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.
Small Change Grantmaking Program Overview
- 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 (by September 2027).
- Registered Friends of the Park groups in the City of Atlanta, Brookhaven, and unincorporated DeKalb County are eligible to apply.
- Project must be supported in writing by the Parks Department with jurisdiction.
Small Change Application Cycle:
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
Examples of Eligible Small 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.
Submit Interest Form