The Colorado State Forest Service is now accepting applications for the new Rural Grant Navigator grant program. Non-governmental organizations that provide assistance to rural Colorado communities applying for federal or state grants related to wildfire mitigation and preparedness are eligible to apply. Applications will be accepted through May 2, 2025, and $237,000 is available in the funding pool for this round of grants.
Qualifying projects provide outreach and/or technical assistance to rural Colorado communities that meet one of the following criteria:
- Population-based
- Fewer than 25,000 residents (latest U.S. Census)
- Located outside an urbanized area (U.S. Census Bureau)
- Geographic and economic factors
- Classified as rural by the Colorado Department of Local Affairs
- Population density under 100 people/sq. mile
- Limited access to infrastructure, public services or economic resources
Project examples include assessing funding opportunities, training personnel in grant management practices and grant-writing assistance.
Applications must be submitted by email no later than 5 p.m. on May 2, 2025, to [email protected]. Awards will be announced July 25, 2025. Projects must be completed by June 30, 2028.
This new grant program was created when the Colorado General Assembly passed House Bill 24-1006, Assist Rural Community Wildfire-Related Grant Application.