Up to $200,000 in grants will be awarded to community-based organizations in Marin County during the next few months to help overcome barriers and connect communities to parks.
The maximum grant is $8,000 per applicant.
Eliminating those barriers is a longstanding commitment for Marin County Parks. In 2021, its representatives joined Marin’s leaders and local partnering organizations to work toward equitable park access through a new Parks Equity Roundtable. Over the past year, the group has convened to build community, share resources, and overcome structural barriers preventing Marin’s communities of color and other groups from enjoying parks and recreational opportunities.
Most recently, the roundtable members met to discuss barriers caused by and changes to county park fees and reservations policies. Conversations reinforced the value of Parks’ community grant program and its combined approach of providing free access with engaging programming through trusted relationships.
Local nonprofit, government, and community leaders seeking funding to connect residents to parks, secure new park land, or find funding for food access and sustainable agriculture, are invited to join Marin County Parks staff to discuss possible funding sources at three upcoming open houses:
• April 4: Dance Palace Church Space, 503 B St, Point Reyes Station, noon to 1 p.m.
• April 13: Pickleweed Community Center Art Room, 50 Canal St., San Rafael, noon to p.m.
• April 18: Hamilton Community Center, 503 Palm Dr., Novato, noon to 1 p.m.