The Application Instruction Packet and FAQ Document were updated on Dec. 1, 2025. Please ensure you have downloaded the most recent version.

Grey to Green Fund

The Grey to Green Fund aims to increase nature-based climate solutions in Boulder County. The $100,000 grant program will support projects that replace “grey” features, like parking lots and concrete, with “green” landscaping, like rain gardens, native plants and community gardens.

The grant application will open on Dec. 9, 2025 and close on Feb. 3, 2026. Program details can be found in the Application Instruction Packet. Additional questions are answered in the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Document. Program leads will host an informational webinar on Tuesday, Dec. 16, 2025 from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Register for the Grey to Green Fund Webinar here.

A before and after illustration of smart streetside design with "green features" that includes bioswales, minimized pavement, rain gardens, and a rain barrel.

By planting more native plants and reducing the amount of concrete, we can reduce flood risk, improve water quality and recharge groundwater. Image courtesy of Superbloom.

Why Nature-Based Solutions Matter

Valmont Road at 61st Street looking eastbound

Hard surfaces make Boulder County hot

Hard surfaces like roads and sidewalks contribute to problems that are being made worse by climate change. These hard surfaces don’t let water soak into the ground, which causes problems like:

Hotter local temperatures
Flooding
Dirty water
Fewer plants and animals

Heat reflects off a road and blurs a small car driving on the left side of the road.

Climate Change makes heat worse

By 2050, Boulder County expects 43 days per year with temperatures exceeding 92.5ºF

Urban and suburban areas are most susceptible to increased warming because sparse vegetation, concrete, and asphalt create urban heat islands.

A young leafy tree getting planted in the ground by two men in green shirts while a crew of five teens watches. The tree is being planted in a grassy yard area.

Green spaces make our communities healthier

Adding green spaces like trees, gardens, and green roofs can help make our communities stronger and healthier. These green features help with things like:

Reducing flooding
Cleaning the air and water
Decreasing local air temperatures
Improving people’s health

Grant Details

Goals

Direct resources to Boulder County municipalities and other entities to implement nature-based solutions from the Urban Landscape Toolkit.
Reduce impervious surfaces and non-functional turf in Boulder County.
Expand green spaces to enhance resilience to climate impacts (extreme heat, drought, flooding, biodiversity loss).
Improve stormwater management, infiltration, carbon sequestration, cleaner air, and urban cooling.
Advance climate equity by directing resources and benefits to disproportionately impacted communities.
Create replicable and scalable models of resilient urban landscapes.

Timeline

This timeline is an estimate and might change based on program needs.

Program Launch: Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2025
Informational Webinar: Tuesday, Dec. 16, 2025 from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Register for the Grey to Green Fund Informational Webinar here. Webinar will be recorded.
Application Deadline: 11:59 p.m. MST on Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2026
Award Notifications: Applicants will be notified of funding decisions by April 2026.
Anticipated Date Range for Funded Projects: May 2026-October 2027

Eligibility

Eligible Applicants

Funding is available to municipalities, businesses, non-profit organizations, schools, and Homeowner Associations (HOAs).
Applicants must be formally registered entities (e.g., business, non-profit, HOA, educational institution, or government).
For projects at multifamily units (MFUs) or manufactured home parks, an eligible organization must apply on behalf of the property with the property owner’s permission.
Business applicants must have been in operation for at least one year.
Projects located on private single-family residential properties are not eligible.
Public-private and intergovernmental partnerships are encouraged.

Lead Applicants and Partner Roles

If multiple organizations are collaborating on a project, one must serve as the Lead Applicant.

The Lead Applicant must be an eligible organization, and will be responsible for submitting the application, serving as the main point of contact, and—if awarded—entering into the funding agreement with Boulder County.
The project does not need to be located at the Lead Applicant’s property or facility, but the Lead Applicant must have the necessary permissions to carry out the work.
The Lead Applicant will be legally and financially responsible for all grant requirements, including reporting and invoicing.
Partner organizations may assist with project design, outreach, or implementation but will not have a direct contract with Boulder County.
Partners may receive funds only through a subcontract or agreement with the Lead Applicant.
All partners should be clearly identified in the application, with defined roles and responsibilities.

Geographic Requirements

All projects must be implemented within the boundaries of Boulder County.
Applicants must ensure projects must follow all federal, state/local land use regulations and permit requirements. The applicant is responsible for researching and complying with all such rules, regulations, and permits.

Eligible Use of Funds

Costs directly associated with the design, planning, and implementation of a grey to green project, including but not limited to:

Site preparation
Purchase and installation of materials
Design and engineering services
Contractor and labor specific to project installation
Equipment rentals and tools necessary for project implementation
Permitting fees required for project execution
Irrigation
Community engagement (up to 10% of budget)

Ineligible Use of Funds

Repayment of existing debt, or pre-existing tax liens or obligations
Payment of organizational overhead exceeding 15% of proposed project budget
Legal fees
Loan or bank fees
Subsidization of existing contracts
Funds for start-up business
Labor for existing programs
Travel
Maintenance

Application Evaluation and Scoring

Scoring Criteria

Applicants will be scored on the following categories:

Number of Project Partnerships
Percent of Impervious Surface
If Project is located in a Colorado EnviroScreen Census Block
Benefit to Disproportionately Impacted Communities as defined by CDPHE
Project Narrative and Ecological Performance
Size of Grey to Green Conversion
Project Design Lead Experience and Plant List
Timeline and Maintenance Plan
Budget

Scoring Committee Members

Scoring Committee members will be comprised of three internal and three external experts in urban landscape NBS. In 2025, this includes the following seats:

Natural Climate Solutions Specialist, OSCAR, Boulder County
Climate Equity Specialist, OSCAR, Boulder County
Senior Sustainability Strategist and Regenerative Agriculture Expert, OSCAR, Boulder County
Stormwater Specialist, Boulder County
Landscape Architect, City of Boulder
Horticulturist and Green Roof Expert, Colorado State University

Fund Administration

The 2026 Grey to Green Fund is administered by Boulder County’s Office of Sustainability, Climate Action, and Resilience (OSCAR).

Funding for this project comes from the Boulder County Sustainability Tax.