Colorado Launches Legal Support Program to Help Communities Navigate Federal Funding Disputes

Colorado is launching a $150,000 legal support program this spring to help local governments and nonprofits navigate federal funding disputes. The initiative, the first statewide effort of its kind, opens applications January 26.

For counties like Larimer and Weld, where many local governments and nonprofits lack in-house counsel, the program provides legal help that could determine whether critical federal funding—used for infrastructure, housing, and human services—is protected.

The Office of Federal Funds and Strategic Initiatives and the Colorado Department of Local Affairs will award the $150,000 to a single qualified legal service organization to assist communities that depend on federal funding. The program prioritizes small local governments and nonprofits.

The program is funded by $75,000 from the state, $50,000 from the Gates Family Foundation, and $25,000 from Rose Community Foundation. Applications open January 26 and close February 13. The program launches in April for one year.

Governor Jared Polis said federal funding plays a critical role in delivering infrastructure, services, and economic opportunity in communities across the state. "The Local Legal Support Program is a smart, proactive way to make sure Colorado's local governments and nonprofits—especially in smaller and rural communities—have the tools they need to protect those investments," Polis said.

Larimer County's 2024 financial report illustrates the stakes. Operating grants and contributions totaled $110 million, with Health and Human Services accounting for $59 million. The county also administers roughly $74 million in SNAP benefits and $101 million in EBT authorizations—which means federal rule changes directly affect how the county delivers services.

"Navigating federal funding cuts is hard when staff bandwidth is tight," said Maria De Cambra, Executive Director of the Colorado Department of Local Affairs. "We want to make sure no community misses out on critical federal funding because they don't have the legal services they need."

Local governments and nonprofit organizations with questions about the program can contact [email protected] for more information.