Energy and Mineral Impact Assistance Fund Program

The Energy/Mineral Impact Assistance Fund Grant (EIAF) program is administered by the Colorado Department of Local Affairs (DOLA), specifically the Division of Local Government. It is funded through revenues generated from state severance taxes on energy and mineral production and a portion of the state's share of federal royalties for mining and drilling on federally-owned lands. The purpose of the program is to support political subdivisions in Colorado that are socially and/or economically impacted by the development, processing, or energy conversion of minerals and mineral fuels. The EIAF program aims to enhance sustainable community development, improve livability, and increase community resilience by funding strategic, asset-building projects. Eligible applicants include municipalities, counties, school districts, special districts, other political subdivisions, and state agencies in Colorado. Funding is available through competitive grant cycles, and the most successful applications are those that demonstrate a clear relationship to energy and mineral impacts, particularly in rural areas, and exhibit readiness and local commitment to the proposed project. To apply, prospective grantees must first contact their assigned DOLA Regional Manager prior to submitting an application. This pre-submission contact ensures applicants are prepared and “ready to go” with a high-priority, shovel-ready project. Applications are accepted during planned EIAF funding cycles, with a new cycle anticipated in Spring 2026. All applications must follow program guidelines and utilize the standard application and financial templates provided on the DOLA website. Evaluation criteria are being revised to align with Executive Orders D 2025 005 and D 2025 011, which emphasize strategic growth. Projects will be assessed based on their urgency, community commitment, readiness, and the degree of energy and mineral impact. The complete set of scoring criteria and program guidelines is currently under revision and will be updated prior to the next grant cycle. Currently, the estimated available funding for Fiscal Year 2026 ranges from $15 million to $25 million, but this is subject to change depending on severance revenue. Notification of awards, performance timelines, and other logistical details are typically coordinated through DOLA's regional offices. For more information or initial inquiries, applicants should contact their Regional Manager or reach out to the program representative, Angie Cue, via email at angie.cue@state.co.us. General support is also available through the DOLA Helpdesk by phone at 303-864-7720 or email at dola_dlg_helpdesk@state.co.us.