Colorado Diversity Equity and Inclusion Grants

This grant provides matching funds to nonprofit and locally-owned newsrooms in Colorado to support their year-end fundraising campaigns, helping them raise awareness and financial support for public service journalism in their communities.

This program provides funding to individuals, businesses, nonprofits, and government entities in Telluride for projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote sustainability within the community.

This grant provides $100,000 to nonprofit organizations in the Denver area to support transformative projects that enhance economic opportunity, health, or social services for local residents.

This program provides funding to commercial property owners and managers in Boulder to create affordable spaces for small businesses, particularly those owned by women and minorities, helping them thrive in the community.

This grant provides financial support to fire districts and departments in rural and mountain areas of Boulder County for equipment, infrastructure, and training improvements to enhance emergency services.

Comcast RISE provides grants to help an even broader range of small businesses, while continuing to focus on diversity, inclusion, and community investment. Donor Name: Comcast RISE State: Selected States City: Selected Cities Type of Grant: Program Deadline: 05/31/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Comcast RISE was created in 2020 to help small businesses hardest hit by COVID-19 recover and thrive. They’re pleased to bring Comcast RISE back in 2024, and they’re proud to continue the efforts to help an even broader range of small businesses, while continuing to focus on diversity, inclusion, and community investment. The program is built to help businesses and their communities thrive with a focus on economic growth. This year, Comcast RISE will award 500 recipients in five cities with a grant package that includes business consultation services, educational resources, monetary grant, creative production, media schedule, and a technology makeover. Funding Information Each Winner will receive $5,000 US Dollars in the form of a cash grant (“Monetary Grant”), a creative and media campaign (“Creative and Media Campaign”), a technology makeover (“Tech Makeover”), business education courses (“Education”), and a consultation (“Consultation”). This is awarded based on the judging criteria above. The Monetary Grant award consists of a $5,000 cash prize. The Creative and Media Campaign award consists of the production of a turnkey 30-second television commercial and the right to use that television commercial in a one hundred-eighty (180) day linear TV media schedule. After completion of the 180 day media schedule, recipients will have the opportunity to purchase an extension to the Media Campaign at then-current rates. Approximate Retail Value (“ARV”) of each Creative and Media Campaign prize: $17,500.00. The Education award consists of access to online business education courses through a 12-month complimentary LinkedIn Learning account. The Consultation award consists of a business assessment and tactical planning; business to business coaching; and mentorship to advise on how to grow business. The Technology Makeovers will include some combination of Comcast Business Internet, Voice, and cybersecurity malware detection with no monthly service charge for up to a 12-month period and computer equipment from a selection of laptops and/or tablets. Tech Makeover services can only be awarded to one business location for a 12- month consecutive period. Value of Comcast Business service and equipment not to exceed $7,500.00 for the year. Comcast Business will install services and a modem(s) at the business location specified on the submission. After completion of the 12-month period, recipients will have the opportunity to subscribe to the Comcast Business service at current rates. Exact make, model, type, and quantity of computer equipment received to be determined by Sponsor, in its sole discretion. ARV of each Tech Makeover prize: $7,500.00. Application Criteria To be eligible to apply, companies must meet the following criteria: Open only to eligible small businesses located and operating in one (1) of these geographies (as defined by Comcast via zip codes) in the United States: Atlanta, GA Southern Colorado Houston, TX Jacksonville, FL Richmond, VA Small business must be owned by an individual eighteen (18) years of age or older as of the start of the Program Period that also meets the following eligibility requirements: Person who owns the business is the primary decision maker for, and has been actively engaged in, the day-to-day operations of the business Owner owns at least 51% of the equity of said business Business is independently owned and operated and not a franchise location Business has been actively operating for at least three (3) years Business has been revenue generating for at least the 12 months prior to the Program Period Business does not fall into any of the following categories: Non-profit Chamber of Commerce Public or private education provider that participates in the FCCs E-Rate Universal Service Program Church or Religious Organizations including nondenominational ministries, interdenominational and ecumenical organizations, and organizations whose main purpose is to study or advance religion Political advertiser Any business related in any way to the growing, marketing, sale, distribution, or use of marijuana or related products Manufacturer or retailer of drug paraphernalia Virtual MVPD Internet Service Provider Gun manufacturer or retailer Fireworks manufacturer or retailer Tobacco/vape manufacturer or retailer Illegal products or services provider Adult entertainment company, including, but not limited to gentlemen’s clubs, adult toy stores, adult magazines, and adult programming services Ride sharing service providers (including independent contractors of ride sharing companies.) Business employs one hundred (100) employees (including full-time and part-time employees) or less Employees of Comcast Corporation, and each of its respective parents, affiliates, and subsidiaries are not eligible to enter or win Employees of EY (Ernst & Young), Hello Alice, LinkedIn are not eligible to enter or win Only one submission per business owner Business owner has no prior felony convictions, tax-related convictions, or child support delinquency convictions Business owner may not currently be serving (either in a full time or part time capacity) as a federal, state, or local government or quasi-government official or employee Business or business owner who has previously received a Comcast RISE monetary grant, consultation, media, creative production, or technology makeover is not eligible. For more information, visit Comcast RISE.

