Community Schoolyards Grant Program
The Community Schoolyards Grant funds planning, design, and construction of accessible, park-like schoolyards in Colorado to promote equity, learning, and community well-being, especially in underserved areas.
Funder: Department of Local Affairs
Due Dates (Anticipated): April 2027 (Full application, projected)
Funding Amounts: Up to $1,000,000 per project: $150,000 for planning/design and $850,000 for construction; total program allocation $3.8M per cycle.
Summary: Supports planning, design, and construction of accessible, park-like community schoolyards in Colorado to address inequities and promote community well-being.
Key Information: Requires partnerships with a community-use partner and a community-based organization; local match of 25% required for projects ≥$1M.
Description
The Community Schoolyards Grant Program, administered by the Colorado Department of Local Affairs (DOLA), funds the planning, design, and construction of innovative community schoolyards at elementary and secondary schools across Colorado. The program aims to transform traditional school grounds into accessible, park-like environments that serve both students and the broader community, with a focus on addressing inequities in underserved and underfunded areas—especially those impacted by mineral and mineral fuel development. Projects must demonstrate community need, integrate environmental stewardship, and foster hands-on learning, health, and social opportunities.
This program supports both the planning/design and construction phases in a single application, streamlining the process from concept to completion. All projects must include formal partnerships with both a community-use partner and a community-based organization (CBO) with expertise in outdoor learning or education spaces.
