Small Change Grant Program
The Small Change Grant Program supports community-led park improvements that strengthen stewardship and help neighbors shape and care for their local greenspaces. Rooted in Park Pride’s goal to empower communities and catalyze meaningful park enhancements, these grants fund approachable yet meaningful projects such as plantings, signage, habitat features, and small amenities.
Small Change Grants at a Glance
The Small Change Grant Program supports community-led park improvements that strengthen stewardship and help neighbors shape and care for their local greenspaces. Rooted in Park Pride’s goal to empower communities and catalyze meaningful park enhancements, these grants fund approachable yet meaningful projects such as plantings, signage, habitat features, and small amenities. Explore this page to learn about eligibility, timelines, and how to bring your project to life.
What Makes a Project Grant-Eligible?
- Funds must support a community-led park improvement project that features a physical element to enhance the public park and is designed as a one-time improvement.
- Awards are for matching grants up to $2,500. Non-matching grants are available to eligible communities. Priority is given to groups who have not recently received a grant.
- Projects must be completed within 12 months
- Registered Friends of the Park groups in the City of Atlanta, Brookhaven, and DeKalb County are eligible to apply.
- Project must be supported in writing by the Parks Department with jurisdiction.
Your Path to Park Funding
Each year’s Small Change cycle runs from a spring information session to grant awards in early September.
| Date | Milestone |
|---|---|
| March 11 | Grant Information Session (attendance not required to apply) |
| May 15 | Grant Interest Form deadline |
| May-June | Park Pride & Parks staff preliminary evaluations of proposals |
| June | Receive written approval/denial from your Parks Department |
| July 17 | Small Change Grant Applications due |
| July-August | Park Pride selection |
| Early September | Small Change grants awarded/announced with 12-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.
