In partnership with the Gilbert Family Foundation, DPC will award grants of up to $20,000 for park stewardship organizations to expand or support short-term organizational capacity needs. Examples may include hiring summer staffing support, staffing or consulting costs tied to a capital project, strategic planning consultants, contractors, auditors, etc. Ongoing funding for full-time staff is not eligible; however, 10-20% of all program budgets may support overhead expenses.
Applications are due on March 15, 2026. Applicants will be notified of selection by April 06, 2026.
WHO MAY APPLY
Applicants must be community-led organizations (for example, block clubs or CBOs) who care for and/or provide programs in a Detroit park or greenspace.
Applicants need not be 501c3 organizations, but may not be for-profit businesses. While we do not require any specific corporate form, organizations must have an organizational bank account and be able to complete a W9 to accept regrant funding.
Organizations that provide programs that are not affiliated with a specific park should not use this form to apply. If you wish to provide programming as part of the Neighbors Program, please contact us.
SELECTION CRITERIA
Selected organizations will demonstrate how the proposed project will impact the park experience for users.
Selected parks will be spread out geographically throughout the city. It is our intention to spread resources between as many parks and organizations as possible.
Applicant parks need not be owned or operated by the City of Detroit.
Any proposed programming must match with a park’s amenities. For example, all basketball clinics must take place on courts.
