Search Through Agriculture Grants in Colorado in the U.S.

Charitable Contributions

Costco Wholesale’s primary charitable efforts specifically focus on programs supporting children, education, and health and human services in the communities where we do business. Throughout the year we receive a large number of requests from nonprofit organizations striving to make a positive impact, and we are thankful to be able to provide support to a variety of organizations and causes. While we would like to respond favorably to all requests, understandably, the needs are far greater than our allocated resources and we are unable to accommodate them all.

Warehouse Donations:

Warehouse donations are handled at the warehouse level - please consult your local warehouse for up-to-date information regarding their donations contacts and review process.

Grant Applications

If the request is under consideration, you may be contacted by staff for any additional information needed. Applications are reviewed within 4-6 weeks, and decisions are made based on several factors, including: type of program; identified community need not otherwise available; indication that evidenced based data will establish measurable results of intended outcomes; community collaboration; broad base of financial support; project budget and operating expenses.

What is the Habitat Partnership Program? 

The purpose of the Habitat Partnership Program (HPP) is to reduce wildlife conflicts, particularly those associated with forage and fences, to assist Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) in meeting game management objectives, to assist with private land conservation efforts, and enhance migratory corridors. HPP efforts are primarily aimed at agricultural operators, and focus on problems and objectives for deer, elk, pronghorn and moose.

Purpose

Our purpose is to:

• Work with private land managers, public land management agencies, sports persons, and other interested parties to reduce wildlife conflicts, particularly those associated with forage and fence issues related to big game ungulate species (deer, elk, moose, and pronghorn)
• Assist CPW in meeting game management objectives
• Assist with private land conservation efforts

The HPP is funded by 5% of the revenue from deer, elk, pronghorn, and moose hunting licenses in areas of the state covered by a local HPP committee. Matching contributions from project applicants are required for every project.

Enhance wildlife migration corridorsWhat types of projects can I do? 

While HPP does a variety of projects, related to HPP’s main purpose: to reduce conflicts between livestock and big game, to help CPW achieve game management objectives, to assist with private land conservation efforts, and enhance migratory corridors. Committees review projects that solve an immediate problem; for example, fence repairs. They also review projects that are longer term, such as habitat projects that take more planning time, implementation is more complex and results take longer. However, these types of projects, especially projects larger in scale and scope, are more valuable, cost-effective and have become a priority for HPP. The following is a non-exhaustive list of common projects:

• Fence projects: Fence removal and/or updating existing fences to a wildlife-friendly design. HPP is not responsible for fencing livestock in or out. Their role in fence projects is to minimize wildlife conflicts and improve grazing practices. Virtual fence projects must comply with the latest version of the HPP Virtual Fence Policy.
• Habitat Improvement: HPP may fund various habitat improvement projects, such as seeding, fertilization, weed control, vegetation thinning, prescribed burns, forage leases, and grazing management. Conflict reduction or improved wildlife herd distribution outcomes are required.
• Water development: HPP is a funding program, not a permitting program. While HPP may provide funding for projects, it is the responsibility of the applicant and/or landowner to obtain any necessary permits, approvals, licenses, surveys, water rights, etc. HPP will reimburse drilling costs for approved well projects only if enough water is found for a productive well. The State Council may require NRCS involvement.
• Conservation Easements: HPP may consider contributing to transaction costs of easements that protect the property's conservation values, particularly agricultural productivity, wildlife habitat, and hunting access.
• Emergency conflict response: HPP may participate in baiting operations and associated conflict relief efforts related to severe winter conditions.
• Research and Monitoring: HPP may participate in research activities related to wildlife and range, including those focusing on habitat conditions, populations, inventory, and movement patterns.

Emerging Issues Grant Program

In accordance with its mission, the High Plains Intermountain Center for Agricultural Health and Safety (HICAHS) offers funding to support projects in agricultural health and safety research. As one of several Agricultural Safety and Health Centers funded by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), HICAHS has established a program to support Emerging Issues Projects. Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis.

Emerging issues are defined as health risks that are new or have rapidly expanding impact in the immediate or near future. The Emerging Issues Program is designed to provide a structure to identify issues of high priority for regional producers and the flexibility for HICAHS to respond rapidly. All funds for emerging issues will be used to address priorities identified by HICAHS constituents including producers, Extension Agents, the HICAHS External Advisory Board, and other Agricultural and Forestry partners in the High Plains Intermountain Region. Projects and use of funds may vary depending on the need and availability.

Recent past examples of Emerging Issues include:

• rapid response to developing and communicating information on appropriate PPE and work practices for bird flu; Ebola virus in the High Plains Intermountain region and nationally; assessment of worker perceptions of health and safety risk in beetle-killed forests; development of dairy stockmanship videos for a mobile employee training tool; Total Worker Health™ approaches for agricultural businesses; and development of approaches to evaluate economic aspects (cost-benefit) and impacts of our programs.

