The Parks for All Grant Program supports community-led park improvements that create more welcoming, accessible, and vibrant public spaces across the City of Atlanta. Rooted in community vision and driven by resident leadership, these grants help transform neighborhood parks through thoughtful design, meaningful amenities, and investments that enhance quality of life.
Parks for All empowers registered Friends of the Park groups to pursue impactful 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.
Parks for All Grantmaking Program Overview
- Funds must support a community-led park improvement project that features physical built or installed elements to enhance the public park.
- Only registered Friends of the Park groups in the City of Atlanta are eligible to apply.
- Projects must be completed within 18 months (by September 2028).
- Most awards range from $30,000 to more than $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.
Parks for All Application Cycle:
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 13 – Parks for All Grant Applications due
January – Park Pride finalizes grant awards
February – Parks for All Grants awarded/announced with 18-month timeline for implementation
Examples of Eligible Grant Projects
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Matching Grants & 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 in order 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 unincorporated DeKalb County. We remain deeply committed to this priority.
What to Expect in the Application Process
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).
Need Additional Assistance?
Park Pride staff can help you:
- Understand which grant pathway fits your project
- Plan early steps
- Engage your community
- Prepare for future application cycles