GOCO Toolkit LPOR ProgramGreat Outdoors Colorado Local Government Park and Outdoor Recreation

Fall 2013

A

Table of ContentsPurpose

Partners

About the LPOR Grant Program

Introduction ......................................................................................................................6

Tips and Tricks..................................................................................................................8

Technical Assistance ................................................................................................10

Changes to the 2013 Application ..................................................................11

Competitiveness .........................................................................................................12

Source Materials & Contacts...............................................................................13

Additional Resources

January 2013 GOCO LPOR Workshop Slides ...........................................15

GOCO Grants Comparison Matrix ..................................................................21

B

Purpose

This grant toolkit was developed to inform and assist Colorado municipalities that are planning to pursue a Local Government Park and Outdoor Recreation (LPOR) Grant from Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO). Information contained in this toolkit was updated in June 2013, in preparation for GOCO’s Fall 2013 funding cycle. Although much of the guidance provided in this toolkit will be relevant to all GOCO funding cycles, users must beware that program requirements may change. This project was made possible by three corporate sponsors: Chase Park Grants (grants research), DHM Design (landscape architecture), and Ayres Associates (engineering and environmental services). Information about their services is on the following page.

PartnersServices Provided by Partnering Firms

DHM Design is a story of continuous innovation and growth. Established in 1975, we are an internationally recognized leader in landscape architecture, land planning, urban design and environmental planning. Our experience embraces a diverse portfolio of planning and design projects and we specialize in parks, recreation, trails and public spaces. We advocate a collaborative design process, working hand-in-hand with our clients, their communities and the design team to turn ideas into reality. Skilled in facilitation and graphic presentations, DHM adds significant value to the public process. Our ability to produce compelling and descriptive graphics on the spot brings visual meaning to the discussion and keeps the planning and design process accessible and engaging for all participants. We are stewards of the land and that philosophy is reflected in every project we design. Inspired primarily by the natural beauty of our world, we are dedicated to its stewardship. Through conscientious investigations, we are able to create practical and intuitive solutions to the frequent ecological challenges that we face in our work.

Chase Park Grants (Chase Park) is a national research firm specializing in creative funding solutions for capital and infrastructure projects. Since 2010, our associates have helped clients find and secure millions of dollars by providing technical assistance for government grants. Services available at Chase Park include project-specific grant research, trend analysis, and strategic grants planning. At Chase Park we recognize the immense challenges faced by municipalities today to fund capital improvement projects. Eager to share our expertise and help municipalities meet their infrastructure needs, Chase Park recently launched a subscription-based funding alert service. We leverage our industry expertise and the information we gather and analyze on a daily basis to provide clients with detailed information on upcoming grant opportunities, as well as highlighting current grant-making trends, news, and tips on funding capital improvement projects.

Ayres Associates opened its doors more than 50 years ago as a general civil engineering firm in Wisconsin. Since then, we’ve grown into a nationwide, multi-specialty, professional services firm with 13 offices in seven states. Today, Ayres services have expanded beyond civil engineering to include practical solutions in the areas of environmental redevelopment, transportation, water resources and architecture. Always on the cutting edge, we continually strive to provide innovative, and smart solutions for all stages of our clients’ projects. In response to the fiscal and infrastructure challenges communities face, Ayres also provides turnkey funding services that include: writing and submitting grant applications, following up with funding agencies, and providing grant administration services. To date, we have secured more than $120 million in grants and loans for client projects.

AGrant Program Summary & Analysis

LPOR Grant Program Summary

Grant Program SummaryGreat Outdoors ColoradoLocal Government Park & Outdoor Recreation Grant

Introduction This toolkit will help applicants understand what types of projects are most likely to receive funding and how to prepare a Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO) Local Government Park & Outdoor Recreation Grant (LPOR) application that will earn the most points possible.

In this toolkit we share a concise summary of grant requirements, helpful hints about how to improve the competitiveness of your application, examples of successful proposals, and other useful resources – all in one handy guide.

