USDA will invest $25 million this year for robust scientific approaches to on-farm conservation trials that focus on climate-smart agricultural solutions, irrigation water management, nutrient management and soil health. USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) manages and administers the program, and is accepting applications for the Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) On-Farm Conservation Innovation Trials program until September 22, 2022. CLICK HERE for more information.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is investing up to $12 million in partnerships that expand access to conservation technical assistance for livestock producers and increase the use of conservation practices on grazing lands. USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is accepting proposals through its Grazing Lands Conservation Initiative (GLCI) until September 22, 2022. CLICK HERE for more information.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is investing up to $20 million in fiscal 2023 to help conservation partners nationwide protect and restore critical wetlands through the Wetland Reserve Enhancement Partnership (WREP). USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is prioritizing proposals that support efforts to mitigate climate change by restoring wetlands while also prioritizing assistance to underserved communities. Last year, NRCS funded $11 million in partnerships. Proposals from partners are due Sept. 23, 2022. CLICK HERE for more information.

The Water Supply Reserve Fund Grant Program (WSRF) is one of the grant programs that the Colorado Water Conservation Board (CWCB) operates. The WSRF grant program consists of money set aside to complete basin projects in accordance with the Basin Implementation Plan (BIP) and Colorado Water Plan (CWP). Each of the nine basins have their own account. The Yampa-White-Green Basin WSRF account is overseen by the YWG BRT. The Basin Roundtable will review the project to verify that it meets the BIP or CWP goals for the objectives of the basin. Applicants requesting funding from this account will also be reviewed by CWCB to confirm that their evaluation criteria are met. The proposed water project shall be evaluated using the WSRF Guidelines and the criteria for state support in Colorado’s Water Plan. In general, the proposal will be evaluated on how well it aligns with the respective Basin Implementation Plan(s). Preference is given to projects that have multiple benefits, multiple purposes and involve multiple stakeholders. Consideration is also given to the timing of projects with priority given to projects with an earlier start date. Application deadline is September 21st, 2022

The Metro Roundtable is seeking grant proposals for its 2022 Cycle 2 Water Supply Reserve Fund (WSRF) Basin Grant process. The Metro Roundtable encourages projects of statewide and local basin significance to address existing and future municipal and industrial demands while also meeting goals related to the long-term sustainability of agricultural economies and the natural environment.

The MRT membership has approved the prioritization of its available grant funds to support five specific topic areas related to the South Platte Basin Implementation Plan:

• Conceptual Project – In-Basin and Trans-basin

• Conservation and Reuse

• Environment and Recreation

• Implementation of IP&Ps

• Education and Outreach.

The deadline for the First round One-Page Summaries is September 26, 2022. For questions, please contact Bob Peters at bob.peters@denverwater.org with the subject line: “WSRF Request”.

WSRF Basin Account Grant Applications. ICYMI: The Roundtable increased the cap on WSRF Basin Account requests from $25,000 to $100,000 and is now considering applications at every quarterly meeting. The CWCB is not currently accepting requests to the WSRF Statewide Account. Applications due September 28th. 2022.

Colorado Ag Water Alliance announced that there is funding available to support incubator projects on farms and ranches throughout Colorado. These projects will demonstrate innovative options to sustain agricultural during drought while maintain profitability. These projects can include a wide variety of strategies that support drought resilience and adaptation to reduced water supplies: infrastructure upgrades, improved water measurement and management, water conservation, alternative crops and forages, soil health improvements, watershed and stream restoration, and herd size and stocking strategies. You are encouraged to reach out to us about your project ideas. The submittal deadline is December 1st, 2022.

CAWA Funding for Ag Drought Resiliency Projects- There is funding available to support incubator projects on farms and ranches throughout Colorado. These projects will demonstrate innovative options to sustain agricultural during drought while maintain profitability: infrastructure upgrades, improved water measurement and management, water conservation, alternative crops and forages, soil health improvements, watershed and stream restoration, and herd size and stocking strategies. We strongly encourage you to reach out to us about your project ideas. Deadline: December 1st Application available here

Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) is pleased to announce the Colorado Wildlife Habitat Program (CWHP) 2022 Request for Proposals (RFP). The CWHP is a statewide program that supports CPW’s mission by offering funding opportunities to private or public landowners who wish to protect wildlife habitat on their property, and/or provide wildlife-related recreational access to the public. The CWHP is an incentive-based program that funds conservation easements, public access easements, and fee title purchases to accomplish strategic wildlife conservation and public access goals. Funding for the 2022 cycle is approximately $11 million and is made possible by revenue generated from the sale of the Habitat Stamp, hunting and fishing licenses, and through CPW’s partnership with Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO). 2022 funding preferences include working farms and ranches and properties adjacent to wildlife crossings. All proposals must be received by 5 p.m. on Thursday, October 13, 2022.

