Funding Opportunities Early May

Grant Deadlines:

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Coalitions and Collaboratives is thrilled to announce the launch of our Community Catalyst Fund as part of the Community Navigator Program! Purpose: The Community Catalyst Fund aims to strengthen community-serving organizations with increasing capacity towards climate resilience. Priority will be given to proposals that clearly articulate how the proposed project will increase support for frontline communities, as outlined by the Community Navigator Program, with efforts that align with Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) and Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) provisions. Application Deadline: Applications for the Community Catalyst Fund are due on June 6, 2024, by midnight Mountain Time.

The Bureau of Reclamation’s WaterSMART Program is now accepting applications for their FY24/FY25 Environmental Water Resources Projects (EWRP)! Approximately 40-80 projects will be awarded under this funding opportunity.

About the Grant

This funding opportunity supports collaboratively developed projects that provide significant ecological benefits, including water conservation and efficiency projects, water management and infrastructure projects, river and watershed restoration, and nature-based solutions implementation.

  • The first application period ends on June 18, 2024. Need more time? Don't worry, you can apply during the second period, closing on March 11, 2025.

  • In general, applicants may request up to $3 million for projects which can be completed within three years, and watershed groups may request up to $5 million for projects to be completed within five years.

  • Click here to access the funding opportunity on grants.gov and download the complete Notice of Funding Opportunity (also searchable using the opportunity number R24AS00299). 

  • Learn more about EWRP grants and WaterNow’s support by downloading our EWRP Fact Sheet and visit our website for additional guidance!

EPA’s Environmental and Climate Justice Community Change Grants  — Rolling Applications until November 21, 2024 — EPA’s new Environmental and Climate Justice Community Change Grants program (Community Change Grants) has announced a Notice of Funding Opportunity for approximately $2 billion dollars in Inflation Reduction Act funds in environmental and climate justice activities to benefit disadvantaged communities through projects that reduce pollution, increase community climate resilience, and build community capacity to address environmental and climate justice challenges. These place-based investments will be focused on community-driven initiatives to be responsive to community and stakeholder input. 

  • EPA’s Environmental and Climate Justice Community Change Grant  — Technical Assistance — Technical Assistance (TA) assists eligible applicants to apply for and use EPA grant funding. Through EPA's Office of Environmental Justice and External Civil Rights, eligible entities can receive TA in all stages of the Community Change Grants. This includes application support, capacity building, project planning, and more. There are two TA programs for the Community Change Grants: 1) Community Change Technical Assistance, and 2) Community Change Equitable Resilience Technical Assistance. To learn more about TA for the Community Change Grants, click here.

  • Environmental Protection Network (EPN) 6-Step Application Process for EPA’s Community Change Grants — To help applicants submit applications for EPA’s Environmental and Climate Justice Community Change Grants, EPN has created a suggested 6-step application process for Track I and Track II, including a suggested timeline. To view the suggested processes, click here.

  • EPN Community Change Grants Program Partner and Assistance Survey — EPN created a survey which organizations can use to find partners and share information about the EPA Community Change Grants, including whether they can give or would like assistance completing the application. This survey is NOT an EPA survey and EPA did not assist with its development. To complete the survey or view responses, click 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.

The Forest Service’s Forest Landowner Support program has a new funding opportunity focused on Tribal access to emerging private markets for forest resilience or climate mitigation. Eligible applicants include: Federally recognized Tribes, Alaska Native Corporations/Villages, and Tribal Organizations. The deadline for NOFO 2 is August 21, 2024 at 11:59pm EST.

Additionally, funding is still available for proposals under $2 million that support the participation of underserved landowners and landowners owning less than 2,500 acres in emerging private markets for climate mitigation or forest resilience. The deadline for NOFO 1 is August 21, 2024, at 11:59 p.m. EST.

Grant Programs:

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is allocating $550 million from the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) to expedite investments to reduce pollution in disproportionately impacted communities. Grant funding will be available through the EPA’s new Environmental Justice Thriving Communities Grantmaking (EJ TCGM) program. This new program will fund up to 11 entities to serve as grantmakers to community-based projects that reduce pollution. Grantmakers will work collaboratively with the EPA’s Office of Environmental Justice and External Civil Rights. Grantees will develop an efficient, simplified process so that organizations that historically have faced barriers to receiving funding can more seamlessly apply for subgrants and address environmental harms and risks. The following types of organizations can apply:

  • A community-based nonprofit organization;

  • A partnership of community-based nonprofit organizations;

  • A partnership between a Tribal Nation and a community-based nonprofit organization; or,

  • A partnership between an institution of higher education and a community-based nonprofit organization.

