Conservation Trust Fund (CTF)
The Conservation Trust Fund provides Colorado local governments with quarterly funding to acquire, develop, and maintain public parks, recreation, and conservation sites using state lottery proceeds.
Funder: Department of Local Affairs
Due Dates: December 31, 2026 (Annual Certification of Eligibility) | March 31, 2027 (Annual Status and Spending Report)
Funding Amounts: ~$71.7 million distributed statewide in 2024; allocations are per capita and vary by local government size.
Summary: Quarterly funding for Colorado local governments to acquire, develop, and maintain public parks, recreation, and conservation sites.
Key Information: For Colorado counties, municipalities, and Title 32 special districts providing park and recreation services.
Description
The Conservation Trust Fund (CTF), administered by the Colorado Department of Local Affairs (DOLA), provides quarterly, formula-based funding to eligible local governments—including counties, cities, towns, and Title 32 special districts—for projects that support parks, open space, recreation facilities, and conservation sites. Funds are intended for the acquisition, development, and maintenance of new conservation sites, as well as capital improvements or maintenance for recreational purposes on any public site. The CTF is funded by a portion of state lottery proceeds and is distributed on a per capita basis.
