Funding Opportunities Early September

The Workforce Development Grant offers four separate opportunities, all of which are described in detail in the attached Request for Applications (RFA). We encourage everyone to read through the RFA before contacting us with specific questions regarding your project proposals. If you are uncertain about which funding opportunities you are eligible for, visit page four in the Request for Applications for a detailed chart. Last, please visit our website for more information on Strategic Focus Areas and eligibility. The applications are available for download directly from COSWAP’s website under the ‘How to Apply’ section.

The COSWAP workforce development program offers four separate grants: 

1. Wildfire mitigation work completed by a CYCA accredited conservation corps. Projects must fall within the Strategic Focus Areas described in the eligibility section. This is a crew time award and an optional cash grant for project expenses.

1. Wildfire mitigation work completed by an independent conservation corps. According to The Corps Network, (conservation) corps are locally-based organizations that engage young adults (generally ages 16 – 30) and veterans (up to age 35) in service projects that address recreation, conservation, disaster response, and community needs. Independent conservation corps must be located in Colorado. Projects must fall within the Strategic Focus Areas described in the eligibility section. This is a cash grant. (Please contact COSWAP staff if you have questions about whether an organization you are requesting to work with is a conservation corps.)

1. Wildfire mitigation work completed by DOC SWIFT crew(s). Project work is completed by the Department of Corrections State Wildland Inmate Fire Teams (DOC SWIFT). DOC SWIFT crews are only available within a three hour drive from the Four Mile Correctional Facility in Cañon City (E US Highway 50 & Evans Rd, Cañon City, CO 81212). This is a crew time award and an optional cash grant for project expenses.

1. Wildfire mitigation workforce training. To better develop Colorado’s current workforce COSWAP will fund training opportunities for fuels mitigation and prescribed fire. These trainings are available STATEWIDE.

How to Apply: Applications for wildfire mitigation work completed by a conservation corps are due on September 29, 2023. Applications for wildfire mitigation work completed by DOC SWIFT and training grants are due October 27, 2023. Each of the four grants has a separate application that can be found on COSWAP’s website.

Make it Happen: Implementation Grants. Nature in the City would like to help you and your community create more access to nature and improve wildlife habitats throughout Fort Collins. Make it Happen: Implementation Grants will include small, medium, and large-scale projects with funds ranging from $5,000 - $30,000 or more.

Timeline for applications and grant funds:

• Applications will open on September 1, 2023

• Applications are due at midnight on October 20, 2023

• Awardees announced by mid-December 2023 

• Funds available after paperwork is completed February/March 2024

This grant opportunity is thanks to the voter-approved Community Capital Improvement Program. Thank you for your support! Get inspired and see what types of projects have been funded in the past, check out the Community Projects page or go on a self-guided tour of some Nature in the City projects!

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.

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).

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.

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.

The Request for Concept Papers for AIM Grant Funding has been posted! Download the instructions and the concept paper from COCO's AIM Grant Page under How To Apply HERE.

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.

Applications are NOW OPEN for 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!

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.

HUD: Authority to Accept Unsolicited Proposals for Research Partnerships Notice. HUD’s Office of Policy Development and Research (PD&R) has the authority to accept unsolicited research proposals that address current research priorities. HUD is making up to $2 million available for Lead and Healthy Homes Research Partnerships and approximately $1 million available for Research Partnerships for other topics. HUD is interested in increasing participation of Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs) of higher education and Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) in all program areas. To learn more, click here.

In response to the impacts of COVID-19, Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO) has launched the Resilient Communities Program (RCP). The $15 million program aims to fund one-time, immediate needs or opportunities that have emerged in direct response to the pandemic. It will help partners advance outdoor recreation, stewardship, and land protection projects in a manner that best reflects community needs and priorities at this moment in time. Capacity and operations support, stewardship efforts, projects that support community vitality, and urgent and emergent land acquisition opportunities will be considered. For more information, including eligibility criteria and application forms, click HERE.

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.

Announcements Early September

On Tuesday, August 15, 2023, the State of Colorado provided official comments to the Department of Interior regarding future Lake Powell and Lake Mead operating guidelines, as part of the process to develop Post-2026 Guidelines for the operations of Lakes Powell and Mead. Colorado River negotiations and challenges continue to be a hot button issue—Bizwest and Colorado Sun interviewed CWCB staff as well as Commissioner Mitchell for insight. And the CWCB and UCRC presented lessons learned from the System Conservation Pilot Program.

