Funding Opportunities Early March
Grant Deadlines:
| Grand County Open Lands, Rivers, and Trails Fund | The Open Lands, Rivers, and Trails (OLRT) Fund supports fee simple and water rights acquisitions, water quality and river restoration projects, operational costs for approved nonprofits, and certain trail and wildfire mitigation efforts, with no more than 40% of funds (after administrative expenses) used for trail creation/maintenance and wildfire prevention. | Deadline: March 13th, 2026 |
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| PFAS Grant program | This Request for Applications (RFA) sets out the policies and procedures for implementation for the Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) Grant Program created through SB 20-218. The purpose of the PFAS Grant Program (Program) is to provide financial assistance to minimize risk to the public from certain hazardous substances (ex: PFAS) in drinking water. The Program provides funding to support efforts in identifying, assessing, and reducing environmental impacts of PFAS on human health and the environment. | Deadline: March 13th, 2026 |
| Yampa River Fund | The Yampa River Fund is excited to announce the availability of $267,022 for grants in 2026. Applications will be accepted from Feb. 17 to April 1. Projects that are prioritized for funding will: Enhance water security for communities, agriculture, the economy and the natural environment in the Yampa Valley.Support a healthy, flowing river and enhance critical low flows through water leases from reservoirs. Maintain or improve river function through a holistic approach to restoration of riparian and/or in-channel habitat. | Deadline: April 1st, 2026 |
| Restore Grant | Zero Foodprint's Restore Grant is now open until April 7th. This grant has been useful to help fund revegetation projects on fields with limited irrigation or are being dried up. As long as you are planning to establish permanent vegetation the program can be used to support different plant species or methods. Grant requests can range from $1,500 to $25,000. If you are interested, please contact the Colorado Ag Water Alliance and we can assist you in putting together a competitive application. Contact Greg Peterson at coagwater@gmail.com or (720) 244-4629. | Deadline: April 7th, 2026 |
| Region 08 Fiscal Year 2025 Wetland Program Development Grants | Wetland Program Development Grants (WPDGs) assist state, Tribal, territory (Insular Areas), local government agencies, and interstate or intertribal entities in developing or refining state, Tribal, territory or local programs that protect, manage and restore wetlands. The goals of the EPA’s wetland program include increasing the quantity and quality of wetlands in the U.S. by conserving and restoring wetland acreage and improving wetland condition. In pursuing these goals, the EPA seeks to develop the capacity of all levels of government to develop and/or refine effective, comprehensive programs for wetland protection and management. This is done using the Core Elements of a Wetlands Program, the Wetlands Program Core Elements Framework and for states and Tribes the development of Wetland Program Plans (WPP). | Deadline: April 20th, 2026 |
| Collaborative Capacity Program for Forests & Communities | Collaborative Capacity Program financial awards invest in collaborative activities that support wildfire resilience, recreation opportunities, land & watershed restoration, and rural economies. This year’s program funds projects that prioritize shared decision-making and bring together multiple perspectives to co-create solutions for forest stewardship or increase Tribal co-stewardship of our National Forests and Grasslands. | Deadline: May 4th, 2026 |
Grant Programs:
The Colorado Water Conservation Board (CWCB) has approved a release of the Colorado Watershed Restoration Program. The Program will focus on the development of Wildfire Ready Watersheds (wildfirereadywatersheds.com) Action Plans and implementation of projects designed to mitigate post wildfire impacts. Post-wildfire impacts such as flooding and debris flows are a threat to life, safety, and property, and have a profound impact on water supply, transportation, and other infrastructure. The Colorado Water Conservation Board approaches planning and hazard mitigation implementation in this realm with urgency. Catastrophic wildfires and subsequent flooding and debris flows occur with little or no warning during all seasons. The CWCB will accept applications on a rolling basis starting February 13, 2026, until the available funds are obligated. Learn more HERE.
The Rio Grande Aquatic Navigator Network is a collaborative technical assistance and information network supporting organizations working on aquatic restoration, watershed resilience, and climate adaptation across the Upper Rio Grande watershed. The Network helps partners navigate a rapidly changing funding and policy landscape by providing timely updates, connecting practitioners with funding opportunities and technical support, and offering direct assistance to advance on-the-ground projects. Participants are invited to join the Network’s monthly newsletter and briefing calls to stay informed and connected. Visit https://riograndenavigator.com/ to explore the Network’s centralized funding database, learn more about available resources, and submit a request for free assistance tailored to your project or organization. Please contact emile@bestrategicbynature.com to learn more and sign up for newsletters and briefings.
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.