Partner with VOC

Submit your project proposal to help protect Colorado’s public lands

STEWARDSHIP PROJECT APPLICATIONS

The VOC project selection process strives to select a diverse slate of projects that address agency and partner organization priorities, provide a safe, fun, and rewarding volunteer experience, and meet local community needs. 


Although you may submit applications at any time of the year, we ask that applications for 2027 projects be submitted by October 15, 2026.


Please review our project criteria and application process before applying to partner with VOC on a project. 

PROJECT CRITERIA

The criteria below will help you determine if your project may be a good volunteer opportunity with VOC.

Not all criteria listed are required for VOC to commit to a project but they serve as a helpful guide.

  • Project Criteria

    • There is a critical need for the project, such as high visitation, environmental degradation (including damage from fires or floods), threats to wildlife, water, or other resources, local community considerations, etc.
    • It has been identified as a high priority for your agency/organization/community.
    • The project has local community support.
    • The work can be accomplished in the agreed-to time-frame and during our field season (April through October).
    • The project will provide a rewarding, enjoyable, and safe volunteer experience.
    • There are opportunities for local community involvement.
    • There are additional educational and/or recreational opportunities associated with the project.
    • All required environmental studies such as NEPA will be completed before project planning begins. 
    • Your organization can assist in securing funding, sponsorships, grants, and/or other project resources such as in-kind support.

  • Required Minimum Project Commitments

    • Act as the liaison between your agency/organization and VOC. As we work through our project planning process, we rely on our partners for timely communication.
    • Ensure that an agency/organization representative is either on-site or available during project day(s).
    • Conduct an initial project review in 2026 through our scouting process, 1-2 site visits with the VOC project team in 2027, and engagement on various planning emails and calls
    • Provide any required project materials, including any materials needed to accomplish project work (e.g., lumber, plants, seed).
    • Work with VOC to provide appropriate emergency planning and response. Specific requirements may vary depending on project location. 
    • Provide sufficient parking for all projects and camping areas for overnight projects.
    • Arrange for water and sanitation services. All toilet facilities must be provided by the project partner. Unless in the case of a backcountry project, exceptions are rarely made.
    • Agree to assist VOC in planning a low-impact and/or zero-waste project, which may include assisting with trash and recycling removal after a project.
    • Assist with local community outreach and volunteer recruitment, if needed.
    • Help VOC show appreciation for project volunteer

PROJECT APPLICATION AND SELECTION PROCESS

Project applications will be reviewed and selected as they come in.


Although you may submit applications at any time of the year, we ask that applications for 2027 projects be submitted by October 15, 2026, for best consideration. This allows ample time for project scouting, marketing, and volunteer recruitment. If you are unable to submit by October 15, please reach out to Kelly Clouse at 303-715-1010 ext 118. Applicants with high-altitude projects are encouraged to submit as early as possible to allow for project scouting before winter conditions set in.

  • Before Submitting Your Project

  • After Submitting Your Project

    • You will receive an automated confirmation upon submitting your project application. After your application is reviewed, a VOC staff member or volunteer project scout will contact you to schedule a site visit and discuss your proposal in greater detail.
    • Once a decision has been made, a VOC staff member will notify you whether your project has been accepted or declined. We will make every effort possible to notify all applicants by the end of November 2026; all notifications will be made by the end of the 2026 calendar year.

  • If Your Project is Selected

    • If your project is selected, it will go through a scheduling process at the end of 2026/beginning of 2027. During this period, VOC coordinates with all project partners to determine the best calendar of projects for the coming season.
    • Upon selection of a project date, the final agreed-upon details relating to funding, logistics, and the scope of work will be entered into a Scope of Service Agreement that both VOC and partners will review and sign.
    • Finally, your agency/organization will be asked to appoint a representative to serve on the VOC project team assigned to your project. Together the team will help plan, organize, and implement the project; this may include participating in conference calls, site visits, and additional meetings as needed.

Contact Kelly Clouse at 303-715-1010 ext. 118 for any questions or assistance with your application.

STEWARDSHIP PROJECT APPLICATION

Before submitting an application you must:  



Please note: This application does not save. If you would like to draft your answers, click here to download the application as a Word document. The application must still be submitted online through the form below. 

stewardship project applica

AGENCY CONTACT INFO

PROPOSED PROJECT SPECS

PROJECT DETAILS

On a scale of 1 to 5 (1 is the lowest priority, 5 is the highest priority), how would you rate this project as a priority for your agency?*


‘1’ means it would not significantly impact your agency if the project didn’t get completed in 2027. ‘5’ means it would have a significant negative impact on your agency if the project were not completed in 2027.

Describe logistical details associated with this project:

Describe safety considerations associated with this location and type of work:

FUNDING & CAPACITY


Depending on the size and scope of the work, a VOC project costs thousands of dollars to execute (this includes staff time, tools and equipment, travel, marketing and outreach, supplies, etc.). VOC will bring its resources to an accepted project, but we may also require partners to provide funding to VOC to cover costs in order to accept a project.

COMMUNITY INFORMATION

TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES


VOC also provides outstanding outdoor leadership and stewardship skills trainings through our Outdoor Stewardship Institute (OSI). 


ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

**Read our Minimum Partnership Requirements before submitting.**

Questions? Contact Kelly at 303-715-1010 ext. 118

"It was excellent to work with VOC. The steps we took from applying for the service project to walking the work site to completing the project went smoothly and efficiently."


Staunton State Park

"We were impressed with the communication, logistics, and skills of VOC staff and volunteer crew leaders. When the work day occurred, VOC did everything perfectly. They were on-time, well-prepared, and executed extremely well."


Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge

"VOC was very capable in all aspects of the project from providing technical assistance on designing the trail; organizing, and supervising the volunteers; and the appropriate level of coordination with the agency."


U.S. Forest Service Comanche National Grassland

"Everything from tools, coordination, safety, crew leadership, recruitment, signage, communication, etc. were top notch. There would be no way that I as a land manager could effectively recruit, advertise, support and supply a project of this scope without VOC’s involvement."


Bureau of Land Management