CCT Programs & Accomplishments
CCT Initiatives

Program Criteria
The Colorado Conservation Trust began its work by undertaking a statewide needs assessment to identify the breadth and depth of Colorado’s conservation challenges.  We identified high-priority regions and completed in-depth assessments for eight of these areas to provide a roadmap for future conservation work.  The assessments identify the area’s short and long-term needs and specific strategies - acquisition (fee or easement), restoration, stewardship, planning, capacity building, and/or policy development - to ensure the area’s protection. 

We use a specific set of criteria (see below) to identify those projects within each region that will have the most impact on addressing the conservation needs.  We can then present conservation donors with those projects that will generate the highest “return” for their investment.

Criteria Set Used to Determine CCT-Funded Projects

• Projects must protect high quality examples of resource types and provide linkages/ buffers to already conserved land.
• Projects must provide multiple benefits and be part of a larger conservation strategy.
• Projects must have strong financial and political support:  a minimum of 50% financial match for acquisitions and 25% for planning or capacity.
• Projects must either demonstrate innovative approaches and/or act as a catalyst for additional conservation.
• Projects must demonstrate readiness and urgency or represent limited opportunities to protect a resource.
• Projects must demonstrate that the easement or fee title holders are entities with track records and capabilities to provide long-term stewardship.

How to Apply for a Grant
We do not currently accept unsolicited grant proposals.

CCT Initiatives

• Yampa Valley / Routt County
• Front Range Mountain Backdrop
• Wet Mountain Valley / Custer County
• Mesa Area
• North San Juan Mountains
• Roaring Fork Valley
• Vail / Eagle Valley / I-70 Corridor
• Gunnison Valley
• Program Criteria

• Increasing Funding for Conservation
• Promoting Statewide Coordination and Leadership
• Implementing New Tools to Preserve Colorado
  • Regional Assessments
  • Colorado Conservation Easement Tax Credit Program
• Leadership and Education

CCT Programs & Accomplishments Links

• 2004 Successes
• Newest Initiatives
• State Map
• CCT Initiatives