Pathways Program

The Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO) Pathways Program is an initiative designed to support Colorado communities in addressing pressing environmental, social, and strategic challenges through forward-thinking planning and capacity-building projects. GOCO, funded by the Colorado Lottery, operates with a mission to preserve and enhance the state’s natural heritage, open spaces, wildlife, and recreational resources. As a state-level entity, GOCO collaborates with local governments and conservation organizations to empower communities through programs that facilitate inclusive engagement, strategic visioning, and environmental resilience. The Pathways Program specifically targets projects that engage in knowledge-building activities, data collection and analysis, model development, and capacity expansion. It is not designed for implementation-ready projects but rather for those in the early, exploratory, or planning phases. GOCO prioritizes proposals that address contemporary issues affecting Colorado residents, particularly those that involve high-level visioning processes, equity-centered strategies, climate resilience planning, and initiatives that promote robust community engagement and the formation of long-term partnerships. Eligibility for funding under the Pathways Program is extended to a defined group of entities including Colorado municipalities, counties, Title 32 special districts, political subdivisions of the State of Colorado involved in open space or natural area stewardship, land conservation organizations, and Colorado Parks and Wildlife. These organizations must ensure that projects meaningfully engage disproportionately impacted communities and include those voices in both the design and implementation phases. While no private or for-profit organizations are eligible, the program is inclusive of a broad set of public sector and conservation-focused nonprofit applicants. GOCO’s funding range for Pathways grants spans from $100,000 to $300,000 per project, although there is no formal maximum, and GOCO reserves the right to adjust award amounts. Applicants should work closely with their GOCO regional officer to ensure their proposal aligns with program objectives. Contact should be initiated at least six months before the concept paper deadline. The application process begins with the submission of a concept paper, after which selected applicants are invited to submit full proposals. The Pathways Program provides resources such as program guidance, resolution requirements, and a budget template to support applicants. Two application cycles are planned. For the first cycle, concept papers are due July 23, 2026, with invited applications due September 10, 2026. Awards will be announced December 11, 2026. The second cycle’s concept paper deadline is January 21, 2027, with full applications due March 11, 2027, and awards anticipated in June 2027. These dual cycles offer flexibility for applicants preparing strategic or data-driven proposals. The recurring nature of the program supports the ongoing development of visionary and impactful projects across the state. For assistance, applicants are directed to contact GOCO directly via their main office number, 303.226.4500, or visit their office located at 1900 Grant St., Suite 725, Denver, CO 80203. While a direct contact name or email is not specified for the Pathways Program, regional officers act as the primary support and guidance contacts throughout the application process.

Contact your regional officer early; focus on equity and inclusion; use data and research to inform your proposal.