This funding opportunity supports projects that improve habitats and migration routes for big game species in the western U.S., targeting conservation organizations, state and tribal agencies, and community groups involved in wildlife management.

This grant provides funding to Colorado nonprofits and schools to enhance access to arts education for historically marginalized youth through collaborative projects with professional artists.

The City of Boulder's Human Relations Fund (HRF) offers grants between $10,000 to $100,000 to nonprofit organizations and individual organizers for community-led projects that promote civil rights, human rights, or equity issues, foster diversity and inclusivity, and provide free, public events within Boulder, particularly benefiting marginalized communities.

The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) is seeking proposals for the 2024 Monarch Butterfly and Pollinators Conservation Fund to advance pollinator conservation. Donor Name: National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) State: Selected States County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 07/24/2024 Size of the Grant: $100,000 to $500,000 Grant Duration: 3 Years Details: The goal of the Monarch Butterfly and Pollinators Conservation Fund (Pollinator Fund) is to protect, conserve, and increase habitat for the monarch butterfly and other native insect pollinators.  The most competitive projects will demonstrate clear benefits to both monarch butterfly and additional at-risk native insect pollinator species (i.e., federally listed, candidate, or proposed native insect pollinator species). Special consideration will be given to projects benefiting rusty patched bumble bee, Franklin’s bumble bee, Karner blue butterfly, Dakota skipper, Poweshiek skipperling, and Mitchell’s satyr. Categories Grants will be awarded in two categories:  Technical Assistance for Private Working Lands Funding in this category will support implementation of technical assistance to increase the number of private landowners voluntarily engaged in monarch butterfly and pollinator conservation practices on private working lands. Up to $2 million is expected to be available for grants ranging from $150,000 to $500,000. Funding will be awarded for projects up to three years in length following finalization of the grant agreement. This category aims to support conservation planning and practice design with private landowners to advance voluntary conservation efforts on working lands that align with NRCS Working Lands for Wildlife frameworks or initiatives, and especially increase Working Lands for Wildlife participation among farmers, ranchers, and forest landowners in the Historically Underserved and Special Emphasis categories. The 2024 Pollinator Fund RFP will support projects that: Direct staff resources to help agricultural producers design and implement conservation practices. Increase Farm Bill program participation and conservation practice implementation among agricultural producers, especially farmers and ranchers in the Historically Underserved and Special Emphasis categories. Funding in this category will support the following two strategies: Hiring additional staff or contractors, based on demonstrated need, including staff to assist private landowners and NRCS with developing pollinator habitat management plans and implementation of new and existing NRCS financial assistance contracts. Targeting outreach to landowners and other partners to prioritize, plan, and deliver financial assistance available through the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP), Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), and other Farm Bill programs to improve pollinator habitat and support at-risk pollinator species. Habitat Improvement Funding in this category will support on-the-ground work to increase the quality, quantity, and connectivity of habitat for the monarch butterfly and other native insect pollinators. Up to $3.1 million is expected to be available for grants ranging from $200,000 to $300,000. Funding will be awarded for projects up to two years in length following finalization of the grant agreement. Applicants in this category should define a step-by-step restoration plan including site preparation, equipment used, planting techniques, size of the project area, description of target native plant community, and maintenance plan (e.g., prescribed burning, mowing, grazing schedules). Projects proposed to benefit other at-risk native insect pollinators should specify habitat needs for those species and how the proposed work will support their breeding, nectaring, nesting, or other habitat needs. Funding in this category will support the following two strategies: Restore and enhance pollinator habitat, with an emphasis on regionally appropriate milkweed and a diversity of native nectar plants. Increase native seed and seedling supply, with an emphasis on improving the sustainability and affordability of regionally appropriate, local ecotypes. Program Priorities  All proposals must specifically address how the proposed project will directly and measurably contribute to the accomplishment of the Pollinator Fund’s goals as outlined in NFWF’s Monarch Butterfly Business Plan. As such, all proposals must provide the number of acres restored or enhanced as a result of the project. Proposals must include plans to restore or enhance a minimum of 100 acres in California or 500 acres in all other eligible states. Acres may be counted from multiple sites; the sites do not need to be contiguous. Since 2015, successful proposals have included a median of 960 acres and an average of 2,120 acres restored or enhanced.  Funding Information The Pollinator Fund will award up to $5.1 million in grants in 2024: up to $2 million for Technical Assistance for Private Working Lands and up to $3.1 million for Habitat Improvement. Funding is provided by Bayer Crop Science, Danone North America, The Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation, Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), Bureau of Land Management (BLM), and U.S. Forest Service (USFS).  Geographical Areas  Technical Assistance for Private Working Lands  Grant funding will be awarded in the following eligible states: Arkansas, Arizona, California, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Washington, Wisconsin, and West Virginia. Within eligible states, priority will be given to projects located in the North Core, South Core, West Core, and Overwintering Monarch Conservation Units. Projects are restricted to private working lands. Habitat Improvement Grant funding will be awarded in the following eligible states: Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. Within eligible states, priority will be given to projects located in the North Core, South Core, West Core, and Overwintering Monarch Conservation Units. West of the Rocky Mountains, priority will be given to projects on or adjacent to the following: monarch butterfly overwintering sites, BLM lands, and USFS lands. Eligibility Criteria  Eligible and Ineligible Entities: Eligible applicants include nonprofit 501(c) organizations, U.S. federal government agencies, state government agencies, local governments, municipal governments, tribal governments and organizations, and educational institutions. Ineligible applicants include businesses, unincorporated individuals, and international organizations. For more information, visit NFWF.

