Boulder County is taking a proactive approach towards nature-based climate solutions with the rollout of three new grant programs. These initiatives, namely the Soil Health Initiative, Grey to Green Fund, and Sustainable Food and Agriculture Fund, are slated to assist local organizations and food producers to incorporate practices that will bolster soil health, revamp urban spaces with greenery, and enhance the resilience of the food system against climate adversities. As Commissioner Ashley Stolzmann highlighted, “Boulder County is known for its open space and agricultural lands, which are key to addressing climate change,” as per Boulder County.
The Soil Health Initiative is offering up to $660,000 in grants designed to aid farmers and ranchers who are determined to not only improve soil health but also ensure that their practices contribute to a sustainable and resilient food system. In an article from Boulder County, it's stated that grantees must adhere to USDA soil health principles, which range from minimizing soil disturbance to integrating livestock into crop production. The grant also has a special partnership where local restaurants and food establishments under Zero Foodprint are contributing to regenerative agriculture by adding a nominal sum to sales to finance practices that significantly enhance soil health.
The Grey to Green Fund, stocked with $100,000, incentivizes projects that aim to convert built environments into more ecologically friendly spaces. The initiative pursues the replacement of concrete jungles with elements like rain gardens or micro-forests. Dede Croissant, Boulder County Natural Climate Solutions Specialist, told Boulder County, "By replacing paved areas and working with nature, we can make our cities healthier and more livable." Applicants ranging from businesses to schools are eligible to apply for funding, which varies between $20,000 and $50,000, and a related informational webinar is scheduled to help guide potential applicants.
Finally, the Sustainable Food and Agriculture Fund is directing $50,000 towards projects that seek to make the local food system more sustainable. The funds are set to support a diverse set of initiatives, including education and market infrastructure to assist frontline farmworkers. This program is open to a wide range of applicants, such as businesses, non-profits, and government entities, with grants available between $10,000 and $25,000.
