News Archive

March 13, 2024

Apply for $500k in Search and Rescue and Rec/Trail Safety Services Grants by April 19

The Spring 2024 grant pool is open to search and rescue (SAR) groups and any agency or organization that seeks to make public trails and recreational areas in Boulder County safer to access and use for all community members.
Collage showing various emergency on-trail rescues by responders on foot, horseback, and in rushing water
  • Financial grants are available for Search & Rescue and Trail & Trailhead Safety Service Providers in Boulder County.
  • Grant money is provided by the Boulder County Emergency Services Sales & Use Tax.
  • The deadline to apply for a grant is Friday, April 19, by 2 p.m.

To receive this information in another language, call or email Barb Halpin at 720-564-2830 or bhalpin@bouldercounty.gov.

Boulder County, Colo. -- Search and Rescue Organizations and Trail and Trailhead Safety Service Providers in Boulder County can now apply for funding through the 2024 (Spring) Emergency Services Grant Program. The program is funded by the Boulder County Emergency Services Sales and Use Tax which voters approved in November 2022.

The spring grant pool is open to search and rescue (SAR) groups and any agency or organization that seeks to make public trails and recreational areas in Boulder County safer to access and use for all community members. Applications that promote collaboration, equity, and inclusion are strongly encouraged.

Note: Fire protection districts are asked to wait for the Fall 2024 grant round to apply for a round of grants specifically designated for fire district-provided emergency services.

The purpose of the Spring 2024 grant round is to provide funding for the following emergency services needs in Boulder County:

  • Capital, including facilities and equipment, and operational costs of search and rescue organizations that can assist the County in responding to emergencies;
  • Trail and trailhead safety services implemented on public trails and open space/recreational areas in Boulder County;
  • Innovative pilot program proposals for emergency response or public safety enhancements on public trails and open space/recreational areas in Boulder County.

The Grant Program is intended to help fill gaps in funding for specific uses, such as those identified through stakeholder listening/input sessions. The Application Guidelines and Eligibility Requirements are provided below and also available online at: boco.org/EmergencyServicesGrants.

How to Apply

To apply for the Spring 2024 SAR/Trail Safety Grant Round, follow these instructions:

  1. Review Grant Eligibility & Criteria to determine if your agency or organization qualifies for a grant in this funding cycle.
  2. Review Application Guidelines for a list of application questions and other details.
  3. Follow the Online Grant Platform Instructions for step-by-step instructions on how to complete a proposal.
  4. Apply using the Emergency Services Grant Application portal (online application).

Note: The application platform will close promptly at 2 p.m. MT on April 19, 2024.

Additional information is available on the website at boco.org/EmergencyServicesGrants. For more information, email Barb Halpin at bhalpin@bouldercounty.gov or call 720-564-2830.
Collage showing various emergency on-trail rescues by responders on foot, horseback, in snow, and in rushing water

The Spring 2024 grant pool is open to search and rescue (SAR) groups and any agency or organization that seeks to make public trails and recreational areas in Boulder County safer to access and use for all community members.

Collage of all three Boulder County Commissioners