Pathways Program

Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO) is a state-funded organization dedicated to preserving and enhancing the natural environment of Colorado. GOCO allocates a portion of Colorado Lottery proceeds to fund projects that benefit the state's parks, wildlife, open spaces, and recreation areas. The Pathways Program, operated under GOCO, supports efforts to address pressing issues impacting Colorado communities through initiatives that emphasize strategic research, visioning, and capacity building. The Pathways Program seeks to support projects that foster long-term solutions and systemic change through knowledge development, data collection, tool creation, and increasing organizational capacity. Eligible projects may include equity-focused initiatives, climate resilience strategies, and community engagement activities that enhance partnerships and collaborative networks. Special emphasis is placed on proposals that prioritize disproportionately impacted communities and that actively involve these communities in shaping and executing the project. Funding ranges from $100,000 to $300,000 per project, though GOCO does not enforce a maximum limit and may recommend different funding amounts depending on project scope and need. The grants are awarded through two annual cycles. The first cycle for fiscal year 2025 includes a concept paper deadline of July 24, 2025, with full applications due by September 11, 2025. Awards for this cycle will be announced on December 12, 2025. The second cycle begins with concept papers due by January 15, 2026, applications due by March 5, 2026, and awards made in June 2026. Eligible applicants include cities, towns, and counties within Colorado; Title 32 special districts; land conservation organizations focused on open space acquisition; political subdivisions of the state involved in managing or acquiring open spaces; and Colorado Parks and Wildlife. These entities must present projects that benefit Coloradans and address current community challenges. Applicants are required to first submit a concept paper, after which selected applicants will be invited to submit a full application. Additional resources provided to aid in application development include the Colorado Outdoors Strategy Resource Hub, the Resilient Land Mapping Tool developed by The Nature Conservancy, and the Colorado EnviroScreen developed by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. For assistance, applicants are encouraged to reach out to their regional GOCO officer. The organization can be contacted at 303.226.4500 or visited at their headquarters at 1900 Grant St., Suite 725, Denver, CO 80203.