The Department of Natural Resources is seeking applications for its Michigan Spark Grants to support projects that provide safe, accessible, public recreation facilities and spaces to improve people’s health, introduce new recreation experiences, build on existing park infrastructure and make it easier for people to enjoy the outdoors.
Donor Name: Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR)
State: Michigan
County: All Counties
Type of Grant: Grant
Deadline: 12/19/2022
Size of the Grant: $1 million
Details:
This grant opportunity is possible because of the Building Michigan Together Plan, signed in March 2022, which included a historic infusion of federal funding in their state and local parks.
Program goals
- Leverage federal, state, local and private resources toward a sustainable public recreation development program.
- Provide a clear, simple and equitable grants distribution process in support of public outdoor recreation.
- Align project partners and community organizations so resources are maximized, and roles and responsibilities are clearly outlined and balanced.
Addressing community need
The Michigan Spark Grants program is aimed at helping improve and redevelop existing public outdoor recreation in communities that have historically experienced barriers to accessing these types of grants. Funding priority will be given to areas with a high proportion of households that are struggling financially, a high number of residents with physical and mental disabilities, and a lack of public recreation opportunities.
Funding Information
A total of $65 million of coronavirus state and local fiscal recovery funds was made available through Public Act 53 of 2022. Individual grant amounts – ranging from a minimum of $100,000 to a maximum of $1 million – will be distributed in three rounds:
- Round one: $15 million during the week of Jan. 30, 2023.
Eligible projects
- Projects must support and enhance neighborhood features that promote improved health and safety outcomes or address the increased repair or maintenance needs in response to significantly greater use of public facilities in local communities that have been adversely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Projects may include the development, renovation or redevelopment of public recreation facilities, and the provision of recreation-focused equipment and programs at public recreation spaces.
- Funds may be used for activities such as, but not limited to, project review, planning, architecture and engineering services, construction, oversight and compliance activities associated with state and federal requirements, as applicable.
- Projects must be completed by Dec. 31, 2026, on public land with the primary purpose of providing outdoor recreation.
Criteria
- Applicants must be local units of government or public authorities legally established to provide public recreation.
- Applicants may include a regional or statewide organization or consortium of local units of government or public authorities legally established to provide public recreation.
- An eligible financial match is encouraged but not required.
- A community planning process is encouraged but not required.
For more information, visit Michigan Spark Grants.