This funding opportunity provides financial support for community-based programs that help individuals facing mental health and substance use challenges, particularly those from marginalized backgrounds, access culturally relevant recovery services.

The Rose Community Foundation is pleased to announce the funding opportunity for nonprofit organizations in the Greater Denver region. Donor Name: Rose Community Foundation State: Colorado County: Adams County (CO), Arapahoe County (CO), Boulder County (CO), Broomfield County (CO), Denver County (CO), Douglas County (CO) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 07/25/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: 1 Year Details: The foundation seeks to fund a diverse slate of organizations engaging in equity-focused policy and advocacy work. Applicants may work at the state level, the local level or both and may pursue short- or long-term policy objectives. They aim to support policy efforts across a range of issues, representing a broad spectrum of approaches, perspectives, and populations served.  This grant cycle is intended to support Greater Denver’s diverse and dynamic ecosystem of organizations that leverage policy and advocacy efforts to help local communities furthest from opportunity create conditions for equity, justice, inclusion and engagement. Types of support  General Operating Support. To provide maximum flexibility for nonprofit organizations engaging in policy and advocacy work, They anticipate that most grants will be for general operating support.  Program or Project Support. Organizations that have a primary organizational focus that does not include policy and advocacy should apply for policy-specific program funding. Non-policy work will not be considered through this grant opportunity.  Organizations that do national or multi-state work should apply for program funding and specify that grant dollars would be used exclusively for local activities or statewide efforts that benefit our region.  Organizations applying on behalf of a coalition are required to apply for program funding.  501(c)(4) organizations are required to apply for program funding to distinguish from candidate or partisan work, which the Foundation cannot fund.  Any grant applicants may opt to have funding structured as program support if that is preferred.  Please note: Organizations that receive program or project support will be required to report direct and grassroots lobbying expenses, as applicable. Funding Information  Funding amounts will typically range from $15,000 to $75,000. Grant Duration  Most grant lengths will be one year. Eligibility Criteria This opportunity is open to nonprofit organizations – 501(c)(3)s and 501(c)(4)s – or fiscally sponsored projects serving the seven-county Greater Denver region (Adams, Arapahoe, Boulder, Broomfield, Denver, Douglas and Jefferson counties) or advancing statewide policy efforts that benefit those within that catchment area.  Local/municipal, state and federal government agencies are not eligible for this opportunity.  Organizations funded through donor-advised funds or giving circles at Rose Community Foundation are eligible for this opportunity, if other eligibility requirements are met.  Organizations that house endowments at Rose Community Foundation are eligible to apply, but like all other applicants, are not guaranteed a grant award.  Organizations that have received a separate grant from Rose Community Foundation in 2024 are unlikely to receive funding via this opportunity. They encourage organizations that think they may still be eligible to meet with Ray Barrie-Kivel, policy and advocacy manager, before beginning their application.  Organizations that have active multi-year grants from Rose Community Foundation are not eligible for this opportunity.  Rose Community Foundation has multiple open RFPs every year, and They encourage organizations that think they could be a fit for more than one opportunity to speak with a member of our grantmaking team before beginning their application. For more information, visit Rose Community Foundation.

