Scenic river view on a snowy day in 11-Mile State Park, Division of Wildlife, David Hannigan, 12/10/2010

The Colorado River District has announced an additional funding opportunity to support planning and implementation of irrigation efficiency improvement projects in the Lower Gunnison Project area for qualifying applicants. Applications from landowners that address identified resource concerns within the Bostwick Park, Paonia, Smith Fork, and Uncompahgre project areas will be accepted through July 21, 2017, for funding consideration.This funding opportunity is an expansion of on-going, cooperatively-managed activities made possible by the Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) for on-farm improvements like conversion to high efficiency systems such as pressure-piped sprinklers. Information HERE.

The Colorado Water Conservation Board Water Supply Reserve Account (WSRA) Program provides grants and loans to assist Colorado water users in addressing their critical water supply issues and interests. The funds help eligible entities complete water activities, which may include competitive grants for: Technical assistance regarding permitting, feasibility studies and environmental compliance; Studies or analysis of structural, nonstructural consumptive and nonconsumptive water needs, projects or activities; and structural and nonstructural water projects or activities. For more information click HERE.

The Rivers, Trails and Conservation Assistance Program (RTCA) helps to connect communities to parks and natural areas by assisting local leaders in protecting special places and creating close-to-home opportunities for the public to enjoy the outdoors. The program works with local partners to develop and carry out a locally led process that encourages developing a common vision, creative planning, and collaborative action from all the participants. In the National Park Service's Intermountain Region, the program is supporting 41 projects in 2017, including neighborhood parks and trails, regional conservation efforts, river and water trail planning, and much more. Visit the website to find your nearest contact, learn more about the program in general, and view the application due June 30th.

Funding Sources, Financing Options, and Program Frameworks that Facilitate Implementation of Green Stormwater Infrastructure—This resource, developed by the Green Infrastructure Leadership Exchange, summarizes key funding, financing, and implementation frameworks for green stormwater infrastructure. This summary was created by participants of the Green Infrastructure Leadership Exchange “Deep Dive” held on green stormwater infrastructure funding and financing on November 2016. Funding was provided by the Summit Foundation, Pisces Foundation, Surdna Foundation, and Kresge Foundation. The resource can be viewed here.

The National Park Service works with local leaders to build partnerships, achievable plans, and community support for implementing outdoor recreation and conservation projects. Rivers, Trails and Conservation Assistance (RTCA) staff can work with you to organize and carry out a planning process that engages partners and the broader community in crafting a well-defined project vision, goals, and actionable strategies for getting things done on the ground. Their assistance is free, but they require a strong commitment from the project partners to lead the effort. They do not provide grants or direct financial support. Please review the application process and guidelines on their website. If you are interested in assistance, please call or email the National Park Service staff member near you to discuss your idea. They strongly encourage you to consult with our staff to explore and develop your project ideas or review a draft application prior to applying. Applications are due by June 30, 2017 for assistance beginning the following fiscal year (October 1 through September 30). To apply, Download the current application and review the guidelines, both available on the RTCA application webpage. Send the completed application package via email or by U.S. mail to your National Park Service Regional Program Manager.

The National Water Quality Initiative will work in priority watersheds to help farmers, ranchers and forest landowners improve water quality and aquatic habitats in impaired streams. NRCS will help producers implement conservation and management practices through a systems approach to control and trap nutrient and manure runoff. Qualified producers will receive assistance for installing conservation practices such as cover crops, filter strips and terraces. More Details here.

National Park Service Rivers, Trails and Conservation Assistance Program – The Rivers, Trails and Conservation Assistance Program (RTCA) helps to connect communities to parks and natural areas by assisting local leaders in protecting special places and creating close-to-home opportunities for the public to enjoy the outdoors. The program works with local partners to develop and carry out a locally led process that encourages developing a common vision, creative planning, and collaborative action from all the participants. Due June 30. Visit the website to find your nearest contact, learn more about the program in general, and view the application.

The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) is a voluntary program intended to stimulate the development and adoption of innovative conservation approaches and technologies while leveraging Federal investment in environmental enhancement and protection, in conjunction with agricultural production. Under CIG, Environmental Quality Incentives Program funds are used to award competitive grants to non-Federal governmental or nongovernmental organizations, Tribes, or individuals.

The Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) provided through the Natural Resource Conservation Service is a voluntary conservation program that helps agricultural producers in a manner that promotes agricultural production and environmental quality as compatible goals. Through EQIP, agricultural producers receive financial and technical assistance to implement structural and management conservation practices that optimize environmental benefits on working agricultural land. EQIP applications are accepted on a continuous basis, however, NRCS establishes application "cut-off" or submission deadline dates for evaluation, ranking and approval of eligible applications. EQIP is open to all eligible agricultural producers and submitted applications may be considered or evaluated in multiple funding pool opportunities. To learn more CLICK HERE.

Colorado Water Conservation Board Water Efficiency Grant Program. The Water Efficiency Grant Program provides financial assistance to communities, water providers and eligible agencies for water conservation-related activities and projects. Eligible entities as well as state and local governments and agencies can receive funding to develop water conservation and drought plans, implement water conservation goals outlined in a water conservation plan and educate the public about water conservation.
Types of Water Efficiency Grants available - Click on the Program below for more information about how to apply:

Water Conservation Planning Grants: For water providers seeking to develop or update their water conservation plans.
Water Conservation Implementation Grants: For water providers implementing water conservation plan goals and programs identified in locally adopted and CWCB-approved water conservation plans.
Drought Mitigation Planning Grants: For water providers or state and local governmental entities developing drought mitigation and response plans.
Water Resource Conservation Public Education and Outreach Grants: For agencies seeking to promote the benefits of water resource conservation through public education and outreach.

Fish and Wildlife Service Tribal Wildlife Grants (TWG) Program announced funding available for Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized). This is a competitive funding opportunity for Federally recognized Tribal governments to develop and implement programs for the benefit of wildlife and their habitat, including species of Native American cultural or traditional importance and species that are not hunted or fished. Closing Date for Applications is September 1st, 2017. For more information go to FWS.gov.

Tamarisk Coalition has a list of riparian restoration funding opportunities maintained by the Tamarisk Coalition. For list click restoration funding opportunities.