Grey to Green Fund

The Grey to Green Fund is now accepting applications for 2027 projects.

The Grey to Green Fund aims to increase nature-based climate solutions in Boulder County. The $150,000 grant program supports projects that replace “grey” features, like parking lots and concrete, with “green” landscaping, like rain gardens, native plants and community gardens.

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.

Latest News

Funding available for nature-based climate solutions

July 20, 2026

Three urban greening projects awarded grant funding

April 15, 2026

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

2027 Awards

The Grey to Green fund application will open on July 20 and close on Aug. 31. Per project funding will range from $20,000 to $50,000.

Program 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.

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.
If you were awarded funding in a previous Grey to Green Fund cycle, you must wait one year before applying again as the lead applicant. You may apply again as a partner or supporting applicant.

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. Please only list partners in your application that are external to your organization.
If you were awarded funding in a previous Grey to Green Fund cycle, you must wait 1 year before applying again as the lead applicant. You may apply again as a partner or supporting applicant.

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)
Overhead, such as operational expenses necessary to support the project (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

Number of Project Partnerships
Percent of Impervious Surface in the Census Block where the Project is Being Proposed
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 (total project area in square feet)
Size of Impervious to Pervious Conversion (square feet of asphalt, concrete, pavement, or other impervious surfaces removed and replaced with green space)
Project Design Lead Experience and Plant List
Timeline and Maintenance Plan

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
Stormwater Specialist, Boulder County
Landscape Architect, City of Boulder
Horticulturist and Green Roof Expert, Colorado State University

Fund Administration

The 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.

2026 Awards

The county selected three projects from nine applications. Projects were evaluated based on the amount of impervious surface they would replace, benefits to disproportionately impacted communities, number of partners involved, and total square footage converted from grey to green.

Project Details

City of Boulder – “Food Forest” – $30,000

This project will turn a neglected two‑acre parcel at 55th and Valmont into a community food forest. The site will be redesigned to mimic natural ecosystems, improving biodiversity, soil health, and water management. Located in an underserved area, the project will also expand access to green space, local food, and community‑led ecological education.

PLAY Boulder Foundation “Non-Functional Turf Conversion to Native Gardens at San Lazaro Mobile Home Community” – $20,000

PLAY Boulder will partner with residents of the San Lazaro Mobile Home Community to remove non‑functional turf from ten front yards and replace it with native trees, shrubs, and pollinator‑friendly gardens. The project will reduce water use, improve soil health, increase biodiversity, and create cooler microclimates. Residents will be hired to assist with installation and early maintenance.

3123 Sterling Circle “Rooftop Agrivoltaic” – $50,000

This project will install a 19,646‑square‑foot agrivoltaic green roof on a new net‑zero commercial building. The roof integrates vegetation with raised solar panels, reducing heat, improving stormwater retention, supporting urban biodiversity, and enhancing solar performance. It will serve as a demonstration site for combining renewable energy with green infrastructure.