Rural Economic Development Initiative Grant

The Rural Economic Development Initiative (REDI) is a program administered by the Colorado Division of Local Government, which is part of the Department of Local Affairs (DOLA). The initiative aims to support rural communities in Colorado in diversifying their local economies and fostering long-term resilience. Through targeted funding and strategic planning, REDI facilitates sustainable development in areas that often face unique economic challenges due to geographic isolation, limited infrastructure, and constrained access to capital or technical expertise. The program aligns with the broader mission of DOLA to strengthen communities and enhance the quality of life for all Colorado residents. REDI is designed to finance a broad range of projects that enhance job creation, build local capacity, and improve economic resilience. Eligible projects include community plans, construction efforts, capacity-building programs, and initiatives that foster entrepreneurial ecosystems. A key requirement is that all applications must demonstrate their ability to create or retain jobs, whether directly or indirectly. Capacity building may be considered for funding when it is directly linked to specific outcomes and a clearly defined project and timeline. Entrepreneurial ecosystem support—such as local training, networking, and infrastructure—is also an eligible activity, provided it contributes to broader economic goals. The program prioritizes projects that are identified by the community as part of a comprehensive and holistic strategy. It emphasizes the importance of alignment with local needs and encourages applications that integrate job creation with long-term sustainability. Economic resilience is a central theme, and the program defines it as the ability of a community and its supporting systems to withstand disruptions and adapt to change. Applicants are expected to clearly articulate how their proposed project fits into this framework and will be evaluated accordingly. Eligible applicants include municipal and county governments in Colorado. Municipalities must have fewer than 25,000 residents and must not border a municipality with more than 25,000 residents. Counties must have a population under 50,000 to qualify as rural. These entities can also act as fiscal agents, passing funds through to partners when appropriate, as detailed in the application instructions. This structure allows flexibility in project execution while ensuring accountability through local governmental oversight. The application window for the next REDI grant cycle opens on January 7, 2026, and closes on February 4, 2026. All applications must be submitted through the DOLA Grants Portal. Supporting materials such as the budget financials template, application guidelines, and a webinar recording are available to assist applicants in preparing thorough submissions. No mention is made of pre-application steps like letters of intent or concept papers, implying that a direct application is sufficient. Evaluation criteria are not detailed in the publicly available information, but the strong emphasis on job creation and alignment with community priorities will likely guide the review process. Key contacts for the program include Kate Guibert, Rural Prosperity Manager at DOLA, who can be reached at [email protected] or 720-822-7803. General inquiries may also be directed to the DOLA helpdesk at [email protected] or 303-864-7720. The REDI program is part of a broader suite of rural support efforts offered by DOLA, and it is supported by dedicated regional managers who can provide additional guidance. While no award timeline or performance period is explicitly stated, the recurrence of annual cycles and consistent updates such as annual reports indicate that REDI is an ongoing, recurring opportunity.