Current “Emerging Issues” Priorities 2024-25

Proposed projects should address at least one of the priorities listed below:

• Extreme weather/climate change, particularly heat stress & illness prevention, wildfire smoke and ash inhalation
• Infectious diseases, including Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza
• One Health (Interconnections between animal, environmental, and human health)
• Labor issues, particularly labor shortages and high turnover
• Robotics, automation, & artificial intelligence
• Silica exposures
• Hearing conservation
• Land-based fish production/aquaculture
• Issues related to youth on the farm
• Mental health
• Substance use
• Distracted machinery operation
• Musculoskeletal disorders

Additional topics will be considered, given justification for the topic as an emerging issue in the HICAHS region.

Philanthropy is our commitment to communities in which we operate and broader society. We focus our resources on a limited number of key projects that can deliver valuable benefits from our contributions and those of our partners. We give priority to innovative, high-quality projects that meet the following criteria:

• promote sustainable development
• offer an opportunity for Roche to use its expertise and logistics capabilities
• involve Roche actively at an early stage with local authorities and established partners
• engage Roche employees in cultural (focus on contemporary arts), educational and social activities
• managed by an accredited charity

Our four focus areas

Humanitarian and Social

We direct the majority of our philanthropic donations to humanitarian and social development projects.

Science and education

We are dedicated to programmes that promote scientific interest and provide educational opportunities for young people around the world.

Community and Environment

We are committed to building stronger communities and responding to natural disasters sustainably.

Arts and Culture

We support groundbreaking contemporary art, cultural projects and activities that explore the parallels between innovation in art and in science. 

Our Mission

The Tony Robbins Foundation is a nonprofit organization created to empower individuals and organizations to make a significant difference in the quality of life of people often forgotten.

We’re dedicated to creating positive changes in the lives of youth, seniors, the hungry, homeless and the imprisoned population, all who need a boost envisioning a happier and deeply satisfying way of life. Our passionate staff, generous donors and caring group of international volunteers provide the vision, inspiration, and resources needed to empower these important members of our society.

Grants

Dedicated to meeting challenges within the global community, creating solutions and taking action, The Tony Robbins Foundation provides monetary donations to various organizations around the world. Funding requests are evaluated on an ongoing basis. We look for organizations that align with our mission to empower individuals and organizations to make a significant difference in the quality of life of those often forgotten.

Wells Fargo and the Wells Fargo Foundation collaborate with a wide range of nonprofit organizations that align with our strategic funding priorities. We prioritize our funding to activities and programs that have a broad reach and support the needs of underserved communities. We aspire to have a positive impact on the communities we serve by using our financial and volunteer resources and business expertise in collaboration with community organizations to help solve complex societal problems.

• Financial health
• Housing affordability
• Small business growth
• Sustainability

We may also support other local needs in eligible communities such as disaster relief, arts and culture, civic engagement, education, human and social services, and workforce development. However, opportunities are limited as our intent is to direct the majority of our giving within our major focus areas.

Background

In his Last Will and Testament, William Stretesky requested that a Private Foundation be created in his name to benefit Sedgwick County, CO and its residents. William Stretesky, a long-time resident of Sedgwick County, was an avid farmer. He was single until the age of sixty-five and he had no children. As his life progressed, the residents of Sedgwick County, CO became his extended family. It may have been for this reason that he decided to leave the bulk of his estate in a Foundation with a primary goal to enhance and benefit the Sedgwick County Community and its residents. To date, nearly one hundred percent of his agricultural real estate remains in the foundation, which fulfills the profound wish of William Stretesky. Grant funds are generated through cash leasing the Foundation’s real estate, which is located in Sedgwick and Phillips County, Colorado and Chase, Deuel, and Perkins County, Nebraska.

Grant Categories

• Arts and Culture 
• Education
• Community Development
• Medical & Emergency
• Historical Preservation
• Operating Expenses

The Environmental Quality Incentives Programs (EQIP) offers farmers, ranchers, and private forest landowners financial, cost-share assistance to implement structural and management conservation practices that optimize environmental benefits on working agricultural lands.

Participant Responsibilities

Applicants are responsible for completing and filing all application and eligibility paperwork as required. If funded, participants are required to sign a contract and agree to implement the planned conservation practices to NRCS standards and specifications as scheduled. Starting a practice prior to having written contract approval will result in the ineligibility of that practice from EQIP assistance unless a waiver has been approved.

Program Objectives

The primary objectives of the Colorado Department of Agriculture (CDA) Noxious Weed Management Fund (WMF) grant program, in compliance with the Colorado Noxious Weed Act Title 35. Agriculture 55 § 35-5.5-116, are to:

• Provide additional financial resources to entities that are engaged in cooperative efforts to eradicate and/or contain state-listed noxious weeds;
• Produce measureable outcomes across Colorado for noxious weed management; and 3. Assist new or recently established weed management programs, especially in regions where additional resources are needed.

Perdue Farms is the family-owned parent company of Perdue Foods and Perdue AgriBusiness. Perdue Farms are dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for everyone we touch through innovative food and agricultural products.

