Funding Opportunities

Program Overview

The Colorado Circular Communities (C3) program, authorized by HB24-1449, provides grants funded by a fee on solid waste disposed of in Colorado landfills. Previously, these fees were collected under the Front Range Waste Diversion (FRWD) and Recycling Resources Economic Opportunity (RREO) programs. To date, these programs have awarded over $43 million in grants, and the C3 program is committed to continuing this support.

C3 funding opportunities are available on an ongoing basis. Project types can vary widely but must request goods and services that contribute to the advancement of a circular economy in Colorado.

General Eligibility

To qualify for C3 funding opportunities, projects must promote a circular economy, defined as an economy that:

  • Uses a systems-focused approach that involves industrial processes and economic activities that are restorative or regenerative by design;

  • enables resources used in industrial processes and economic activities to maintain their highest value for as long as possible, and;

  • aims to eliminate waste through the superior design of materials, products, and processes, including  business models.

Circular economy projects include waste aversion and diversion efforts, accomplished through sustainable design, remanufacturing, distribution/market development, source reduction, reuse, repair, recovery, collection, recycling, composting, anaerobic digestion, or biochar production.

All applicants are limited to one (1) Colorado Circular Communities Enterprise funding award per calendar year.

With the exception of anaerobic digestion and biochar production, no portion of the waste-to-energy process is eligible for funding. Projects utilizing technologies such as mass burn, gasification, pyrolysis (outside of biochar), plasma arc, and other thermal technologies are not eligible for C3 funding.

Any funds spent before full execution of an agreement are not eligible for reimbursement. Financed vehicles, equipment or supplies funded by a loan where the awardee does not hold the title or rights to the item are not eligible for reimbursement.

Who Can Apply

  • Local Governments

  • Tribes

  • Nonprofit Organizations

  • For-Profit Organizations

  • Institutions of Higher Education

  • Public & Private Schools

All applicants must meet the following requirements:

  • Be registered and in good standing with the Colorado Secretary of State.

  • Maintain good standing with all regulatory programs, including CDPHE, EPA, and OSHA.

  • Be in good standing with the Colorado Department of Revenue.

  • Comply with all applicable federal, state, and local permitting, zoning, and code requirements.

All applicants will be required to:

  • Submit a W9.

  • Submit an electronic funds transfer application (if preferred).

  • Submit a certificate of insurance meeting minimum requirements (for awards over $10k, for-profit and nonprofits only) within 15 calendar days of receiving an award.

  • Enter into an agreement with the C3 Enterprise. When submitting an application for a C3 grant, applicants agree to adhere to the state's terms and conditions. Terms and conditions of the agreements will not be altered. Inability to agree to terms and conditions will disqualify entities for funding. We encourage prospective grant applicants to carefully review the agreement language before initiating the application process.

Grant Funding Opportunities

Available on an ongoing basis.

Mini Grants

Available Year-Round

  • Awards up to $50,000.

  • Contract term of no more than six months.

  • Eligible expenses include but are not limited to: equipment and supplies, signage, outreach/education, event space fees, event marketing/promotion, repairs, and contractual labor expenses.

  • Operating expenses for existing programs and services are not eligible for this funding opportunity.

Application Process:

  • Watch the Pre-Application Video - You will be required to confirm that you have watched the recorded pre-application video in order to apply.

  • Review the Mini Grant Guidelines - Read through the entire grant manual to learn about the details of the grant opportunity prior to applying.

  • Submit Your Application – Applications are always open, and available on a rolling basis. Submit your application when you are ready to apply! Please note that applicants are limited to one C3 grant award per calendar year.

  • Receive a Decision - Expect a decision within 60 days of submitting your application.

Application Requirements:

  • Project Details

  • Vendor quotes

Impact Grants

Available Year-Round

  • Awards between $50,000-$250,000.

  • Contract term of no more than 18 months.

  • Eligible expenses include but are not limited to: staffing, supplies and equipment, contractual costs, infrastructure, marketing and communications, project planning, policy research and development, community engagement, and outreach/education.

  • Ineligible Expenses include leases or rent for real property, travel, subscriptions, memberships, scholarships, activities outside of Colorado, lobbying, and fundraising events.

Note: The following expenses are eligible only for private sector entities: marketing and communications, project planning, policy research and development, community engagement, and outreach/education. Public sector entities seeking support for these services are encouraged to explore the STEPS program.

Application Process:

  • Watch the Pre-Application Video - You will be required to confirm that you have watched the recorded pre-application video in order to apply.

  • Review the Impact Grant Guidelines - Read through the entire grant manual to learn about the details of the grant opportunity prior to applying.

  • Submit Your Application – Applications are always open, and available on a rolling basis. Submit your application when you are ready to apply! Please note that applicants are limited to one C3 grant award per calendar year.

  • Receive a Decision – Expect a decision within 90 days of submitting your application.

Application Requirements:

  • Project details

  • Work plan

  • Project budget

  • Vendor quote(s)

  • Resume(s) for key project staff and/or mission statement for key project partners

  • Previous fiscal year financial statements

  • Subcontractor commitments (if applicable)

  • A letter of commitment from leadership (required for education and government)

  • Annual report (optional)

  • Letters of support (optional)

Capacity Building Grants

Available Year-Round (by invitation only)

  • For requests over $250,000.

  • For large, catalytic projects with significant impact on the circular economy in Colorado.

  • Must meet one or more of C3’s strategic goals.

  • By invitation-only.

How to Apply:

  • Review the Capacity Building Grant Guidelines - Read through the entire grant manual to learn about the details of the grant opportunity prior to applying.

  • Invitation Only - Interested applicants should submit an office hour inquiry to speak with the C3 Outreach and Technical Assistance (OTA) unit regarding their project.

  • Submit Your Application – Only invited applicants will be provided a link to apply. The OTA unit will work with the applicant to develop a project proposal including work plan and budget to be presented to the C3 Board of Directors.

  • Receive a Decision – The timeframe for a decision will depend on the complexity of the project and the approval process by the Board. Applicants should anticipate 90 days from the point of approval to contract execution.