Transaction Cost Assistance Program (TCAP)

In 2021, Keep It Colorado, a statewide coalition dedicated to advancing land conservation across Colorado, collaborated with Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO) to launch the Transaction Cost Assistance Program (TCAP). This initiative was developed in response to the financial barriers many landowners face when pursuing conservation easements. GOCO, which funds projects that protect Colorado’s natural resources, contributes the primary funding for TCAP, while Keep It Colorado manages the grant process. This partnership allows nonprofit land trusts to re-grant GOCO funds, enabling more efficient and financially feasible conservation transactions. Colorado’s landscape is primarily privately owned, making collaboration with landowners essential for long-term outdoor conservation. Many of these private lands include vital wildlife habitats, agricultural lands, water sources, scenic areas, and historical landmarks. However, as population growth accelerates development pressure, landowners are increasingly faced with the challenge of preserving these assets. Conservation easements—voluntary legal agreements that prevent land development—serve as a critical tool in this effort. Yet, the significant upfront transaction costs, ranging between $60,000 and $150,000 for tasks such as appraisals, environmental assessments, and legal services, pose a financial burden that deters many landowners from participating. TCAP addresses this gap by providing targeted grants to land trusts, which in turn support landowners in overcoming these financial hurdles. The program is designed to expedite conservation outcomes, especially in cases where swift action is needed to secure vital properties. Since its inception, TCAP has helped protect thousands of acres, preserving critical land assets for future generations. The funds are specifically allocated to cover transaction-related expenses, rather than land acquisition, and the program emphasizes cost-efficiency and strategic conservation outcomes. Eligibility for TCAP is limited to nonprofit land trusts that are current members of Keep It Colorado. The program requires applicants to access the application portal through the Keep It Colorado member website. The grant application process, review, and administration are all conducted by Keep It Colorado. Award decisions and funding are sourced directly from GOCO, whose independent board evaluates and allocates resources for land conservation across Colorado. TCAP operates on a biannual cycle. The first application cycle for fiscal year 2025–2026 will open in August 2025, with awards announced in December 2025. The second cycle begins in January 2026, with awards distributed in June 2026. While specific application due dates are still to be determined, the program’s timeline allows for strategic planning and coordination among eligible land trusts. Interested applicants should contact Keep It Colorado’s Programs Manager for additional guidance and should monitor the organization’s member portal for updates. For further inquiries, applicants are encouraged to reach out to Keep It Colorado’s Programs Manager, Hannah, at hannah@keepitco.org. This direct communication channel ensures that eligible land trusts receive the support they need during the application process and throughout the life of the grant.