Windy Gap Fund
Supports science-based projects to restore habitats and improve water quality in the Colorado River watershed impacted by the Windy Gap Project.
Funder: Grand Foundation
Due Dates: June 26, 2026 (Letter of Intent) | October 2, 2026 (Full application)
Funding Amounts: No cap per project; ~$15M total available over program; recent grants range from ~$25,000 to >$1M
Summary: Supports projects that restore aquatic habitats and water quality in the Colorado River watershed affected by the Windy Gap Project.
Key Information: LOI required before full application; 501(c)(3)s, state/public entities, and state colleges/universities eligible.
Description
The Windy Gap Fund, administered by the Grand Foundation, provides grant funding for projects that improve aquatic and riparian habitat and water quality in the Colorado River watershed—from upstream of the Windy Gap Reservoir to its confluence with the Williams Fork. The fund was established as part of a federal settlement related to the Windy Gap Project and aims to address environmental impacts such as increased river temperatures, sediment transport, aquatic health, and nutrient levels. Additional priorities include enhancing aquatic species diversity, reducing silt and rooted vegetation, improving fish movement, supporting waterfowl and migratory bird habitats, and increasing wildfire/drought resilience and groundwater sustainability.
Eligible projects may involve design, construction, and maintenance, and can be pilot, design, or phased efforts. The selection committee encourages collaborative, matching, or challenge grant approaches and seeks projects with significant restoration and geographic impact.