On August 22, the kickoff day of Water Congress, the Colorado Department of Natural Resources and the Colorado Water Conservation Board announced that Lauren Ris had been selected as the next Director of the CWCB. Ris has been the Deputy Director of the agency since 2017–and as a water policy expert who is passionate about solution-focused water resilience in the state, was the clear choice for the role. Several news outlets covered the announcement: KUNC radio, Colorado Sun, Fresh Water News, The Gazette, and Colorado Politics released both an announcement and Q&A piece with Lauren.

Trainings & Workshops Early September

September 11th, 2023 | Community Wildfire Mitigation Best Practices (CWMBP) Training | COCO. This is a national-level training from Coalitions & Collaboratives and the USDA Forest Service. It is designed for current or future mitigation specialists, wildfire program leads, and others who work with residents and their communities to reduce wildfire risk. The Mitigation Best Practices training concentrates on science, methods, and tools that will help you engage communities/residents while also helping you to eliminate ineffective practices. 

September 13th, 2023 | Collaborative Forest Landscape Restoration Program (CFLRP) Peer Learning Session | National Forest Foundation. During this peer learning session, attendees will: Learn more about the CFLR Progam, hear from different CFLRP’s and engage in a group discussion around current successes, challenges, opportunities and needs. You will have the opportunity to inform future peer learning session topics around collaborative forest management.

September 19th-21st, 2023 | Qualified Water Efficient Landscaper Training. This Qualified Water Efficient Landscaper (QWEL) Training is sponsored by the City of Aspen and registration is only $30 for local landscape professionals, resort and grounds staff, water utility staff, and other municipal staff involved in water or irrigation management working in the Roaring Fork Valley.

September 22nd-23rd, 2023 | Stream Restoration Workshop | San Juan Citizens Alliance. This workshop will focus on how and why restoring degraded headwater streams provides resilience to drought, wildfires and flooding among other benefits.

September 26th, 2023 | Get Grants | Colorado Resource Central. Improve your grant writing and grant management skills and learn how to ensure the funding you secure builds your organization’s unique mission.

September 27th, 2023 | Managing Change | Colorado Resource Center. Identify the change management skills you need today and in the future for creating and managing leadership changes at different levels of your organization.

September 28th, 2023 | Water Law in a Nutshell. This full day seminar will cover all aspects of the law related to water rights and ditch rights as applied in Colorado. Subject matter includes the appropriation, perfection, use, limitations, attributes, abandonment and enforcement of various types of water rights. Additional subject matter will include special rules for groundwater, public rights in appropriated water, Federal and interstate compacts and more.

October 5th, 2023 | Finding Funding on the Web | Community Resource Center. This training will highlight the steps necessary to developing an organized, focused approach to grant research and how to optimize grant search efforts using the Colorado Grants Guide®.

April 15th-17th, 2024 | After the Flames | Coalitions & Collaboratives, Inc. After the Flames is a first-of-its-kind Conference and Workshop devoted to post-fire recovery. Attendees represent individuals, organizations, and agencies impacted by wildfire and responding to the post-fire impacts, as well as experts in the arena of post-fire recovery.

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 new 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.

Master Irrigator Program- San Luis Valley. Over four sessions, this 32-hour program reviews water law and administration, history of water development, and gives participants the tools and strategies to improve water and energy use efficiency and conservation, soil health, and profitability on their operations. Those who complete the course will also receive a $2,000 stipend. To be eligible for this course you must farm in either Rio Grande, Alamosa, Costilla, Conejos, Saguache or Mineral County. Details will be available soon 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.

Job Announcements Early September

Mile High Youth Corps is hiring a Climate Action Corpsmember. This is a team based, 11 to 26 week-long program. Climate action corpsmembers will serve Metro Denver residents by installing in-home energy and water saving measures (low-flow toilets, kitchen and bathroom aerators, programmable thermostats, and LED light bulbs). Corpsmembers will serve in teams of 2-3 to complete daily household appointments using MHYC provided vehicles, toolkits, and materials. They will also educate the community on the importance of climate action and energy and water conservation. Corpsmembers will receive education and training that offers leadership development, technical skill-building, and career readiness through industry recognized certificates. We support you as you explore your future goals and career pathways! Applications close September 30th, 2023.

