Grants
Grant money does not need to be paid back and can come from different programs. Explore our grant opportunities below.
Available grants
- Assistance grants program
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Background
The Assistance Grants Program supports public water systems that are interested in committing to excellence but lack the financial resources to do so. Grants can be awarded up to $25,000 with a total of $150,000 to be awarded annually.
Eligibility
These grants are intended to:
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Help these systems reach or maintain more consistent compliance with the Colorado Primary Drinking Water Regulations.
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Address a potential or existing water quality challenge.
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Projects must be completed within the calendar year they are awarded.
In addition to external applications, division personnel also refer projects to this program.
Request for Applications
Grants through this program are subject to the availability of funding.
After the application period has closed, applications and referrals will be reviewed and ranked. Top-ranked applications/ referrals will be evaluated by a division committee and finalists were notified by November 11, 2021.
Forms
For any questions/comments about this process, please contact grant administrator kaitlyn.beekman@state.co.us.
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- Lead testing at public schools grant
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Background
We offer grants to reduce lead exposure for the public, especially young children. Through grants, we want to raise awareness of lead risks, increase testing for lead in drinking water, identify potential lead sources, and take action to address lead exposure.
Eligibility
Grant funding will be available to local public health agencies and other county agencies so they can test for lead in drinking water in public schools and certified child care facilities.
This program is currently delayed due to COVID-19, but will be open for applications as soon as feasible.
Request for Applications
See the Lead testing at public schools grants webpage for details.
Forms
All related forms are found on the Lead testing at public schools grants webpage.
- Small communities water and wastewater grants
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Background
The Small Communities Water and Wastewater grant is for eligible entities that serve a population of no more than 5,000 people and are for the planning, design, and construction of public water systems or domestic wastewater treatment works. We only award to communities with financial need. The financial need is determined by the Department of Local Affairs.
Eligibility
Entities that serve a population of no more than 5,000 people and are:
- Governmental agencies.
- Counties representing unincorporated areas.
- Not-for-profit public water systems.
Request for Applications
- Request for Application.
- Wastewater Awards.
- Drinking-Water Awards.
- Questions and Answers.
- Previous News Releases:
Forms
When clicked, they will automatically download to your device. You will need to complete the form on your device and then submit by following the instructions on each form.
- Water Quality Improvement Fund (WQIF) grants
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Background
The Water Quality Improvement Fund (WQIF) money comes from entities that have polluted water in Colorado. They pay fines to help fix polluted waters. The fund provides money for water quality improvement projects such as stormwater management training and best practices training to prevent or reduce the pollution of state waters.
Eligibility
Small and disadvantaged communities are given priority for the funds. Entities that pay a Colorado Water Quality Control Act civil penalty are prohibited from receiving a grant from the WQIF for a period of five years from the date of the payment of the penalty.
Eligible entities include:- Governmental agencies.
- Publicly owned water systems.
- Private not-for-profit public water systems.
- Not-for-profit watershed groups.
- Not-for-profit stormwater program administrators.
- Not-for-profit training providers.
- Private landowners impacted by a water quality violation.
Request for Applications
2020 - 2021 WQIF Request for Applications
Forms
When clicked, they will automatically download to your device. You will need to complete the form on your device and then submit by following the instructions on each form.
Penalties
- Penalty List (July, 2019 through November, 2020).
- Historical penalties (2007 - June 30, 2019)
Contact
cdphe_grantsandloans@state.co.us
303-692-3653 | 303-782-0390 (fax)
Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment
Water Quality Control Division, Grants and Loans Unit
4300 Cherry Creek Drive South, B-2
Denver, CO 80246
Stay informed
Use our online sign-up form to subscribe to updates from the Grants and Loans unit regarding all water-related funding opportunities and news. You can select as many topics as you are interested in. For funding opportunities please select "General-Grants and Loans"