, allowable expenses include land acquisition at fair market value, transaction and due diligence costs, habitat restoration, and initial recreation development. The typical maximum award is $3 million per project, with the potential for larger investments in high-impact projects. GOCO also offers low- or no-interest loans to projects that demonstrate urgent financial need. Awards are typically paid out as a single disbursement at closing, although progress payments of up to 75% can be requested. The timeline for completion is generally one to three years, and GOCO emphasizes proactive engagement with regional officers early in the process. There are no matching requirements, but applicants are encouraged to seek complementary funds and partnerships. The application process begins with a concept paper developed in consultation with a GOCO regional officer. Concept paper deadlines are biannual, with urgent land acquisition proposals accepted outside scheduled cycles. The first cycle deadlines are: concept paper by July 24, 2025; application invitation by August 8, 2025; application due by September 11, 2025; and awards announced on December 12, 2025. The second cycle starts with a January 15, 2026 concept paper deadline, followed by applications invited on January 30 and due on March 5, 2026, with award announcements in June 2026. Applications are assessed based on alignment with GOCO’s core values of resource conservation, community vitality, stewardship, equitable access, and youth connection. Additional evaluation factors include project urgency, financial need, community outcomes, and alignment with broader planning efforts. A wildlife review form, submitted with help from the local Area Wildlife Manager, is required at the application stage. All applicants, whether selected or not, receive feedback from GOCO staff. Those awarded funding may be asked to present at a Programs Committee meeting and will be publicly acknowledged during a board session. For more information or to begin the process, applicants should contact their regional GOCO officer. General inquiries may be directed to GOCO’s main office at 303.226.4500 or by visiting their Denver office at 1900 Grant St., Suite 725, Denver, CO 80203.