Colorado Backcountry Search and Rescue (BSAR) organizations are volunteer-based and provide search and rescue services throughout Colorado, free of charge, to those stranded, lost or injured in the backcountry. Grant funds are available to Colorado counties and nonprofit BSAR organizations to enable volunteers to continue to provide services.
BSAR Reimbursement
All reimbursement requests must be certified by the sheriff and submitted to CPW, using the 'Incident Reimbursement Request' Google Document below, within 60 days of the incident end date. Contact the BSAR Program Manager if you intend to submit a request late or have any other questions.
Document Links
BSAR Funding
Two BSAR funding streams exist for Counties and SAR teams:
“Year-End Distributions" are funded by any money remaining in the Backcountry Search and Rescue Fund after all incident reimbursements and administrative costs incurred throughout the year have been paid. The funding is divided among applicant counties for the purchase of equipment and training.
“Flexible Fund" grants are awarded through a competitive application process and may be used to purchase reasonable and necessary services, equipment, training, and for special circumstances.
BSAR Flexible Fund Grant (pursuant to C.R.S. §33-1-112.5.(1)(c)(I))
Eligibility: All Colorado counties and non-profit organizations that provide BSAR services
2023/24 Timeline
Funding Amount: $1.1m
- Notice of funding opportunity announced: January 24, 2023
- Applications open: Jan 24, 2023
- Application close: March 1, 2023 (Closed)
- Early March - A review panel meets to evaluate applications and to develop funding recommendations.
- Funding awards announced: May 19, 2023 (estimated)
- Award letters sent: May 22, 2023 (estimated)
- Grant Closeout Reports Due - June 30, 2024
Year-End Distribution (pursuant to C.R.S. §33-1-112.5.(1)(c)(II))
Eligibility: All Colorado counties with coordinated backcountry search and rescue teams
Annual Timeline
- Funding amount: TBD
- Notice of funding opportunity announced: May 1
- Applications open: May 1
- Application close: June 30
- Funding awards announced: September
- Award letters sent: September
- Grant Closeout Reports Due: June 30, 2024
Apply for Year-End BSAR Grant
The following links will go live May 1:
- Google Form Application
- Notice of Funding Opportunity
- Mission Load/Planned Purchase Document
Distribution Report Documents
