Regional Grant Navigator

Path to Grant Funding

Welcome to the Regional Grants Navigator Page for the Upper Arkansas Area Council of Governments (UAACOG), serving local governments throughout Region 13. Our commitment is to facilitate access to pivotal funding opportunities and aiding in the progress and prosperity of our communities.

Introducing the Regional Grant Navigator (RGN) Initiative

As part of a statewide initiative to enhance local access to federal funding, UAACOG is proud to present our Regional Grant Navigator service. This initiative supports local governments in harnessing funds from the landmark Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL), a federal act investing an unprecedented $550 billion in new infrastructure investments across the nation over five years.

Recognizing the challenge of limited capacity in pursuing funding, the Regional Grant Navigator role was established to provide essential on-the-ground assistance. This support extends to researching grant opportunities, offering technical support, and ensuring compliance with grant requirements.

Our Dedicated Regional Grant Navigator

We are excited to introduce Beth Lenz as our Regional Grant Navigator contact for Region 13. Beth's role includes a deep understanding of grant funding opportunities under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL), Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) and the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). She is dedicated to assisting local governments in navigating these funding opportunities.

UAACOG, in collaboration with governments and community groups, strives to access funding that brings economic benefits to our communities.

Services Offered by UAACOG's RGN

With the assistance of local governments, develop and maintain a regional “Needs List” for each local government.
Research IIJA/IRA/BIL funding opportunities and matching opportunities with identified needs.
Assist with project development.
Proofreading and reviewing grant applications.
Assisting with grant reports and fiscal agent referrals.
Assist with accessing LOMA (DOLA Local Match) funding for eligible projects.
Limited grant-writing assistance as per outlined guidelines.
Assist with referrals to DLG Grant Writing and Technical Assistance.
Eligibility and Guidelines for Assistance

In cases where multiple entities are applying for the same funding source, UAACOG encourages collaboration to enhance competitiveness. The UAACOG, in some instances, may also be able to serve as the Fiscal Agent for smaller municipalities who lack the administrative oversight to manage a federal project.

This initiative represents a significant step in fostering cooperation between Federal, State, and local governments. It's a concerted effort to bring more funding into our State to meet well-documented needs. To request assistance through the UAACOG Regional Navigator Program, please contact Beth today.

Governor Polis Announces Technical Assistance Program

for Local Governments, Tribes, and Special Districts

Helping More Colorado Communities Secure IIJA & IRA Funding

DENVER — Dec 29, 2023 - Today Governor Polis, in partnership with the State Legislature and Department of Local Affairs, announced the IIJA and IRA Grant Writing and Technical Assistance Program to help local governments access funding from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) and the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA).

“We want to ensure that Colorado continues to punch above our weight in drawing down critical federal funds. By offering support for grant writing and project planning, local governments and Tribes will have more tools to access funding and create a stronger future for our great state," said Governor Jared Polis.

Funding for this program comes from SB22-215 and SB23-283, sponsored by Senators Zenzinger and Bridges and Representatives Bird and Sirota, which established the IIJA Cash Fund.

The program offers four assistance options, ranging from independent review to full grant writing support and project planning assistance. Applicants can request a combination of project planning and grant writing support in a single application.

Counties, Municipalities, Special Districts and Tribes with limited budgets and grant writing capacity, especially those identified as disadvantaged or disproportionately impacted communities, are eligible to apply. Tools such as the Climate and Economic Justice (CEJST) Screening Tool, the federal Notice of Funding Opportunity guidelines, U.S. Census, and the Colorado Department of Public Health and and Environment Enviroscreen can be used to demonstrate community needs. The assistance is available only to apply for federal funds available through IIJA and IRA.

Prospective applicants are encouraged to carefully review the program guidelines before applying to maximize the benefits of this opportunity. The link to the application can be found within the program guidelines.

Additional Resources