Through Perdue Farms Perdue, Harvestland and Coleman Natural food brands; through Perdue Farms agricultural products and services; and through Perdue Farms stewardship and corporate responsibility programs, Perdue Farms are committed to making Perdue the most trusted name in food and agricultural products. At Perdue, Perdue Farms believe in responsible food and agriculture.What We Support

• We strive to strengthen our communities by focusing our efforts on agriculture and the environment, education, fighting hunger and poverty, health and social services, and public safety
• We also support organizations that celebrate the heritages and cultures of our communities
• We may give additional preference to organizations in which our associates have direct involvement, but the overarching consideration is the betterment of the community

Perdue Farms is a fourth-generation, family owned U.S. food and agricultural company. We were founded on trust—a value that carries through everything we do. Through our two operating divisions, Perdue Foods and Perdue AgriBusiness, we’re making steps every day toward our goal of becoming the most trusted name in food and agricultural products. Our path forward is about getting better, not just bigger.

We're Committed to Being Careful Stewards. Stewardship is one of our company's core values. Our stewardship platform, "We believe in responsible food and agriculture®," challenges us to continually improve. Learn more about the progress we've made in the areas of food, environment, animal care, people, community and our partners.

What we support

We believe in putting our resources where there is a direct benefit to a broad-based spectrum of the community.

• We strive to strengthen our communities by focusing our efforts on agriculture and the environment, education, fighting hunger and poverty, health and social services, and public safety
• We also support organizations that celebrate the heritages and cultures of our communities

Our Responsibility

• Food Producing: Quality Food
• Environment: Protecting the Environment
• Animal Care: Providing for the Welfare of Animals
• People: Caring About Others

Conservation Stewardship Program

The Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) helps you build on your existing conservation efforts while strengthening your operation.

Whether you are looking to improve grazing conditions, increase crop resiliency, or develop wildlife habitat, we can custom design a CSP plan to help you meet those goals. We can help you identify natural resource problems in your operation and provide technical and financial assistance to solve those problems or attain higher stewardship levels in an environmentally beneficial and cost-effective manner.

How It Works

If you are already taking steps to improve the condition of the land, chances are, CSP can help you find new ways to meet your goals.

NRCS works one-on-one with producers to develop a conservation plan that outlines and enhances existing efforts, using new conservation practices or activities, based on management objectives for your operation. Producers implement practices and activities in their conservation plan that expands on the benefits of cleaner water and air, healthier soil and better wildlife habitat, all while improving their agricultural operations.

For example, if you have been planting a cover crop, you may decide to try an enhancement for a multi species cover crop or implement a deep-rooted cover crop to break up soil compaction and further improve the health of your soil.

CSP offers annual payments for implementing these practices on your land and operating and maintaining existing conservation efforts. Want to take it a step further? CSP also offers bundles where you can select a suite of enhancements and receive a higher payment rate.

Benefits

CSP is for working lands and is the largest conservation program in the United States. Thousands of people voluntarily enroll in the program because it helps them enhance natural resources and improve their business operation.

CSP participants are seeing real results.  Some of these benefits include:

• Enhanced resiliency to weather and market volatility
• Decreased need for agricultural inputs
• Improved wildlife habitat conditions

CSP Contracts

The program represents a genuine commitment to conservation – CSP contracts are for five years, with the opportunity to compete for a contract renewal if you successfully fulfill the initial contract and agree to achieve additional conservation objectives. An NRCS conservation planner will work closely with you, throughout the entire contract process.

Contract payments are based on two components:

• Payments to maintain the existing level of conservation, based on the land uses included in the contract and an NRCS assessment of existing stewardship at the time of enrollment, and
• Payments to implement additional conservation activities.

NRCS may provide a minimum annual payment of $1,500 in any year the Chief determines the total contract payment amount is below a base level.

Colorado Priority Resource Concerns

• Ag Land
  • Degraded Plant Condition
  • Field Sediment, Nutrient and Pathogen Loss
  • Field Pesticide Loss
  • Livestock Production Limitations
  • Soil Quality Limitations
  • Source Water Depletion
  • Pest Management
  • Wind & Water Erosion
• Non-Industrial Private Forests (NIPF)
  • Wind and Water Erosion
  • Degraded Plant Condition
  • Fire Management
  • Pest Pressure
  • Soil Quality Limitations
  • Source Water Depletion
  • Terrestrial Habitat
  • Weather Resilience

Ameriprise Financial Grantmaking

At Ameriprise Financial, giving back is deeply rooted in our culture. We’ve initiated positive change in the communities where we live and work for more than 120 years. We believe our community involvement enables us to actively live our values. Through grant making, volunteerism and employee and financial advisor gift matching programs, we support a diverse group of over 6,000 nonprofits across the country.

Focus Areas

Awarding grant dollars to nonprofits is one way we strengthen our communities and help individuals on a path to financial independence. To ensure we're meeting the needs of our communities and making an even greater collective impact, we focus on three key giving areas when awarding grants.

Volunteer engagement is a priority across all focus areas:

The engagement of Ameriprise employees and financial advisors is a critical component of our philanthropy. Whether it’s serving on a nonprofit board, engaging friends, clients and community members in volunteering or providing skills-based support, our relationships with nonprofits go deep. For this reason, we give priority across all focus areas to applications where there is active volunteer engagement of Ameriprise advisors and employees. 

