BEST Grant Application

• BEST Grant Timeline

Application Preparation

Resources listed below will be updated in January 2026 for the FY2026-2027 Grant Cycle.

• GAINS is CDE's online grant management system! This year's BEST grant applications will be submitted and administered in GAINS
  • Learn more about the GAINS system
  • Take the general purpose GAINS training
  • A self-paced BEST training provides background information with more specifics on the BEST application. Take BEST self-paced training. This includes new training updates for FY26.
  • Recent changes for this grant round include:
    • Updated Scoring Rubric with Staff and CCAB scores
    • Detailed Project Budget and GAINS budget changes
• BEST Process and Resources
• FY2026-27 Match Percentages - Revised for FY27 Grant Round.
  • How Matching Percentages Are Calculated (PDF) (Updated Nov 2023)
• PowerPoint Photo Template

Detailed Project Budget

The detailed project budget is a cost budget spreadsheet for capital construction projects. There are two tabs on the spreadsheet: the cover sheet and the detailed project construction budget, which includes soft and hard costs. This is the recommended format for submitting a detailed cost budget with your grant application. However, you can choose to use your own format as long as that format meets or exceeds the requirements and items listed in the CCA Detail Project Budget. 

• CCA Detailed Project Budget (Excel) - Revised for FY26 BEST Grant Round
• Hard Cost Divisions Reference Guide (PDF)

Sample Application and Contracts

• Sample FY2026-27 Grant Application (PDF)
• Sample Cash Grant Agreement (PDF)
• Sample Sub and Site Lease (Word)
• Sample Conditional Award Letter (PDF) – For all applicants to receive conditional reimbursements if awarded.

Waiver Applications

Waiver applications include calculated data specific to each applicant and provided by Division Staff. Please contact your Regional Program Manager for assistance.

• Sample School District & BOCES Waiver Application (PDF)
• Sample Charter School Waiver Application (PDF)

School District BEST matching amounts may be limited by statute to the district’s maximum limit on bonded indebtedness. Please include the form below with your BEST application to notify of a calculated Statutory Limit.

• Statutory Limit Waiver Form (Word)

Evaluation

• Sample Grant Application Scoring System (PDF)

Other Information

• Charter School eligibility
• Public School Facility Construction Guidelines

For more information or if an alternative version of a document is needed, please contact BESTSchools@cde.state.co.us or call 303-866-2153.

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