Human Relations Fund

The Human Relations Fund (HRF) is a local grant program administered by the City of Boulder, designed to support community-led initiatives that promote awareness of civil rights, human rights, and equity issues within the city. The program reflects the city’s commitment to fostering inclusivity, diversity, and civic engagement by funding events and activities that bring together residents from diverse backgrounds. The fund prioritizes initiatives that create opportunities for dialogue, collaboration, and shared understanding, particularly among communities that have historically experienced marginalization. Beginning in 2026, the scope of the HRF has been narrowed to focus specifically on community-initiated events tied to four designated annual city celebrations: Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Juneteenth, Immigrant Heritage Month, and Indigenous Peoples Day. This strategic shift reflects both a refinement of program priorities and a reduction in available funding as approved in the city’s 2026 budget. The program aims to ensure that supported activities not only commemorate these observances but also provide meaningful educational and engagement opportunities for the broader Boulder community. Eligible projects must take place within the city limits of Boulder and demonstrate a clear benefit to local residents. Funded activities are expected to be free and open to the public, reinforcing accessibility and inclusivity. Allowable uses of funds include event-related expenses such as food, marketing, postage, office supplies, and guest speaker fees. While modest honoraria for volunteer organizers may be permitted, they are capped at no more than 25 percent of the total grant amount, and the program is not intended to serve as a primary funding source for personnel expenses. The program is open to nonprofit organizations and individual organizers operating under the fiscal sponsorship of a nonprofit entity. Additional evaluation criteria include the extent to which projects are community-led, demonstrate collaboration with other organizations, and reflect diversity among planners and participants. Proposals are also assessed based on accessibility for individuals with disabilities, their ability to engage marginalized communities, alignment with HRF priorities, and whether the project has previously received funding. Activities that charge participant fees, serve as fundraisers, or duplicate efforts already supported by other city departments are not eligible for funding. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis throughout the year, with specific deadlines tied to the eligible event categories. For Immigrant Heritage Month and Juneteenth events in 2026, applications are open and scheduled to close on May 18, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. Other event categories may have different application windows, some of which have already closed. Awards are made continuously as applications are reviewed and approved, and available funding decreases over time as grants are distributed. The total funding available for 2026 is anticipated to be approximately $34,000, though individual award amounts vary by project and are not predefined. Once a proposal is approved, recipients must enter into a contract with the City of Boulder outlining deliverables and reporting requirements. Payments may be issued in full at the start of the project or partially withheld until completion and submission of a final report. Grantees are also required to acknowledge city funding in all promotional materials and submit a post-project report through the designated grant management system.

Focus on community impact inclusivity and alignment with designated city celebration events