Boulder County Invests in Community Recovery
In August 2022, the Boulder County Board of Commissioners (BOCC) approved a $7.5 million investment from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) to support small businesses child care providers, and nonprofit agencies through the Survive and Thrive Grants program.
Addressing community needs following extensive community engagement:
Boulder County identified the challenges faced by these sectors as a major concern during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. The Survive and Thrive Grants will provide critical funding to help these organizations continue their vital work and recover from the pandemic’s economic impact.
Funding from The Survive and Thrive Business Grants will be available to child care providers in Boulder County including Family, Friend, and Neighbor (FFN) caregivers who typically are not eligible for grants and nonprofit agencies.
FFNs are essential to the community’s well-being by offering affordable early childhood education and support working parents. Child care small businesses provide that unique support for families who need affordable care in the early childhood education (ECE) ecosystem. These providers include grandparents, aunts and uncles, elders, older siblings, friends, neighbors, and other caregivers who are home-based and working outside of the formal child care system.
Nonprofit organizations play a crucial role in addressing community needs, providing essential services such as food assistance, support programs, and resource connections.
The Survive and Thrive Grants will prioritize organizations that serve marginalized communities and have been disproportionately affected by the pandemic
By investing in these vital sectors, Boulder County aims to strengthen the community’s resilience and ensure a sustainable recovery.
