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A bear in a tree, in Littleton, Colorado. Photo by Jason Clay.

A bear in a tree, in Littleton, Colorado. Photo by Jason Clay.

About the Grants

Human-Bear Conflict Reduction Grants

The purpose of the Human-Bear Conflict Reduction Community Grant Program is to provide local Colorado communities with financial resources to support efforts to reduce human-bear conflicts. Additionally, the grant program will serve to foster innovative solutions to human-bear conflict that can be replicated in other parts of the state and bolster efforts of all communities in Colorado to prevent conflict. This effort will be in tandem with all other tools available to protect human health and safety including bear management, CPW bear conflict response and the game damage program.

Currently Open: The Human Bear Conflict Reduction Community Grant Program is now accepting applications for the 2026 grant cycle. The deadline to apply is May 29th, 2026.

22

Awarded Grants in 2025

$1M

Awarded in 2025

$3.9M

in Total Awards

Grant Cycle 2026

How to Apply

Applications are available and are due by May 29th, 2026 at 5 p.m. For questions on applying please contact Travis Long [email protected].  Application assistance is available.

    Step 1: Check Eligibility

    Eligible Projects

    The goal of the Human-Bear Conflict Reduction Community Grant Program is to reduce conflicts between local communities and black bears. Characteristics of projects that help meet this goal include:

    • The project reduces the availability of attractants to black bears in communities experiencing human-bear conflict OR the project disincentivizes black bears from entering areas of high conflict (i.e. hazing).
    • The project has local community support or a detailed plan to build local support.
    • The project is a cost-effective investment that has the potential to last beyond the funding time frame.
    • The project utilizes proven techniques for preventing conflict or will explore an innovation with a promise to prevent conflict.

    Ineligible Projects/Project Elements 

    Projects should primarily benefit Colorado communities and have local support, including the support of local CPW staff. Projects without local support or that have a more general benefit may not be eligible for funding.

    Stand alone research will not be eligible for funding. However applicants are encouraged to include plans for project evaluation which may include data collection and analysis.

    Funds may not be used for lobbying.

    Private businesses may apply for funding but need to demonstrate community value and meet other criteria for eligible projects. Grant money may not be used to directly generate revenue or profit.

    Grant Guidelines

    Before submitting your application, please review the Human-Bear Conflict Reduction
    Community Grant Program Guidelines.

    Step 2: Compile Your Application

    Compile Your Application

    The main sections in the application form request information on:

    • The current issues/problems the project seeks to address.
    • The project proposal.
    • Explanation of planned work.
    • Project budget.
    • Expected outcomes of the project.
    • Community support for your project.

    Additional information that will be part of the application includes the project sponsor and contacts, the project site, descriptions and drawings of the proposed improvements, landownership information, and any letters of support from financial and local community partners. 

    The application should strive to make the strongest and clearest case possible for why the proposed project is a good one, the benefits that will result, and the project's well-thought-out design.

    Step 3: Application Review

    Application Evaluation, Selection, and Notification Process

    Applications will be evaluated for how well they meet the goal of the grant program and how well the applicant can meet the requirements outlined under funding considerations. Applicants will be notified of the outcome of the process in late August 2026. Successful applicants will have until December 31, 2028 to utilize the funding with an option to extend until December 2029.

    Matching Funds

    • All applicants are now required to provide a minimum 25% match of the total project budget. This can be met through cash, in-kind services, or donations.
    • Exemption Process: A Match Exemption Request section has been added to the application for applicants who face significant financial hardship or unique barriers that prevent them from meeting the 25% requirement.

    Funding Considerations

    The following will be taken into consideration when evaluating applications:

    • Addresses a recognized human-bear conflict situation.
    • Likelihood of reduced human-bear conflict as a result of the proposed project.
    • Applicant’s track record of working in the community and/or on bear conflict.
    • The proposal fills a local/regional need.
    • Ability to complete the planned project.
    • Geographic distribution of funding.
    • Cost-effectiveness.
    • Support of local government and local CPW staff.

    Grant Deadlines

    Application Opens

    February 2nd, 2026

    Applications Due

    Applications are due to the program coordinator.

    May 29th, 2026

    5:00 p.m. MT.

    Applications reviewed by CPW staff

    Applications are reviewed by regional CPW personnel, which may include discussions with applicants and suggested improvements to project proposals.

    June 1st - 26th, 2026

    Applications reviewed and scored by grant panelists

    Applications are reviewed by regional CPW personnel, which may include discussions with applicants and suggested improvements to project proposals.

    June 29th - July 28th, 2026

    Grant Panel meeting

    Panelists meet to discuss applications and make funding recommendations to the leadership of CPW.

    July 29th, 2026

    Successful Applicants Notified

    The CPW Director's funding decision is sent out with letters to successful applicants with conditional project approval.

    Late August, 2026

    Approved Projects Finalized

    The final project design and financing is secured, and the scope of work is defined. Purchase orders or state contracts are put in place. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will review the project, and any National Environmental Policy Act compliance issues and external compliance issues must be completed.

    August 2026 to March 2027

    Contact

    Please email any questions about human bear conflict reduction grants to: