Climate Equity Fund

The Boulder County Climate Equity Fund is a locally administered grant program created and managed by the Boulder County Office of Sustainability, Climate Action and Resilience (OSCAR). The fund was developed following a strategic initiative by Boulder County Commissioners to address climate justice and expand access to climate-related funding for communities most affected by climate change. The program builds on a broader commitment by the county to address systemic inequities tied to environmental impacts, particularly those affecting frontline communities, including racially and ethnically diverse populations disproportionately impacted by climate change. The fund reflects both policy priorities and community-informed design, with administrative support from a selected external partner to ensure equitable distribution and engagement. The primary purpose of the Climate Equity Fund is to support grassroots, community-led climate action initiatives. These initiatives are intended to empower local leaders and organizations to design and implement projects that address climate mitigation, adaptation, and resilience in ways that are culturally relevant and community-specific. The program encourages proposals that address a wide range of climate-related challenges, including environmental systems such as land, air, water, and food; infrastructure and mobility; mutual aid and resilience; economic and workforce development; and creative or cultural approaches to climate engagement. Certain project types, such as storytelling and arts-based initiatives, are particularly encouraged within smaller-scale grant categories. Funding for the program is structured across two distinct grant categories. Community Roots Grants are designed for smaller-scale or emerging projects, offering awards between 20000 and 100000 dollars. Community Reach Grants support larger or more established initiatives, with funding ranging from 100000 to 400000 dollars. The program anticipates distributing up to 2000000 dollars in total grant funding, with an estimated 28 awards issued across both categories. Funding can be used for a broad range of project-related expenses that align with climate action goals, though specific allowable costs and restrictions will be detailed in the application materials released at the program launch. Eligibility for the Climate Equity Fund is focused on organizations and leaders serving or representing frontline communities within Boulder County. While full eligibility criteria are released with the application materials, the program emphasizes inclusivity and prioritizes applicants who demonstrate meaningful community engagement and leadership. The program is designed to reduce barriers to access, making it suitable for grassroots organizations and potentially fiscally sponsored groups, though final requirements are outlined during the application period. The program does not specify matching requirements, suggesting that cost share is not mandatory. The application process for the 2026 funding cycle opens on July 1, 2026, and closes on August 31, 2026. Applicants are expected to submit materials through a process that will be defined at launch, including project descriptions, eligibility verification, and supporting documentation. A webinar is scheduled at the start of the application period to provide guidance on eligibility, project design, and submission expectations. No pre-application requirements such as letters of intent are specified. Additional application guidance, including detailed criteria and resources, is made available concurrently with the opening of the application window. Evaluation of proposals is expected to prioritize alignment with climate equity goals, community impact, and feasibility of implementation. While explicit scoring criteria are not detailed in the available information, emphasis is placed on projects that deliver tangible benefits to disproportionately impacted populations. Awards are expected to follow the application review period, though specific notification timelines and performance periods are not explicitly stated. The program appears to be part of an ongoing funding initiative, as similar funding was distributed in the previous year, indicating potential recurrence. For additional information, applicants can contact the program administrators via email at climateequityfund@bouldercounty.gov. The program is administered locally through Boulder County offices, with physical operations based at the Boulder County Courthouse. Accessibility and language accommodations are supported, reflecting the program’s commitment to inclusive participation. The Climate Equity Fund represents a significant local investment in equitable climate solutions, combining public funding sources with a community-centered approach to grantmaking.