The 2025 Small Grants Program, offered by Boulder County Parks & Open Space (BCPOS), provides funding for research and biological inventories on open space lands. The program aims to enhance resource management practices and improve visitor experiences through data-driven insights. Grants of up to $12,500 are available, with a proposal deadline of January 9, 2025. Applicants will be notified of funding decisions by February 20, 2025, and final reports must be submitted by December 8, 2025, to ensure complete payment. BCPOS has identified priority research topics in areas such as Plant Ecology, Wildlife, Forestry and Fire, Education and Outreach, and Invasive Plants. These topics include projects such as assessing the impacts of invasive species, evaluating fire behavior in cheatgrass-dominated areas, and creating habitat connectivity models. Proposals are not limited to these areas, and researchers are encouraged to propose innovative projects aligned with the department’s mission. Proposals must follow a specific format and include sections such as an abstract, introduction, methods, budget, and researcher qualifications. Applications must not exceed six double-spaced pages (excluding cover pages, maps, and resumes) and should be submitted electronically via the Research on Open Space webpage. Researchers are advised to contact BCPOS staff to discuss their topics before submission. If a proposal is initially incomplete, researchers may resubmit once before the deadline. Eligibility is open to universities, government agencies, private organizations, and individuals, including students with faculty sponsorship. Research must occur on BCPOS properties or conservation easements, with prior landowner permission if required. Overhead costs cannot exceed 15%, and there is no requirement for matching funds. Grant recipients are expected to deliver detailed reports, including raw data and mapping products, formatted according to BCPOS guidelines. For interdisciplinary projects, collaboration with other local entities, such as the City of Boulder Open Space and Mountain Parks, is encouraged. For more information or to discuss proposals, applicants can contact program coordinator Raquel Robles at [email protected].

This funding opportunity provides financial support to nonprofits and community projects in Montrose County, Colorado, that enhance local services and quality of life, particularly for underserved populations.

This funding opportunity supports arts and culture projects in the Aurora Cultural Arts District to boost economic development and engage diverse audiences, welcoming applications from local organizations and individual artists.

The Grand Junction Commission on Arts and Culture (GJCAC) has announced the timeline and guidelines for its 2025 grant cycle. This funding opportunity supports arts and culture projects that align with the Commission's goals and provide meaningful community impact. Applications are open from December 9, 2024, and must be submitted by January 31, 2025, at 5:00 PM. After submission, organizations may receive follow-up questions, with responses due by February 14, 2025, at 10:00 AM. Presentations will occur on February 24 or 25, 2025, with grant decisions finalized by February 26, 2025. Notifications will be sent during the week of March 3, 2025, and funding will be distributed throughout March, contingent on completed paperwork. Applicants must communicate effectively with the GJCAC Liaison via email and ensure accurate and frequently monitored contact information. Submissions should be clear, concise, and free from spelling or grammatical errors. Applications should address each question fully while aligning the proposed project with GJCAC’s criteria and goals. Financial details must be precise, including an explanation of any deficits or profits. Multiple funding sources are encouraged, though GJCAC does not fund scholarships or provide rewards as honorariums. Presentations play a critical role in the application process. Applicants are expected to deliver a compelling 3-minute presentation covering five key points: a meaningful anecdote about the organization, unique aspects of the project, specific uses for grant funds, the project’s community impact, and the potential effects of not receiving GJCAC funding. Applicants should engage the audience and avoid reading directly from their application, while also being prepared for a brief Q&A session. Grantees are required to use the GJCAC logo on all promotional materials and register with the City’s Artist and Arts Business Registry if not already listed. Additionally, a GJCAC member will adopt each funded project to assist with promotion and evaluation. For ticketed events, grantees must provide at least two complimentary tickets for the adopter to attend and provide feedback. Post-event responsibilities include submitting a final report within 60 days of project completion. Failure to comply will result in disqualification from applying for GJCAC grants for two years. For assistance, applicants can contact Haley Van Camp at [email protected] or 970-254-3876. More details, including the required final report form, can be found on the Commission’s website.

