Pathways Program

The Pathways Program, offered by Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO), is designed to support organizations in Colorado that aim to address critical community challenges and opportunities. GOCO, a state-level organization funded by the Colorado Lottery, invests in initiatives that protect and enhance Colorado’s parks, trails, wildlife, rivers, and open spaces. Through the Pathways Program, GOCO helps communities engage in foundational work such as research, knowledge-building, data analysis, tool and model development, and enhancing staff capacity, all with the goal of setting the stage for long-term strategic success in outdoor stewardship and access. The grant targets projects that promote visionary planning, equity advancement, climate resilience, and deep community involvement. GOCO emphasizes projects that respond to contemporary issues affecting Colorado residents, with a specific focus on disproportionately impacted communities. Funded efforts should involve meaningful collaboration with local stakeholders, ensuring community members are actively included in both the design and implementation phases of the project. Eligible applicants include a variety of public and conservation-focused entities operating in Colorado. These are Colorado cities, towns, and counties; Title 32 special districts; land conservation organizations engaged in open space acquisition; political subdivisions of the State of Colorado with missions related to managing or acquiring open space and natural areas; and Colorado Parks and Wildlife. This eligibility scope ensures a wide range of local entities have access to funding that supports strategic capacity-building initiatives. Funding amounts range from $100,000 to $300,000 per project. However, GOCO notes that there is no maximum cap on funding, and the organization may recommend a revised funding amount during the review process. This flexible funding model allows for scalability depending on project scope and needs. GOCO does not require cost sharing or matching funds for this program, reducing barriers to entry for smaller or resource-limited applicants. The Pathways Program operates on a biannual cycle. For the first cycle, concept papers are due by July 24, 2025. Selected applicants will be invited to submit full proposals by August 8, 2025, with final applications due by September 11, 2025. Awards will be announced on December 12, 2025. The second cycle opens with concept papers due by January 15, 2026, invitations to apply issued on January 30, 2026, applications due by March 5, 2026, and awards granted in June 2026. These fixed timelines provide applicants with predictable windows to prepare and refine their proposals. To begin the application process, interested parties are encouraged to first consult with their regional GOCO officer for support in shaping a competitive concept. Key resources provided include the Pathways Program Guidance and Concept Paper template, a sample resolution, and a required budget template. Additional external resources, such as the Colorado Outdoors Strategy Resource Hub and relevant environmental mapping tools, are also available to assist applicants in their planning. GOCO can be reached at 303.226.4500 and is located at 1900 Grant Street, Suite 725, Denver, CO 80203.

Applicants are advised to consult with a regional officer prior to submitting a concept to ensure competitiveness.