County program to allocate approximately $750,000 for conservation work

Jan. 9, 2024 — The Chaffee Common Ground Citizens Advisory Committee will open a grant cycle on Jan. 17.Approximately $750,000 will be available during this grant cycle for programs and projects that strengthen forest health and reduce wildfire danger; conserve and support agricultural lands and rural landscapes; and manage the impacts of growth in outdoor recreation.

Community organizations and others interested in applying for funds are encouraged to attend an Information Session from 9-11 a.m. on Monday, Jan. 22 to learn about eligibility requirements and grant criteria. To participate in the Information Session, connect via Zoom at https://zoom.us/j/4328290633 or call 1-669-900-6833 and entering meeting ID #432 829 0633. Contact Common Ground Administrator Ben Doon at ccg.cac@gmail.com for questions or more information about the Zoom session.

The pre-application deadline is Feb. 16 and the deadline for full applications is March 22.

Funding recommendations by the Citizens Advisory Committee are subject to approval by the Board of County Commissioners. Awards will be announced in May for funding in early June. Read about successful local programs and projects that have been supported by Common Ground funding, or go to the Grantee Info tab for application guidelines and links.

Created when voters approved a 0.25% sales tax increase in 2018, Common Ground supports locally based, collaborative programs and projects through a transparent grant process that leverages revenues to achieve the highest impact. To date, $7.7 million in grants awarded include matching funds and in-kind services that will bring $28 million in value to the community by 2026.