Grant Deadlines:
The Midsize and Large Drinking Water System Infrastructure Resilience and Sustainability grant program is authorized by Congress through the Safe Drinking Water Act. EPA is seeking grant applications from public water systems serving 10,000 people or more. This grant program assists medium and large size public water systems with protecting drinking water sources from natural hazards, extreme weather events, and cybersecurity threats. The application period is open until October 6, 2025, and can be found on www.grants.gov, under opportunity number EPA-OW-OGWDW-25-01, assistance listing number 66.488. Learn more HERE.
Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) is pleased to announce the 2025 Colorado Wildlife Habitat Program (CWHP) application period is now open through Oct. 9, 2025. The CWHP is a statewide program that offers funding opportunities to landowners who wish to protect wildlife habitat or provide wildlife-related recreational public access on their property. 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. Learn more HERE.
The CWCB is accepting applications for the Technical Assistance for Federal Cost-Sharing Program (TAFC). This program provides direct grants to water users to hire consultants or otherwise secure the resources necessary to develop high-quality, competitive applications for federal funding. Project tasks supported by TAFC include preliminary project planning and design, preliminary permitting, development of estimated project costs, navigation of available federal opportunities, grant writing, and federal grant application submittal. All TAFC grant applications must include the preparation and submission of at least one federal grant application as a discrete task within the requested scope and budget. Interested applicants should contact Michael Regan (michael.regan@state.co.us) to schedule a brief pre-application meeting. Learn more HERE.
The Center for Collaborative Conservation (CCC) at Colorado State University (CSU) is seeking applicants for our Fellows Program, Cohort 16. The Fellows Program is designed to build the capacity of Fellows as collaborative conservation leaders. We do this by (1) providing monetary awards to support experiential learning through implementation of on-the-ground projects; (2) creating a learning community with current and past Fellows, and by (3) providing training and mentoring. Training topics include exploring the foundations of collaborative conservation, strategies and considerations for engaging stakeholders, facilitating decision-making processes, integrating different knowledge systems, and participatory methods. Applications close October 10th, 2025. Learn more HERE.
Every year the Nonpoint Source Program sends out a request for applications (RFA) for Clean Water Act Section 319(h) funding. The nonpoint source funding cycle begins with the development of a concept for a proposal focused on water quality restoration and/or protection from nonpoint source pollution. This concept will be developed into a full proposal later in the process. This is not a mandatory step in the funding process but we strongly suggest that you take advantage of this opportunity because it will help you develop a proposal that is better aligned with the Nonpoint Source Program's priorities and eligibility requirements to secure nonpoint source funds. Go to our Nonpoint source funding opportunities webpage for instructions on how to develop and submit your concept paper. The non-federal match requirement for this year is 35% of total project costs and priority points will be given for projects within and designed to improve one of the watersheds or waterbodies in the Regulation 38 basins (South Platte River Basin, Laramie River Basin, Republican River Basin, and Smoky Hill River Basin). Please submit your concept paper to: cdphe_wqcd_nonpointsource+managers@state.co.us no later than October 10, 2025 by 5 pm (MST). Feedback on the concept paper will be provided on October 21st, 22nd, and 24th, during a virtual or telephone conference in the morning or afternoon (more details to follow).
Nature in the City has funds from the Community Capital Improvement Program to apply towards community-driven projects that provide increased access and stewardship to high-quality natural spaces. The two types of grant funding opportunities are project planning and project implementation – Dream it Up and Make it Happen! Please apply by midnight Oct 20, 2025! Learn more HERE.
The Water Quality Control Division’s Local Assistance Unit is now accepting applications for the 2026 Assistance Grants Program. These grants provide financial assistance for drinking water systems that need help addressing a water quality challenge or a compliance requirement. Applications open through October 21, 2025. Learn more or apply HERE.
COCO started the Action, Implementation and Mitigation (AIM) Program to accelerate fire adaptation concepts and reduce the risk from wildfire across the U.S. by increasing capacity and on-the-ground work. Since its inception in 2018, we have supported over 90 organizations. This funding opportunity is open to organizations working to advance wildfire risk reduction. The AIM grant is available for a wide variety of capacity-building activities, including personnel, planning efforts, and wildfire risk reduction work on non-federal lands. COCO funds organizations across the country with a focus on programs and projects that increase communities’ ability to overcome barriers to successful community wildfire mitigation, multiply the efforts, achieve quantifiable outcomes, support equitable and inclusive community wildfire mitigation programs across the fence, and support place-based solutions. Request for Concept Papers now OPEN below under 'Application' and 'Timeline'! Due October 24, 2025, 5PM MT. The Fall 2025 AIM Informational Webinar will take place on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, at 12:00 PM MT. Learn more HERE.
The Department of Natural Resources-Executive Director's Office is pleased to announce $6.8 million available for the 2025 Colorado Strategic Wildfire Action Program (COSWAP) Workforce Development Grant. COSWAP is a state-funded program designed to support wildfire risk reduction in Colorado to protect life, property, and infrastructure. COSWAP’s Workforce Development Grant provides supported, entry-level, hands-on experience and training opportunities for individuals interested in wildfire mitigation and forestry. This is a two-year grant that will be offered every other year. We encourage applicants to submit proposals for projects that span the next two years so there will not be a gap in work completed before the next round of funding becomes available again. Applications due November 3, 2025. Learn more HERE.
