Survive and Thrive

Groups could apply starting in February 2025. Awards went out in May and June 2025. The program gave money to licensed childcare providers serving children ages 5 and under. It also funded nonprofits, which are groups that serve the public and do not make a profit. This included 501(c)(3) charities and 501(c)(19) veterans groups.

View the list of Survive and Thrive Awardees.

The county also gave $210,000 to 42 family, friend, and neighbor childcare providers. Each one got a one-time grant of $5,000. These providers include grandparents, aunts, uncles, older siblings, friends, and neighbors who care for children at home. They often do not qualify for grants.

In August 2022, the Boulder County Board of County Commissioners approved $7.5 million from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). ARPA is federal money to help places recover from the pandemic. The county had heard from residents that childcare providers and nonprofits were struggling. Their costs went up, but funding did not keep pace with the need.

The county put groups hit hardest by the pandemic first. The grants had no strings attached. Groups could use the money for whatever they needed most.