The Parks & Public Space Initiative supports the beautification, development and activation of neighborhood/community parks, school parks, trails and other public lands.
Donor Name: Oklahoma City Community Foundation
State: Oklahoma
City: Oklahoma City
Type of Grant: Grant
Deadline: 06/14/2024
Size of the Grant: Not Available
Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned
Details:
This initiative grew out of the Margaret Annis Boys Trust, which was established through a gift from Miss Boys’ estate in 1991 to support and encourage landscaping and beautification projects in parks, medians and other public lands in Oklahoma City. Grant awards will vary depending on the size and complexity of the project. In addition to funding, Oklahoma City Community Foundation staff will provide project expertise.
Goals and Objectives
- To increase utilization of neighborhood parks, neighborhood school parks, trails and other spaces open to the public for recreation, cultural and health improvement.
- To engage community groups, neighborhoods, corporations, municipalities and other nonprofit organizations in improving the neighborhood parks, school parks and trails and the programs that are in them.
- To increase community stewardship of parks, school parks, trails and public spaces.
Grant Funding Goals
- Encourage landscaping and beautification projects in public community spaces including neighborhood/community parks, school parks, trails, public medians and other public lands in central Oklahoma.
- Items eligible for funding include plant material such as trees, shrubs and perennials, soil amendments, mulch and irrigation. Landscape amenities such as shade structures, benches and information signage may be eligible. Master plans and tree canopy studies for public spaces with collaborative partners will be considered.
- Increase utilization of public spaces that are open and accessible to citizens for recreation, cultural and health improvement.
- Engage community groups, neighborhoods, businesses, and other nonprofit organizations to improve the public community spaces.
- Increase community awareness, involvement, and stewardship of the public community spaces.
Priorities and Requirements for Considering Funding
- Existing neighborhood/community parks, school parks, trails, public medians and other open and accessible public properties will be the primary focus area for implementation of approved projects.
- The majority of Parks and Public Space Initiative grants are infrastructure and support activities or programs.
- Projects must be completed within a year after funding notification. All proposed projects must be open and accessible to the public during reasonable usage hours.
- All proposed projects must be located within the Greater Oklahoma City area.
- The proposed project must provide documentation of approval by the government entity directly responsible for the management and oversight of the project.
- Neighborhood streetscapes are a low priority for grant funding.
- A comprehensive site plan of the proposed project must be included with the grant application. The application must include current and future phases of the project if multi-phased. It can be professionally prepared or presented as a graphic over a Google Earth image.
- A significant volunteer component is required for each grant proposal. The volunteer group must share an active role in the planning, implementation and ongoing maintenance of the project.
- A realistic location, installation and maintenance plan with identified responsibilities and budget must be submitted to ensure the project’s sustainability. Tree plantings typically require a three-year maintenance plan to ensure establishment.
- Proposed grant requests supporting bond issue and other publicly funded projects will be considered on a case-by-case basis. There must be strong evidence that the project is ready to move forward immediately and that the Parks Initiative grant portion will play a significant role in the overall success and impact of the project.
Who may apply?
- Neighborhood/community groups connected to parks, school parks, trails and other public spaces in Oklahoma County.
- Any 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization providing direct services and that has a governing board based in Oklahoma County.
- Local government agencies or state and city-connected agencies.
For more information, visit OCCF.
