The Anchorage Park Foundation’s Community Challenge Grant Program supports community-led municipal park and trail improvement projects that benefit the public. This program has two overarching goals: (1) Improve Anchorage parks, trails and facilities (2) Support individuals, neighborhoods, organizations and businesses that value volunteerism and stewardship for public lands. Grant cycles occur every two years with the next grant period anticipated in early 2024.
Community Challenge Grant Cycle
Application Period: Opens early 2024
Eligible Applicants: Anyone with a municipal park improvement project, including individuals, families, neighbor groups, Community Councils, private businesses, organized recreation groups, and non-profits.
Award Amounts: Between $500 to $40,000 awarded in project funds
Required Match: 1:1 match of project funds required through donations, volunteer time, non federal grants, or donated materials or services
Estimated Number Projects Funded: Between 10 and 20 projects up to $200,000
Applicant Workshops: Two workshops offer applicants free guidance on project proposals from the Alaska Chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects and park planners with Anchorage Parks and Recreation. The workshops anticipated in February and March 2024.
2022 Grant Application Materials – Application period closed.
- 2022 Request for Proposals
- Application Form Required (Word | PDF)
- Project Budget Template Required | Example Project Budget
- Up to four supplemental documents or photos Optional
- Submit all application materials via email to Diana@anchorageparkfoundation.org
Project Requirements
- Take place in an Anchorage municipal park, trail, or facility;
- Benefit the public;
- Be completed by October 30, 2023;
- Demonstrate ability to raise 1:1 in community match. For example, a $20,000 dollar project would be awarded $10,000 from APF when a verifiable plan for raising the additional $10,000 in match from cash donations, volunteer time, non federal grants, or donated materials toward the project is presented to APF.
Award Considerations and Priorities
May include, but aren’t limited to projects that:
- Meet an identified public need;
- Encourage volunteerism and stewardship of public lands;
- Elevate community diversity, accessibility, and inclusivity;
- Promote opportunities for increased individual and community health;
- Fit within an approved park master plan;
- Identify community support and partnerships;
- Demonstrate the ability to complete the project;
- Benefit youth and underserved communities;
- Add value to projects (such as existing or proposed park bond projects);
- Utilize Youth Employment in Parks work crews;
- Give consideration or understanding to continued maintenance needs;
Review Process
Proposals will be reviewed in a competitive process based on available funding. A Community Challenge Grant Committee that includes Municipal Parks and Recreation Staff recommends a grantee slate to the Anchorage Park Foundation Board of Directors to approve and award.
In a few instances, proposals may require more public involvement and approvals, including from but not limited to: community council, permitting, Parks and Recreation Commission, Urban Design Commission, and Planning and Zoning Commission. Proposals may be awarded time to complete public process and reapply.
Applicant Assistance
We strongly encourage applicants to review past projects and contact the Anchorage Park Foundation to discuss project ideas prior to submitting an application. Please reach out to Diana for support on Challenge Grants.
Diana | Diana@AnchorageParkFoundation.org | 907.249.6652
APF Community Challenge Grants are made possible with generous support by Rasmuson Foundation.