The Department of Local Affairs in Colorado has launched the Nonprofit Infrastructure Grant Program for small, community-based nonprofits serving underrepresented communities. The program aims to support infrastructure and capacity-building by providing funds for strategic planning, professional development and technology. Eligible nonprofits with budgets between $150,000 and $2,000,000 can apply from July 5 to August 31, 2023. Grants totaling $33,100,000 will be awarded, with selected organizations receiving up to $100,000. Interested applicants should contact their Regional Access Partner for assistance and submit applications through them. Grant recipients will be notified by January 31, 2024, and the program seeks to help nonprofits enhance their impact on historically marginalized communities.

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 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.

Federal Technical Assistance Grants. As part of the American Rescue Plan Act, a total of $5 million in federal funding has been allocated for technical assistance grants that will enable eligible entities to work with the Colorado Water Conservation Board (CWCB) contractors or to hire contractors to expand their capacity and expertise, in pursuit of federal funding opportunities that directly support the Colorado Water Plan objectives. The allowable uses of this grant funding are broad in scope, to allow for the wide range of federal opportunities available. 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 submittal. Rolling application deadline.

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.

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.

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 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.

Click here to access the funding opportunity on grants.gov and download the complete Notice of Funding Opportunity (also searchable using the opportunity number R23AS00089).

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.

Trainings & Workshops Early May

May 6th, 2024 | DWR Intro to Water Administration, Well Permits & Water Rights Continuing Education Course. This course is aimed at real estate agents, brokers, and professionals to aid them in understanding these concepts and applying them when water is involved in a real estate transaction.  This course is worth 2 credit hours of continuing education by the Colorado Real Estate Commission. If you are not a real estate agent/broker and still want to learn more about these topics, you are still welcome to join.

May 7th - June 6th, 2024 | Grant Writing Practicum. This five-week practicum will show you how to find the best grant opportunities for your organization and teach you how to prepare a winning grant application! Sessions are one-hour each. Lecture on Tuesdays and Lab on Thursdays.

May 14-15, 2024 | Geographic Information Systems for Water and Wastewater Utilities. The use of Geographic Information Systems in utilities is becoming more and more prevalent as many companies update their CAD systems to have more functioning asset management technologies.   While GIS in utilities is similar in many of the data collection and data management functions there are some distinct differences in the water and wastewater sectors.  This course will go through the fundamentals of GIS and how it applies to the industry.

May 16th, 2024 | Water Distribution Systems Engineering 101. Most communities depend on water distribution systems to provide sufficient and reliable potable water coming from treatment facilities to customers for everyday usage and necessary fire protection. In this course, we will discuss the basic components and best practices for designing, maintaining, and operating these systems. Join us to gain a general understanding of water distribution systems design components, pressure zones, water quality, leak investigations and potential problems, smart water technology, and more.

May 29th, 2024 | Front Range Grassland Fire Workshop. In Colorado, the Front Range can present unique fuel and weather conditions for wildfires. Combined with numerous wildland/urban interface and intermix settings, these conditions can be critical in wildfire management. Register now for the Front Range Grassland Fire Workshop to increase your knowledge and understanding of the ecology, behavior, risks, and management of grassfire conditions on the Front Range. Hear speakers from both the Front Range and the Great Plains to discuss grassland fire.

Webinar Recording: Overview of Prescribed Fire Liability in State Law. Lawyer Sara Clark provides an overview of prescribed fire liability in state law, including definitions of liability and how state laws defining liability interact with certified burn manager programs, tribal sovereignty and cultural burning, and prescribed fire insurance. Sara also provides examples from California and a selection of other states that have defined prescribed fire liability in state law, including an overview of the California Prescribed Fire Claims Fund Pilot that began operating in 2023. This webinar is intended for those who are new to the issue of prescribed fire liability or those more experienced who would like an overview of the subject, especially anyone about to engage on similar policy initiatives in their state or jurisdiction.

Leave No Trace 101 Course. This is an introduction to Leave No Trace and the actions we can collectively take to protect our planet. In this course we share helpful information with a simple framework of minimum impact practices to apply when spending time outdoors.

Watershed Academy’s new Hazard Mitigation Planning and Water Resource Management Module Ready - The EPA Watershed Academy has released their new Hazard Mitigation Planning and Water Resource Management Module. This module is intended for water quality and hazard mitigation professionals that are interested in integrating water quality issues and/or nature-based solutions into state or local Hazard Mitigation Plans (HMPs), and highlights the benefits of working across water quality and hazard mitigation programs. Modules in this series can be used as training tools to help planners from both worlds explore activities of mutual interest and benefit. Case studies and examples are provided to assist hazard mitigation planners with integrating water resource programs into HMPs and help watershed planners understand the synergies between water resource plans and HMPs.Visit this link to begin the course!

