City of Rifle Grant Program

The Greater Rifle Improvement Team (GRIT) Grant is managed by the GRIT Advisory Board and operates under the City of Rifle, Colorado. The purpose of the grant is to support initiatives that enhance the community through visitor improvements, historic preservation, special events, city beautification, and promotion. Funding is generated through the local Lodging Tax, with the goal of leveraging these resources to support projects that align with GRIT’s objectives for community development and tourism. GRIT grants are designed specifically for non-profit or not-for-profit organizations. While for-profit entities are ineligible to apply independently, they may collaborate with qualifying organizations to participate. The application process includes submission of a completed form and associated documents to the City of Rifle’s Economic Development staff. Applicants must adhere to GRIT’s funding use restrictions: grants may not be used for operational expenses such as payroll, utilities, or general supplies, with the exception of event-specific supplies. The GRIT Advisory Board conducts two grant cycles per year—one in February and another in July. Applications for the February cycle must be submitted by December 31, with presentations scheduled for the second Tuesday in January and final board decisions made on the second Tuesday in February. For the July cycle, applications are due May 30, presentations occur on the second Tuesday in June, and the board votes on the second Tuesday in July. After the board's decision, final approval is required from the Rifle City Council before any funds are disbursed. Applications must include detailed organizational information, a funding request with anticipated community impact, a program or project budget including both revenues and expenses, and a timeline for implementation. Applicants are also asked to describe their current activities, a sustainability plan for the funded project, and metrics for evaluating the project's success. Once a project or event has concluded, recipients are required to submit a Project Evaluation Form within 60 days. Additional documentation may also be requested depending on the board’s evaluation needs. Failure to submit the required evaluation could result in ineligibility for future funding. For assistance, applicants can contact Kim Burner via email or phone, with all correspondence directed to the City of Rifle’s Economic Development department.

Ensure clarity on budget, include event-specific expenses only, and provide a strong sustainability plan to improve chances of approval.