Shooting Range Development Grants

Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) administers the Shooting Range Development Grant (SRDG) Program, a statewide initiative that supports the development and improvement of public-access shooting ranges throughout Colorado. Established in 2009, this program represents one of the most significant investments in public shooting infrastructure in the United States. Its primary objective is to promote safety, accessibility, and the preservation of shooting sports traditions by helping develop new facilities or enhance existing ones. CPW’s support extends across the state—from the eastern plains to the Western Slope—contributing to more than 75 shooting range projects since the program’s inception. The SRDG program anticipates awarding approximately $725,000 in matching funds for the 2025 cycle, reinforcing CPW’s longstanding commitment to accessible recreational shooting. Eligible projects include the construction or improvement of berms, sound baffles, shooting benches, walkways, trap and skeet houses, signage, and fencing. In contrast, grants cannot be used for general operating expenses, expendable supplies like targets or ammunition, promotional activities, or amenities unrelated to the core function of a shooting range. All improvements must follow CPW’s established design guidelines and contribute directly to the safe and effective operation of the facility. Eligible applicants span a broad array of public and nonprofit entities, including county and local governments, park and recreation departments, law enforcement agencies, school districts, shooting and archery clubs, educational groups, and other community-oriented organizations. However, ranges restricted exclusively to private memberships are ineligible. A critical condition for eligibility is that ranges must offer public access. The level and timing of this access should reflect the investment received and provide meaningful availability for community use, including hunter education, sight-in days, and youth development programs. Applicants must contribute at least 25% of the total project cost through non-federal matching funds, in-kind materials, or volunteer labor. Projects with contributions exceeding this threshold are likely to receive higher evaluation scores. Grant funds are distributed on a reimbursement basis, and applicants must finalize project designs and budgets before disbursement. Each grant-funded project must be completed within two years of its award, with full project completion expected within three years. Recipients are also required to maintain the funded improvements for a minimum of 15 years, carry insurance, and include CPW as an “additional insured” party on relevant policies. The grant application process for the 2026 cycle opened on January 26, 2026. Completed applications must be submitted to the program coordinator by April 10, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. Mountain Time. After submission, regional CPW staff will review proposals, which may involve consultation with applicants for suggested improvements. A review panel will evaluate applications in mid-May and issue funding recommendations in early June. Successful applicants will receive conditional approval letters in late June. Between July 2026 and March 2027, final project designs and agreements will be completed, followed by project execution. Applicants are strongly encouraged to contact CPW staff early in the process. All prospective applicants should reach out to Travis Long, the program coordinator, to discuss project details. He can be contacted at [email protected]. This proactive engagement helps ensure projects align with program goals and eligibility requirements.

Exceeding the minimum 25% match increases competitiveness; ensure public access is well defined; contact CPW staff early to align with requirements.