Jefferson County Conservation Futures is a local grant program funded by the Conservation Futures Fund, a tax levy intended to support a system of open space, working farms, forests and habitat that provides public benefits. Projects involve the purchase of real property or development rights and, sometimes, the maintenance and operation of properties acquired.

Project applicants must be represented by a local sponsoring organization based in Jefferson County. Potential sponsors include local governments, special purpose districts and non-profit corporations. A list of potential sponsors is available by contacting program staff. Projects must be represented by a sponsoring organization with the capacity to secure matching contributions, to enter into an agreement with Jefferson County, and to provide long-term stewardship of properties acquired. A project sponsor is responsible for the content and submission of the application, organizing and hosting a site visit, making a formal project presentation to the CF Committee, the stewardship plan and its implementation, and all County contracting, reporting, and reimbursement requirements.