GOCO grant applications: http://www.goco.org/grants

Feel free to contact Tia Cavender, Principal Grant Strategist at 720.785.4155 or tia@chaseparkgrants.com for more information on the LPOR grant program or an individual consultation on how to make your project more competitive.

What are GOCO Grants? Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO) was established in 1992 as a grant-making entity dedicated to improving and creating recreational parks and open spaces in Colorado through the investment of state lottery proceeds. GOCO is managed by a 17-member board with a mission to “help preserve, protect, enhance, and manage the state’s wildlife, park, river, trail, and open space heritage.”

GOCO makes funding awards twice annually through a competitive grant process. Occasionally, GOCO will offer special opportunities that are temporarily available for a specific purpose (e.g., 2012 River Corridor Initiative, 2013 School Play Yard Initiative).

In 2013, GOCO is offering several distinct grant programs for municipal agencies: Local Governments Parks & Outdoor Recreation (LPOR), “Mini” LPOR, Local Government Land Acquisition, Conservation Excellence, Open Space, Planning, and the School Play Yard Initiative (only offered in Spring 2013 and Spring 2014).

Which grant programs are relevant to this toolkit? This toolkit provides guidance exclusive to the LPOR and LPOR Mini grants, though some of the information included within may be useful in the preparation of other GOCO grant applications. For the sake of simplicity, when referencing either program, we will use the term LPOR instead of referencing them both. The purpose of the LPOR Grants is to help entities acquire, expand and improve local parks, outdoor recreation and environmental education facilities. GOCO has administered more than 1,000 LPOR grants since 1992; today, the LPOR program remains one of GOCO’s most popular and stable funding mechanisms.

What types of local government entities are eligible for LPOR grants? Eligible LPOR applicants are governmental entities, such as municipalities, cities, towns, counties, and parks & recreation districts, in Colorado that have applied for and received Conservation Trust Fund (CTF) dollars. In some cases, an eligible entity may “sponsor” a grant on behalf of an ineligible entity (e.g. a school district). However, such an arrangement requires an intergovernmental agreement, with the eligible entity maintaining full fiduciary responsibility for administering the grant funds, receiving payments, and corresponding with GOCO staff.

What different types of LPOR grants are available?Eligible LPOR projects must fit into one of three capital grants categories. These categories and their unique purposes are listed below:

• New Park Development: Funding in this category is intended to create a park where none currently exists.

• Enhancement of Existing Facilities: Funding in this category is intended to enhance or improve current park facilities and/or outdoor recreation facilities, including the installation or creation of new facilities at an existing park.

• Environmental Education Facilities: Funding in this category is intended to support the development, enhancement or renovation of facilities where the primary goal is to provide educational opportunities for visitors to learn about local biology, habitats, and landscapes.

What are the maximum grant amount and matching fund requirements? LPOR has a funding cap of $350,000 per award, with LPOR mini grants capped at $45,000. Projects with an overall budget greater than $60,000 are not eligible for mini grant funding. Although there is otherwise no maximum amount for the overall project budget, GOCO will only fund up to 70% of the total project cost (or 75% for mini grants). Furthermore, at least 30% of the project’s funding (25% for mini grants) must come from sources other than GOCO. A minimum 10% of the match must be monetary; the remainder may be in the form of in-kind contributions. Each match source must be detailed as a specific line item in the budget. Matching funds need to be secured before submitting an application and cannot be contingent upon GOCO funding. GOCO does not disperse award funds at the beginning of a project. Rather, awardees are reimbursed for allowable expenses after purchases are made. Therefore, applicants should plan accordingly, and have the means to cover initial expenses until GOCO disperses a reimbursement check.

What types of capital expenses are covered by LPOR funds?The following types of projects and/or capital expenses are eligible for LPOR funding:

• Athletic field/court and track and field facilities, including projects with artificial turf

• Playgrounds

• Skate parks/rinks

• Trails within local parks

• Outdoor swimming pools

• Development and/or redevelopment of environmental education facilities, outdoor classrooms and natural areas intended for education purposes

• Disc golf courses

• Whitewater parks

• Fishing piers and boat docks

• Outdoor amenities located at fairgrounds

• Infrastructure (irrigation, sprinkler systems, drainage pipes, parking lots, lighting)

• Amenities (restrooms, drinking fountains, benches, picnic tables, pavilions, etc.)

