Colorado Natural Resources Matching Grants Program

The Natural Resources Matching Grants Program, administered by the Colorado State Conservation Board (CSCB), is designed to assist Colorado Conservation Districts in "Good Standing" (those meeting minimum statutory and CSCB requirements) with implementing on-the-ground conservation projects and educational activities on private lands. This competitive program provides matching state funds to cover project and activity costs within each Conservation District. Applications are scored by a committee of government and private conservation experts based on: focused approach with measurable outcomes; conservation impact; feasibility; district involvement; and partner involvement. The program is funded by a severance tax from oil & gas entities as mandated by the state legislature. For the 2026 cycle, CSCB awarded a total of $689,182.00 to 32 Conservation Districts across Colorado. Approved projects focus on education, water quantity & quality, soil conservation, rangeland health, forest health, invasive species management, and wildlife habitat.

Eligible applicants are Colorado Conservation Districts in "Good Standing" (those meeting minimum statutory and CSCB requirements) and their partners.

Conservation Districts and their partners are required to leverage additional funding, as half of the state award must be matched with hard cash. Application and operational materials are available on the CSCB District Operations site.