Colorado Awards $3 Million to Boost Environmental Health in Underserved Communities

Colorado's health department awarded $3.1 million to nine groups to boost environmental justice and health in underserved communities.

• By Stasia DeMarco
• May 09, 2025

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment is awarding more than $3 million in funding to support projects that improve environmental health across the state. CDPHE’s Environmental Justice Advisory Board selected the recipients through the Colorado Environmental Justice Grant Program.

The program supports community projects that strive to create healthier environments, especially in communities that have experienced higher levels of pollution and fewer environmental protections.

“These grants help ensure every Coloradan has the opportunity to live in a healthy environment,” said Jill Hunsaker Ryan, CDPHE executive director. “We’re proud to support projects that reflect local priorities and promote well-being in areas most impacted by pollution.”

“We’re thrilled to once again provide support to organizations that are committed to uplifting communities and ensuring Coloradans, no matter where they live, can thrive and lead healthy lives. This funding demonstrates our commitment to empowering those most impacted by Colorado’s environmental challenges, amplifying underrepresented voices, and building a healthier future for everyone,” said Lesly Fajardo-Feaux, Environmental Justice Advisory Board co-chair. “True progress in environmental justice comes when we fully engage and represent the communities in shaping our environmental future.”

Lubna Ahmed, the Environmental Justice Board's manager, added, “The Environmental Justice Grant Program is more than funding—it’s a commitment to empowering communities, advancing equity, and creating lasting change. We proudly support initiatives that drive meaningful change."

One of the grantees, Susie Medina, the Housing Authority of the City of Pueblo’s Special Projects coordinator, said,“Our team at the Housing Authority of the City of Pueblo feels very fortunate to receive the environmental justice funding. This grant will have a tremendous impact on our community by furthering our mission to provide safe and healthy homes for families and individuals.”

The grants will fund $3,158,752 to support projects that aim to help ensure communities have a healthy environment in which to thrive.

• Southern Ute Indian Tribe. (Set aside)
• Southern Ute Indian Tribe. (Competitive application)
• The University of Colorado Boulder.
• Montrose Regional Health.
• Housing Authority of the City of Pueblo.
• Project Protect Food System Workers.
• Ute Mountain Ute Tribe. (Set aside)
• Rocky Mountain Service Employment Redevelopment / Jobs For Progress, Inc.
• University of Colorado.
• Barton Institute.

The project funding period is from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2027. CDPHE received 51 applications for the third cycle of the grant program. CDPHE’s Office of Environmental Justice referred the projects the board did not select to other potential resources.

Darci Martinez, the Environmental Justice Advisory Board co-chair, added, “We are excited to support communities addressing longstanding environmental inequities, strengthen resilience, and create a cleaner, healthier Colorado for all. Now is the time to ensure that every Coloradan, regardless of zip code or background, has the opportunity to thrive in a safe and sustainable environment."

Since its start in 2023, the grant program has distributed more than $1,377,219 in funding to 16 groups statewide, including Colorado’s two federally recognized Tribal governments. The program will reopen in 2026 for the next round of applications. Visit the grant program webpage to learn more about the program, the final recipients, and their projects.