The Matching Grant Program (MGP) is a community-driven matching grant program run by Ag + Open Space. The intention of the MGP is to protect vibrant lands and create inviting open spaces within their cities and communities and at the urban edge, providing an opportunity for residents and visitors alike to experience open space in and near Sonoma County’s population centers.
Donor Name: Sonoma County Agricultural Preservation and Open Space District
State: California
County: Sonoma County (CA)
Type of Grant: Matching Grant
Deadline: 07/01/2022
Size of the Grant: $4,000,000
Details:
Matching Grant projects have the potential to transform communities, providing places to find solitude, hold public gatherings, get some exercise, grow local food, and experience and learn about the importance of natural resources and agriculture in the landscape. The program aims to bring these benefits to all of Sonoma County’s diverse and unique communities.
Categories
The MGP has two general categories of eligible project types: Acquisition and/or Improvement. Projects may include elements of both project types.
- Acquisition projects include, but are not limited to, the purchase of land for:
- Restoration and/or enhancement of significant natural areas, including oak woodlands, marshes, wetlands, uplands, riparian corridors, and other critical habitat areas.
- Public access to open space and outdoor recreational and educational amenities, such as urban parks, greenways, athletic fields, trails, and access to rivers and other waterways.
- Farmland that provides urban greenspace and access to locally grown food and fiber and provides opportunities for the public to experience farming, agricultural production, and/or food and fiber production.
- Improvement projects include, but are not limited to:
- Restoration and/or enhancement of significant natural areas, including oak woodlands, marshes, wetlands, uplands, riparian corridors, and other critical habitat areas.
- Development of connections between communities, public parks, or public lands within and adjacent to urban areas. Preference may be given to projects that are part of a planned or existing regional trail system.
- Implementation or construction of new site improvements for, and that facilitate, outdoor public recreation and education including public access to open spaces and parks for outdoor recreational use, including trails, trailheads, picnic and staging areas, athletic fields, and outdoor classrooms.
- Construction of new site improvements necessary for agricultural uses, including wildlife-friendly livestock fencing, garden beds, and picnic areas.
Funding Information
- The proposed budget for the 2022 Matching Grant Program cycle is $4,000,000.
Eligibility Criteria
Eligible applicants include public agencies and 501(c)(3) nonprofits. Applications from nonprofits must also include the following:
- Evidence of qualification under Section 501(c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Service Code
- California Form 590 Withholding Exemption Certificate
- California Form 204 Payee Data Record
- Articles of Incorporation
- By-laws
For more information, visit Matching Grant Program 2022.
