Conservation Excellence grants foster exploration of complicated issues — i.e., oil and gas development on conserved lands, orphan easements, water, amendments — via pilot projects or research.
Projects will fall into one or more of four main categories that cover the major challenges and issues: Policy, Standards and Education, Community Engagement, and Stewardship and Long-term Sustainability. The Conservation Excellence program does not fund efforts to initiate or renew an open space tax, organizational strategic planning or capacity building, land acquisitions, or restoration of land or riparian areas. Each grant request is limited to $100,000.
WHO CAN APPLY
This program is open to all entities that are eligible to receive GOCO open space funds:

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  • Colorado municipality or county
  • Political subdivision of the State of Colorado that includes in its mission the identification, acquisition, or management of open space and natural areas
  • Non-profit land conservation organization (a land trust or a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that includes in its mission the identification, acquisition, or management of open space and natural areas)
  • Colorado Parks and Wildlife