Meeting Basic Needs

At Ameriprise Financial, we help clients achieve financial security and peace of mind. That’s satisfying, meaningful work. We also help the people in our neighborhoods who struggle to meet basic needs such as where their next meal comes from, where they’ll sleep tonight or how they’ll find a higher wage job. We’re here to help them through the three platforms of our Meeting Basic Needs focus area.

Consideration is given to applications addressing the following: 

• Hunger
• Food banks, food shelves and food pantries, daily meal programs or meal services for the homebound
• Hunger-relief programs targeted to meet the special needs of children, ethnic populations or veterans
• Food programs run by nonprofits where hunger is not their sole focus, for example a youth meal program at the YWCA or a backpack program run by a Boys & Girls Club
• Shelter
• Emergency shelter, including youth homelessness
• Transitional housing, permanent supportive housing and efforts to end chronic homelessness
• Housing-first models (programs quickly providing housing and then addressing needed services)
• Achieving and maintaining home ownership, repair and maintenance efforts helping keep seniors, veterans and other populations in their homes 
• Adult Self-Sufficiency: Programs serving adults age 21 and older that help address the following areas:
• Basic hard and soft skills that help adults achieve economic and family stability
• Basic financial and budgeting skills
• Increase employability and wages, including work readiness and job transitions
• Employment of disabled adults

Supporting Community Vitality

We believe communities should be strong, healthy and resilient. We want livable places for all, where neighbors look out for one another, cultural events are well-attended and people pull together in times of crisis and joy. We work to create economic vitality and cultural enrichment through the following areas of focus.

Consideration is given to applications addressing the following: 

• Community Development
• Neighborhood revitalization
• Economic development
• Strengthening and supporting small businesses and nonprofits through technical expertise
• Cultural Enrichment
• Arts education
• Access for underserved populations
• Diverse artists and performances that spark topical community conversations 

Volunteer Driven Causes: Ameriprise employees and financial advisors are outstanding volunteers who serve in teams and also as individuals bringing personal skill-sets to nonprofits. Volunteering is part of the culture at Ameriprise and we are proud to support communities through contributions of both service and financial resources. 

Funding for Volunteer-Driven Causes is determined by current Ameriprise volunteerism. In general, funding is in proportion to the size of the Ameriprise volunteer team supporting a nonprofit. A team may include employees, financial advisors and/or staff or a combination of any Ameriprise volunteers. 

The Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (Farm Bill) reauthorized the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) to partner with state departments of agriculture to enhance the competitiveness of growers of fruits, vegetables, and other horticultural crops in areas such as marketing, promotion, education, research, trade and nutrition.

The SCBGP assists State departments of agriculture to enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops by:

• Leveraging efforts to market and promote specialty crops;
• Assisting producers with research and development related to specialty crops;
• Expanding availability and access to specialty crops; and
• Addressing local, regional, and national challenges confronting specialty crop producers.

Specialty Crop Definition

For the purposes of this program, the USDA-AMS defines specialty crops as fruits and vegetables, dried fruit, tree nuts, horticulture, and nursery crops (including floriculture). A complete list of eligible crops is available on the USDA specialty crop block grant program (SCBGP) website.

Full-Ride Scholarship Colorado Garden Foundation

This scholarship offered by Colorado Garden Foundation is a four-year full-ride scholarship available to an incoming freshman resident from Colorado at a publicly funded Colorado college or university.

This scholarship includes tuition, fees, room & board, and all required books for the four years. In addition, the student will be given a laptop computer and printer at the start of their freshman year.

Purpose of the Scholarship Program:

Colorado Garden Foundation scholarship program awards financial aid to students in the following fields of study:

• Agriculture Business.
• Agriculture Education.
• Horticulture.
• Floriculture.
• Landscape Architecture.
• Botany.
• Plant Biology.
• Plant Pathology/Science.
• Nursery & Landscape Management.
• Environmental Horticulture.
• Agronomy.

Applicants must be majoring in one of these fields of study. Approval must be granted by the Colorado Garden Foundation Scholarship Committee for application to be made in any major other than the ones listed.

Land, facilities, and civic infrastructure are long-term assets that can transform the ability of nonprofit and community organizations to serve Colorado communities. For this reason, the Gates Family Foundation invests in capital projects across the state, in both rural and urban areas. We strive to be responsive to each community’s unique needs and opportunities.

Our capital grants are generally limited to comprehensive capital campaigns, which are typically for building purchases, construction, expansion, renovation, and/or land acquisition. Only nonprofit organizations with capital projects that benefit Colorado and its residents are qualified to apply. When making funding decisions, we prioritize:

• Projects that address root problems with substantive solutions
• Projects with strong evidence of support from the community and the organization’s board
• Projects in rural and low-income areas across Colorado where there are fewer individuals and institutions providing support for capital projects
• Projects that serve individuals and communities of color who have faced historic inequities and lack of access to funding
• Projects that reinforce the foundation’s strategic priorities in K-12 public education, natural resources, community development, and informed communities
• Projects that address climate change, and/or incorporate green building and sustainable development practices

Priority Funding Areas

We fund capital projects within five categories that overlap somewhat with the Foundation’s strategic priorities, but are broader in scope in order to be more responsive to community needs.