• Expenses associated with on-the-ground project management

TIP: MATCHING SUPPORT FROM THE CONSERVATION TRUST FUNDColorado lottery revenues also support the Conservation Trust Fund (CTF) through the Colorado Department of Local Affairs. CTF funding is available to local parks and recreation providers (i.e., towns, cities, counties, special districts) to provide funding for open space and land acquisition, equipment purchases, facility development, park maintenance, and for the renovation and restoration of local facilities.Best of all, CTF funding can be used to meet the matching requirement for LPOR funding.

What are some other useful tips for preparing LPOR applications?

The following section includes several “tips & tricks” applicants can employ when preparing an LPOR application.

1. Be sure to devote adequate time and energy to collecting strong letters of support. Each letter should be distinct, concise, and compelling. Avoid these common pitfalls:

• regurgitating the same content in multiple letters

• including multiple letters from the same organization

• including letters of support from your own organization

Reviewers will see right through these tactics!

Letters should be individualized, detailed, and reflect the full support of stakeholders — not simply a generic endorsement of a project. As much as possible, applicants should request support letters from “end users,” for example persons who will USE the park and recreational amenities supported with GOCO funds. The letters are a place where you can be as creative as possible without using valuable space in the narrative document.

Tips and Tricks

2. Consider adding photos or project renderings to your application or letters of support. The narrative section of the application should contain a well-written and detailed description of the project features, but it can also include graphics, photos, and images to help reinforce the need for the project or demonstrate its value or readiness. Do not, however, merely reference an attached photo in the narrative.

3. When considering sources for matching funds, applicants can use other grants secured (as long as they were secured within one year of the GOCO submission), or in-kind support that is committed from stakeholders, project partners, and collaborating entities. As noted previously, Conservation Trust Fund dollars can be applied as matching funds, as well as donated vendor services or vendor discounts. A donation of land or property can also count as an in-kind contribution (unless the donation was required of the developer.

What are some other useful tips for preparing LPOR applications?

4. The most competitive applications include opportunities to engage young people in servicing their communities and the environment. Specifically, applicants are encouraged to involve youth in each project. This can be accomplished in a variety of ways and can offer an economical way to implement aspects of your project. Some examples:

• add programs, such as recycling or composting, that can be implemented by youth

• solicit project feedback from local youth groups

• incorporate youth engagement activities to the completed project

• have young people lead or participate in fundraising efforts

• involve youth in the design process

• have young people assist with implementation efforts such as community outreach, educational programming, or installation of park amenities

5. A formal collaboration or partnership with a corps accredited by the Colorado Youth Corps Association is recommended (www.cyca.org), and a letter of support should accompany the application. In the event an applicant cannot successfully secure a partnership with a youth organization, they may still receive adequate points in this section if they demonstrate proof that they attempted a qualified engagement (e.g., a letter from a youth organization stating that it could not fulfill the applicant’s request to participate).

Can applicants use their own budget format?

Although it is not required, GOCO strongly encourages applicants to use the GOCO budget template provided with the application packet. If possible, applicants should not risk using an alternate format. A few other tips specific to the budget preparation are:

• Be sure the budget amount from the application’s “Section 2 – Summary Form” matches the actual budget form. Although applicants will not be disqualified if the budget amounts do not match, it will make them more vulnerable to losing points.

• When creating the budget, assume the GOCO grant will be awarded when calculating the overall amount.

• When mentioning something in the narrative, applicants must reflect the associated costs in the budget; otherwise reviewers may deduct points for inconsistencies.

GOCO program officers are a valuable resource when preparing your LPOR proposal. Use the time between now and when you submit your application to contact GOCO staff to discuss the various segments and particulars of your project. They can help you perfect your proposal by identifying elements of your project that may strengthen its funding appeal. It is a valuable use of your time to contact the funding agency and get as much feedback as possible from them.

