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Larimer OEM Community Mitigation Grant Program

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Grants for Community-Led Mitigation Projects 

Larimer County has a long history of disasters. In fact, Larimer County has had more federally declared disasters than any other county in Colorado. Hazard Mitigation is key to reducing and even avoiding damages during a disaster. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) estimates that on average, for every $1 spent on hazard mitigation, $6 in savings are realized. However, the Larimer County Office of Emergency Management (OEM) recognizes that the cost of hazard mitigation is a barrier to this important cost-saving work. To remove this barrier to community members in Larimer County, OEM has created the Community Mitigation Grant Program. This program was started in 2022 and is now beginning its second year. $50,000 has been allocated to fund mitigation work in Larimer County for 2023.

2023 Grant Cycle 

The 2023 Grant Cycle is now closed; please check back in January 2024 for the 2024 Grant Cycle Application. Eligible applicants include individuals, small groups, and non-profits. Eligible applicants can only be awarded twice in a three-year period. Applicants may apply for a specific project request up to $10,000. Applicants will need to demonstrate community support and community engagement with the proposed project. Preference will be given to projects with multiple stakeholders and large community buy-in and participation.

Important Dates

  • 2024 Applications open in Early January 2024.

Funding Limitations

The following will NOT be accepted as eligible requests for funding: 

  • Salaries 
  • Staff capacity 
  • Project planning expenses 
  • Road maintenance and repair
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  1. Individuals, Non-profits, Road Associations, Housing Associations, and other similar type groups may apply. Small grassroots community groups will take priority over larger Non-profits. 
  2. Projects must be located in Larimer County and must mitigate the risk from one or more hazard(s).
  3. All landowners participating in the project must agree in writing to the project. 

  4. **NEW in 2024** Applicants can only be awarded twice in a three year period. Therefore, applicants that were awarded in BOTH 2022 and 2023, are not eligible in 2024.

Grant funding will be awarded via a competitive process. Proposals will be scored by Larimer County OEM using a points-based system. Points are given based on the following: 
  1. The project’s overall contribution to the long-term resilience, defined as "a deliberate effort to cope with surprise or adversity," of the community as a whole (i.e. the reduction of the impact of natural hazards to the community as a result of the project). (5 points)
  2. The level of community involvement, buy-in, and participation, both for the project and for future mitigation efforts related to the project. (Who supports the project in your community and what are your long-term plans to continue efforts) (5 points)
  3. The level of partnership engagement and development during the planning of the project. (What groups have you brought to the table and support what you would like to do). (5 points)
Total of 15 Points available.
 
Please note that grant scores weigh heavily on projects with a lot of community involvement and partnerships. If the proposal is rejected due to a low score, Larimer County OEM may reach out with suggestions on how the project might be improved for future consideration.
 
  1. Grants will be awarded on a reimbursement basis, however, if the applicant cannot complete the project due to lack of available funding capacity, Larimer OEM can negotiate with the applicant to provide funds up front. This will be determined on a case by case basis.
  2. If selected to receive the grant, a Contract and Declaration between Larimer County and the grant recipient is required prior to receive the award. The contract will include the amount of the grant award, specific items funded, the timeline for project completion, monitoring and reporting requirements, and other conditions. 
  3. Prior to the project beginning a community meeting with all stakeholders involved must occur. OEM must be made aware of the meeting and who is attending prior to the meeting occurring. OEM may attend if able. 
  4. If a funded project changes from the initial application and budget, a written change request is required before any dollars are spent. 
  5. The award recipient must keep track of all project expenditures and submit receipts for all items purchased with small grant funds. 
  6. Pictures of the work, before, after, and AS IT OCCURS must be taken and submitted by the award recipient. 
  7. Site visits may be requested prior, during, or after the project’s completion. 
  8. A final report on the project’s process and outcomes including receipts must be submitted by November 5th, 2023.
 
  • Crystal Mountain, Post-Fire Mitigation Project - $10,000
  • Estes Valley Watershed Coalition Mary's Lake Wildfire Mitigation Project - $8,000
  • Glacier View Meadows R&R HOA, Slash Pile Chipping - $8,000
  • Glen Haven Association, Chipping Program - $1,362
  • Horsetooth Lake Estates HOA, Wildfire Mitigation Project - $8,000
  • Lazy D Corporation, River Debris Clean Up Project - $6,000
  • Red Feather Highlands Maintenance Association, Wildfire Mitigation Project - $5,638
  • The Retreat Landowners Association, Chipping Program - $3,000

Application

The Application for 2023 is CLOSED. The Application for 2024 will be posted in January 2024. 

If you have questions, please contact
Camille Millard: millarcl@co.larimer.co.us