Menstrual Hygiene Products Accessibility Grant Program

Applications closed November 7, 2024

General Information

Pursuant to Statute C.R.S. 22-2-147, Colorado SB 21-255 “Free Menstrual Hygiene Products to Students” created the Menstrual Hygiene Products Accessibility Grant to provide menstrual hygiene products at no expense to students and make products accessible to a student regardless of the student’s gender identity. Colorado HB 24-1164 increased the amount of program funding and expanded the program’s eligible recipients. This grant program exists to increase the number of gender-neutral spaces where students can access free menstrual hygiene products and dispose menstrual hygiene products. 

Approximately $180,000 is available for the 2024-2025 school year. Funds must be expended by June 30, 2025. 

Eligible Applicants & Allowable Expenses

Per statue, eligible applicants are rural or small rural Colorado school districts and charter schools, districts and charter schools who enroll 50% or more students eligible for free or reduced-price lunch, facility schools, and Colorado School for the Deaf and Blind.  See Request For Applications below for more details and list of eligible districts and schools.

Education providers may use program funding to purchase menstrual hygiene products, including sanitary napkins, tampons, and pantiliners, and to purchase and install menstrual hygiene product dispensers, disposal receptacles, and disposal receptacle liners.

• In the context of this program, menstrual hygiene products include pantiliners, pads, and tampons. Menstrual cups are not included.  
• The installation of dispensing machines and receptacles will be funded at $100 per machine or receptacle installed.
• Product shipping costs must be reasonable and should not exceed 5% of the total award.
• Product storage (e.g., plastic containers or tubs, baskets, cabinets) is not an allowable expense. 

Program Objectives

• Increase the number of gender-neutral spaces where students can access free menstrual hygiene products
• Increase the number of gender-neutral spaces where students can dispose of menstrual hygiene products
• Reduce the amount of missed class time due to lack of access to menstrual hygiene products
• Improve academic performance through the reduction of missed class time due to lack of access to menstrual hygiene products
• Increase feelings of belonging and safety for all students who menstruate

Fact Sheet:  Menstrual Hygiene Products Accessibility Grant Program

2023-2024 Program Reports:

• Complete the Annual Financial Report (AFR) Smartsheet form on or before October 1, 2024. The following information may be helpful in completing the AFR form: This is a state grant, 3277 MHPA. 

2023-2024 List of Recipients:  

View more previously funded grant recipients here