Larimer OEM Community Mitigation Grant Program

Larimer County, Colorado has established a proactive approach to disaster risk management through the Larimer OEM Community Mitigation Grant Program. This initiative was launched in 2022 by the Larimer County Office of Emergency Management (OEM) in response to the county’s longstanding vulnerability to natural disasters. As the Colorado county with the highest number of federally-declared disasters since 1965, Larimer County has a compelling need for hazard mitigation. Recognizing both the importance and the cost-effectiveness of mitigation efforts, this grant program aims to reduce barriers by providing financial support to community-led initiatives that strengthen local resilience and minimize the impact of hazards. The purpose of the Community Mitigation Grant Program is to fund projects that actively reduce the risk of hazards such as wildfire and flood. These projects must be grounded in community involvement and reflect a clear mitigation benefit. Awards are made via a competitive process, with proposals evaluated on their potential to improve community resilience, reduce future hazard impacts, and foster stakeholder collaboration. Community engagement is a core pillar of the program, with priority given to proposals that include multiple partners and demonstrate significant buy-in from residents. Projects that show evidence of long-term plans to sustain mitigation efforts are viewed favorably. Funding through this program is limited to specific uses and excludes several categories such as salaries, food and beverages, project planning expenses, and road work—except for roadside thinning or slash pile chipping. The typical award size is capped at $10,000 per project. The program operates on a reimbursement basis, though in cases of financial hardship, up-front payments may be negotiated with sufficient justification. All expenditures must be documented, and photographic evidence of project work is required. A final report summarizing outcomes and submitting expense documentation is due by the end of the performance period. Eligible applicants include community groups, local nonprofit organizations, and charitable foundations, with a focus on supporting small grassroots efforts over larger nonprofits. Applicants may only submit one proposal per cycle and can receive a maximum of two grants within a three-year period. Projects must take place within Larimer County and must clearly address a specific hazard. Applications should demonstrate not only mitigation impact but also community support, ideally involving multiple stakeholders and fostering collaboration at the neighborhood level. The application process for the 2026 grant cycle opens on January 12, 2026, and closes at 11:59 PM on March 8, 2026. Interested applicants must submit proposals through an online form, with encouragement to save responses externally to avoid loss of data. An informational webinar was held on January 29, 2026, to guide applicants through the process. Notifications of intent to award will follow the application period, with final awards expected by May 4, 2026. All projects must be completed by November 2, 2026, and the final report must be submitted by 11:59 PM on November 1, 2026. Following award selection, a formal agreement is required between the County and the grantee, outlining terms such as funding scope, performance timeline, and reporting obligations. Funded projects must also be presented at a community meeting, and any changes to the original plan must be approved by OEM before implementation. With 59 projects already funded since its inception, primarily addressing wildfire risks, this grant program continues to promote a culture of resilience and shared responsibility across Larimer County.

Demonstrate strong community involvement and multi-stakeholder collaboration; preference is given to grassroots initiatives with long-term mitigation vision.