Conservation Trust Fund (CTF)
Conservation Trust Fund (CTF) supports Colorado local governments in acquiring, developing, and maintaining conservation sites and improving public sites for parks, open space, and recreation.
Funder: Department of Local Affairs
Due Dates: December 31, 2026 (Eligibility certification) | March 31, 2027 (Annual spending report)
Funding Amounts: Quarterly population-based distributions; 2025 statewide total: $70,679,512.01 ($12.03 per capita share)
Summary: Supports Colorado local governments in acquiring, developing, and maintaining conservation sites and improving public recreation sites.
Key Information: Recipients must establish a local Conservation Trust Fund and certify its creation to DOLA.
Description
The Conservation Trust Fund (CTF) distributes a constitutionally mandated portion of Colorado Lottery proceeds directly to eligible local governments based on population. Administered and monitored by the Department of Local Affairs (DOLA), Division of Local Government, the program supports parks, open space, and recreational facilities through quarterly distributions to more than 480 local governments.
Funding supports the acquisition, development, and maintenance of new conservation sites, as well as capital improvements or maintenance for recreational purposes on public sites. Conservation sites can include interests in land and water for parks, recreation, open space, or scientific, historic, scenic, aesthetic, and similar purposes. The program also permits specified expenditures for television relay and translator facilities.
