2026 Grant Funding
In response to shifting needs in our community, Health Equity Fund (HEF) grant funding will be awarded through a closed, invite only process for the 2026 fund round. Rather than issuing an open call for applications, this year’s fund round will be open only to currently funded programs and a small number of programs that are directly invited. Invitations for programs not funded in 2025 will be based on a range of factors, including strategic alignment, level of need for program services (with a focus on critical needs), existing partnerships, and our capacity to provide meaningful support. The goal of this shift is to offer greater stability by allowing limited funding to be focused on a smaller number of organizations during a time when many are facing significant uncertainty.
Invitations for the 2026 HEF Fund Round will go out on June 9, 2025.
If you have any questions about this, contact Markisha Key-Hagan at key-haganm@bouldercolorado.gov or 303-441-3146
Background
The City of Boulder's Health Equity Fund (HEF) provides grant funding to community organizations and agencies promoting health equity for Boulder residents. Funding investments are awarded through an annual competitive process based on alignment with the intent and language of the Sugar-Sweetened Beverage Product Distribution Tax, a ballot measure which was approved in November 2016.
The Sugar Sweetened Beverage Product Distribution Tax is an excise tax of up to two cents per ounce on the first distributor in any chain of distribution of drinks with added sugar, and sweeteners used to produce such drinks. Revenue collected, minus the cost of tax collection and fund administration, is awarded to qualifying nonprofit agencies and organizations, educational or governmental entities – public or private – that propose to serve city residents.
The HEF aims to reduce disparities and to improve health equity among our at-risk population. Examples of HEF-supported programs include those that prevent diseases (e.g., obesity, diabetes, heart disease, oral diseases) linked to consumption of sugary beverages; increase access to healthy food and clean water; expand health services and wellness programs; and more.
