In 2008 Colorado passed C.R.S.22-43.7 — Building Excellent Schools Today or BEST. The resolution manifests as a pool of funding disbursed every year in the form of competitive grants. These grants provide crucial resources that allow school districts to construct new educational facilities or renovate existing ones. This article serves as an overview of the BEST grants, their types, the application process, eligibility, and how you can secure one to improve your educational facility.

An Overview of Colorado BEST Grants

The primary focus of BEST is to resolve health, safety, and security issues in Colorado public schools. BEST Grants fund a range of project types, including roof and boiler replacements, safety and security upgrades, as well as major renovations, and building new schools.

Determining the BEST Grant Amount

The BEST grant process requires applicants to provide a local contribution to the project in the form of a match. On average, the statewide match stands at 50%. The exact match amount is determined based on several factors, including:

• Per pupil assessed valuation

• The district’s median household income (utilizing the most current census data)

• Percentage of pupils eligible for free or reduced-cost lunch

• Current bond mill levy

• Unreserved fund balance as a percentage of the annual budget

• Current bond capacity remaining

• Bond election failures and successes in the past 10 years

Who is Eligible for a BEST Grant?

BEST grants extend their benefits to a wide range of educational institutions in Colorado. These include:

• All Colorado school districts

• Charter schools that have been chartered for at least three years from the date of the grant application

• Institute charter schools that have been chartered for at least three years from the date of the grant application

• Boards of Cooperative Educational Services (BOCES)

• Colorado School for the Deaf and Blind

Types of Projects Funded by BEST Grants

Pursuant to 22-43.7-109 (5) C.R.S. projects qualify and are prioritized as follows:

• Projects that address safety hazards or health concerns at existing public school facilities, including public school facility security

• Projects that incorporate technology into the educational environment

• Projects that relieve overcrowding in public school facilities, including but not limited to projects that will allow students to move from temporary instructional facilities into permanent facilities

• Projects that will provide career and technical education capital construction in public school facilities

• Projects to remove prohibited American Indian Mascots

• All other projects

Application Process for a BEST Grant

Applications for the BEST grants are usually accepted from January through February each year, and the grants are awarded in June.

Getting Assistance with BEST Grant Applications

Millig Design Build can provide professional assistance to help you prepare and submit your BEST grant application, increasing your chances of success. In fact, we have a 100% success rate for Colorado K12 school districts. Get in touch with Millig Design Build today for more information.