Local Parks Grant Program
This new multi-year grant program intends to create local community connections to California’s rich and diverse cultural history and natural areas outside of California’s state park boundaries. Eligible projects will enhance connections to local cultural history, local parks, open space or natural areas through community events, programming or installations that help to build sustainable community connections, health and well-being. The Local Parks Grants Program will be managed and administered by Parks California.
This program supports the “Outdoor Access for All” initiative led by Governor Gavin Newsom and First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom, along with the Natural Resources Agency’s “Outdoors for All” initiative, and California State Parks’ Reexamining Our Past Initiative.
Thanks to everyone who participated in the 2024/2025 competitive grant cycle!
The application period is now closed.
We look forward to announcing the 2024/2025 grantees in September 2024. The 2025/2026 grant applications will launch in Spring 2025.
2024/2025 Grant Cycles
| Grant | Objective |
|---|---|
Planning and Development Grants 8-month grant cycle October 2024 – May 2025 | Support the early stages of project development with a focus on building partnerships, artist selection and developing project plans. |
Implementation Grants 12-month grant cycle October 2024 – September 2025 | Support the execution of community engagement, art and culture programs with a well-defined partnership. |
Minimum Requirements
- Eligible applicants are 501(c)3 organizations, California Native American Tribes, Native 7871 Organizations, Land Trusts, Fiscally Sponsored Community Organizations, Foundations, and Local Government Agencies (City, County, Regional).
- Applicants must facilitate a partnership between nonprofit(s), artist (s) and local public park manager(s). Partnerships may include 501c3 non-profit organizations, California Native American tribes, foundations, land trusts and/or local governments.
- Projects must bring art and nature together as a catalyst for community connection in local parks.
- Projects must contribute to community connection, health, well-being and/or placemaking.
- Projects must be open to the general public.
- Projects must take place at a local park.
What is a local park?
Local parks include land that is owned or managed by a local city, county, park or community service district, land trusts, regional park or open space district, non-profit organization or foundation, or any other entity other than federal and state agencies. Both indoor and outdoor spaces can be considered.
Important Upcoming Dates
September 2024: Grant awards announced
Spring 2025: 2025/2026 Grant Applications Go Live
