Colorado Outdoor Regional Partnerships Initiative (RPI)

The Colorado Outdoor Regional Partnerships Initiative (RPI) is a collaborative grant program developed to ensure that Colorado’s natural resources and outdoor recreational opportunities are preserved and accessible for all. This initiative is jointly funded by Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) and Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO), who together are committing $50 million from 2025 to 2030 toward this effort. The program supports regionally driven coalitions across Colorado that align with the state’s broader Outdoors Strategy—a vision encompassing conservation, climate resilience, and sustainable recreation. RPI grants are designed to either support existing Outdoor Regional Partnerships or foster the creation of new ones in regions where none currently exist. These partnerships are expected to reflect a diverse coalition of stakeholders, including representatives from conservation, outdoor recreation, working lands, and traditionally underrepresented populations. The grant enables these coalitions to conduct visioning, planning, research, public engagement, and implementation efforts that are community-driven and strategically aligned with the state’s outdoor goals. Acceptable uses for grant funds include development and coordination of regional coalitions, conservation and recreation visioning, data collection and assessments, stakeholder and public engagement, and communication initiatives such as website design and marketing. Additional eligible expenses will be announced in June 2025. Applicants must be Colorado-based nonprofit organizations or governmental entities forming or representing a coalition that encompasses the necessary diversity of outdoor interests. Eligibility is further defined by whether the applicant is based in a region with or without an existing Outdoor Regional Partnership, with guidance available through an RPI map. The primary objective is to develop or support regional priorities that feed into the state-level strategy for sustainable outdoor resource management. The 2025 grant cycle will open in June, with awards announced in December. In the interim, coalitions facing a lapse in funding can apply for bridge funding until May 16, 2025. CPW manages the grant application process, and all inquiries can be directed to Morgan Anderson, the Statewide Regional Partnerships Coordinator, at morgan.l.anderson@state.co.us. Applicants are encouraged to visit the Colorado Parks and Wildlife website for updates and more detailed guidance. The program ensures applicants receive tools, resources, and statewide connections necessary for the successful growth and implementation of their regional coalitions, supported by dedicated CPW staff.