Conservation Trust Fund (CTF)
Conservation Trust Fund (CTF) supports Colorado local governments in acquiring, developing, and maintaining conservation sites and improving public recreation assets 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 total: $70,679,512.01 ($11.98 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) is administered and monitored by the Colorado Department of Local Affairs through its Division of Local Government. It distributes a constitutionally mandated portion of Colorado Lottery proceeds directly to eligible local governments for parks, recreation, and open space. Funding is distributed quarterly using a population-based formula, reaching more than 480 local governments.
CTF supports acquisition, development, and maintenance of new conservation sites, as well as capital improvements and maintenance for recreational purposes on public sites. New conservation sites include interests in land and water acquired after establishing a local conservation trust fund, for purposes such as parks, open space, scientific conservation, historic preservation, and scenic protection. The program also permits specified expenditures for television relay and translator facilities.