If you have applied for a GOCO grant in the past and did not receive funding, we highly recommend that you contact GOCO to schedule a debriefing session. Debriefing is only available to previous applicants. GOCO can review your prior proposals and provide you with the strengths and weaknesses of your past submissions.

Below is contact information for GOCO’s program officers:Great Outdoors Colorado Offices303 E. 17th Avenue, Suite 1060Denver, Colorado, 80203(303) 226 - 4500

Jackie MillerLocal Government Program Managerjmiller@goco. org(303) 226 - 4500

Jake HoustonLocal Government & Planning Program Coordinatorjhouston@goco. org(303) 226 - 4517

Luke BollingerProgram Assistantlbolinger@goco. org(303) 226 - 4525

Technical Assistance

What type of technical assistance is available to applicants?

In Spring 2013, GOCO implemented several application changes, specifically:

• GOCO reduced the number of questions from 20 to 15 and altered the number of points eligible per question.

• In past funding cycles, questions were weighted equally with each one meriting up to 5 points for a total maximum of100 points. While the application is still scored on a 100-point basis, the maximum points for each question now vary between 5 and 15. Despite these contextual changes, the majority of the content remains the same as in previous versions.

• New questions specific to whitewater park projects have been added to the Selection Criteria section. These questions are relevant to project partnerships, water rights, sustainability, park design and engineering, permitting issues, and environmental requirements.

Applicants seeking LPOR funding for the Fall 2013 funding cycle must prepare and submit their application by August 28, 2013.

Changes to the 2013 Applications

Has GOCO recently changed its application process?While application changes from one funding cycle to the next are usually minimal, GOCO does occasionally modify the application.

Over the years the LPOR grant program has become increasingly popular and more competitive – a trend we expect will continue. In the past, GOCO typically funded approximately 50%-61% of eligible applications. That percentage has decreased to nearly one-third (33%).

The current level of competitiveness is likely due to a combination of factors, including: an increase in the level of technical support GOCO provides to applicants; the number of local government agencies experiencing decreased tax revenues; and an increase in “repeat applicants.” Repeat applicants typically become very familiar with the funding requirements and therefore often score higher than other applicants. Not only has GOCO experienced an increase in submissions in the past several years (Table 1), the number of repeat applicants has also grown. Analysis of past awards indicates applicants that have submitted more than one LPOR grant application between 2006 and 2012 are more likely to be funded than those that have only submitted one application during this same period.

The level of technical assistance and guidance that GOCO staff provides its applicants is unprecedented, especially relative to most grant-making organizations. For instance, before each funding cycle (twice per year), GOCO staff conduct training and technical assistance workshops to help applicants understand the grant requirements and advise on what makes the most competitive application.

Additionally, GOCO staff are available throughout the year to answer technical questions, provide one-on-one feedback about past submissions, review draft applications, and generate training materials that applicants can reference while completing the application process.

In general, the percentage of approved grant applications has decreased significantly since 2006 compared to 2012 (Table 2). These data provide evidence that the GOCO grant programs continue to become more competitive and suggest that applicants should pay careful attention to guidance GOCO staff provide about maximizing competitiveness.

The number of applications submitted in 2012 more than doubled since 2006. In some years, the increase of applications submitted

is explained by the availability of Special Opportunity Grants (e.g., River Corridor Initiative), rather than increased interest in the standard, reoccurring grant programs.

Competitiveness

Table 1. GOCO Grant Applications Submitted & Awarded (2006 - 2012)

YearNot Awarded Awarded

Total# #

2012 89 41 130

2011 61 59 120

2010 93 87 180

2009 45 54 99

2008 40 62 102

2007 55 55 110

2006 27 31 58*Includes GOCO’s LPOR, LPOR Mini Grant, Local Gov’t Special Opportunities & Planning Grants.

IN THE LAST FUNDING CYCLE… …GOCO had $2.75 million in available funds to support qualified projects, yet received 65 applications – totaling nearly $12.48 million in requests.

Implication = Only the strongest survive!

