The Yampa River Fund has approximately $210,000 available to award to successful applicants in 2024. Grant applications will be accepted from Feb. 19 through Apr. 1.  

Eligible applicants include state and local government entities, public districts and irrigation entities, mutual ditch companies, homeowners’ associations and nonprofits. Private landowners are encouraged to partner with one of these entities to submit a grant application.

The Yampa River Fund is a community-based collaboration dedicated to identifying and funding activities that protect the water supply, aquatic habitat and multi-beneficial opportunities provided by the Yampa River. 

Launched in September 2019, the River Fund was created through a partnership of 21 public, private and nonprofit entities representing the entire Yampa River Basin coming together to create the board that governs the fund.  

“Now in our fifth year, we are excited that the Yampa River Fund continues to provide grant dollars each year that fund important projects that benefit our river,” said Mike Robertson, Yampa River Fund manager. “We all have a connection to the Yampa River and the River Fund is taking action to ensure both water security and river health for all of us and for future generations.”  

The River Fund invests in conservation and restoration activities that positively impact Yampa River flows and support natural resource-based livelihoods, including agriculture and recreation, throughout the basin. It also works to ensure that a healthy, flowing Yampa River remains the thriving center of our communities for generations to come. 

Projects that are prioritized for funding will: enhance water security for communities, agriculture, the economy and the natural environment in the Yampa Valley; support a healthy, flowing river and enhance critical low flows through water leases from reservoirs; and maintain or improve river function through a holistic approach to restoration of riparian and/or in-channel habitat. 

The Yampa River Fund Steering Committee will make its funding award decisions by mid-May. 

Technical support is available to help applicants develop grant proposals. Contact mike@friendsoftheyampa.com for more information. 

The Yampa River Fund Grant application and guidelines can be found at YampaRiverFund.org/grants. Past projects can be reviewed at YampaRiverFund.org/projects1.