Funding Opportunities Early November

NFWF has new funding from the Walton Family Foundation that is focused on funding process-based wetland and riparian restoration projects in the Colorado River Basin, with an ultimate goal of recharging local aquifers, extending spring runoff later into the season, and providing habitat and fire refugia for native fish and wildlife species. See below: 

The Town of Telluride is pleased to announce the fourth round of Telluride Green Grants, a grant program that supports residents and businesses in reducing their carbon footprint. Grants of $500 to $35,000 are available to qualified applicants. Applications can be found here and are due to EcoAction Partners no later than November 21, 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

River Network is looking to launch 5-7 NEW Community-Led Research (CLR) projects and Leadership Development (LD) programs in partnership with local organizations. Selected organizations receive up to $8,000 in funding and direct technical assistance to advance their project. We are particularly interested in partnering with organizations that are: (1) working to advance climate resilience, (2) focused on equitable outcomes and a credible stakeholder with communities that are at greatest risk, and (3) able to leverage or contribute to existing climate resilience initiatives. If your organization is interested in this opportunity or know of others that might be, please fill out this simple interest form.

As part of the American Rescue Plan Act, a total of $5 million will be directed towards technical assistance on Colorado’s local water projects. Funding can be used for: preliminary project planning and design, preliminary permitting, development of estimated project costs, navigation of available federal opportunities, grant writing, and federal grant application submission. Currently, $2.5 million is available for local grantees to hire contractors. Another $2.5 million will soon become available for similar projects that work through contractors hired by the Colorado Water Conservation Board. Learn More

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 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.

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. Learn more about these opportunities here.

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 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.

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

Announcements Early November

Roaring Fork Watershed is holding a 2022 photo contest! There is one category for this year's photo contest: scenic water images within the Roaring Fork Watershed. This includes rivers, streams, lakes, wetlands, snow, riparian areas, etc. Submission rules and guidelines can be found here. Submission deadline is November 13, 2022!

American Farmland Trust has shared their Soil Health Case Study Tool Kit, which is a downloadable folder of documents that provides everything you need to produce your own soil health economic and environmental case study featuring a “soil health successful” producer. The toolkit includes the R-SHEC Tool, questionnaire, training videos, guidance on how to conduct water quality and greenhouse gas outcomes analysis, guidance on how to write a case study, and so much more. This September 2022 update to the Tool Kit reflects updated prices in both the almond and row crop R-SHEC tools and the addition of barley, corn silage, grain sorghum, and oats to the row crop R-SHEC Tool. New tips have also been added to better assist users. Gain access to the toolkit.

Changing your clocks with your driving habits during daylight saving time can help prevent wildlife-vehicle collisions. Wildlife experts advise drivers that wildlife is on the move so be aware, drive with caution and slow down at night. 

Colorado Parks and Wildlife is pleased to share this year’s annual 2022 Future Generations Act Report and the Strategic Plan Progress Report.

Where Water Flows, Life Thrives. In this multimedia series, we focus on the water scarcity facing arid regions, highlighting innovative designs and far-sighted strategies based on principles drawn from conservation hydrology, permaculture, regenerative agriculture, and keystone species restoration that demonstrate that there are existing strategies and practices we can implement to sustainably steward our most precious resource and ensure water security for all life.

Trainings & Workshops Early November

November 2nd & 9th, 2022 | Community Engagement and Inclusion | Community Research Center. The inclusion of community – especially directly impacted community - in organizational planning, programs, and development is of deep value in nonprofit work. This session will help participants understand the role community-led programming can play in meeting their missions, developing more inclusive and equitable engagement processes, and creating sustainable change. We will focus on tools, systems, and approaches for inclusive and participatory engagement, and provide participants with tangible resources for engaging diverse stakeholders and centering community in decision making processes.

