The Colorado Judicial Department announced on March 16 that it has opened the application process for fiscal year 2026-27 grants from the Court Security Cash Fund. The fund, established in 2007, provides supplemental financial support to enhance security at state court facilities in Colorado counties with limited resources.
The grant program is important because it helps ensure that courthouses across the state remain safe and secure, especially in areas where local funding may not be sufficient. According to the department, funds can be used for additional security staffing, equipment or structural improvements related to security, training of local teams, miscellaneous needs associated with court security, or emergency needs. However, certain expenses such as architectural services unrelated to security and firearms are not eligible.
Counties are prioritized for these grants based on statutory criteria. To receive highest priority status, a county must meet at least two out of four benchmarks: having a population below the state median, per-capita income below the median, property tax revenues below the median, or a higher-than-median percentage of residents living below the federal poverty line. Thirty-nine counties currently meet at least two of these criteria and are given top consideration.
An estimated $2.2 million to $2.8 million will be available through this round of grants. Applications must be submitted via the Office of the State Court Administrator’s grant management system by 5 p.m. on April 16, 2026; late or incomplete submissions will not be considered. More information about eligibility and application procedures is available at coloradojudicial.gov/financial-services/court-security-cash-fund-commission-grant-program.
The Colorado Judicial Branch promotes public trust and understanding by providing accessible legal services and transparent processes according to its official website. The branch houses appellate courts including the Supreme Court and Court of Appeals at the Ralph L. Carr Colorado Judicial Center in Denver according to its official website. It aims to deliver fair justice focused on resolving disputes and upholding rights according to its official website, extends oversight across all counties including specialized courts according to its official website, collaborates through various courts and administrative offices according to its official website, and offers services such as trial courts for different cases, appellate reviews, public record access, self-help tools and online payments according to its official website.
Questions about the application process can be directed to CourtSecurityGrants@judicial.state.co.us.
