
Since 1998, the Larimer County Open Lands Small Grants Program has provided funds to a variety of individuals, neighborhood groups, homeowner associations, school groups, non-profits, and other appropriate local organizations for projects on public and private lands that enhance natural areas, improve open spaces, and provide opportunities for environmental and outdoor education. Since the program began, approximately $113,000 has been provided to 88 projects.
In 2009, the program was renamed to "Small Grants for Community Partnering" and was expanded to include other types of projects which connect people to the land. The expansion added categories for "agriculture," "increased access to open lands," and "research on open spaces."
The Small Grants Program is funded by the Help Preserve Open Spaces quarter-cent sales tax initially approved by Larimer County citizens in 1995 and extended by the citizens in 1999. The funds are earmarked to "preserve and provide significant open space, natural areas, wildlife habitat, parks and trail". Connecting people to the land is an integral part.
Get more information about the Small Grants Program and download an application

These funds are available again in 2010 for your special project! Individual projects may be awarded up to $2,000 per year. Small Grants for Community Partnering proposals must meet each of the Selection Criteria. Please review those carefully to determine if your proposed project qualifies. Each proposal will be reviewed by Larimer County Open Lands Staff and the Open Lands Advisory Board to ensure that the specific criteria are met and to determine which projects will be funded. The maximum dollar amount awarded is $2000 per project per year.
In 2009, eight projects received funding through the Small Grants Program. The recipients were:
| Project Applicant | Project Name | Amount Funded | Project Location | Project Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| North Fork Weed Coop | Management of Dalmation Toadflax Using Insect Biocontrol Agents | $2,000 | North Larimer County | Insect release on dalmation toadflax at Abbey of St. Waldburga |
| Pinewood Springs Property Owners' Association | Crescent Lake - Pinewood Springs | $2,000 | Southwest Larimer County | New spillway pipe, drain, and fittings to maintain Crescent Lake |
| Trees, Water, and People | Lopez Nature Center | $1,800 | Fort Collins | Restoration of educational natural area |
| Silver Leaf Beautification Committee | Silver Leaf Nature Path | $1,725 | Loveland | Handicap accessible nature path to access outdoor classroom |
| Poudre Wilderness Volunteers | Tools and Supplies for Poudre Wilderness Volunteers' Trail Maintenance Crew Operations in 2009 | $1,000 | Arapahoe-Roosevelt National Forest | Tools, supplies, training for PWV work crew |
| The Shores at Mariana Cover Homeowners' Association | Mariana Cove Xeriscaping Project | $1,000 | Loveland | Xeriscaping project taking bluegrasses to native plantings |
| Huntington Hills Master Community Association | Restoration of the Huntington Hills Natural Area | $1,000 | Fort Collins | Reclamation, erosion control, and seeding of area with native grasses |
| Peninsula at Horseshoe Lake Homeowners' Association | Peninsula at Horseshoe Lake Native Plant Woodland Cluster | $1,000 | Loveland | Woodland cluster native planting |

To find out more about the Small Grants for Community Partnering and/or to obtain an application, please contact Sue Burke by phone at 970-679-4566, by e-mail, or at the following link: more about the Small Grants for Community Partnering and/or to obtain an application.