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 is a state funded grant program that supports public water systems 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 annually. Projects must be completed within the calendar year they are awarded.
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.
Applications
To apply, an eligible entity submits an application in response to the grant opening announcement. In addition to these external applications, division personnel may refer projects to this program.
The application period for the most recent RFA is closed. Top ranked applications and referrals will be evaluated by a division committee and finalists will be notified in the Spring 2023.
Contacts
For more information, see Pursuing Excellence Program - Funding at:
https://cdphe.colorado.gov/dwtrain
Email: aracely.navarro@state.co.us
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- Lead Testing in Schools and Child Care Programs
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Background
House Bill 22-1358 is a state funded program that requires each child care center, family child care home and school that serves any of grades preschool through fifth in Colorado test their drinking water for lead by May 31, 2023, and remediate if necessary. The Test and Fix Water for Kids program will help schools and child care programs meet HB22-1358 requirements by providing free training, testing, remediation, and technical assistance through the School and Child Care Clean Drinking Water Fund.
The WIIN lead testing in schools and child care grant program is a federally funded program that offers grants to local public health agencies to help schools and child care programs meet the requirements of HB22-1358.Eligibility
All schools serving any of grades preschool through fifth plus all licensed child care programs in Colorado must enroll in this program to comply with this new law. If the local public health agency in your county is participating in the WIIN lead testing in schools and child care grant program, their team will coordinate lead testing.
Applications
There are no grant applications for the Test and Fix Water for Kids program. All schools and child care programs must enroll. Enrollment forms are available on the webpage:
For more information on the WIIN lead testing in schools and child care gram program, see the webpage:
Lead testing at public schools grants
Forms
All related forms are found on the webpage:
Contacts:
For more information, see Test and Fix Water for Kids
- PFAS Grant Program
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Background
The PFAS Grant program funding supports efforts in identifying, assessing, and reducing environmental impacts of PFAS on human health and the environment. It is a state funded grant program administered through the PFAS Cash Fund. This funding program is to be renewed every year on October 1, thru 2026.
The PFAS Grant Program has three project categories:
- Sampling
- Emergency assistance
- Infrastructure
Eligibility
The general eligible entities for the PFAS grant program are listed below; a more detailed list can be found in the Request for Applications.
- Governmental agencies
- Tribes
- Public water systems
- Private not-for-profit public water systems
- Counties or local health departments
- Fire Departments
- Not-for-profit Non-governmental organizations
- Domestic Wastewater Treatment Works
- Non-profit educational institutions
Applications
The funding of projects is initiated by a Request for Applications (RFA) when sufficient funds have accumulated. The RFA sets out the eligibility requirements and criteria for entities and projects which will be funded, as well as timeframes and how to apply. To apply, an eligible entity submits an application in response to the RFA.
The current Request for Applications opened January 3, 2023. The deadline is March 31, 2023 and grants will be awarded by May 1, 2023, with a project start date in summer of 2023.
For the most recent Request For Applications, see the PFAS Grant Program at:
PFAS Grant Program Request for Applications.
Forms
All related forms are on the webpage under the PFAS Grant Program.
Contacts
For more information, see the PFAS Grant Program.
- Small communities water and wastewater grants
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Background
The Small Communities Water and Wastewater Grants (SCG) is part of the Colorado Water Quality Control Commission’s Regulation 55 - State Funded Water and Wastewater Infrastructure Programs. It is for eligible entities that serve a population of no more than five thousand people, with financial need.
Financial need is determined during the application process. The Colorado Department of Local Affairs conducts the analysis and issues certificates to qualifying entities
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.
Applications
Previous News Releases:
Forms
The following forms are for use by grantees under contract.
- SCG Reimbursement Request Transmittal Form
When clicked, the form will automatically download to your device. You will need to complete the form using the PDF software on your device and then submit it by following the instructions on the form. - SCG Quarterly Report Google Form
Fill out one Quarterly Report Form for each awarded contract. When clicked, the form will open. Respond to each of the questions and submit the form. You will receive a copy of your responses via email. - SCG Final Report Form
When clicked, the form will automatically download to your device. You will need to complete the form using the PDF software on your device and then submit it by following the instructions on the form.
Contacts:
cdphe.wqcd.watergrants@state.co.us
720-248-7394
- Water Quality Improvement Fund (WQIF) grants
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Background
The Water Quality Improvement Fund (WQIF) is a Colorado state grant program funded by civil penalties collected for water quality violations. It is part of the Water Quality Control Commission’s Regulation 55 - State Funded Water and Wastewater Infrastructure Programs.
Eligibility
Entities eligible for funding include:
- Governmental agencies
- Publicly owned water systems
- Private not-for-profit public water systems
- Not-for-profit stormwater program administrators or training providers
- Not-for-profit watershed groups
- Private landowners impacted by a water quality violation
Projects eligible for funding must fall within these categories:
- Stormwater management and best management practices training
- Projects to improve water quality where there has been a civil penalty imposed for a water quality violation
- Planning, design, construction, or repair of stormwater projects or domestic wastewater treatment facilities currently on the State Revolving Fund Intended Use Plan
- Nonfederal match funding for nonpoint source projects.
Applications
The funding of projects is initiated by a Request for Applications (RFA) when sufficient funds have accumulated. The RFA sets out the eligibility requirements and criteria for entities and projects which will be funded, as well as timeframes and how to apply. To apply, an eligible entity submits an application in response to the RFA. The two most recent RFAs are closed.
Category 1 - Stormwater Management and Best Management Practices Training:
With the Fiscal Year 2022-2023 appropriations, the legislature increased the WQCD’s annual spending authority to $300,000.
Recent Requests for Applications
2021-2020 WQIF Request for Applications Category 1 only
Stormwater Management and Best Management Practices Training
2020-2021 WQIF Request for Applications
Forms
The following forms are for use by grantees under contract.
- WQIF Reimbursement Request Transmittal Form
When clicked, the form will automatically download to your device. You will need to complete the form using the PDF software on your device and then submit it by following the instructions on the form. - WQIF Quarterly Report Google Form
Fill out one Quarterly Report Form for each awarded contract. When clicked, the form will open. Respond to each of the questions and submit the form. You will receive a copy of your responses via email. - WQIF Final Report Form
When clicked, the form will automatically download to your device. You will need to complete the form using the PDF software on your device and then submit it by following the instructions on the form.
Contacts:
cdphe.wqcd.watergrants@state.co.us
720-248-7394
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