The Colorado State Forest Service is accepting applications for funding to restore forested areas, improve forest health and reduce wildfire risk in Colorado through the Forest Restoration and Wildfire Risk Mitigation (FRWRM) Grant Program.

Projects may be located on one or more ownership types including private, state, federal, municipal, county, etc. All grant funds must be used on lands within the state of Colorado.
Recipients must match at least 50% of project costs (cash or in-kind) or 25% of project costs if located in an area defined as having “fewer economic resources”
Approximately $15,000,000 (total) is available for this grant cycle
Funds may also be used to purchase equipment to reduce hazardous fuels
Applications are due October 19, 2022
PDF application must be emailed to the applicant’s local CSFS field office

FEMA's Hazard Mitigation Assistance grant programs are provided to eligible applicant states/tribes/territories that, in turn, provide sub-grants to local governments. The applicant selects and prioritizes applications developed and submitted to them by local jurisdictions to submit to FEMA for grant funds. Prospective sub-applicants should consult the official designated point of contact for their applicant state/tribe/territory for further information regarding specific program and application requirements.

The Colorado Legislature established the Forest Restoration & Wildfire Risk Mitigation (FRWRM) Grant Program in 2017. This program provides state support through competitive grant funds that encourage community-level actions across the state that do the following:

Reduce the risk of wildfire to people, property and infrastructure in the wildland-urban interface (WUI)
Promote forest health and forest restoration projects
Encourage use of woody material for traditional forest products and biomass energy
This year, the Colorado State Forest Service has $15 million available to fund wildfire mitigation and forest health projects in Colorado communities through the FRWRM Grant Program. Apply by Oct. 19, 2022, and contact your local CSFS field office for help applying.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently announced it will invest $15 million this year for the Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) Classic program. Through CIG, grantees work to address our nation's water quality, water quantity, air quality, soil health, and wildlife habitat challenges, all while supporting agricultural production. This year’s funding priorities are climate-smart agriculture, addressing invasive species, and conservation in urban agricultural systems. Applications are being accepted now through October 11, 2022. CLICK HERE for more information.

The Colorado Strategic Wildfire Action Program (COSWAP) was created after the devastating 2020 fire season by the Colorado legislature through the bi-partisan supported SB21-258 in the summer of 2021. COSWAP is designed to quickly move $17.5 million state stimulus dollars to start on-the-ground work on fuels reduction projects and increase Colorado's capacity to conduct critical forest restoration and wildfire mitigation work that will increase community resilience and protect life, property and infrastructure.

Applications are NOW OPEN for Nature in the City planning grants! Have an idea for a nature play area, outdoor gathering space, or pollinator restorations? The Dream it Up Project Planning grants can help you and your community plan out your dream project. Anyone from HOA's, faith-based organizations, affordable housing communities, and even schools are welcome and encouraged to apply. Get started!

The Colorado River District’s Community Funding Partnership was created in 2021 to fund multi-purpose water projects on the Western Slope in five project categories: productive agriculture, infrastructure, healthy rivers, watershed health and water quality, and conservation and efficiency. Funding for the program was approved by Western Colorado voters as part of ballot question 7A in November 2020. These funds provide a catalyst for projects that are priorities for residents in the District to receive matching funds from state, federal and private sources. Click here for more information and to apply.

HUD: Authority to Accept Unsolicited Proposals for Research Partnerships Notice. HUD’s Office of Policy Development and Research (PD&R) has the authority to accept unsolicited research proposals that address current research priorities. HUD is making up to $2 million available for Lead and Healthy Homes Research Partnerships and approximately $1 million available for Research Partnerships for other topics. HUD is interested in increasing participation of Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs) of higher education and Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) in all program areas. To learn more, click here.

In response to the impacts of COVID-19, Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO) has launched the Resilient Communities Program (RCP). The $15 million program aims to fund one-time, immediate needs or opportunities that have emerged in direct response to the pandemic. It will help partners advance outdoor recreation, stewardship, and land protection projects in a manner that best reflects community needs and priorities at this moment in time. Capacity and operations support, stewardship efforts, projects that support community vitality, and urgent and emergent land acquisition opportunities will be considered. For more information, including eligibility criteria and application forms, click HERE.

Colorado Water Funding Opportunity Navigator

Colorado Water Conservation Board has compiled this database to serve as a tool for people and organizations across Colorado to navigate all available funding opportunities for water projects in a single place.

Colorado Wildfire Mitigation Funding Opportunities

A list of state, federal and private funding available for a wide variety of wildfire mitigation projects including Watershed Health.