The new Housing Innovation Fund will support projects that expand housing access, stability, and equity.

Key Points:

• Boulder County’s new Housing Innovation Fund will offer up to $100,000 per project to support creative housing solutions.
• Municipalities and nonprofits can apply starting Nov. 10, 2025.
• The fund is supported by the county’s Affordable and Attainable Housing Tax.
• To receive this information in another language, email HSCommunications@bouldercounty.gov or call 303-413-7556.

Boulder County, Colo. – Boulder County is launching a new funding opportunity to support creative solutions to housing challenges across the region. The Housing Innovation Fund will provide up to $500,000 in one-time grants for bold, community-driven projects that make housing more affordable, stable, and accessible for people in Boulder County.

The fund, made possible by the Affordable and Attainable Housing Tax (AAHT), invites municipal governments and nonprofit organizations to apply for grants of up to $100,000 per project. The goal is to pilot, test, or grow programs that improve housing outcomes, especially for those most affected by rising costs and limited availability.

“We want to support new ideas that challenge the status quo and move us toward a future where everyone in Boulder County has access to a safe, affordable place to live,” said Susana Lopez-Baker, Boulder County Housing Director. “This fund gives communities a chance to try creative solutions that could have lasting impact.”

What kinds of projects are eligible?

The Housing Innovation Fund is looking for projects that:

• Expand access to affordable and attainable housing
• Improve housing stability for low- and moderate-income residents
• Pilot new ways of building, funding, or delivering housing
• Encourage partnerships across sectors or communities
• Advance racial equity by reducing disparities in housing outcomes

Projects can focus on planning, implementation, or testing new ideas. Grants may be renewed in future years.

Who can apply?

Applicants must be:

• A municipal government in Boulder County, or
• A nonprofit focused on housing or community development in Boulder County

Partnerships between cities and nonprofits are encouraged.

Learn More

Join us for an informational webinar on Nov. 19, 2025, to learn more about the fund, eligibility, and how to apply. To receive updates about AAHT, including details on the webinar, sign-up for our AAHT mailing list. More information will also be posted on the AAHT website.

Key dates

• Notice of Request for Applications (RFA) posted: Nov. 3, 2025
• Applications open: Nov. 10, 2025
• Deadline to apply: Dec. 4, 2025
• Award notifications: Dec. 31, 2025
• Project period: Feb. 2026 – Dec. 2026

Application instructions and materials can be found on the AAHT website. All applications will require a project narrative, financial documentation, and program budget. To receive updates about AAHT, including a notification when the application goes live on Nov. 11, sign-up for our AAHT mailing list.

About the Affordable and Attainable Housing Tax

Boulder County voters approved the Affordable and Attainable Housing Tax (AAHT) in 2023. Administered by the Boulder County Housing Department, AAHT extends a small sales tax for 15 years to help build, fix, and keep affordable homes in our community. The money also supports housing services and local programs that help people stay housed. Visit boco.org/AAHT to learn more.

About the Boulder County Housing Department

The Boulder County Housing Department helps people across the county find safe, affordable, and stable places to live. The department offers direct services and housing, connects people to resources, and works with partners to support those most in need. It also leads regional efforts to create long-term, fair housing solutions for everyone. Visit boco.org/Housing to learn more.