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Dane County Parks

Friends of Dane County Parks Grant Program

Scenic view of blue skies and a prairie blooming with wildflowers

The Friends Grant Program was created in the 2020 County Budget and provides matching funds to Friends groups and other nonprofit organizations to implement capital improvements on Dane County parkland. In the 2023 budget, funding from the Environmental Council Community Partners grant program was transfered to Dane County Parks. 

There are two grant options for Friend and Partner organizations. Capital Grants will fund up to 75% of the total project costs and can range from $2,000 - $18,750. All grants must be matched 25% with cash. Mini Grants can fund a full or partial project/program between $250-$2,000.

The 2023 grant period will open February 1 and will have an initial review on March 15, 2023. After the first deadline has passed, if there is still funding available, applications will continue to be accepted and will be reviewed as they are received. Grants will be awarded on a rolling basis through 2023 as funding allows.

2023 Grant Application

 

Capital Grant

To apply for a Capital Grant, an entity must:

  • Have 501c3 status
  • Abide by all county rules, polices, and guidelines
  • Have previously worked with Dane County Parks
  • Have a project/program that will occur on Dane County Park property 

Grants will be awarded for capital projects on county parkland. Capital improvements are generally defined as permanent changes that have a life expectancy of at least ten years. Projects must be far along in the planning process and meet the following minimum eligibility requirements to be considered for funding:

  • Total project cost may not exceed $25,000 for projects that involve construction or paving
  • Project or concept must be identified in a master plan, if applicable
  • Projects must be pre-approved by Dane County Park staff
  • Organization must have the capacity to manage and implement the project on their own
  • Only one (1) grant application can be submitted per organization/park property per year. Previously awarded Friends Capital Improvement Grants must be closed before another application is accepted.

Examples of eligible projects include, but are not limited to:

  • Trail construction
  • Habitat restoration and perennial plantings
  • Signage (interpretive, kiosk panels)
  • Tree planting
  • Food systems
  • Mobile Storage structures (storage structures cannot become buildings)
  • Interpretive Signage - working with a professional designer (required)

Grants will NOT be awarded for the following projects:

  • Buildings or other construction projects that exceed $25,000 in total cost, which must be bid out through the County
  • Projects that the organization can’t manage and implement directly
  • Plans or studies, brochures or printed materials
  • Projects on non-Dane County Park land
  • Projects for personal/private benefit
  • Salary or honorariums
  • Vehicles, machinery, trailers, equipment or hand tools
  • Memorial bench installation
  • Acquisition of land or easements
  • Other projects may be deemed ineligible upon review

$100,000 is available for the program. The standard grant amount will be up to 75% of the project costs with a maximum grant award of $18,750 and a minimum grant award of $2,000. All grants must be matched with cash.

Eligible expenses for projects include construction materials and contracted services. Donations of cash and grants from private foundations, state or federal grants are acceptable match. In-kind services are NOT accepted as match, such as donated labor, materials, supplies or discounts from vendors.

Complete the application (PDF) and return it to dane-parks@countyofdane.com. Staff will review the applications and recommend projects to the Dane County Park Commission for consideration. The review and approval process may take a few months.

If you have questions, contact:

Lael Pascual
Engagement & Visitor Services Manager
Dane County Parks
pascual.lael@countyofdane.com
608-220-7509

 

Mini Grant

To apply for a Mini Grant, an entity must:

  • Abide by all county rules, polices, and guidelines
  • Have previously worked with Dane County Parks
  • Have a project/program that will occur on Dane County Park property 
     

Grants will NOT be awarded for the following projects:

  • Park Map/Park Brochure design, creation or printing
  • Projects on non-Dane County Park land
  • Projects for personal/private benefit
  • Salary or honorariums
  • Memorial bench installation
  • Projects for private use or benefit
  • Acquisition of land or easements
  • Other projects may be deemed ineligible upon review

Grants will be awarded for projects or programs on county parkland. Projects meet the following minimum eligibility requirements to be considered for funding:

  • Total grant request for projects/ programs must be between $250-$2,000
  • Projects must be pre-approved by Dane County Park staff
  • Organization must have the capacity to manage and implement the project/program on their own
  • Only one (1) grant application can be submitted per organization/park property per year


Examples of eligible projects include, but are not limited to:

  • Programming - supplies, transportation, materials, gear
  • Interpretive Signage - working with a professional designer (required)
  • Friends Group specific brochure creation, design or printing (about the friends brochure, not a park map/park brochure)
  • Tools and equipment 
     

There is no match required for this grant. This grant may be used as partial funding for an activity or project that fits the criteria. 

Complete the application (PDF) and return it to dane-parks@countyofdane.com. Staff will review the applications and recommend projects to the Dane County Park Commission for consideration. The review and approval process may take a few months.

If you have questions, contact:
Lael Pascual
Engagement & Visitor Services Manager
Dane County Parks
pascual.lael@countyofdane.com
608-220-7509

$6,000 is available for the program. The standard grant amount will be up to 100% of the requested amount with a maximum grant award of $2,000 and a minimum grant award of $250.