Arts & Culture

The Foundation supports cultural organizations that:

• enhance the quality of community life while also strengthening the economy
• link a community with its heritage and contribute to usable community infrastructure
• serve as an educational resource for children, youth, and adults.

Funding examples in this area are:

• libraries & museums
• community theaters
• performing arts organizations
• historic preservation that contributes to community revitalization

Education

The Foundation supports major capital projects for:

• charter schools that serve a substantial proportion of low-income students (generally, at least 50% of the student body will qualify for Free and Reduced Lunch), have demonstrated high academic achievement, and are utilizing a sustainable financial model
• public schools in rural areas that have planned capital improvements which are heavily used by the community, and that reinforce the long-term viability of the area
• licensed early childhood education centers with particular, but not exclusive, interest in rural areas of the state to assure readiness for elementary school and to strengthen rural economies
• organizations that provide life-long learning and experiential learning to a broad audience
• independent school and public and private university capital campaigns on a highly selective basis

Funding examples in this area:

• participation in the matching requirement for a charter school receiving a BEST grant
• rural school improving its auditorium or athletic field for school and community use
• rural community establishing an early childhood education center to fill an unmet need
• early childhood education center making significant facility improvements in order to advance the quality of care for the children served
• facility improvements for an organization that provides adult GED, literacy, or vocational training
• on a highly selective basis, support for public and private universities with campaigns to improve their science, technology, library, and engineering related facilities

Well-being of Children, Youth & Families

The Foundation supports organizations that encourage individuals to:

• develop greater self-sufficiency, including the well-being and independence of disadvantaged families and the elderly
• increase leadership and life skills
• maintain good health and well-being rather than cure disease

Funding examples in this area:

• human service organizations promoting self-sufficiency
• community and senior centers
• family resource centers
• youth mentoring organizations
• nonprofit dental clinics
• residential treatment centers for youth
• transitional housing facilities
• job training
• rural health centers (non-FQHC)

Parks & Recreation

The Foundation supports capital projects that:

• invest in land and water protection that safeguards important natural resources, habitat, and the health of natural systems
• help preserve the state’s ranching and agricultural legacy and encourage smart land use patterns
• construct and improve urban and mountain parks and open space for public recreation and access
• maintain the state’s urban and mountain trail systems
• provide recreation, environmental education and leadership opportunities for young people
• encourage the spirit of scientific inquiry as well as the preservation of natural habitat

Funding examples in this area:

• land conservation and easement purchases
• greenways and trail systems
• outdoor/indoor recreation facilities
• urban public spaces and community gardens

Community Development & Revitalization

The Foundation invests in projects that:

• have the potential to reinforce and enhance the economic vitality of a community
• involve partnerships between public and private sector organizations that seek to improve the economic and cultural health of communities

Funding examples in this area:

• restoration of historically significant architecture that contributes to community revitalization
• development of rural main streets as a means of promoting community revitalization
• heritage tourism as a means of promoting economic health for rural areas
• public-private partnerships for economic development

Calling to Serve

Since its inception in 2016, the Robinson Foundation has sought to demonstrate God’s love through sharing the gifts we have received. We understand the often unspoken hardships and struggles that people in and outside of our community face everyday. As such, our contributions are focused on relieving these hardships for the betterment of our world.

As a family-operated foundation, we pray that our small efforts will not only create immediate change in the lives of our neighbors, but will help set those lives on a course for success in the future. We are thankful for each and every day we have on this earth to use what God has granted us to make a difference.

Areas of Interest

• Animal Welfare
• Children & Families
• Disaster Relief
• Education
• Medical Assistance
• Nature & Wildlife Conservation
• Poverty Relief
• Religious & Spiritual Endeavors
• Veterans' Issues

Grant Considerations

We take many different aspects of applications into account when making grant issuing decisions, however these are some of the high-level questions we ask ourselves during the process:

• How does the organization serve their key audience goals?
• Is the organization fiscally responsible?
• Will a grant have a tangible, meaningful impact?
• Will we see direct results from this grant?
• Does the organization have other financial contributors?

Common Ground Program

Chaffee County Community Foundation is honored to partner with Chaffee County and the Chaffee County Citizens Advisory Committee to administer the Chaffee County Common Ground Program funds.

Program Goals

• Strengthening forest health and reducing wildfire danger
• Conserving and supporting agricultural lands and rural landscapes
• Managing the impacts of growth

Competitive Grant Program Goals

• Strengthen forest health to protect the community from a large wildfire, protect water quality, and enhance wildlife habitat through planning and execution of forest treatment activities.
• Conserve and support working ranches, farms and rural landscapes through conservation easements and tools that enhance economic viability and longevity of working lands.
• Protect landscapes and watershed health from negative impacts of outdoor recreation use through management, hardening, restoration, and education to disperse use and support conservation values.
• Encourage action at scale across the landscape, to include landownership/management boundaries.
• Encourage collaborative thought and action across funding categories.
• Fund successful programs.
• Maximize impact by working to leverage overall Chaffee Common Ground funds by at least 2-1 through cash and in-kind matches on all combined programs (exceptions are permitted for individual programs).

