Elevate Boulder

The Elevate Boulder application process closed on Friday, Nov. 17, 2023. All selected participants are now enrolled. Applications are no longer being accepted.

Information for Selected Participants

Visit the Elevate Boulder Participant Information page for project information and updates.

Project Overview

Elevate Boulder is the City of Boulder’s guaranteed income pilot project that will provide 200 low-income Boulder households with $500 per month for two years. This assistance is unconditional and unrestricted; that means it can be used how participants choose, and they won’t have to do anything in return. The city is allocating $3 million from its American Rescue Plan Act funds for the project.

More background information on the Elevate Boulder guaranteed income pilot project is available in English and in Spanish.

How can you support Elevate Boulder?

Community members, businesses and organizations can donate to the Elevate Boulder Fund, in partnership with the Community Foundation Boulder County. Funds raised will help ensure that:

  • Applicants receive culturally-centered assistance from diverse, professional staff
  • The evaluation process is inclusive, robust and can help ensure project sustainability
  • Project participants can receive a higher direct cash assistance amount, or other resources to help them achieve financial stability

Contributions to the Elevate Boulder Fund will also help city staff determine the potential for ongoing, collective community support to extend the project after the pilot phase is complete.

Guaranteed Income Pilot Project Community Task Force

Nine community members served on a Community Task Force to provide input and guidance on issues such as project outcomes; eligibility criteria; the amount, frequency and duration of cash assistance; customer service; and evaluation. All members have experience living with low-income in Boulder and/or work with low-income community members and identify with a population that is underrepresented or underserved or experiencing systemic disparities.