The Human Relations Fund (HRF), administered by the City of Boulder, supports community-initiated activities that champion civil rights, human rights, and equity issues within Boulder. Its mission is deeply aligned with fostering understanding, collaboration, and civic participation among diverse communities, while also empowering marginalized groups to celebrate their significant events and educate the broader population. This grant program embodies a strategic commitment to creating a more inclusive and equitable society by directly investing in community-driven initiatives that address systemic challenges and promote social cohesion.
The HRF targets nonprofit organizations, individual organizers fiscally sponsored by a nonprofit, and community-led projects that directly impact Boulder residents. The primary beneficiaries are communities that experience marginalization, as well as the general population through learning opportunities. The impact goals are centered around raising awareness of critical human rights and equity issues, facilitating cross-community interaction, and enabling marginalized communities to amplify their voices and cultural significance. The program aims to foster a more inclusive and respectful environment throughout the city.
The grant program prioritizes projects that reinforce diversity, inclusivity, and equity. Specific focuses include activities that are free and open to the public, community-led initiatives, and collaborations with other organizations. Additional criteria emphasize diversity among planners and decision-makers, inclusivity among participants, and accessibility for people with disabilities. The HRF also looks for projects that advance its ongoing priorities, demonstrate an ability or inability to access multiple funding sources, and have not received prior HRF funding. Proposals must have a significant component impacting Boulder residents and take place within city limits.
Expected outcomes include increased awareness and understanding of civil rights and equity issues, enhanced civic participation among diverse communities, and greater cultural understanding and celebration of marginalized groups. Measurable results could involve the number of participants reached, the diversity of communities engaged, the types of events and programs implemented, and qualitative feedback on increased understanding or collaboration. The HRF's theory of change posits that by supporting grassroots, community-led initiatives focused on these areas, it can cultivate a more just, equitable, and harmonious community in Boulder, empowering residents to drive positive social change.
The City anticipates awarding approximately $85,000 in funding in 2024, with individual grants ranging from $10,000 to $100,000. This competitive application process ensures that funding is directed towards projects that most effectively align with the HRF's goals and demonstrate strong potential for community impact. The fund specifically excludes proposals not from community organizations, groups with past contractual failures, projects lacking significant impact on Boulder residents, and activities that charge participant fees, ensuring resources are directed towards genuine community benefit and accessibility.
