The Colorado Healthy Rivers Fund application period submission cycle now open.
Application closes at 5pm MST, February 28th, 2025.
MATERIALS NEEDED TO APPLY
You will want to have the following materials on-hand to complete your online application:
1. General applicant information including: primary contact, project name, state watershed basin location, grant type and project sponsors.
2. List the objectives of the project. Please include objectives for all aspects of the project whether funded by the CHRF or not. (300-word limit)
3. A detailed description of each task. Detailed descriptions are only required for CHRF funded tasks. Other tasks should be identified, but do not require details beyond a brief description.
4. CHRF Budget Template Completed – Excel spreadsheet to be uploaded with the application. Include line items for each task and columns for requested CHRF funding, other funding, and in-kind match.
5. Documents may be uploaded with the application in order to support the request for funding. If the project is an implementation project, the applicant is encouraged to include a link to a copy of the watershed plan in the body of the application, if such a plan exists. Letters of support from other entities and letters of financial commitment. Pertinent still photos. Maps and reports from other similar or related projects.
The CHRF Online application form does not allow you to save your progress. If you leave the form, your work may be lost. We recommend filling out the application in the downloadable CHRF Application Sample Word document, then copy and pasting your responses into the application form. Download the application sample template by clicking on the image below.
Another exciting update, we received a grant for $200,000 through the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation for project construction! This is a significant portion of the project cost and will move us that much closer towards implementation. We wouldn't have received this grant without the initial CHRF support, which really speaks to the value of these smaller leveraging grants.
Emma Reesor, Executive Director, Rio Grande Headwaters Restoration Project
Even $5 can make a difference!
Projects funded by the Colorado Healthy Rivers Fund are matched with an average of $6 for every $1 donated.
Make your donation to the Fund Now!
You can also pay by check written to Colorado Healthy Rivers Fund and mail it to P.O. Box 460736, Glendale, CO 80246
In 2002 Colorado General Assembly approved the Colorado Healthy Rivers Fund which was designed to be funded solely through the Colorado Individual Income Tax Refund Check-off Program. In 2015 we were surprised to learn that the Fund would not be on the 2015 Colorado Income Tax form. The fund lapsed into dormancy while we worked to have it reinstated.
Our campaign to the Legislature in 2016 was successful and we are happy to announce that the Healthy Rivers Fund is not only back on the Tax Refund Check-off Program, but it has also been restructured to allow for contributions to be made year-round. (SB 02-087_HRF renewed 2015 / Tax Checkoff Extension_2016a_1297_signed / Extending CHRF Tax Check0ff 2021_2021a_145_signed)
We are embarking on an initiative to rebuild this fund which grants money to on-the-ground projects that contribute to cleaner water, healthier wildlife habitat, and improved recreation throughout our State. Please consider making a contribution to this important resource!
It’s easy to donate! Tell your accountant that you’d like to support Colorado nonprofits when filing your state income taxes. Thanks for your support!