November 3rd, 2022 | Nonprofit Leadership Transitions | Community Research Center. Every nonprofit organization faces a change in leadership – some planned, some not. This training will focus on how to prepare for a change in leadership as well as how to handle an unexpected transition. We will discuss the nuts and bolts of the transition process, the executive search, notification of constituents, and how to help staff through the process. This training is valuable for board members, executive directors and senior-level staff.

November 8th & 10th, 2022 | GrantCorps Get Grants | Community Research Center. Get Grants™ – will provide nonprofits with best practices in grantwriting and tips for success. Through interactive exercises, participants will understand the essential elements included in a grant proposal and how to craft a compelling case for support. We will discuss grant terminology, sources of grant funding and research tools, including the Colorado Grants Guide®. This training will also cover topics including grant funding in the context of your fundraising plan, research and grants management, developing goals, objectives and activities, and a general overview of attachments.

November 9th, 2022, 4:30-7:30 pm | Rainbarrel Building Workshop | Water Education Colorado. Build your own 55-gallon rain barrel and learn how you can conserve and protect Colorado water. All instructions will be in Spanish and English. ¡Únase a nosotros para un taller de construcción de barriles de lluvia, que se brinda en inglés y español, donde tendrá la oportunidad de convertir su propio barril de lluvia de un tambor de jarabe de Coca Cola reciclado y llevárselo a casa! Los barriles de lluvia pueden costar más de $100 para comprarlos en una tienda, y eso ni siquiera viene con la satisfacción de hacerlos uno mismo.



November 28th & 29th, 2022 | Colorado CSI MS4 Webinar. Designed for Municipal personnel, System (MS4) permits regulations and compliance to restore and maintain the waters of the United States.  Permits require certifying officials to select qualified stormwater personnel. Gain an in-depth understanding of stormwater permits, the six minimum control measures, how to conduct inspections, and the authority, demeanor, and discretion of stormwater inspectors to enhance your credentials. This class focuses on Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Graduates of the Certified Stormwater Inspector course receive certification for 5 years and continuing education units, and ongoing, unlimited support of the National Stormwater Center. Graduates of our course will have access to valuable information on our website along with an invitation to FREE monthly CSI Network discussions.

November 10th, 2022 | Colorado Fluvial Hazard Mapping Program Training Module 2. Building off of Module 1 we will apply an understanding of the hydrologic, geomorphic, and biotic context of a stream corridor system to determine geomorphic trajectory and sensitivity. We will then apply this context to delineating FHZ mapping components based on the methods outlined in the Colorado Water Conservation Board FHZ Mapping Protocol (v1.0). We will learn and apply GIS tools for mapping the FHZ and also conduct a field trip in which we will make and integrate field based observations into our FHZ delineations.

December 8th, 2022 | GrantCorps Government Grant Development | Colorado Research Center. GrantCorps Government Grant Development – will provide nonprofits with an in-depth overview of the key components of government grant applications and will provide opportunities for hands-on development of several grant components including the grant narrative, goals and objectives, budgets, and other attachments such as the logic model, letters of support, and evaluation plan.

December 13th, 2022 | Grant Writing 201: Beyond Answering the Questions.  Build your capacity to write competitive grants by gaining a deeper understanding of all that goes into a successful grantwriting program – beyond just answering the questions in the application. In this interactive session you will learn and discuss how to structure a grant narrative for maximum effectiveness, build data systems for impactful grant reporting, strengthen funder relationships and cultivate donors, create sustainable grant management tools, and build a culture of philanthropy across your organization. 

MAY 17thh-19th, 2022 | Scenario Planning for Urban Futures | University of Michigan. Scenario planning allows for forward-thinking urban plans that address external forces—such as climate change—that are not traditionally accounted for. The term refers to a family of different methods that include integrative, qualitative, and quantitative techniques tailored to different types of plans and projects. In the course, urban planning professionals will gain first-hand knowledge about scenario planning and concrete ideas for how to implement scenarios in their cities.

