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.
To apply for a Capital Grant, an entity must:
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:
Examples of eligible projects include, but are not limited to:
Grants will NOT be awarded for the following projects:
$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
To apply for a Mini Grant, an entity must:
Grants will NOT be awarded for the following projects:
Grants will be awarded for projects or programs on county parkland. Projects meet the following minimum eligibility requirements to be considered for funding:
Examples of eligible projects include, but are not limited to:
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.