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.
39
Awarded Grants
$2.9M
in Total Awards
$995k
Awarded in 2024
GRANT CYCLE 2025
How to Apply
Applications are available and are due by May 30th, 2025 at 5 p.m. For questions on applying please contact Travis Long travis.long@state.co.us. Application assistance is available.
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 Deadlines
Key Topic |
Description |
Date |
Time |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Application Opens |
March 14th, 2025 |
||
|
Applications Due |
Applications are due to the program coordinator. |
May 30th, 2025 |
5:00 p.m. MT. |
|
Applications Reviewed |
Applications are reviewed by regional CPW personnel, which may include discussions with applicants and suggested improvements to project proposals. |
May 30th, 2025 to June 20th, 2025 |
|
|
Review Panel Recommendations |
The review panel meets at CPW headquarters in Denver and creates a list of funding recommendations for the CPW Director. |
Late June, 2025 |
|
|
Successful Applicants Notified |
The CPW Directors funding decision is sent out with letters to successful applicants with conditional project approval. |
Late July, 2025 |
|
|
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. 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 2025 to March 2026 |
Contact
Please email any questions about human bear conflict reduction grants to:
Grants Program Coordinator
- Travis Long
- Colorado Parks and Wildlife
- travis.long@state.co.us