Colorado Water and the American West teaches students about the rich history of water in the Western United States, how native communities used it, and the American approach to water management. The western United States is a region with a long history of water challenges. In the American West, over 40 million people depend on the Colorado River, now listed as one of the most endangered rivers in America. MSU Denver developed the non credit Professional Water Studies courses for people interested in safeguarding this precious resource. Taught by MSU Denver faculty, courses are one month long, fully online, and self-paced to accommodate the schedules of busy professional students.

The Uncompahgre Watershed Partnership presents 14 videos to help community members learn about how water is managed, restored and monitored in the upper Uncompahgre River watershed. Take advantage of this new education resource to learn about your watershed including mine reclamation, water monitoring, recreational use, water conservation, drinking water and waste water treatment and distribution, aquatic life, water scarcity, agricultural use, management, infrastructure, and more. Watch the video series here.

Master Irrigator Program- San Luis Valley. Over four sessions, this 32-hour program reviews water law and administration, history of water development, and gives participants the tools and strategies to improve water and energy use efficiency and conservation, soil health, and profitability on their operations. Those who complete the course will also receive a $2,000 stipend. To be eligible for this course you must farm in either Rio Grande, Alamosa, Costilla, Conejos, Saguache or Mineral County. Details will be available soon here.

The American Stormwater Institute, LLC now offers courses in a live setting and online that deal with developing the knowledge and skills required to conduct stormwater inspections. Our courses are based on a “Real World” attitude of finding implementable solutions to the challenges that stormwater inspectors face every day. The state and federal regulations require that “QUALIFIED PERSONS” conduct inspections related to stormwater permits. The overarching goal of the ASI classes is to ensure that our students are well qualified to conduct these inspections. For a list of all classes offered click HERE.

Non-standard MS4 Permit PDD Template and Program Strategy Templates. SPLASH members and SEMSWA worked with CP Compliance to create resources to educate permittees. It may also assist permittees with implementation of the new Non-standard MS4 Permit. Please click HERE to access the material.

San Juan Expedition Avy Course based at Thelma Hut. The AIARE Avy 1 Hut Course is designed to give you a full introduction to backcountry travel. Based out of the Thelma hut on Red Mountain Pass, you will spend day and night with your peers and instructors learning the foundation of avalanche education. In a hut format, you spend more time skiing, more time learning from and observing your instructors, and more time in the mountains—all with lodging and food included. When you take your level one with San Juan Expeditions you will get hands-on experience analyzing the avalanche hazard and using your observations to make decisions in the field. Click HERE for more information.

MSU Denver developed the noncredit Water Studies courses for people interested in safeguarding this precious resource. Students will learn history, law, management, and water trends in Colorado and the American West. The courses have recently been improved, offering the same high quality, but shortened to meet your busy schedules. The course structure has been redesigned for each class to be one month long to improve the learning experience and accommodate the schedules of busy professional students. Click HERE for more information.

Colorado Master Irrigator offers farmers and farm managers advanced training on conservation- and efficiency-oriented irrigation management practices and tools. This program is the product of efforts led by several local producers, district management representatives, and others. Colorado Master Irrigator is modeled on the award-winning Master Irrigator program created and run since 2016 by the North Plains Groundwater Conservation District in the Texas panhandle. Topic experts from Colorado and adjacent Ogallala states, serve as instructors over the 32 hours of the program. Colorado Master Irrigator's interactive class format is designed to encourage peer-to-peer exchange among participants and instructors, helping forge useful contacts that graduates can reach out to after their participation in the program. Click HERE for more information.

Silt Removal - Positive Impact on Crop Yields, Water Use Efficiency, & Irrigation Systems. Presentation from the 2021 World Ag Expo on sources of silt, its impacts, and current and new methods of removal. Watch the presentation here!

Conferences & Events Early November

November 2nd-3rd, 2022 | Water in the West Symposium | CSU Spur. As in past years, the Water in the West Symposium will bring together speakers and audiences from across sectors — from utilities and government agencies, to businesses and agriculture. The conference is back in a hybrid format this year, sharing best practices and connecting professionals — both inside and outside the water sector — in pursuit of multi-sector, non-partisan solutions to water challenges.