Forest Health and Fire Resilience Project Grants

Forest Health and Fire Resilience Project Grants are for the execution of treatment activities that enhance forest health and community fire resilience. Treatments on private lands are only considered as part of a larger project that provides value to the community, such as a fuel break that crosses public and private lands in areas identified as high priority in the Community Wildfire Protection Plan. Treatment for fire resilience is completed only through qualified organizations such as Colorado State Forest Service, Colorado Firecamp, Natural Resource Conservation Services (NRCS) or similar.

Funding

• Request minimum: 5,001 per year
• Request maximum: $500,000 per year

For proposals of $50,000 or more, the applicant demonstrates a track record of success with a program of similar scope and scale.

Site visits may be requested by the Chaffee Common Ground Citizens Advisory Committee for any project to assess need, progress or completion of work. These requests will focus on complex projects applying for or funded at $100,000 or more.

Common Ground Program

Chaffee County Community Foundation is honored to partner with Chaffee County and the Chaffee County Citizens Advisory Committee to administer the Chaffee County Common Ground Program funds.

Program Goals

• Strengthening forest health and reducing wildfire danger
• Conserving and supporting agricultural lands and rural landscapes
• Managing the impacts of growth

Competitive Grant Program Goals

• Strengthen forest health to protect the community from a large wildfire, protect water quality, and enhance wildlife habitat through planning and execution of forest treatment activities.
• Conserve and support working ranches, farms and rural landscapes through conservation easements and tools that enhance economic viability and longevity of working lands.
• Protect landscapes and watershed health from negative impacts of outdoor recreation use through management, hardening, restoration, and education to disperse use and support conservation values.
• Encourage action at scale across the landscape, to include landownership/management boundaries.
• Encourage collaborative thought and action across funding categories.
• Fund successful programs.
• Maximize impact by working to leverage overall Chaffee Common Ground funds by at least 2-1 through cash and in-kind matches on all combined programs (exceptions are permitted for individual programs).

Forest Health and Wildfire Resilience Planning & Education Grants

Forest Health and Wildfire Resilience Planning & Education Grants are for planning of treatment activities that enhance forest health and community wildfire resilience. Applicants must be a qualified organization; individual landowners are encouraged to work with the Colorado State Forest Service, Colorado FireCamp or a similar organization.

Funding

• Request minimum: 5,001 per year
• Request maximum: $100,000 per year

For proposals of $50,000 or more, the applicant demonstrates a track record of success with a program of similar scope and scale.

Common Ground Program

Chaffee County Community Foundation is honored to partner with Chaffee County and the Chaffee County Citizens Advisory Committee to administer the Chaffee County Common Ground Program funds.

Program Goals

• Strengthening forest health and reducing wildfire danger
• Conserving and supporting agricultural lands and rural landscapes
• Managing the impacts of growth

Competitive Grant Program Goals

• Strengthen forest health to protect the community from a large wildfire, protect water quality, and enhance wildlife habitat through planning and execution of forest treatment activities.
• Conserve and support working ranches, farms and rural landscapes through conservation easements and tools that enhance economic viability and longevity of working lands.
• Protect landscapes and watershed health from negative impacts of outdoor recreation use through management, hardening, restoration, and education to disperse use and support conservation values.
• Encourage action at scale across the landscape, to include landownership/management boundaries.
• Encourage collaborative thought and action across funding categories.
• Fund successful programs.
• Maximize impact by working to leverage overall Chaffee Common Ground funds by at least 2-1 through cash and in-kind matches on all combined programs (exceptions are permitted for individual programs).

Recreation Impacts Management Grants

Recreation Impacts Management Grants are for the execution of projects that protect landscape and watershed health from negative impacts resulting from outdoor recreation use. Applications must be from a qualified organization or private landowners with a nexus to public land access and in collaboration with a qualified land management agency, such as US Forest Service, Colorado Parks and Wildlife or Bureau of Land Management.

Funding

• Request minimum: 5,001 per year
• Request maximum: $100,000 per year

For proposals of $50,000 or more, the applicant demonstrates a track record of success with a program of similar scope and scale.

About Us

Mission

The Colorado Water Conservation Board's mission is to conserve, develop, protect and manage Colorado's water for present and future generations.

Overview

The Colorado Water Conservation Board (CWCB) represents each major water basin in the state, the Denver Metro Area, and other state agencies in our joint effort to use water wisely and protect our water for future generations.

The CWCB was created over 80 years ago and today it remains Colorado's most comprehensive water information resource. The agency works on a broad range of programs and provides technical and financial assistance to support the Colorado Water Plan.

Governed by a 15-member Board, the CWCB's responsibilities include protecting Colorado's streams and lakes, flood mitigation, watershed protection, stream restoration, drought planning, water supply planning, and water project financing. The CWCB also works to protect the state's water apportionments in collaboration with other western states and federal agencies.

Each CWCB program is directed by the agency's Strategic Framework, as well as through Statutory Authorities and Responsibilities. Reviewed annually by the Board, the Strategic Plan also contains a Board Member Work Plan, which guides the Board's actions and helps implement the authorities and objectives of the CWCB.

