Funding is available to help safety net programs fill gaps left by recent federal changes.

Key Points:

• Applications are open now for $2M in emergency funding to help with food and health care access. Nonprofits can apply for grants of $100,000 or more.
• The deadline to apply is Feb. 23, 2026, at 5 p.m.
• Current Community Partnership Grantees will also get a 5% funding increase in 2026 to help meet rising demand.
• To receive this information in another language, email HSCommunications@bouldercounty.gov or call 303-579-6971.

Boulder County, Colo. – Applications are now open for emergency Community Partnership Grant (CPG) funding to support nonprofit programs that improve access to food and health care for Boulder County residents. Grant amounts start at $100,000.

The funding comes in response to federal legislation that reduces eligibility for programs that offer health care (Medicaid) and food assistance (SNAP), while increasing health care costs for many.

This one-time grant opportunity will make up to $2 million available. Nonprofits that qualify must support:

• People who are losing Medicaid or other health insurance coverage
• Households impacted by cuts to SNAP
• Community members struggling with rising health care and food costs

Interested organizations can find the full application instructions and materials on the CPG website. Applications are due by Friday, Feb. 23, at 5 p.m.

“We know that local families are already feeling the effects of reduced federal support,” said Susan Caskey, director of Boulder County Human Services. “This funding helps us act fast and support nonprofit partners with programs that respond to real, immediate community needs.”

Funding is provided through Boulder County’s Human Services Safety Net, a voter-approved property tax initiative that helps fill gaps left by limited state and federal funding for health, food, and housing services.

“Boulder County is committed to meeting people where they are — with dignity, urgency, and care,” said Boulder County Commissioner Ashley Stolzmann. “This emergency grant round is one way we’re able to show up for our residents and make sure safety net programs remain strong.”

Programs selected for the emergency funding will be expected to report on impact using standardized measures provided by Boulder County.

Questions about the RFA must be submitted by Feb. 11, 2026, at 5 p.m. to HSCommPartnershipGrant@bouldercounty.gov. Answers will be posted by Feb. 13, 2026, on the CPG website.

In addition to opening this new application round, the Boulder County Commissioners announced a 5% increase in 2026 funding for all current CPG grantees. The increase will help local nonprofits keep up with rising demand and operational costs.

About the Human Services Safety Net (HSSN)

Boulder County voters first approved the Human Services Safety Net (HSSN) mill levy in 2008 and renewed it in 2015 through 2030. HSSN funds are used to strengthen community safety net services, respond to emergencies, and fill gaps left by inadequate state and federal funding.

About Boulder County Human Services

Boulder County Human Services is a department of more than 350 staff who support the health, safety, and well-being of local community members. Each year, we serve more than 110,000 people across Boulder County with access to food and cash assistance, health coverage, child care, family services, and more. Visit the Human Services website at boco.org/HumanServices.