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
County: Oklahoma County (OK)
Type of Grant: Grant
Deadline: 01/06/2023
Details:
This initiative grew out of the Margaret Annis Boys Trust, which was established through a gift from Miss Boys’ 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.
Goals
- To increase utilization of neighborhood parks, neighborhood school parks, trails and other spaces open to the public for recreation, cultural and health improvement.
- To improve parks, trails and public spaces while providing programming consistent with the priorities identified in the 2020 Oklahoma City Parks Master Plan.
- To engage community groups, neighborhoods, corporations, municipalities and other nonprofit organizations in improving their 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.
Priorities
- 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 Greater Oklahoma City with Oklahoma County being the priority.
- The proposed project must provide documentation of approval by the government entity directly responsible for the management and oversight of the project. Projects and programs must be consistent with the 2020 Oklahoma City Parks Master Plan.
- 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.
NOTE: All physical improvement plans are subject to city regulations and all applicable permits. In some cases approved projects may require more public involvement, possibly including: Oklahoma City Council support, Planning Department approval, Parks Commission approval, school board approval, etc. If a project is accepted, the goal of the Oklahoma City Community Foundation is to help with this process. However, the responsibility for this process lies with the funded organization. All awards are contingent upon approval by appropriate government entities.
Eligibility Criteria
- 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 Oklahoma City Community Foundation.
