GOCO Funds Can Revitalize Your School Yard!

How is GOCO fundedGOCO funding opportunities for schools Program funding parametersEligibility criteria2014 School Play Yard InitiativeImportant datesHelpful tips

Agenda

Entirely by the Colorado LotteryZero tax dollars

How is GOCO funded?

•Local Park and Outdoor Recreation (LPOR) Program•Mini Grant Program•School Play Yard Initiative

GOCO Funding Opportunities For Schools

Cedaredge Elementary• All GOCO grants are: • Provided on a reimbursement basis• Matching grants, requiring funds from the applicant/partner• Competitive

Funding Parameters Requirement (Match requirements based on total project cost)

School Play Yard

LPOR Mini

Maximum grant $100,000

$350,000

$45,000

Maximum total project cost None None $60,000

Minimum overall match to be provided by applicant/partners (cash and/or inkind)

25% 30% 25%

Minimum % of  overall match that must be cash

10% 10% 10%

Maximum % of total project cost that can be funded by GOCO

75% 70% 75%

•Entities eligible to apply for Local Government funds: • Cities, towns, counties, and special park & rec districts that receive Conservation Trust Fund dollars (CTF)

•Schools must partner with an eligible entity to construct projects on school grounds.• Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA)• Local Government serves as GOCO applicant/grantee• School serves as partner

Eligibility Criteria

2014 School Play Yard Initiative

Burlington Middle SchoolBefore and After

Projects must be constructed on/adjacent to school grounds•Projects must be designed by students •Projects must include play elements AND outdoor learning components•Funds can be used to build new school play yards•Funds can be used to enhance existing facilities•All school yards must be open to public when school is not in session

School Play Yard Project Requirements

Eligible Project Components

Natural/Wildzone playscapes

Age Specific playgrounds, climbing structures, and safety surfacing

Eligible Project Components

Outdoor Classrooms, Shade Structures and

Pavilions

Eligible Project Components

Educational gardens, and interpretive signs

Eligible Project Components

Informal rec fields,painting for games such asfour square, walking paths

Eligible Project Components

Eligible Project ComponentsOther amenities including:

Basketball hoopsDrinking fountainsBenchesPicnic Tables

Athletic courtsStaff time (applicant or partner)Operations, maintenance or administrativeProgrammatic fundingNon-fixed assets (i.e., lawn mowers, shovels, etc.)

Outdoor Performing Art Centers/Amphitheater

Work completed prior to grant award

Ineligible Project Costs

• 22 applications received requesting $2.1 million• $1.5 million awarded to 16 projects•More than 6,000 students participated in the design process and will benefit from new and improved school play yards!

Highlights from 2013 School Play Yard Initiative

Application deadlineJanuary 17th, 2014

Award dateApril 2014 (exact date TBD)

Important Dates

Contact GOCO staff with questions

Submit applications for a pre-review

Remember the process is very competitive.

Helpful Tips

Questions?

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