Funding to Move Your Park Forward
The Parks for All Grant Program supports community-led park improvements that create more welcoming, accessible, and vibrant public spaces. Rooted in community vision and driven by resident leadership, these grants help transform neighborhood parks through thoughtful design, meaningful amenities, and investments that enhance neighbors’ quality of life.
Parks for All Grants at a Glance
Parks for All Grants empower registered Friends of the Park groups to pursue impactful capital projects. By providing financial support, guidance, and partnership throughout the process, Park Pride ensures that communities have the tools and resources they need to bring their park goals to life.
Does Your Project Qualify?
- Funds must support a community-led park improvement project that is installed or constructed as a one-time improvement.
- Only registered Friends of the Park groups in the City of Atlanta are eligible to apply.
- Projects must be completed within 18 months.
- Most awards range from $30,000 to $250,000, depending on match eligibility, public investment, previous award history, park location, and project scope.
- Project must be supported in writing by City of Atlanta Department of Parks and Recreation.
Your Path to Park Funding
Each year’s Parks for All cycle runs from a spring information session to grant awards the following February.
| Date | Milestone |
|---|---|
| March 11 | Grant Information Session (attendance not required to apply) |
| May 15 | Grant Interest Form deadline |
| May-August | Park Pride & Parks staff preliminary evaluations of proposals |
| September 4 | Pre-Application due |
| September-October | Site visits conducted |
| October 23 | Park Design Review & Approval/Denial of proposals by DPR |
| November 15 | Parks for All Grant Final Applications due |
| January | Park Pride finalizes grant awards |
| February | Parks for All Grants awarded/announced with 18-month timeline for implementation |
Our Commitment to Equity
Park Pride provides matching grants to support community‑driven park improvements by allowing Friends of the Park groups to leverage fundraising efforts. A matching grant requires the community or project team to contribute resources such as donated funds, materials, or volunteer time to unlock the grant award.
Everyone deserves access to a quality park, and Park Pride is committed to advancing equitable investment across our service area. Matching requirements may be waived for qualified applicants in historically disinvested communities, as determined by data from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Since 2020, Park Pride has directed over $10 million in grant funding to Friends of the Park groups in historically disinvested neighborhoods in the City of Atlanta and DeKalb County. We remain deeply committed to this priority.
What to Expect
The process for larger grants is extensive, collaborative, and competitive, and funding is not guaranteed. It includes multiple stages—from early conversations and community input through proposal submission and permitting.
Grant Application Materials
Once the grant cycle opens, applicants may be asked to submit:
- Project summary, budget, and timeline
- Evidence of community engagement
- Fundraising plans
- Supporting documents (drawings, renderings, plans, vendor quotes)
- Photos
These materials support Park Pride’s review process and help ensure projects are feasible within expected timelines (projects must be completed within 18 months after award).
