Guaranteed Income Program

Elevate Boulder is the City of Boulder’s guaranteed income program. In its pilot phase (2024-25) the city allocated $3 million from its American Rescue Plan Act funds to provide 200 low-income Boulder households with $500 per month for two years. Now, the city is working to raise funds for a public/private partnership so that Elevate Boulder can continue to advance financial stability for additional community members.

Direct cash assistance through Elevate Boulder is unconditional and unrestricted, rooted in trust and dignity. That means once enrolled in the program, participants can use the funds however they choose, and they won’t have to do anything in return.

Elevate Boulder is not accepting applications at this time. Please visit this webpage later in 2026 for updates.

A financial contribution to Elevate Boulder is an investment in a proven, evidence-based approach to financial stability that honors the dignity of the people it serves. It is an investment in a Boulder where every resident, regardless of income, has the opportunity for financial stability and a more ‘elevated’ future.

Through a partnership with the Community Foundation Boulder County, donations for the next program cohort are collected through the Elevate Boulder Fund.

• Donate to the Elevate Boulder Fund

To evaluate the Elevate Boulder pilot project, the city contracted with the Omni Institute Center for Social Investment to conduct participant surveys and focus groups. Surveys were administered at the point of enrollment and at the 8- and 20-month milestones. Focus groups took place at the 10-month milestone. Collectively, data indicates that participants experienced significant benefits in affording basic needs, food and housing security, mental health and overall wellness. Many sought and acquired additional education and job training and credited Elevate Boulder for doing so. 94% of participants feel better able to meet their long-term financial goals.

Guaranteed income also fosters reinvestment in local economies. Data shows that for Elevate Boulder participants who received payments by debit card, 96% of funds were withdrawn and/or spent at businesses located in the city.

With support from the Community Foundation Boulder County, the city and a team of professional storytellers worked with Elevate Boulder participants to help them tell their stories and share the impact of the project in their own words and images.

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.