Colorado Launches NOFA for New Local Legal Support Program to Help Communities Protect Federal Funding

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DENVER ~ Denver, CO - In a joint effort, the Governor's Office of Federal Funds and Strategic Initiatives (OFFSI) and the Colorado Department of Local Affairs (DOLA) have announced the launch of a new program aimed at providing legal support to local governments and non-profit organizations in Colorado. The Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) for the Colorado Local Legal Support Program was released today, marking the first public-private initiative of its kind in the state.

Governor Jared Polis expressed his enthusiasm for the program, stating that federal funding is crucial for delivering infrastructure, services, and economic opportunities to communities across Colorado. He believes that this partnership will provide much-needed tools for local governments and non-profits, especially those in smaller and rural communities, to protect their investments.

DOLA's Executive Director Maria De Cambra also emphasized the importance of this initiative in fulfilling their mission to strengthen Colorado communities and act as a liaison between the state and local governments. She acknowledged that navigating federal funding cuts can be overwhelming for smaller organizations with limited resources, making legal assistance essential.

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The program will award $150,000 to a qualified legal service organization to provide support to local governments and non-profits that receive direct federal funding. It aims to prioritize smaller entities with limited legal capacity to ensure they are not left behind as federal rules and compliance requirements continue to evolve.

Through this program, eligible entities will have access to legal guidance on navigating changes in federal funding, addressing grant management challenges, and other forms of support. This will help keep vital local investments on track and benefitting Colorado communities.

Funding for this initiative comes from a combination of $75,000 from the state government, $50,000 from philanthropic support by the Gates Family Foundation, and $25,000 contributed by Rose Community Foundation. These organizations share a commitment to strengthening local capacity and safeguarding federal resources for Colorado communities.

Tom Gougeon, President of the Gates Family Foundation, expressed their confidence in Colorado communities and their efforts to strengthen local priorities. He believes that this collaborative investment highlights the dedication of partners across the state to ensure federal resources benefit communities of all sizes.

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Lindy Eichenbaum Lent, President and CEO of Rose Community Foundation, also emphasized the importance of this partnership in expanding access to legal support for nonprofits, local governments, and tribal partners. She believes that this will help protect federal funding for essential services that many Coloradans rely on.

The NOFA for the Local Legal Support Program will be available on DOLA's grants portal starting Monday, January 26 at 10:30am MST and will remain open until Friday, February 13 at 5:00pm MST. The program is expected to launch in April 2026 and will operate for one year from the date of contract execution.

For any questions about the Colorado Local Legal Support Program, interested parties can contact llsp@state.co.us for more information. This program is a significant step towards ensuring that local governments and non-profits have the necessary legal support to navigate federal funding challenges and continue serving their communities effectively.

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