Table 2. GOCO Awarded Grants vs Submitted Apps* (2006 - 2012)

YearPercentage

Awarded

#

2012 32%

2011 49%

2010 48%

2009 55%

2008 61%

2007 50%

2006 53%

*Includes GOCO’s LPOR, LPOR Mini Grant, Local Gov’t Special Opportunities and Planning Grants.

How competitive are the LPOR grant programs?

Source Materials & Contacts

What source materials were used to prepare this toolkit? Several primary references were used when preparing this toolkit:

• Great Outdoors Colorado 2012 Fact Book (http://www.goco.org/about-2/fact-book/)

• Spring 2013 Cycle-Announcement (http://www. goco.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/Spring-2013-Cycle-Announcement-FINAL.pdf)

• 2010 Strategic Plan Document (http://www.goco.org/about-2/strategic-plan/)

• GOCO website (www.goco.org)

• FY2011 Annual Report (http://www. goco.org/about-2/annual-report/)

• Notes taken at the July 2013 GOCO Local Government Grant Writing Workshop in Denver

• Review of successful grant applications

• Qualitative interviews with GOCO program officers and successful awardees

• Quantitative data on past awards

Applicants should note that this resource does not constitute legal advice and should not be used as such. The authors are not responsible for the accuracy, completeness, or content of submitted applications. Applicants should review all GOCO grant guidance documents independently of this toolkit and are encouraged to consult their own legal and tax accountant counsel to verify that the LPOR program makes sense for your organization.

Who can answer questions about this toolkit? For questions specific to this toolkit or to request technical assistance with your grant application, please contact:

• a GOCO program officer at (303)226 - 4500

• Tia Cavender, Principal - Chase Park Grants (720) 785 - 4155 | tia@chaseparkgrants.com

• Karen Current, Director of Marketing - DHM Design(303) 892 - 5566 | kcurrent@dhmdesign.com;

• Gene MacDonald, Professional Engineer - Ayres Associates(307) 634 - 9888 / MacDonaldG@AyresAssociates.com.

Electronic PDF versions of this toolkit are available at: www.chaseparkgrants.com/goco

Good luck preparing your application!!

BAdditional Resources

1

Fall 2013 CycleGrant-Writing

Workshop

GOCO’s Local Government Program• LPOR & Land Acquisition, Mini, and Planning Grants

• GOCO’s Local Government Grants are:• Reimbursement Grants

• Matching Grants

• Competitive Grants

–Spring 2013: 51 LPOR apps, 6 Mini apps, and 12 Planning requesting approx. $12.5 million

–GOCO awarded 17 projects totaling $2,758,360.00 million

• 8 LPOR, 4 Mini, and 5 Planning

• Maximum grant amount $45,000• Total project cost may not exceed $60,000• GOCO will fund no more than 75% of proposed

project eligible costs up to cap

• 25% of total project cost must come from sources other than GOCO

• Minimum 10% of total project cost must be cash match

• All matching resources must be eligible

Funding Parameters for Mini Grants Funding Parameters for LPOR Grants• Maximum grant amount is $350,000• No cap on total project cost• GOCO will fund no more than 70% of proposed

project eligible costs up to cap

• 30% of total project cost must come from sources other than GOCO

• Minimum 10% of total project cost must be cash match

• All matching resources must be eligible

Eligibility Criteria

• Eligible applicants for GOCO Local Government funds: cities, towns, counties and park & rec districts (Title 32).

• Eligible applicants may sponsor applications on behalf of ineligible applicants.

• Project must meet all eligibility criteria discussed today to receive LPOR or Mini Grant.

• Please carefully review eligibility criteria and selection criteria before completing application.

Eligible Project Categories

• Parkland acquisition–To acquire land to be developed into a future park or

expand an existing park (separate application)

• New Park Development–To create a park where none currently exists

• Enhancement of Existing Facilities–To enhance or improve existing park and/or outdoor

recreation facilities

• Environmental Education–To enhance, renovate and construct environmental

education facilities

2

Eligible Project Components

• Playgrounds• Trails within Parks• Athletic Fields/Courts• Skate Facilities• Educational Signage• Picnic Pavilions• Outdoor Classrooms• Community Gardens

• Ice Rinks• Infrastructure (irrigation,

drainage, lighting, parking, restrooms)

• Functional Landscaping• 100% of D&E towards

match

• Administration Costs

• Operations & Maintenance Costs (or deferred maintenance)• Programmatic Funding, including Environmental Education

• Non-fixed Assets (i.e., lawn mowers, shovels, gloves, etc.)