November 5, 2022, 10am to 12:30pm | One Book One District | The Douglas County School District. Participate in family oriented, hands-on activities that demonstrate several fun ways that you can conserve water at home. Sessions may include Water Cycle Investigation, Indoor and Outdoor Conservation, Native Plants, and Water Critters (in the creek!). This event is 80% indoors, 20% outdoor (weather permitting).Dress for the weather. Snacks are provided.

November 7th-8th, 2022 | Annual Colorado Groundwater Conference | American Ground Water Trust. The annual Colorado Groundwater Conference is an objective, information-exchange event and networking opportunity for water managers, regulators, environmental organizations, agriculture, industry and water utility end users and their scientific, engineering and legal advisors, local government officials and state legislators. This is AGWT's 29th program in Colorado since 2000.

November 15th, 2022 | Northern Water Annual Fall Symposium. Northeastern Colorado water users will hear from multiple speakers about challenges facing the Colorado River and the intricacies of land use and water planning in times of water scarcity. A theme throughout the Symposium will highlight change and how best to adapt. The symposium will take place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 15, at the Embassy Suites in Loveland. Doors will open at 8 a.m. for check in and to allow attendees to network.

November 15th, 2022 | An Author Talk with Johnson Thompson & Moderated by Barn Horn. Please join us on Nov. 15 from 6-7:30pm at Fort Lewis College for our first and only IN-PERSON author talk from the Water ’22 book club series to hear from Jonathan Thompson, author of River of Lost Souls: The Science, Politics, and Greed Behind the Gold King Mine Disaster. This free event is being produced by Water Education Colorado, in collaboration with the Four Corners Water Center and Maria’s bookshop. 

November 17, 2022 | RMFI Fall ShinDIG. Come celebrate with with RMFI as they look back on the season's accomplishments and honor their amazing partners and volunteers! The event is free to attend in person; we'll also offer a free livestream for our out-of-state supporters. Food and drink will also be provided along with live music, awards, and celebration!

November 17th-20th, 2022 | Colorado Farm Bureau Annual Conference. It is time for Colorado Farm Bureau’s 104th Annual Meeting! This year, the meeting returns to the Hyatt Regency Denver Tech Center after a four-year break. Get excited for a member reception on Thursday evening, an online auction and a wine-pull.

November 19th, 2022 | Big Snow Bash | Friends of the Yampa. Save the date!

November 28th-29th, 2022 | Colorado Association of Conservation Districts.

November 30th- December 1st, 2022 | Northeastern Colorado Progressive Ag Symposium. This is a great opportunity to explore new ideas in the world of agriculture. Speakers include educators, industry professionals, government officials as well as farmers and ranchers like you!

December 8th, 2022 | South Platte Forum. This year, the South Platte Forum will be taking place at a new location, the Lionsgate Event Center. Lionsgate is a locally owned venue with idyllic scenery. You can read more about their story here. Building off the positive feedback from 2021, we will once again host a one-day conference on Thursday December 8, 2022. As always, the Forum will include a full agenda of timely topics and expert speakers.

January 11th-12th, 2023 | Four States Irrigation Council Annual Meeting. ​The Four States Irrigation Council Annual Meeting serves as a forum for irrigators, irrigation districts, water districts and ditch companies to exchange water-delivery ideas and information. Exhibitors showcase the latest equipment and technology. The member states are Colorado, Kansas, Nebraska and Wyoming.

January 16th - 19th, 2023 | Western Colorado Horticultural Society/VINCO Conference. The VinCO & WCHS Conference is a multi-day, multi-track conference for winemakers and fruit growers held January 16-19, 2023 at the Grand Junction Convention Center in Colorado! The conference draws over 300 people per day from across Colorado as well as out of state! There is an in-depth program that will be available online as well as printed for all attendees and contains the conference schedule, speaker & seminar descriptions and trade show exhibitors as well as advertising for industry-related and local businesses.