RESTORE Colorado funds at-scale habitat restoration and stewardship projects on public and private conservation lands in Colorado that have the greatest benefit for wildlife and local communities. RESTORE Colorado is a partnership among the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation and Great Outdoors Colorado, the Colorado Department of Natural Resources, Colorado Water Conservation Board, the Gates Family Foundation, Occidental, Walton Family Foundation, and U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). Applications are due November 10, 2025. Learn more HERE.
Grant Programs:
The Colorado Water Conservation Board (CWCB) Water Project Loan Program provides low-interest loans for the design and construction of agricultural and municipal water collection, storage, and delivery facilities, as well as hydroelectric power generation projects in Colorado; however, it does not fund drinking water or wastewater treatment projects. A minimum loan request of $100,000 is recommended. Projects financed by the Water Project Loan Program must align with the goals identified in Colorado’s Water Plan and its measurable objectives.
Community Navigator Program - The Watershed Center and Coalitions and Collaboratives, along with several other national and regional nonprofit organizations, are partnering with the US Forest Service on a community navigator initiative, which supports communities in accessing federal funding opportunities, creating partnerships, and building capacity for wildfire risk mitigation and climate resilience. To get in touch with a navigator, fill out a request form here.
Closing America’s Wastewater Access Gap: EPA is offering free technical assistance for communities with failing decentralized (septic) wastewater systems, or communities with no existing wastewater systems at all. Do septic systems back up into homes or cause sewage to pool in yards? Does the town or county struggle to provide adequate sanitation services to its residents? Does the community struggle to rebuild damaged or non-functioning wastewater and septic systems? If any of these conditions apply, then your community may be eligible for assistance through this initiative. Communities – including homeowners and utilities – and all states, Tribes, and territories can request no-cost technical assistance. Technical assistance can help assess current wastewater infrastructure, recommend options, and support development of funding applications for the community. More information can be found HERE.
IRA Forest Landowner Support - Provides grant opportunities to entities and organizations delivering technical and financial assistance to private forest landowners - including Tribes, underserved landowners, and small-acreage landowners - to participate in emerging private markets for forest resilience and climate mitigation.
U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Emergency Community Water Assistance Grants — Rolling application window open — The USDA Emergency Community Water Assistance Grants program supports eligible communities to prepare, or recover from, an emergency that threatens the availability of safe, reliable drinking water. Eligible applicants must show a decline in quantity or quality of water that occurred within two years of the date of the application or that a significant decline in quality or quantity of water is imminent.
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 Water Plan Grant Program supports implementation of the Colorado Water Plan.The Partner Actions within the plan offer examples of the types of project level work that CWCB can help support through this grant program. All grant applications will be assessed based on funds available for a particular Water Plan category. Application deadlines are twice per year (July 1 and Dec 1). Colorado Water Plan Grant program multi-benefit funding categories include: Water Storage & Supply; Water Sharing Agreements; Conservation & Land Use Planning; Engagement & Innovation; Agricultural; Watershed Health & Recreation. To learn more or to apply, please contact the CWCB staff person in your basin, listed HERE.
City of Ft. Collins 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!
Colorado Environmental Justice Grants Program - Community Solutions to Improve Environmental Health. This grant opportunity was created by the Environmental Justice Act to provide funding to communities disproportionately impacted by pollution and climate change. The Environmental Justice Advisory Board oversees the EJ Grants Program and will serve as the selection committee for the grants. You can apply for this grant if you are part of a: non-profit organization, local government, federally-recognized Tribal government, university, other educational institution, for-profit corporation, or grassroots organization.
The Water Supply Reserve Fund (WSRF) Grant Program provides funding to assist Colorado water users in addressing their critical water supply issues and interests through a unique local review process. Requests for funds from the WSRF program must be presented to and recommended by the respective Basin Roundtable prior to submitting a grant application and being considered by the CWCB Board. Deadlines to apply vary based on the respective Basin Roundtable meeting schedule and more information can be found HERE. Eligible projects may include funding for technical assistance regarding permitting, feasibility studies and environmental compliance; studies or analysis of structural, nonstructural, consumptive and nonconsumptive water needs, projects or activities; design of structural projects or activities; infrastructure replacement or maintenance projects.
Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) - Programs include the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP), Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP), Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP), and the Watershed Operations PL-566 Program.
Source Water Assessment and Protection (SWAP) - CDPHE’s SWAP program's main objective is to minimize potential contaminant threats to public drinking water supplies. To engage in this effort, public water systems and governmental entities can apply for a $5,000 protection planning grant through the SWAP program. The SWAP program also supports Wildland Fire Decision Support System work and post-wildfire recovery efforts. SWAP program staff assisted in the development of the Post Fire Playbook to assist local recovery groups in navigating the complexities surrounding post-wildfire recovery. For more information visit the SWAP page.
Water Quality Grants and Loans Unit - CDPHE’s Grants and Loans Unit offers small community grants and water quality improvement fund grants to protect public health and water quality. They also administer the State Revolving Fund (SRF) Loan Program to finance the design and construction of public drinking water and wastewater infrastructure projects. More information on eligible drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater projects is available on the water quality grants and loans page.
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 U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced the availability of $7.5 billion ofWater Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA) funding. The WIFIA program offers long-term loans to help communities implement critical water infrastructure projects, which protect public health, deliver environmental benefits, create over 60,000 good-paying jobs, protect waterways including drinking water sources, and support local economies, at a lower cost. The WIFIA program has funding available on an ongoing basis. Learn moreHERE.
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.
