The Mesa County Federal Mineral Lease District (MCFMLD) is now taking applications for the fall 2025 grant cycle, with $500,000 available in grant funding.

This competitive grant process provides two programs, each defined to create opportunities to strengthen and enhance the communities of Mesa County. All MCFMLD grant funds stay in Mesa County.

The Traditional Grant Program was developed to support large-scale projects such as new public works or other capital projects, as well as public-service projects addressing health, safety and welfare impacts from federal mineral leasing activities. These are financial requests of $50,000 or more. Prior award recipients include Plateau Valley School District 50’s athletic field lighting and Town of De Beque sidewalk infrastructure improvements.

The Mini Grant Program can award up to $50,000 for smaller-scale projects. Previous award recipients include the City of Fruita for 16 Road railroad-crossing improvements and the Lower Valley Fire Protection District Station 32 access upgrades.

Entities eligible for these programs are limited to the state and its subdivisions, along with school districts, public and state-controlled institutions of higher education, library districts, metropolitan or other special districts and fire protection districts.

Find the full grant application at www.mesafml.org/current-grant-cycle. Applications will be accepted until Sept. 5 at 3 p.m. Fall grant applicant presentations will take place during the Sept. 10 board of directors meeting that is open to the public. Fall awards will be selected as soon as Oct. 15.

The public and comments are welcome at MCFMLD board meetings. Meetings are held at the Home Loan Building, 205 N. Fourth St. in Grand Junction.