CCCF: Common Ground Program - Agricultural Enhancement Grants

The CCCF: Common Ground Program - Agricultural Enhancement Grants aims to support agricultural operations on qualified properties with conservation agreements or public lands. Funded by the Chaffee County Community Foundation, the program encourages sustainable practices to strengthen forest health, protect water quality, and enhance wildlife habitats. Grants range from $5,001 to $100,000 annually, with a focus on projects that demonstrate measurable results and community impact. Collaboration across funding categories and leveraging resources is encouraged.

NOTE: Please find the additional associated grants related to this opportunity -
Here is the Forest Health and Wildfire Resilience Planning & Education Grants page.Here is the Forest Health and Fire Resilience Project Grants page.Here is the Agricultural Program Grants page.Here is the Sustainable Agriculture - Conservation Easement & Acquisition Grants page.Here is the Recreation Impacts Planning and Monitoring Grants page.Here is the Recreation Impacts Management Grants page.Here is the Mini Grants page.
Chaffee County Community Foundation is honored to partner with Chaffee County and the Chaffee County Citizens Advisory Committee to administer the Chaffee County Common Ground Program funds.
Program Goals
Strengthening forest health and reducing wildfire dangerConserving and supporting agricultural lands and rural landscapesManaging the impacts of growth
Competitive Grant Program Goals
Strengthen forest health to protect the community from a large wildfire, protect water quality, and enhance wildlife habitat through planning and execution of forest treatment activities.Conserve and support working ranches, farms and rural landscapes through conservation easements and tools that enhance economic viability and longevity of working lands.
Protect landscapes and watershed health from negative impacts of outdoor recreation use through management, hardening, restoration, and education to disperse use and support conservation values.
Encourage action at scale across the landscape, to include landownership/management boundaries.
Encourage collaborative thought and action across funding categories.
Fund successful programs.
Maximize impact by working to leverage overall Chaffee Common Ground funds by at least 2-1 through cash and in-kind matches on all combined programs (exceptions are permitted for individual programs).
Agricultural Enhancement Grants are for projects that support agricultural operations on qualified properties with conservation agreements in place or on public lands.
Funding
Request minimum: 5,001 per yearRequest maximum: $100,000 per year
For proposals of $50,000 or more, the applicant demonstrates a track record of success with a program of similar scope and scale.

Eligibility

Applicant Eligibility:Chaffee County Rancher or FarmerFederal Agency
State Agency
Nonprofit organizations including ditch companiesFor Profit organization
OtherCapital equipment should be limited to project supplies that are used in the project or program.
Durable capital items with be considered if the applicant will retain, own and maintain the equipment.Permits and landowner permissions are in place and can be documented, with the exception of planning grants.The proposal budget, plan and timeline is complete at an acceptable level of detail and quality.The proposal demonstrates clear and measurable results.Agreement that funded proposals can be promoted by Chaffee Common Ground, including public news stories and signage.