Colorado Water Plan Grants

The purpose of the Colorado Water Plan Grant Program is to make progress on the critical actions and measurable objectives identified in the Colorado Water Plan. All grant applications will be assessed based on funds available for a particular Water Plan category.

Colorado Water Plan Grant program funding categories include:

• Water Storage & Supply - includes development of additional storage, artificial recharge into aquifers, and dredging existing reservoirs to restore the reservoirs' full decreed storage capacity for multi-beneficial projects and projects identified in basin implementation plans to address the water supply and demand gap.
• Water Sharing Agreements - includes projects that meet defined water needs while mitigating impacts associated with traditional water transfers.
• Conservation & Land Use Planning - includes long-term strategies for conservation, land use, water efficiency, and drought planning.
• Engagement & Innovation - includes water education, outreach, and innovation efforts.
• Agricultural Projects - includes technical assistance or project/program funding for agricultural projects.
• Watershed Health & Recreation Projects

Examples of eligible projects and activities:

• Technical assistance regarding permitting, feasibility studies, and environmental compliance.
• Studies or analysis of structural, programmatic, consumptive, and non-consumptive water projects or activities.
• Design of structural projects or activities.
• Activities that promote education, outreach, and innovation consistent with the mission and goals of the Water Plan Grant.

 Outdoor Regional Partnerships Initiative Grant Program

Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) and Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO) offer grant funding to support and grow a network of regionally driven collaboratives working to ensure that Colorado’s land, water, and wildlife thrive while also providing exceptional, equitable, and safe access to quality outdoor recreation experiences through the development and implementation of regional visions, goals, objectives, and collective actions that advance Colorado’s Outdoors Strategy (COS) to achieve the following outcomes:

• Conservation and restoration of lands and waters help wildlife and biodiversity thrive; habitats are resilient and connected; communities benefit from healthy ecosystems and agricultural lands.
• A diversity of high-quality outdoor recreation experiences are accessible, equitable, and inclusive; management and stewardship enhance benefits and minimize impacts for people, landscapes, and local communities.

For areas that do not have a partnership, these grants support collaborative efforts to establish a coalition that is committed to convening a broad range of outdoor interests to identify and advance conservation and sustainable recreation objectives. For areas with established Regional Partnerships, grant funds support collaboration, public involvement, research, planning, and plan implementation. 

With the Regional Partnerships Initiative, coalitions representing regions across Colorado, are provided tools, resources, best practices, and connections to a statewide network of recreation and conservation leaders. Designated CPW staff support the growth and development of regional coalitions and provide information as needed.

Capacity, Plan Development, and Early Wins Grant

$50,000 - $350,000 for one to three-year terms to support Regional Partnership capacity and work to complete a regional conservation and recreation plan that aligns with Colorado’s Outdoors Strategy. May include early win projects that support collaboration and/or advance regional planning. This funding is for Regional Partnership collaboratives who are in the process of developing a regional plan.

Projects Bill Grants

Projects Bill Grants (formerly Non-Reimbursable Project Investments) are CWCB Board authorized state-wide investments for regional supply needs that do not fit within other CWCB grant programs. Grants also require approval by the General Assembly. Matching funds are typically required, and the amount of funding can vary annually, but is generally between $1 million - $10 million. 

Projects eligible for the Projects Bill Grant Program include:

Projects, programs or studies of statewide impact or importance, such as: ­

• Administration of compact-entitled waters; ­
• Facilitation of solutions to regional water supply problems; ­
• Addressing federal water rights issues; ­
• Recovery or conservation of threatened or endangered species within riparian ecosystems; ­
• Development and management of a state monitoring system for collection and development of hydrologic and climatologic data; and ­
• River restoration and floodplain management projects affecting agriculture, recreation or other industries that economically impact significant areas of the state.

Feasibility studies and demonstration projects designed to answer questions related to statewide water issues or that have significant potential to result in a CWCB Water Project Loan.

Examples of projects appropriate for a Projects Bill Grant:

• Funding for the non-federal cost-share funding for the Frying Pan-Arkansas project (Arkansas Valley Conduit) to provide quality drinking water to six counties in the lower Arkansas Valley.
• Republican River Compact compliance efforts - provided matching cash incentives to producers to reduce irrigation/facilitate land retirement within the South Fork of the Republican River to meet compact compliance obligations as outlined in a Resolution and subsequent Amendment approved by the Republican River Compact Administration.
• Windy Gap Bypass Project - Construction of a connectivity channel around Windy Gap Reservoir on the Colorado River near the confluence of the Fraser River. Reconnecting the River and its habitat while maintaining Windy Gap Dam and pump plant operations. The project creates fish passage and is expected to significantly improve aquatic habitat conditions.

Examples of projects typically inappropriate for a Projects Bill Grant:

• Water Treatment type projects
• Projects that can be completed without additional state grant funding
• Projects that can be funded by Water Supply Reserve Fund (WSRF) and Water Plan Grants to significantly improve aquatic habitat conditions.

Overview

The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) is requesting proposals to restore, protect and enhance aquatic and riparian species of conservation concern and their habitats in the headwaters of the Colorado River and Rio Grande watersheds. Up to $1.3 million in funding is expected to be available through support from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), U.S. Forest Service (USFS), U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), and the Trinchera Blanca Foundation, an affiliate of The Moore Charitable Foundation. 