The Rose Community Foundation is pleased to announce the funding opportunity for nonprofit organizations in the Greater Denver region. Donor Name: Rose Community Foundation State: Colorado County: Adams County (CO), Arapahoe County (CO), Boulder County (CO), Broomfield County (CO), Denver County (CO), Douglas County (CO), Jefferson County (CO) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 08/01/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: 1 Year Details: The foundation seeks to fund a diverse slate of organizations engaging in equity-focused policy and advocacy work. Applicants may work at the state level, the local level or both and may pursue short- or long-term policy objectives. They aim to support policy efforts across a range of issues, representing a broad spectrum of approaches, perspectives, and populations served.  This grant cycle is intended to support Greater Denver’s diverse and dynamic ecosystem of organizations that leverage policy and advocacy efforts to help local communities furthest from opportunity create conditions for equity, justice, inclusion and engagement. Types of support  General Operating Support. To provide maximum flexibility for nonprofit organizations engaging in policy and advocacy work, They anticipate that most grants will be for general operating support. Program or Project Support. Organizations that have a primary organizational focus that does not include policy and advocacy should apply for policy-specific program funding. Non-policy work will not be considered through this grant opportunity. Organizations that do national or multi-state work should apply for program funding and specify that grant dollars would be used exclusively for local activities or statewide efforts that benefit region. Organizations applying on behalf of a coalition are required to apply for program funding. 501(c)(4) organizations are required to apply for program funding to distinguish from candidate or partisan work, which the Foundation cannot fund. Any grant applicants may opt to have funding structured as program support if that is preferred. Please note: Organizations that receive program or project support will be required to report direct and grassroots lobbying expenses, as applicable. Funding Information  Funding amounts will typically range from $15,000 to $75,000. Grant Duration  Most grant lengths will be one year. Eligibility Criteria This opportunity is open to nonprofit organizations – 501(c)(3)s and 501(c)(4)s – or fiscally sponsored projects serving the seven-county Greater Denver region (Adams, Arapahoe, Boulder, Broomfield, Denver, Douglas and Jefferson counties) or advancing statewide policy efforts that benefit those within that catchment area. Local/municipal, state and federal government agencies are not eligible for this opportunity. Organizations funded through donor-advised funds or giving circles at Rose Community Foundation are eligible for this opportunity, if other eligibility requirements are met. Organizations that house endowments at Rose Community Foundation are eligible to apply, but like all other applicants, are not guaranteed a grant award. Organizations that have received a separate grant from Rose Community Foundation in 2024 are unlikely to receive funding via this opportunity. They encourage organizations that think they may still be eligible to meet with Ray Barrie-Kivel, policy and advocacy manager, before beginning their application. Organizations that have active multi-year grants from Rose Community Foundation are not eligible for this opportunity. Rose Community Foundation has multiple open RFPs every year, and They encourage organizations that think they could be a fit for more than one opportunity to speak with a member of grantmaking team before beginning their application. For more information, visit Rose Community Foundation.

The Foundation's Supporting Healthy Minds and Youth Resiliency funding opportunity focuses on honoring young people and supporting their growth and development amidst various challenges such as the pandemic, community violence, and discrimination. Specifically targeting youth of color and LGBTQ+ youth aged 12-18, this initiative seeks to nurture resiliency through identity, agency, and belonging, critical components in developing personal and interpersonal capacities like relationship building, problem-solving, and self-awareness. Proposals should align with the Foundation’s cornerstones, emphasizing service, informed approaches, and health equity. Funding requests typically range from $150,000 to $250,000 over two years, provided as program/project support grants. Organizations must include the same group of young people and adults over a sustained period, focusing on racial, ethnic, sexual, and/or gender identity development; demonstration of agency; and fostering a sense of belonging. A wide array of youth programming will be considered, including civic engagement, arts, cultural practices, outdoor adventures, and job skill training. Organizations interested in applying are encouraged to connect with the Foundation before submitting applications. Grant renewed every year.

