Regional Partnerships Initiative

The Colorado Outdoor Regional Partnerships Initiative (RPI) Grant Program is a state-supported funding opportunity administered by Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) in collaboration with Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO). The RPI is part of a broader initiative to foster sustainable outdoor recreation and conservation in Colorado through regional partnerships. These partnerships consist of local governments, nonprofits, land managers, conservationists, recreation organizations, and representatives of underrepresented communities. Together, they are encouraged to develop regionally rooted visions, goals, and collaborative action plans that advance Colorado’s Outdoors Strategy—a guiding document focused on climate resilience, conservation, and equitable access to outdoor recreation. The primary objective of the RPI Grant Program is to support the growth and implementation of Regional Partnerships that work collaboratively across sectors and geographies. The program seeks to ensure that Colorado’s land, water, and wildlife continue to thrive while promoting safe, inclusive, and equitable access to the outdoors. Funding is made available for new partnerships in regions currently lacking coordination, as well as for the expansion or implementation of plans by existing partnerships. CPW staff provide technical support, tools, and best practices to all grantees, ensuring cohesion with state priorities and facilitating engagement with the broader Colorado Outdoor Partnership (CO-OP) network. The grant offers three tiers of funding: Capacity Grants ($50,000 to $150,000 for one to two years) for new collaboratives, Capacity and Plan Development & Early Wins Grants ($50,000 to $350,000 for one to three years) for partnerships in the planning phase, and Capacity and Plan Implementation Grants ($250,000 to $2,500,000 for one to three years) for established partnerships with completed plans. Grant funds may support coalition-building, public involvement, research, planning, and implementation projects that reflect regionally driven conservation and recreation goals. Matching contributions of at least 10% are encouraged, but waivers may be requested. Eligible applicants include nonprofits and government entities (including Tribal, local, federal, and special districts) that either represent existing Regional Partnerships or are committed to forming a new coalition inclusive of a broad range of outdoor stakeholders. Proposals from fiscal sponsors are allowed if they are supported by their respective partnerships. Applications must include letters of support, a scope of work, budget, and timeline. Proposals are reviewed by regional CPW staff and the CO-OP Scoring Committee, with input from the State Trails Committee. Evaluation criteria include the strength of partnerships, alignment with Colorado’s Outdoors Strategy, climate resilience planning, stakeholder engagement, and coordination with relevant land management agencies. The 2025 grant cycle opened on June 25. A Q&A webinar was held on July 3, and Letters of Intent (LOI) were due by 4 PM on July 18, 2025. Full applications must be submitted by 5 PM on August 20, 2025. Applicants may be invited to present their proposals to the Scoring Committee in late September or early October. Award announcements will be made on December 16, 2025, and grant agreements finalized by March 2026. LOIs must be emailed to Morgan Anderson at Morgan.L.Anderson@state.co.us using the appropriate form depending on the grant type. For capacity and early wins proposals, applicants must use the designated LOI form. Proposals for plan implementation funding must receive prior approval if they involve three or more distinct projects. For program or grant-specific questions, applicants may contact Morgan Anderson, Statewide Regional Partnership Program Coordinator at Colorado Parks and Wildlife. Additional points of contact include Jody Kennedy, Regional Partnerships Manager; Hailey Tresch, Eastern Colorado Regional Partnerships Coordinator; and Tori Manogue, West Slope Regional Partnerships Coordinator. This grant opportunity is not available nationwide and is intended only for eligible entities operating within the state of Colorado.