Community Schoolyards Grant Program
The Community Schoolyards Grant Program from the Department of Local Affairs funds the creation of innovative, accessible schoolyards that support education, health, and ecological goals in underserved Colorado communities.
Funder: Department of Local Affairs
Due Dates (Anticipated): April 2027 (full application deadline, projected)
Funding Amounts: Up to $1,000,000 per project ($150,000 for planning/design, $850,000 for construction); 25% local match required for projects ≥$1M; total program allocation $4M through June 2027.
Summary: Supports Colorado local governments and school districts to plan, design, and build innovative, accessible community schoolyards that address inequities in underserved areas.
Key Information: Requires formal partnerships with a community-use partner and a community-based organization; community access outside school hours is mandatory.
Description
The Community Schoolyards Grant Program, administered by the Colorado Department of Local Affairs (DOLA), funds the planning, design, and construction of park-like schoolyards at elementary and secondary schools across Colorado. The program aims to address inequities in underserved and underfunded communities—especially those affected by mineral and mineral fuel development—by transforming traditional school grounds into accessible, multi-use spaces. These schoolyards are intended to foster hands-on learning, improve health and well-being, strengthen ecological systems, and provide social and recreational opportunities for both students and the broader community.
Projects must demonstrate community need, integrate environmental and educational features, and be developed through a community-centered participatory design process involving students, educators, and local residents. A single application may cover both planning/design and construction, streamlining the funding process and supporting projects from concept to completion.
