Access for All
The mParks Foundation is dedicated to providing increased access to recreation and the outdoors for people of all ages and abilities through funding for adaptive equipment and innovative projects.
Play is Essential For All Grant
mParks Foundation “Play is Essential for All” equipment grant is intended to help mParks partners provide recreational opportunities for everyone in their community.
Award Specifications: Total of $20,000 available for 2024 project funding
Timeline:
Grant monies must be used for new equipment that will assist your community in providing recreational opportunities for individuals of all abilities. Examples include (but not limited to) accessible equipment for swings, communication boards, kayaking, beach mats, bikes, picnic tables, etc.)
Funding for the 2024 Play is Essential for All Grant is made possible in part, by MI Big Green Gym.
MI Big Green Gym is a partnership between mParks, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.
How to Apply:
To apply, please answer the following questions and submit answers with the form below. Applications will be considered based on community need, mParks support and involvement in mParks Foundation events (such as Virtual 5K Race and other fundraisers).
1. What type of equipment will be purchased with the grand funds? Include a photo or rendering of the equipment and its cost to purchase.
2. Details of park or facility where equipment will be used. Include location, size & map if possible.
3. Who is the target audience for this equipment?
4. How will grant money help your agency provide recreational opportunities to all? Specifically describe how this equipment will help you achieve Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) initiatives.
5. Is this part of a larger project? If so, please describe the project and how this piece of equipment will enhance the project as a whole.
6. Include a detailed project completion time line.
7. How will your agency recognize the mParks Foundation if the grant is awarded?
Award Specifications: Total of $20,000 available for 2024 project funding
Timeline:
- Applications due December 29, 2023.
- Awardees notified the week of February 19, 2024.
- Awards will be presented and awarded during the 2024 mParks Conference & Trade Show.
- Project must be completed by November 2024.
- mParks member in good standing.
- Submit completed grant application by December 29, 2023.
- A 5-10 minute video with application is an option. If video content covers all required information (see below), it may be submitted in lieu of a written document.
- No financial match required.
- Recognition of mParks Foundation financial support (if grant is awarded).
- Photo of equipment installed at location.
- Maximum grant amount available is up to $5,000 per agency.
- Funds must be used by November 30, 2023.
- Must provide recognition of mParks Foundation financial support.
- Must provide photo of equipment at the location.
- Maximum grant amount available is up to $5,000 per agency.
Grant monies must be used for new equipment that will assist your community in providing recreational opportunities for individuals of all abilities. Examples include (but not limited to) accessible equipment for swings, communication boards, kayaking, beach mats, bikes, picnic tables, etc.)
Funding for the 2024 Play is Essential for All Grant is made possible in part, by MI Big Green Gym.
MI Big Green Gym is a partnership between mParks, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.
How to Apply:
To apply, please answer the following questions and submit answers with the form below. Applications will be considered based on community need, mParks support and involvement in mParks Foundation events (such as Virtual 5K Race and other fundraisers).
1. What type of equipment will be purchased with the grand funds? Include a photo or rendering of the equipment and its cost to purchase.
2. Details of park or facility where equipment will be used. Include location, size & map if possible.
3. Who is the target audience for this equipment?
4. How will grant money help your agency provide recreational opportunities to all? Specifically describe how this equipment will help you achieve Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) initiatives.
5. Is this part of a larger project? If so, please describe the project and how this piece of equipment will enhance the project as a whole.
6. Include a detailed project completion time line.
7. How will your agency recognize the mParks Foundation if the grant is awarded?