January 24th- 26th, 2023 | Colorado Farm Show. It is fitting that one of the largest — and oldest — farm shows in the nation takes place in Weld County, the fourth largest agriculture producing county in the United States. The annual three-day event features almost 350 ag-related exhibits and draws more than 30,000 visitors from throughout the region interested in learning more about ag products, services, and machinery. And volunteers with a love for agriculture make it happen.

January 27th-28th, 2023 | Western Colorado Food and Farm Forum. The Forum is for anyone with an interest in the future of agriculture. Whether you’re looking to improve on or innovate existing practices, the Forum has resources and networking opportunities for you.

April 11th-14th, 2023 | Colorado Wildland Fire Conference. Save the date!

Job Announcements Early November

The Rio Grande Headwaters Land Trust (RiGHT), located in Del Norte, Colorado, seeks an experienced Director for its Land Protection Program. RiGHT is a small, community land trust accredited by the Land Trust Alliance that has been conserving the land, water and way of life in Colorado’s San Luis Valley since 1999. Just this year, we closed on our 53rd conservation easement, ensuring protection into perpetuity of almost 30,000 acres of working farms and ranchlands, riparian corridors, wetlands and other ecologically valuable landscapes. Applications are due November 15th, 2022.

Water Education Colorado is seeking a Programs Director. The Programs Director will maintain WEco’s strong reputation as a trusted resource in offering a core suite of engaging information, education and leadership programs, while also developing new opportunities to carry out the organization’s mission. WEco just turned 20 years old and is entering an exciting new phase with an upcoming move to the Colorado State University SPUR campus at the National Western Center. This is an outstanding opportunity for a skilled professional to engage in all aspects of WEco's programming, and to gain exposure to a vast range of water leaders across the state while exploring innovative program alternatives to align with strategic direction. This position involves regular time in the field, traveling to in-person programs and events. Past experience overseeing both projects and staff and the ability to drive productivity to achieve program objectives required. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. The target start date is January 2022.

Arapahoe County Open Spaces is seeking a Business Associate III. The Business Associate III performs a variety of professional accounting duties associated with the classifying, recording, and reporting of Open Spaces funds, in addition to administrative responsibilities to support the operations of the Open Spaces department. Supports Open Spaces staff, Fair and Events staff, and CSU Extension.

The Alliance Center is seeking a Workforce Development Project Manager. The Workforce Development Project Manager will be responsible for carrying out a statewide workforce development project to upskill, reskill and next skill the Colorado workforce into the clean energy economy (i.e., building and transportation electrification, weatherization, renewable energy generation, battery storage and energy efficiency). This position will act as a project manager and serve as the liaison between the numerous workforce partners of the RRC, state and local workforce boards.

Summit County is seeking a Resource Specialist/Senior Resource Specialist. The successful candidate will have excellent written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills, be an efficient problem solver and self-starter, and have the ability to work effectively and handle a variety of tasks simultaneously with diverse individuals and agencies. Experience in project management, recreation planning, capacity management, natural surface and paved trail planning and construction, conservation, successful grant writing, and GIS/GPS skills are strongly preferred.

Palmer Land Conservancy seeks a Communications Manager to connect, inspire and engage the Palmer brand with current and prospective members and stakeholders across southern Colorado. This position reports to the Vice President of External Affairs and is responsible for growing and managing Palmer’s communications programs through compelling and inspiring storytelling to mobilize the next generation of land lovers. The Communications Manager will also work closely with the Membership and Events Manager, and other Palmer staff.

REW is seeking a Development Director. This position will manage the planning and implementation of strategies to procure funding resources that support REW’s strategic and operational goals. The Development Director will have demonstrated knowledge, skills and ability to research, and acquire funding in a natural resources and environmental education context. Position is open until filled.