Alternatives Programs

Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO) - 303-863-7522

Competitive grants are awarded to counties, municipalities and special districts to acquire, establish, expand, and enhance park, outdoor recreation, and environmental education facilities. Projects include ball fields, sports complexes, skate parks, playgrounds, and swimming pools. These grants are not available directly to school districts, but districts may partner with local counties, municipalities, and special districts to apply for grants.

State Historical Fund - 303-866-2825

The State Historical Fund was created by the state constitutional amendment allowing limited gaming in the towns of Cripple Creek, Central City, and Black Hawk. The amendment directs that a portion of the gaming tax revenue be used for historical preservation throughout Colorado. The funds are distributed through a competitive process. The State Historical Fund assists with a variety of preservation projects, including restoration and rehabilitation of historic buildings.

View more information pertaining to C.R.S. 24-80.1-104 regarding the Effect of State Register for buildings of Historical Significance.

Energy Impact Grants - 303-866-6398

The Colorado Department of Local Affairs administers the Energy and Mineral Impact Assistance Fund which assists communities affected by the growth and decline of energy and mineral industries in the state. Funds come from the state severance tax on energy and mineral production, and from a portion of the state's share of royalties paid to the federal government for mining and drilling of minerals and mineral fuels on federally owned land. The state legislature created the program in 1977. Funding is distributed through low interest loans and grants for which school districts can apply. These funds qualify for school facility projects.

CenturyLink Teachers and Technology Grants

The CenturyLink Teachers and Technology Grant Program is a competitive grant open to PreK-12 public and private school teachers in CenturyLink's residential service areas and the following core Corporate locations: Ouachita Parish, LA; Johnson County, KS; St. Louis County, MO; Tulsa County, OK. The program, funded by the CenturyLink Clarke M. Williams Foundation, is designed to help teachers innovatively implement technology in their classrooms to increase student achievement. 

Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment 

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment provides grants to schools and districts to pay for testing water for lead in their buildings. 

For more information or if an alternative version of a document is needed, please contact BESTSchools@cde.state.co.us or call 303-866-2153.