Great Outdoors Colorado grants millions to groups in Weld, Boulder counties

Great Outdoors Colorado, which doles out Colorado Lottery proceeds to help preserve and enhance the state’s parks, trails, wildlife, rivers and open spaces, recently granted roughly $4 million to groups in Boulder and Weld counties. 

The organization provided more than $2.3 million to the Nature Kids/Jóvenes de la Naturaleza (NKJN) coalition led by the nonprofit Thorne Nature Experience, according to a GOCO news release. 

“Launched in Lafayette in 2016, NKJN aims to eliminate barriers to outdoor experiences for low-income and Latino families through culturally relevant, community-led programs,” the release said. “The coalition involves more than 20 partner organizations and reaches over 7,200 youth and family participants annually in Lafayette, Boulder, and Longmont.”

GOCO also granted more than $1.7 million to the Generation Wild program in Greeley.

“The coalition aims to help all Greeley residents — especially those in the city’s underserved east side, and BIPOC, refugee, and immigrant families — experience the health, wellness, and social connection that comes with time spent outside,” according to the release. “After gathering input through surveys, focus groups, and outreach, coalition partners will make it easier for people to enjoy the outdoors by offering free, inclusive, and culturally relevant experiences that develop a lifelong connection with nature.”

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