• Transportation or Network Trails

• Ornamental Landscaping

• Amusement Parks

• Construction of Botanic Gardens

• Outdoor Performing Art Centers/Amphitheater

• Stand alone concession stands and storage buildings

• Indoor facilities of any kind (except EE facilities and restrooms)

Ineligible Project Components

Application

MISSION: To help the people of Colorado preserve, protect, enhance, appreciate and enjoy our parks, wildlife, trails,

rivers and open space through strategic grants, partnerships and leadership.

Ensure these numbers correspond with submitted budget.

Resolution from Governing Body• Signed resolution from governing body with primary

jurisdiction (mayor, county commissioner, district board president) must be attached to application

• Sample resolution included in grant application

Resolution NEEDS to state:

• Support for the proposed project and its completion• Recognition of Need to Provide Matching Funds • Maintenance Capability • Status of Property – 25 years • Reasonable Public Access• Signature of Grant Agreement

3

Environmental Checklist• Applicant is responsible for securing all necessary

licenses, permits, clearances, and environmental analysis necessary to comply with local, state and/or federal law.

• Attach a description of process or efforts associated with reviewing potential wildlife impacts of project.

• If previous environmental checklist has been completed within a year of application date, you may use that checklist.

• GOCO’s version of the checklist must be signed and submitted

Timeline

• All grant projects must be completed within 24 months.

• Completion date provided on Preliminary Timeline Estimate form is guideline for administering proposed project.

• Work on proposed project may not begin until notification of grant award has been given and contract has been signed.

• Projects not completed in timely manner are subject to Overdue Grants Policy and may be de-authorized.

Budget Form –Source of Funds

Cash: List each funding source on separate line, including applicant. Indicate contribution amount, either under applicant column or partner column. Include GOCO grant request under appropriate column. In-Kind: List each in-kind contributor separately. Indicate in-kind contribution amount under appropriate column—either applicant or partner.

Budget Form – Use of Funds

Organize your project into budget categories

Number and types of categories will vary

Once budget categories are determined, provide breakdown of each

category, detailing work required

Provide costs associated with each line item and

determine where the funds are coming from

Use sample budget as reference to determine level of detail GOCO is

expecting to receive

In-Kind Information• In-kind contributions and donations include, but are not

limited to: • Land donation (within 3 years of grant decision date).

Estimated value of land should be determined from appraisals.

• Professional services• Materials and equipment.

• Estimated values of services, materials and equipment may be determined from pay scales, standard prices, standard rental rates, etc. Applicants may be asked to provide additional information to support the valuation listed.

• Documentation from in-kind providers stating value/cost of service/equipment/materials through letters, invoices, etc. is recommended.

• Volunteer hours and services can not be included as in-kind matches.

Budget Form – In Kind

These two boxes must be equal

4

Budget Form Tips

• Review matching requirements listed in eligibility documentation

• Ensure calculations are accurate

• Ensure totals in Total Source of Funds row match those in Total Use of Funds row

• Inaccurate budget and/or inclusion of ineligible components significantly reduces points awarded for this section

Selection Criteria

• All projects will be rated and ranked on information presented in Selection Criteria.

• LPOR and Mini Grant applications are scored on a 100 point scale. There are 14 questions.

• GOCO staff, and volunteers from parks & recreation, education, government, and related backgrounds, review and score applications.

• Applications are divided by region as are reviewers.

1. Describe the community/neighborhood the project will serve. (5pts.)

2. Describe access to the proposed project. How is it situated in relation to where users live; how will users access it; is it near or linked to schools, other recreational amenities, or community gathering spots? Obstacles? (5pts.)

