Transaction Cost Assistance Program (TCAP)

The Transaction Cost Assistance Program (TCAP) is a funding initiative established through a partnership between Keep It Colorado and Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO) in 2021. This program is designed to address the high costs associated with conservation easement transactions, which often range between $60,000 and $150,000. By providing grants to nonprofit land trusts that are members of Keep It Colorado, TCAP aims to reduce financial barriers that might otherwise prevent landowners from preserving their properties. The program recognizes the urgent need for land conservation as increasing population pressures heighten the threat of development on Colorado’s privately owned lands, many of which are critical for wildlife habitats, scenic value, water resources, agriculture, and cultural heritage. The program’s primary objective is to support nonprofit land trusts by offsetting transaction costs that arise during conservation easement processes. These costs may include, but are not limited to, appraisals, environmental assessments, and legal services. The financial assistance offered through TCAP enables land trusts to act swiftly when high-priority conservation opportunities emerge, allowing for more efficient preservation of Colorado’s valuable natural resources. Since its inception, the program has contributed to the protection of thousands of acres of land, preserving them for future generations and maintaining the state’s environmental and agricultural legacy. TCAP is targeted exclusively at nonprofit land trusts that are active members of Keep It Colorado, ensuring that applicants have a demonstrated commitment to conservation and are aligned with the program’s mission. The application process and grant administration are fully managed by Keep It Colorado, and members can access the grant application through the organization’s member portal. This centralized administration streamlines the process and ensures that applicants are already embedded within the conservation network supported by Keep It Colorado. The program operates on a biannual cycle. The first funding cycle for the upcoming year begins with the release of a Request for Proposals (RFP) in August 2025, with applications due at a to-be-determined date, and awards announced in December 2025. The second cycle opens in January 2026, with another TBD application deadline, and awards expected in June 2026. These cycles are designed to accommodate the timing needs of various conservation projects, particularly those that arise unexpectedly and require rapid mobilization of funds. Grant evaluation appears to be managed by Keep It Colorado, though specific criteria or scoring methods are not detailed in the source material. Applicants are expected to be well-versed in the components of a conservation easement and capable of justifying the urgency and conservation value of their proposed projects. The requirement that applicants be Keep It Colorado members ensures a baseline of experience and alignment with broader state conservation goals. Support or guidance may be available through the Programs Manager at Keep It Colorado, who can be reached at [email protected]. This grant program is a recurring opportunity, with two application cycles each year. While exact deadlines for submission are to be determined, the structured timing allows land trusts to prepare in advance and align their projects with the anticipated RFP timelines. With its clear purpose, well-defined eligibility, and impactful scope, the Transaction Cost Assistance Program represents a vital funding stream for preserving Colorado’s privately held lands against the pressures of development.