Human Services Fund 2025

The City of Boulder's Human Services Fund (HSF) is an annual grant program designed to improve the well-being of community members facing social or economic disparities. The fund is sourced from the city's general fund and aims to strategically invest resources in programs and services that promote shared outcomes aligned with the city's mission of fostering a more equitable and supportive community. The HSF targets individuals and groups experiencing systemic socio-economic barriers, those who have been historically excluded, and those in need of basic assistance. The grant program's impact goals are to increase economic stability, mobility, and resilience; enhance access to and maintenance of housing; advance personal growth, development, and leadership potential; create safe environments for people with diverse identities; improve physical, mental, or behavioral health and well-being; and increase the ability of community members to access critical services. Key priorities for the HSF include supporting programs that demonstrate sound research and evidence-based best practices, value lived experience and cultural knowledge, and meaningfully engage community members in program design, implementation, and evaluation. The program also emphasizes strong collaboration and equitable partnerships, cost-effectiveness, and a commitment to sustained financial stability and diverse funding sources from applicants. Expected outcomes and measurable results are central to the HSF. Programs must be directly linked to specific outcomes and indicators, with a strong focus on long-term evaluation. This aligns with the city's strategic priority to invest in initiatives that not only address immediate needs but also demonstrate a clear path towards lasting positive change and self-sufficiency for beneficiaries. The grant period for accepted proposals is January 1, 2025, to December 31, 2025.