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 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.

The American Stormwater Institute, LLC now offers live and online courses 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.

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.

Conferences & Events Early May

May 13th, 2024 | Trees in the West | CSU Spur. Join for a one-day conference exploring complex and shared sustainability challenges for urban forests in the Western US from diverse perspectives. Connect with your colleagues, learn from experts, and share your insights!

May 13-14th, 2023 | River Rally. The joyful and deeply moving experience of River Rally combats feelings of isolation, overwhelm, and burnout for network members working at the intersection of water and justice and ignites collective action and power for the work ahead.  River Network is able to provide many registrants with financial assistance to attend River Rally!

May 15th, 2024 | For Love of the Land | Colorado Open Lands. As a headwaters state, Colorado has incredible water resources that support habitat for wildlife, irrigation for agriculture, and recreation and drinking water for Colorado’s residents and visitors. Protecting these resources in the face of population growth and an uncertain climate is more important than ever. Come together with Colorado’s best minds in conservation, business, and philanthropy to celebrate the leaders who are working to protect this precious resource and uncover the challenges to come. The program promises to be thought-provoking and inspiring.

May 16th, 2024 | Replant the Poudre. Learn about collaborative reforestation efforts taking place in the Poudre Watershed to restore forests in the wake of historic wildfire. 

May 18th, 2024 | Sand Canyon Wildflower Hike | San Juan Mountains Association. Celebrate Colorado Public Lands Day by joining us on a guided, spring wildflower hike at Sand Canyon. We will be going for a hike (no more than 5 miles) on moderate terrain. Along the way we will observe and learn about the flowers in bloom, as well as learn about the area’s geology and human history.

May 22nd-24th, 2024 | Rocky Mountain Mining & Reclamation Conference | Mountain Studies Institute. The event will be hosted at a variety of iconic Leadville locations, including Freight, Colorado Mountain College, and Tabor Opera House. There will be a keynote and meet and greet on the evening of Wednesday, May 22nd. Thursday, May 23rd, will be technical talks followed by a reception. Lastly, a variety of tours are scheduled for Friday, May 24th.

May 29th & 30th, 2024 | Yampa Basin Rendezvous. The Rendezvous will include morning talks by expert panelists and practitioners, lunch, afternoon field learning, and an evening community showcase and happy hour event. Join us if you are a community member, landowner, water and natural resource professional, student, or water-dependent business.

June 4th-5th, 2024 | Upper Arkansas River Basin Tour | WEco. Join more than 50 other water professionals, agricultural producers, elected officials, educators, students, and interested community members to travel the region in style, riding on our coach bus. Along the way, you'll learn about the water development history, unique characteristics, water management challenges, and current exciting projects underway in the Upper Arkansas River Basin between Leadville and Pueblo. Plus network with your fellow tour participants as you share this exciting and rewarding educational experience together.

June 5th-7th, 2023 | Western Slope Rural Philanthropy Days. Save the date. The Western Slope Rural Philanthropy Days (RPD) conference will be hosted June 5-7, 2024 in Fruita! This opportunity only occurs once every four years in the Western Slope region, serving Delta, Eagle, Garfield, Pitkin, and Mesa counties. 

June 20th, 2024 | Take me to the River | Coalition for the Poudre River. Join for the 2nd Annual Take Me to the River fundraiser to support and celebrate the Coalition for the Poudre River Watershed (CPRW), your local watershed group working to improve and maintain the ecological health of the Poudre River through community collaboration.

June 21, 2024 | Watershed Summit | One World Water Center. The Watershed Summit, or “Shed” as it is affectionately known, has become a Colorado tradition. Each June stakeholders gather to discuss current and future water challenges and opportunities facing the state. This event is produced through a collaborative partnership between the One World One Water Center (a joint initiative of Metropolitan State University of Denver and Denver Botanic Gardens), Aurora Water, the Colorado Water Conservation Board, Denver Water and Resource Central.

September 4th-6th, 2024 | Colorado Forest Collaboratives Summit | Save the Date.

September 11th-13th, 2023 | San Luis Rural Philanthropy Days. Save the date.

September 20th, 2024 | The Colorado River District’s Annual Water Seminar. Save the date.

October 1-4th, 2024 | Colorado Wildland Fire Conference | Save the Date

October 4th-6th, 2024 | Rocky Mountain Cell Friends of the Pleistocene Field Trip. Come explore the paleoclimatology and geomorphology of central Utah! This Friends of the Pleistocene (FOP) trip is motivated by recent and ongoing research into how one of the world’s greatest landscapes developed. Presenters will focus on Quaternary features and highlight recent and ongoing research into how the extraordinary features of this region developed.

