Worthy Cause Pool Fund

The Worthy Cause 2026 Pool Funds program is a capital funding initiative administered by the Boulder County Commissioners. It originates from the 2017 County Ballot Issue 1A, which extended the Worthy Cause 0.05% countywide sales and use tax to support nonprofit human services agencies and housing authorities across Boulder County. The initiative is part of a broader effort that began in 2000 and has continued through subsequent voter-approved measures—Worthy Cause I through IV—with the current funding cycle, Worthy Cause IV, authorized through 2033. The 2026 funding cycle specifically targets capital projects and infrastructure investments that support long-term human service delivery in the county. The primary objective of the program is to assist nonprofit human services providers and housing authorities in acquiring, improving, or maintaining physical assets essential to their operations. Eligible capital projects may include property acquisitions, renovations, new construction, and debt reduction associated with facilities or affixed equipment. The funds are not traditional grants intended for operational expenses; instead, recipients must use them strictly for capital purposes. Awardees must also commit to delivering human services for a 99-year term, with the County protecting its investment through legal instruments such as promissory notes, deeds of trust, and restrictive covenants. To qualify, applicants must be either a 501(c)(3) nonprofit registered in good standing with the Colorado Secretary of State or a public housing authority. Eligible projects must be located in Boulder County, and applicants must either own or be in the process of purchasing the property tied to the project. Leased properties may be eligible only under specific legal conditions. Furthermore, projects must align with one of four eligible capital categories: debt reduction, purchase/acquisition, construction, or improvements/renovations. Detailed project descriptions are required, including timelines, funding sources, cost projections, and descriptions of how Worthy Cause funds will be used. Applications must request at least $75,000, and the program will not fund more than 50% of the total project cost. The 2026 application process is managed via the Foundant online system. Applications must be submitted in full by 4:00 p.m. on August 27, 2025. There is a question submission deadline on July 22, 2025, and a virtual Q&A session will be held at 2:00 p.m. on July 29, 2025. All applicants must comply with Colorado and federal anti-discrimination laws and are encouraged to consult legal counsel to ensure compliance. Questions about the application process can be directed to Carlene Okiyama at cokiyama@bouldercounty.gov. Evaluation of submissions will be based on multiple performance measures, including the target population served, the organization’s service delivery model, alignment with countywide service plans, project feasibility, and the organization’s financial and operational stability. Additional consideration is given to racial equity metrics. Twenty-five percent of the application score is based on the agency’s demonstration of racial equity through goals, data tracking, engagement with underserved populations, and intentional service design. Post-award requirements include executing a Funding Agreement, Promissory Note, and Deed of Trust. Depending on the award timeline, agencies may be asked to provide updated property appraisals or title documentation. The County retains discretion to rescind awards if applicants change their project scope significantly or fail to expend funds within 12 months of availability. Future applications are permitted regardless of past award status, and the Commissioners may reallocate unspent funds to future cycles.

Read sample contracts; prepare detailed funding and construction plans; consult legal counsel.