Selection Criteria Selection Criteria

3. Describe the scope of the project – what exactly will be built. Provide a detailed budget. (15pts.)

• What is the useful life of each project component and how was that useful life determined? • Describe consultations you have had with outside experts, other

communities, or knowledgeable individuals about, building this sort of project.

• Describe the state of the existing facilities. • How did or will you choose particular vendors, materials,

systems, etc.? • Submitted budget must be consistent with answers in narrative

4. Estimate the annual costs to maintain the project. How did you derive those numbers; how do you intend to fund maintenance; and who is responsible for maintenance? (5 pts.)

5. Who are the existing and/or expected users of the proposed project? Provide user numbers for each user group, noting how you arrived at that estimate. (5 pts.)

Selection Criteria

6. Describe the recreational needs that this project will serve. (15pts.)

• How will the project enhance recreational offerings, including programming, and/or environmental education opportunities in the community?

• What opportunities are lost if this project is not undertaken now?

• How are potential users of the project compensating now for the lack of the project? Do they have to visit other communities to use a similar amenity; do they have a substitute offering available; or do they simply go without?

Selection Criteria

5

Selection Criteria

7. Describe the public planning process associated with this project. (10 pts.)

• What opportunities did the public have to comment on it? If public meetings were held, include the number of meetings, when they were held, how were they advertised and the attendance.

• If a survey was distributed, how many people and what groups were surveyed? How many people responded? Provide one copy of a blank survey.

8. Summarize the feedback received from the public and how it was determined that your constituents want and will use the project? What did you learn from the processes discussed above? (5 pts.)

9. Will a CYCA-accredited youth corps OR other local youth organization be used to implement the project? (5pts.)

• If so, describe the collaboration you’ve had with that corps or organization and describe the work they will be doing. Submit a letter of support. If there will not be youth involvement in this project, provide an explanation of why.

Selection Criteria

10. Who is opposed to the project? Include any letters, petitions, news articles, or other documents evidencing opposition. What has been done to address it? (5pts.)

10. Is the project “shovel ready?” Provide evidence that it will be completed within two years of the award date. (5pts.)

Selection Criteria Selection Criteria

12. What is compelling about your community’s need for GOCO funds? (5pts.)

• Will the project (or components of it) get done if GOCO funds are not available? Will applicant or partner funds dedicated to the project be lost if GOCO doesn’t award a grant now?

13. How much of your planned cash match is secured? (10pts.)

• “Plan B” ? • Describe the cash or in kind partnerships established

for this project. If none, explain why.

14. Provide up to seven letters/emails of support (5pts.)

Selection Criteria Grant Administration: Once applications are received …

Staff reviews applications for:

• Project eligibility

• Required materials submitted• Matching requirements are met• All sources and uses of funds are eligible• Environmental assessment• Authorized signatures

Applicants given an opportunity to resubmit revised or additional documents needed

6

Grant Administration:If a grant is awarded …

1. Award letter, grant agreement and reimbursement option letter emailed.

2. Letter outlining reimbursement payment options mailed and faxed

Option 1 - Partial Payments of Grants Option 2- Lump Sum Grant Payment/Final Grant Payment

3. Grant recipients required to attend orientation teleconference to review policies and procedures associated with grant

What Not To Do• Don’t apply without contacting staff to discuss project• Don’t respond with N/A to any Selection Criteria

question• Don’t only refer to attachments to answer a question• Don’t submit unnecessary attachments • Don’t support the need for your project with

generalized statements only• Don’t have letters of support sent to the GOCO office• Don’t list two people as the primary contact • Don’t exceed the page limit• Don’t submit an unsigned resolution

Helpful Tips

• Contact GOCO staff prior to submitting an application to discuss the project.

• Remember that process is very competitive.• Submit your application for pre-review.• August 15th is the cutoff for pre-review.

• Reapply if not successful the first time.• Make sure you apply in the right grant cycle.• Respond to ALL information requests and questions.

Important Dates

Applications Available: Now

Applications Due: August 28, 2013

Committee Meeting: November 18, 2013

Decisions Made: December 10, 2013

Contact Information

Jake HoustonProgram Coordinator

303.226.4517jhouston@goco.org

www.goco.org

Luke BolingerProgram Assistant

303.226.4525lbolinger@goco.org

Thank you!!!

