BEST Grant Program
Forecasted
The BEST Grant Program from the Colorado Department of Education funds capital construction to improve health, safety, and security in Colorado public school facilities statewide.
Funder: Colorado Department of Education
Due Dates (Anticipated): December 2026 (Intent to Apply/LOI, projected) | March 2027 (Full Application, projected)
Funding Amounts: Typical awards range from under $1 million to over $50 million; matching contributions required; total annual funding ~$150M+ statewide.
Summary: Competitive capital construction grants to improve health, safety, and security in Colorado public school facilities.
Key Information: Matching funds required; eligibility limited to Colorado public schools, charter schools, BOCES, and the Colorado School for the Deaf and the Blind.
Description
The Building Excellent Schools Today (BEST) Grant Program, administered by the Colorado Department of Education, provides competitive grants to support capital construction projects that address critical health, safety, and security needs in Colorado public schools. The program aims to create equitable, high-quality learning environments for students and staff across the state, with a special focus on rural and small rural districts that often lack local funding capacity. Projects funded include roof and boiler replacements, security upgrades, major renovations, and full school replacements. The program is a significant driver of facility improvement and job creation in Colorado’s education sector.