Colorado Open Lands is seeking a Grant Manager. The Grant Manager position, based in Lakewood, CO, provides an opportunity to join a dynamic organization dedicated to protecting Colorado’s most significant land-based resources. This is a newly created position that will serve as a liaison between the Finance, Stewardship, Conservation, Communications, and Development departments to ensure effective communication and optimal grant management across the organization. This position reports to the Director of Finance. Apply by October 1st, 2023.

Palmer Land Conservancy is seeking a Conservation Project Manager. The Palmer work environment attracts independent, savvy individuals who enjoy its work flexibility, generous benefits, strong values, and inspiring culture. Palmer seeks a motivated individual to join our team to assist in developing and implementing strategic, innovative, and lasting conservation projects throughout the region. The Conservation Project Manager will serve as the internal transaction lead on a portfolio of acquisition projects, managing the entire transaction process from start to finish, and will support the Land Team on larger-scale conservation projects as needed. Apply by October 5th, 2023.

The Costilla County Conservancy District is seeking an Upper Culebra Watershed Coordinator. This person will be a project manager for implementation of the recommendations from the UCWA. The Culebra Watershed is located in Costilla County, a rural county in southern Colorado’s San Luis Valley. Job duties will include oversight of individual projects, coordination with other government and private entities, grant funding applications and oversight. This position is responsible for the entire project implementation life cycle. 

Pawnee Buttes Seed in Greeley, Colorado has an opening for an experienced supervisor to manage seed logistics and quality assurance. For over 25 years, Pawnee Buttes Seed has specialized in seed for pasture, reclamation, turf, and conservation. Pawnee Buttes Seed is known for their seed variety, quality, and customer service. The successful candidate will be responsible for overseeing the daily operations of the warehouse which includes, guiding and assisting staff in preparing customer seed orders for local pick up or shipping; receiving and timely reporting of seed shipments, seed inventory control, warehouse safety, supervision of warehouse staff and maintaining a safe and attractive work environment. Forklift experience desired.

The South Platte Basin Roundtable (SPBRT) was established through the Colorado Water for the 21st Century Act to facilitate discussions on water management issues and encourage locally driven collaborative solutions. To this end, the SPBRT is seeking passionate, professional, and committed individuals to serve as representatives on the roundtable. The notice is seeking volunteers to fill the following vacant positions: Local Domestic Water Provider Representative (at large) and Industrial Representative (at large). Learn more and apply here.

Conferences & Events Early September

September 11th, 2023 | New insights into the role of snow and machine learning tools in water supply prediction. In this webinar, WWA Director Ben Livneh and NOAA MAPP-supported PhD students Madeline Pernat and Parthkumar Modi will begin with an overview explaining why snow has been so important for water supply forecasting. They will follow by sharing their findings about alternative ways to use snow information to improve the performance of existing forecast techniques. Finally, they will contrast the utility of Machine Learning tools versus the inclusion of additional, non-snow based observational predictions, in improving water supply predictions.

September 12th, 2023 | Restoring Colorado’s Streams and Riparian Areas Isn’t JUST About Beavers | Webinar. We hear a lot about the benefits of beavers in stream restoration, but Colorado’s riparian systems are complex and there are many different tools in the restoration toolbox. Join this free webinar to learn about process-based restoration (PBR) and to explore on-the-ground projects that represent opposite ends of the PBR spectrum.

September 12th-14th, 2023 |  South Southeast Rural Philanthropy Days | Community Resource Central. The SE RPD conference is an exciting opportunity for nonprofit professionals, grantmakers, community leaders, distinguished speakers, and elected officials to exchange knowledge and expand professional networks across the region. This opportunity only occurs once every four years in the Southeast region which is composed of Baca, Bent, Crowley, Huerfano, Kiowa, Las Animas, Otero, and Prowers counties. 

