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Nature in the City Granting Opportunities#
Nature in the City helps fund community-driven projects that increase the quality and accessibility of natural spaces for both people and wildlife, as well as inspire stewardship. The two types of grant funding opportunities are:
Dream it Up: Planning grants can help groups form win-win partnerships, discover and overcome early challenges, and gain input and buy-in from the community the project will serve. Additionally, planning grants improve the quality of projects and the ease of implementation. An expected outcome might be a professional, community-approved landscape plan for your dream project. Dream it Up grants were funded in 2021 and 2023.
Make it Happen: Implementation grants help fund the installation of community projects that bring more wildlife habitat and access to nature into our community. Implementation grants can be small projects for natural spaces that need improved habitat or larger projects that create neighborhood buy-in, inspire stewardship, as well as provide habitat and access to nature. Make it Happen grants were funded in 2022 and will be again in 2024 for ready to install projects. Applications will be available and due this (2023) fall.
Get inspired and see what types of projects have been funded in the past, check out the Community Projects page or take a self-guided tour!
Resources for applying in the future#
These resources are from the last planning grant cycle. Implementation grant resources are very similar and will be posted here in the summer of 2023.
Review all the resources available to help you get ready for applying for Nature in the City funds.
- the Frequently Asked Questions section below,
- and please read the important step-by-step guide
- Watch this recorded “how to apply” presentation
- A copy of the planning grant application questions
- A fictional example planning grant application & attachments
Frequently Asked Questions#
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- Home Owner Associations
- Faith-based organizations
- Businesses
- Non-profits
- Affordable housing communities
- Mobile-home communities
- Schools
- Apartment Complexes
- Committed community members with creative project ideas
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Nature in the City can fund a wide variety of on the ground projects. Get creative with it! Some ideas include:
- Native-habitat gardens
- Nature play areas
- Outdoor classrooms/gathering spaces
- Mini habitat/pollinator restorations
- Turf conversions to native habitat
- Habitat enhancements to your existing green space
- Your unique ideas!
Check out some of the past projects here!
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- Projects within the Fort Collins growth management area
- Hiring a landscape company to install the project (implementation phase)
- Hiring a landscape designer to plan the project (planning phase)
- Up to 15% of your grant funds can go towards staff and outreach costs, collectively
- Completing a minor amendment through the City's Zoning Department for your project (planning or implementation phase)
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- Individual homeowner projects. Those are now funded through XIP (Xeric Incentive Program, see Native Bonus Rebate)
- Programs and activities (e.g. environmental education, clean up days, research)
- Project maintenance
- Projects outside of the City of Fort Collins growth management area
- Non-native landscapes
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- Completed application
- A project team (including landowner)
- Budget worksheet
- Site photos
- Landscape plan
- Landowner permission
Have More Questions?#
You can email us directly at any time:
- Kate Rentschlar, Nature in the City Environmental Planner at krentschlar@fcgov.com
- Rachel Steeves, Nature in the City Environmental Planner at rsteeves@fcgov.com
- Kristy Bruce, Nature in the City Environmental Planner at kbruce@fcgov.com