Colorado Media Project and Local Media Association are pleased to announce a new partnership that will bring the proven, in-depth training and coaching program of the LMA Lab for Journalism Funding to local newsrooms across Colorado. Donor Name: Local Media Association State: Colorado County: All Counties Type of Grant: Program Deadline:  06/19/2024 Size of the Grant: Not Available Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Community-based, locally controlled Colorado news organizations are invited to apply to join this state-centered cohort to learn how to develop local journalism projects that are responsive to community priorities and can be funded through philanthropy. Applicants must be producing original, local news for Colorado audiences at least weekly; priority will be given to newsrooms with philanthropic giving programs that are less than five years old. Local news partnerships or coalitions are also encouraged to apply, particularly if they have a joint initiative that they are seeking to fund via philanthropy. The LMA Lab for Journalism Funding, made possible with continuing support from Google News Initiative, has helped more than 100 news organizations across the U.S. raise more than $22 million to support local journalism since 2020. Each newsroom in the cohort will work with LMA coaches and CMP staff to: Set a fundraising goal, in consultation with the coaches, that is in line with that publisher’s market size. Develop a list of fundraising prospects, and develop a pitch deck and campaign materials to promote their newsroom and their project. Meet with funders and other lab participants in person at the CMP Summit on August 22. Participate in the end-of-year #newsCOneeds fundraising campaign with support from CMP and the Colorado Gives Foundation. Contribute best practices and lessons learned for case studies and an industry playbook published in 2025. Preference will be given to Colorado news organizations that: Have strong local leadership with deep ties to the community. Are focused on high-quality local journalism. Have leadership-level buy-in to participate in this lab and an organizational commitment to dedicate staff time and resources. Value staff and leadership diversity. Are relatively new to raising philanthropic support for local news (membership and/or grant programs of less than five years OR new staff members who could benefit from this training and cohort). For more information, visit Local Media Association.

The City of Boulder has released the 2025 Health Equity Fund (HEF) Request for Proposals, for community-based health equity programs benefitting Boulder community members experiencing health disparities. Donor Name: City of Boulder State: County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 08/12/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: 3 Years Details: The Health Equity Fund aims to reduce disparities and to improve health equity for people experiencing systemic socio-economic and health barriers. Examples of HEF-supported programs include health services that help prevent obesity, diabetes, heart disease and oral diseases; increased access to healthy food and clean water; wellness programs; physical fitness; and more. The City of Boulder defines health equity as the absence of systematic health disparities based on socio-economic factors, and the ability of all residents to reach their full health potential, regardless of their life circumstances. Through the HEF, the City of Boulder funds health and wellness programs that benefit City of Boulder residents experiencing health disparities, including: Residents disproportionately impacted by diseases linked to sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) consumption or disproportionately targeted by SSB marketing; Residents who lack access to healthy food, safe water, quality health care, wellness information and health care services and systems; and Populations systemically disenfranchised due to race, ethnicity, income, age, ability, sexual orientation or gender identification. Funding Information  Proposals must request a minimum of $10,000 with at least $8,000 in eligible expenses. Grant Period The RFP is for program services performed from January 1, 2025, to December 31, 2027. Eligibility Criteria Through the HEF, the city will fund programs rather than entire organizations, institutions, or agencies. Eligible programs may be implemented in nonprofit organizations, government agencies, or public or private educational institutions (i.e., preK-12 school or college/university). Businesses and for-profit agencies should not apply. Eligible program activities may include direct services, research or collaborative approaches.  Proposal Criteria Proposals will be evaluated based on whether the proposed program:  Benefits people most affected by, or at increased risk from chronic disease linked to sugary drink consumption, or who generally experience health disparities.  Has leadership (agency board, staff and volunteers) that reflects the demographic diversity of clients served. Aligns with a selected program priority. Demonstrates sound research, evidence-based best practices. Values lived experience, cultural knowledge and wisdom.  Demonstrates strong and long-term evaluation of outcomes, or potential for such evaluation. Meaningfully engages community members experiencing health disparities in the design, implementation and/or evaluation of the proposed program. Demonstrates strong collaboration and transformative, equitable partnerships that move beyond informal relationships. Demonstrates a cost-effective approach that benefits program participants, target populations or the community. Demonstrates that the agency currently has, or demonstrates a plan for achieving sustained financial stability and organizational leadership. Exhibits diverse funding sources or a plan to achieve diverse funding.  For more information, visit COB.