Capacity and Community Development Grant

The People, Parks and Community Foundation awards grants to develop and connect people, parks and communities by producing and supporting recreational and educational opportunities, creating and sustaining local parks and open spaces, and envisioning and promoting vibrant, livable communities. Donor Name: People, Parks and Community Foundation State: Pennsylvania County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 05/30/2025 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The People, Parks and Community Foundation (PPCF) develops and connects people, parks and communities by: producing and supporting recreational and educational opportunities creating and sustaining local parks and open spaces envisioning and promoting vibrant, livable communities. The Foundation’s programs serve all Pennsylvanians, and are directed toward the owners and stewards of public lands, resources, and facilities to meet the needs of inclusive, sustainable community recreation and engagement, especially to under-resourced communities and organizations Such programs may take various forms, including, but not limited to: park and recreation systems development and improvements, community education and advocacy, capacity building, research, technical assistance, and people development. Funding Priorities  Capacity and Community Development: To help develop communities’ abilities to better steward their use of existing resources, and to elevate their level of operational, programmatic, and financial sustainability, the Foundation seeks to empower organizations with skills and resources to effect positive change within their communities via recreational and educational opportunities. Such projects facilitate a process in which community members take collective action to generate solutions to common problems, involving civic leaders, activists, engaged citizens, and professionals, to improve and build a more resilient neighborhood or local community. They may take the form of education or technical assistance on fundraising, grant writing, Board training, leadership development, community engagement, visioning, resource management, planning, etc. Recreational and Educational Development: Nearby nature and engagement in nature-based activities are increasingly recognized as critical for the well-being of children and adults, especially for those under stress or at risk for stressful life events. When natural capital and ecosystem services are incorporated to help meet and sustain social, environmental, wellness, economic, and resiliency goals, the quality of life for the entire community is raised. The Foundation supports the development of local parks, public spaces and programs that advance conservation and environmental sustainability; personal health and community livability; social diversity, equity, inclusion and access; maintenance and public infrastructure improvements and upgrades; and connecting people to nature and each other. PRPS Organizational Development: As a subsidiary of the Pennsylvania Recreation and Park Society, the Foundation supports initiatives that develop the relevance, capacity and influence of the professional membership association. Such projects must be based on a documented need that cannot be met within the PRPS annual budget, and may include such projects as research, partnership development, or other statewide ventures to benefit PRPS members, partners, and stakeholders. Funding Information Up to $30,000. Eligible Criteria  Political subdivisions of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania (municipalities, commissions, authorities, etc.), and legally recognized nonprofit entities are eligible to receive grants from the Foundation. The Foundation does not provide grants to individuals. For more information, visit PPCF.