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nts be

come

fami

liar w

ith th

e var

ious G

OCO

gran

t pro

gram

s to i

denti

fy wh

ich on

es to

pursu

e for

plan

ned c

apita

l pro

jects

to su

ppor

t par

ks, r

ecre

ation

, and

open

sp

ace p

rojec

ts. A

pplic

ation

s are

onlin

e at w

ww.go

co.or

g/gra

nts.

Grant Opp

ortunitie

s for Local Governm

ent A

gencies

    Great Outdo

ors C

olorad

o (GOCO

)           for Parks, R

ecreation, and

 Ope

n Spaces  

facilit

ies.

other

sour

ces

CPG0

0282

1Pl

annin

g Gra

ntTo

help

deve

lop st

rateg

ic pla

ns th

at cre

ate, p

rotec

t and

enha

nce o

pen s

pace

, wild

life

habit

at, pa

rks an

d tra

ils–c

rucia

l elem

ents

of ev

ery c

ommu

nity.

$75,0

00

25%

of to

tal pr

oject

costs

mus

t com

e fro

m oth

er so

urce

s08

/28/20

13

CPG0

0116

7Op

en S

pace

Gra

ntTo

addr

ess t

he ch

allen

ges o

f pre

servi

ng C

olora

do’s

open

spac

es–la

nd al

ong r

iver

corri

dors,

urba

n par

cels,

agric

ultur

al lan

ds an

d wild

life ha

bitat–

direc

tly be

nefits

the s

tate’s

ec

onom

ic he

alth a

nd de

velop

ment.

$7

50,00

0 25

% of

total

proje

ct co

sts m

ust c

ome f

rom

other

sour

ces

08/15

/2013

CPG0

0355

8Lo

cal G

over

nmen

t Lan

d Ac

quisi

tion G

rant

To he

lp loc

al go

vern

ments

acqu

ire la

nd fo

r the

purp

ose o

f dev

elopin

g acti

ve re

creati

on.

Appli

catio

ns ar

e ava

ilable

by re

ques

t only

(con

tact G

OCO

to re

ques

t an a

pplic

ation

). $3

50,00

0 25

% of

total

proje

ct co

sts m

ust c

ome f

rom

other

sour

ces

08/28

/2013

CPG0

0375

3Sc

hool

Play

Yar

d Gra

nts

To su

ppor

t rur

al an

d urb

an co

mmun

ities a

cross

the s

tate i

n the

cons

tructi

on of

new

scho

ol pla

y yar

ds an

d imp

rove

ments

to ex

isting

scho

ol pla

y yar

ds. S

choo

l stud

ents

direc

t the

proje

ct’s d

esign

by pr

ioritiz

ing th

e com

pone

nts th

ey w

ant in

their

play

yard

, whic

h ena

bles

kids t

o tak

e own

ersh

ip of

their p

lay ya

rds,

and e

nsur

e tha

t thos

e play

area

s mee

t re

creati

onal

need

s and

desir

es. M

unici

paliti

es, c

ounti

es, a

nd pa

rks an

d rec

reati

on sp

ecial

dis

tricts

are t

he on

ly en

tities

eligi

ble to

apply

for a

Play

Yar

d Gra

nt. F

or th

is ini

tiativ

e, sc

hool

distric

ts mu

st pa

rtner

with

a loc

al go

vern

ment.

$100

,000

10%

cash

matc

h mus

t co

me fr

om ot

her

sour

ces

Sprin

g 201

4

Copy

right

© 20

13 by

Cha

se P

ark G

rants

, LLC

. All R

ights

Rese

rved

Table of Contents PurposePartnersA. Grant Program Summary & AnalysisIntroductionTips and TricksTechnical AssistanceChanges to the 2013 ApplicationsCompetitiveness Source Materials & Contacts

B. Additional ResourcesFall 2013 GOCO LPOR Workshop SlidesGOCO Grants Comparison Matrix