September 19th, 2023 | CCA Ag Water NetWORK. Irrigation ditch consortiums and individual water right holders face growing challenges in accessing and managing their irrigation ditches. Rural subdivisions, recreational trespass, and changing landowners are driving increased confusion and conflict around who owns, controls and has access rights to ditches and canals and the water they carry. What does Colorado law say about water conveyance Easements and Right-of-Way (ROW)? What can irrigators do about blocked access, adjacent landowner complaints, and trespass?  Attorney Sara Dunn and Water Resource Engineers Craig Ullmann and Branden Effland will answer these questions in this webinar.

September 19th, 2023 | RiverBank. The David Getches Flowing Water Award is presented each year to a person or entity whose contributions to Colorado's Rivers demonstrate some of David Getches' exemplary characteristics. This year's recipients are Jojo La and Don Anderson! Jojo, the former Endangered Species Policy Specialist for the Colorado Water Conservation Board (CWCB), and Don, the former Instream Flow Coordinator for the Upper Colorado River Endangered Fish Recovery Program, modeled collaboration, creativity, and persistence to bring lasting change to the 15-Mile Reach of the Colorado River.

September 20, 2023 | Society of Wetland Scientists Denver Pub Talk.  Join the Rocky Mountain Chapter of the Society of Wetland Scientists at Renegade Brewing in Denver for a panel discussion on the recent changes to the definition of waters of the U.S. Professionals from EPA, USACE, private industry, and legal representation will present information and engage with attendees on this important topic. SWS will provide finger food. No RSVP is required, but please bring cash or check if you are not a Chapter member ($5 for non-member students, $10 for non-members).

September 28th, 2023 | RMFI Open House. Come see RMFI’s new location with remarks from their Board of DIrectors. Have a drink and mingle with your fellow trail enthusiasts. Drinks and light snacks will be provided!

October 17th-19th, 2023 |  Global Forum for Rural Advisory Services Annual Meeting. Join for innovative speakers, interactive plenary sessions, break-out discussions, and field trips to local farms and businesses.  Together we will address ways to attract and prepare the next generation of leaders to the food and agriculture workforce and improve global food security. 

October 19th, 2023 | Quarterly Clean Water Webinars | CDPHE. These webinars provide permittees and the public with up-to-date information on division activities that could affect permittees, future permits, and Colorado's water quality. The webinars are open to the public and anyone is welcome to attend. If you have suggestions for topics please contact Andrew Sayers-Fay at andrew.sayers-fay@state.co.us

October 21st, 2023 | Human Centered Design: WASH Symposium. The WASH23 Symposium raises funds for student awards for a WASH-related Conference or Applied Field Research Project. The awards are up to $1,000. Award applications are due by 11:59 pm on October 31, 2023. Award applications can be made on-line at the link below, or you can request an application for email submission. Application Instructions are available at the link below.

October 24th, 2023 | Water Conservation Symposium. Colorado WaterWise invites you to the 2023 Water Conservation Symposium! Join more than 125 other water professionals from across Colorado for a day packed with networking, professional development and engagement. Colorado WaterWise will also be hosting a happy hour immediately following the event. This will be a great time to discuss what you learned with other attendees and continue to build your network.

November 8th-9th, 2023 | Water West Symposium | CSU Spur. The Water in the West Symposium is a unique offering in water conferences, bringing together diverse stakeholders to share solutions to water challenges across sectors and creating collaborative problem-solving opportunities. This is the first year the symposium will be hosted at CSU Spur, a new campus built to engage the public with issues of global importance. The Hydro building , which opened this past January, is focused on water solutions. Reach out to waterinthewest@colostate.edu with any questions, or if you are interested in sponsoring the 2023 Symposium.

November 29th-30th, 2023 | Colorado Ag Water Summit | Colorado Ag Water Alliance. Save the date. Agenda and registration coming soon. If you are interested in being a sponsor, contact coagwater@gmail.com.

April 15th-17th, 2023 | Partners in the Outdoors | Colorado Parks & WIldlife. Save the date. The Partners in the Outdoors Conference is Colorado's foremost opportunity to cultivate common ground, explore best practices of partnering, and design collaborative solutions with diverse voices and stakeholders to conserve Colorado's outdoor heritage. Our annual conference has quickly become one of the signature events in Colorado bringing together organizations, agencies, schools, ​​businesses ​and communities engaged in the future of Colorado's conservation and outdoor recreational opportunities.