San Rafael, CA – The door is wide open for Marin agencies and organizations to apply for grants that would help ensure that all Marin residents have access to enjoy parks, open spaces and programs under the stewardship of Marin County Parks.
The new grant program, which will focus on aiding underserved communities, is supported by funding from a local tax measure known as Measure A – the Marin Parks, Open Space, and Farmland Preservation Transactions and Use Tax Ordinance of 2012. The competitive grant program, titled Breathe! (Respira! in Spanish) will provide about $100,000 per year over the next nine years to foster partnerships with organizations that promote diversity among visitors to Marin’s parks and open space preserves.
The Letter of Inquiry period is open through March 14 and will begin with a review and selection of grantees in partnership with the Parks and Open Space Commission. Organizations that serve high-risk or vulnerable populations in Marin and promote health, wellness or environmental education are urged to apply. Eligible applicants include community groups, nonprofits, towns, cities, special districts and joint powers authorities. All qualifying criteria reside on the County webpage.
“There are so many organizations that do stellar work in our communities, and we are excited at the prospect of working in partnership with them,” said Parks General Manager Linda Dahl. “We think this is an amazing opportunity for them to help us reach out to underserved residents and showcase recreational choices they have so close to home.”
The program is titled Breathe/Respira! because the Marin County Parks believes outdoor recreation and connections with nature reduce stress and improve health. Marin County Parks will continue to engage partners to address of equity issues and barriers to enjoyment of its lands and programs.