Small Larimer grants available for outdoor neighborhood, community projects

LOVELAND – The Larimer County Department of Natural Resources has made some grants available for nature-based neighborhood and community projects in the county.

For 26 years, the Small Grants for Community Partnering Program has awarded grants to communities throughout the county using a portion of the Help Preserve Open Space sales tax. Since its inception, the small grants program has awarded more than $415,000 across 238 projects across Larimer County.

Past grants have gone to a variety of outdoor community-based projects from community garden improvements and outdoor classrooms to wetland restoration and removal of invasive species.

The department will offer a Small Grants Program webinar at 11:30 a.m. next Wednesday, at which attendees will learn more about how the program works, important updates, how to submit a competitive application, and other tips. Registration can be made at https://bit.ly/45Y0Xj5.

Applicants may request up to $4,000 per application for projects that take place in Larimer County. Projects must be shovel-ready for project completion by the end of 2025.

Returning nonprofit organizations, homeowners’ associations, K-12 schools and community-based organizations are invited to apply for seed money or capacity support for projects that fit into one of five grant categories:

• Projects that provide or enhance natural landscapes, including wildlife habitat, rivers, wetlands, outdoor community gathering spaces, neighborhood parks, greenbelts, lakes/ponds, etc.
• Projects that provide nature-based environmental education opportunities, including outdoor education signs and materials, outdoor classrooms, workshops, training, etc.
• Projects that create opportunities for people to connect with the land by providing access to nature for those experiencing barriers, including limited transit options and financial obstacles.
• Projects that create opportunities for people to connect with the land through local agricultural food production projects that include practices around improving soil, water, habitat or community connection to agriculture.
• Research on Larimer County open spaces.

Applications must be received by 11:59 p.m. Oct. 11. Grant awards will be announced by next February 2025.The application link, guidelines and instructions, budget worksheet and all other information for the program can be accessed at www.larimer.org/small-grants.

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