Geographic Focus/Program Funding Priorities

This Request for Proposals (RFP) is part of NFWF’s Southwest Rivers Program and will provide funding to projects that produce measurable outcomes for species of conservation concern in the riparian corridors of the headwaters of the Colorado River and Rio Grande. The Rio Grande Headwaters Focal Area includes the mainstem and headwater tributaries of the Rio Grande in Colorado and northern New Mexico, as well as the headwaters of the Rio Chama, Jemez River, and Rio Puerco. The Colorado River Focal Area includes selected tributaries and headwaters of the Colorado River including the Escalante, Gila, Salt, San Juan, Verde and Virgin Rivers (see Figure 1). Projects located in the San Juan River watershed in southwestern Colorado should be submitted to the concurrent RESTORE Colorado 2025 RFP.

Priority projects will address the leading factors in aquatic and riparian species decline such as loss of natural processes and habitat, environmental change and invasive species. Projects employing process-based methods of wetlands and riparian restoration are highly encouraged. Maintaining healthy headwater wetlands and riparian areas provide security by improving the reliability of late season flows for water users, fish and wildlife downstream. Projects benefiting one or more of the following species and their habitats are priorities for funding:

• Business Plan focal species in the Rio Grande Headwaters Focal Area include Rio Grande cutthroat trout, North American beaver and southwestern willow flycatcher.
• The focal species in the Colorado River Focal Area is North American beaver. 

Community Food Grants

Colorado’s Community Food Grants support food assistance providers with funding to purchase and distribute local, fresh, and culturally or spiritually relevant foods in our communities. The Colorado Blueprint to End Hunger administers the program in partnership with the Colorado Department of Human Services.

Both food pantries and food banks are key partners in addressing hunger across Colorado. With these funds, food pantries can get food directly to individuals and families based on local needs and priorities, while food banks can purchase food in bulk and distribute it to partner agencies in all 64 counties.

Program Goals

The Community Food Grants program provides funding to qualifying food pantries and food banks, specifically for the procurement and distribution of healthy, culturally relevant foods, while also championing local agriculture. Grants are intended to purchase meat, dairy, and fresh produce from local farmers, ranchers, and producers. They also help expand access to foods that meet the diverse tastes and needs of community members based on their cultural identity and/or spirituality.

The Community Food Grants aim to:

• Purchase and distribute foods that better meet the needs of your community;
• Increase access to culturally relevant and nutritious foods;
• Purchase Colorado agricultural products and/or culturally or spiritually relevant food;
• Ensure that food purchasing and distribution is grounded in equity and responsive to community needs.

Community Food Grant

The Community Food Grants program provides funding to qualifying food pantries and food banks, specifically for the procurement and distribution of healthy, culturally relevant foods, while also championing local agriculture. Grants are intended to purchase meat, dairy, and fresh produce from local farmers, ranchers, and producers. They also aim to expand access to foods that meet the diverse tastes and needs of community members based on their cultural identity and/or spirituality.

The State of Colorado has allocated $2 million for the 2025 - 2026 grant cycle. After accounting for required costs like administration, translation, and interpretation, a total of $1.7 million is available to directly support emergency food providers across the state. With these funds, food pantries can acquire and distribute food directly to individuals and families as aligned with community needs and priorities. Similarly, food banks can buy food in bulk and distribute the entirety of their grant purchases to food pantries across the state.

The Community Food Grants aim to:

• Aid Colorado food pantries and food banks in the purchase and distribution of foods that better meet the needs of their communities
• Expand access to culturally relevant and nutritionally appropriate foods within the charitable food system; and encourage the purchase of Colorado agricultural products and/or culturally or spiritually relevant food
• Ensure that the charitable food system is grounded in equity and is responsive to community needs.

Scholarship Overview

The National Cattlemen’s Foundation is honoring the successful career of the late W.D. Farr of Greeley, Colorado through two annual $15,000 graduate scholarships bearing his name. We lost a true industry leader and friend with W.D.'s passing on August 13, 2007, at the age of 97. Farr, a third generation Coloradan, pioneer rancher, statesman and banker is known for his extraordinary vision. His dedication to improving agriculture, livestock and water development has resulted in significant changes in farming methods that have influenced the practices of ranchers and farmers throughout the nation. 

The W.D. Farr Scholarship is national in scope and will be awarded to two outstanding students pursuing graduate degrees in animal science, environmental science (water) or agriculture. The winner of the scholarship will be strongly encouraged to participate in NCBA activities. The students must also reflect a drive for success and leadership in the tradition of W.D. Farr.

 Scholarship winners will be announced at the 2019 Cattle Industry Annual Convention in New Orleans, LA, and will be encouraged to attend. Expenses will be paid including conference registration, air fare (if applicable) and hotel accommodations.

Evaluation Process

The National Cattlemen’s Foundation will administer the program and choose a panel of judges to review the applications and select the winners. Judges decisions are final. Applicants will be evaluated on the components of the application requirements through effective communication skills, clarity of expression, originality and interest/passion for the cattle industry.