The Open Space and Mountain Parks (OSMP) Department Funds Scientific Inquiry on OSMP Lands on an Annual Cycle.

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Important Information

  1. Dates
    • Request for proposals issued:  Oct 10, 2023
    • Proposal deadline: Jan 16, 2024 
    • Award notifications:  Feb 20, 2024
    • Draft report submission: Oct 28, 2024
    • Reviewer comments to applicant(s): Nov. 25, 2024
    • Final report submission: Dec 30, 2024
  2. Who Can Apply:
    • Anyone may apply.
    • Students must submit a signed letter from an academic advisor to confirm that the proposal has been reviewed, approved, and is supported.
    • Faculty sponsors are responsible for providing the final report should the student fail to submit one.
  3. Priority Topics: Proposals will be reviewed on a competitive basis, with preference given to proposals that address Priority Project Topics. However, all proposals will be considered based on their merits.
  4. Budget: The maximum award amount is capped at $12,000. Details on allowable expenses can be found in the budget worksheet. Overhead costs should not exceed 10 percent of the total grant award except in rare circumstances. Funding commitments are limited to an annual basis, but multi-year projects are encouraged, especially for studies in which year-to-year variation may influence results.
  5. Proposal Format: Proposals must follow the format guidelines exactly.
  6. On-going Projects: Project extensions will be considered, but the proposal must be for work that is above and beyond the scope of previously funded work (i.e., not just a proposal to complete the uncompleted work scoped previously).
  7. Multiple Proposals: A single PI may submit multiple proposals.
  8. Information Sharing: OSMP reserves the right to acquire and share with other researchers any grant-related intellectual property/work products, such as datasets, field protocols/manuals, and reports. Proposals received may be shared on our webpage, whether they are funded or not.
  9. Additional requirements for funded applicants:
    • All successful applicants are required to abide by City of Boulder OSMP rules and regulations.
    • All research and related projects conducted on City of Boulder OSMP lands will have oversight provided by an OSMP staff member.
    • Successful applicants must sign a volunteer register and waiver of liability.
    • Funded applicants are required to submit a draft and final report.
  10. Where to Submit: Submit proposals to osmpfrp@bouldercolorado.gov.
  11. Unfunded Research: Proposals that do not require OSMP funding may be submitted through our unfunded research program.

  12. Interagency Grants: OSMP, Boulder County Parks and Open Space (BCPOS), Jefferson County Open Space (JCOS) and City of Longmont Parks & Natural Resources will consider proposals for research that cross their land boundaries. See our interagency proposal instructions for more information. If interested in the possibilities of a shared research project, please contact Raquel Robles (BCPOS), Mat Holzwarth (City of Longmont, Parks & Natural Resources), Ann Lezberg (OSMP) or Julie Liggett (JCOS) to discuss custom application procedures.

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