Announcements Early May

RiverEdge West released their 2023 annual report. 

Apply for the RiverEdge West Wellspring Project! Applications for the Wellspring Project are open! Wellspring 2024 will be June 24-27, 2024. The Wellspring Project is a free, 4-day river and art program for rising 6th and 7th graders that addresses the complexities of the Colorado River and provides students with the opportunity to respond artistically to that experience. Through field experiences in the Grand Valley, tours with stakeholders at an endangered fish hatchery, local farm, and water treatment plant, art projects with local artist, TJ Smith, and a river trip, students will engage in a myriad of opportunities to learn more about river health and water use in the West. Who: Students entering 6th or 7th grade in the Fall of 2024.

ROOT AND BLOOM FELLOWSHIP OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS!

Applications are open for the Root and Bloom Fellowship, a paid advocacy and power-building educational opportunity for 35-40 farmers across the country! Fellows will dive deep into the roots of federal agriculture policy and uncover how it shapes the landscape for young and BIPOC farmers nationwide. Fellows will then apply that understanding to how policy shows up as real-world impacts in their own communities through pursuing leadership on a board or advisory council. This fellowship will take place over 9 months, from September 2024 - June 2025, and fellows will receive a stipend for their time. Learn more on our webpage, and when you’re ready, apply here! Reach out to megan@youngfarmers.org with any questions. Applications are due by June 3, 2024.

 "Colorado communities are working to protect their water from wildfires, before the fire happens"


Job Announcements Early May

The Colorado Watershed Assembly is hiring a Communications Coordinator. The Colorado Watershed Assembly seeks a creative, detail-oriented, and strategic problem-solver to help execute and support the organization’s communications and marketing needs. This is a part-time, hourly position.  Qualified applicants must have strong graphic design and writing skills and should be able to manage multiple projects and work well both independently and in a collaborative team environment.  To apply, send a resume, cover letter, and 2-3 portfolio examples of work highlighting design and writing skills before May 13 to info@coloradowater.org. 

The Colorado Department of Agriculture is seeking a Plant Division Trapper, Seasonal Worker. This is a seasonal position that will start on May 1, 2024 and end by October 20, 2024. As a seasonal position, selected applicant will not be eligible for unemployment insurance at the end of assignment. This position will work in the Insectary in Palisade Colorado and various locations as needed. Applications close May 8th, 2024.

Colorado River District is seeking a Director of Public Relations. This position keeps the public informed of the Colorado River District’s (CRD) activities, positions and policies. Develops and implements long term and short term District wide communications plan, outreach and education programs with public, private groups and state agencies through public speaking and the use of various media on water, water-related and other activities related to the organization. Interested applicants should submit cover letter, resume, and writing sample no later than May 10th.

The National Young Farmers Coalition is seeking a Development Associate. This role will support the Development team in administering and managing fundraising processes. You will help steward our fundraising operations by maintaining the Development calendar, donation portal, donor database, and project management tools (Classy, Salesforce, and Asana). Your contributions to our direct fundraising will include supporting prospecting research and processes, engaging a portfolio of mid-level donors, and supporting peer-to-peer campaigns. Apply by 9am (ET) / 6am (PT) on May 20, 2024 using this form to be considered for an interview. 


La Plata Open Space Conservancy is seeking an Executive Director. La Plata Open Space Conservancy (LPOSC) is a Durango-based nonprofit land trust serving La Plata County, Colorado and portions of five other southwest Colorado counties seeking applications for the Executive Director Position. Since 1992, LPOSC has partnered with approximately 180 landowners and local governments to permanently protect nearly 25,000 acres of land. LPOSC’s Mission is to permanently protect open lands that have significant agricultural, wildlife habitat, open space, recreational and/or historical/archaeological resources, for the benefit of the community and the general public. Applications close May 22nd, 2024.

The City of Greeley is seeking a Deputy Director for Water Resources. The Deputy Director for Water Resources is responsible for both ongoing water resource programs and implementation of the Integrated Water Resources Plan, protection of Greeley Water Rights and leading strategic water resources initiatives. Ongoing source water management and operations, water resource administration and state reporting, conservation programs, non-potable raw water system operations, dich company relations, regional water resource stake holding, Colorado River monitoring, and watershed health are all under the direction of the Water Resources Deputy Director.

High Line Canal Conservancy is seeking a Project Manager. This position provides a unique opportunity to be part of an enthusiastic and growing nonprofit dedicated to the long-term protection and enhancement of one of the nation’s longest and most unique urban recreational and ecological assets.