Grants could help support fun with events in Phoenix parks

Neighborhood organizations and nonprofits in the Phoenix metro area now can apply for up to $10,000 in grant money to organize free events in local parks.

With the support of city funding, parks in low-income neighborhoods can host a variety of activities — from movies, concerts and celebrations to food truck festivals, farmer’s markets, resource fairs, safety events, youth sports and other fitness programs.

The Park Activation Program, launched by the Phoenix City Council in April will accept grant requests until 7 p.m. Sept. 29. The city’s parks and recreation department plans to select grantees in October and distribute the funds in November.

Since event organization takes time and resources, the grants are intended to “promote recreational opportunities, the enjoyment of City parks and facilities, and ensure parks provide a welcoming and safe place for everyone,” the park department said.

Awardees will receive a check from the city that they can use until November 2024 to subsidize program supplies, equipment, marketing materials and staff for their event.

Program providers are required to track use of their funding and report how the grant will help close equity gaps in their community.

Phoenix’s Park Activation Program was created with the help of $500,000 in American Rescue Plan Act funding — federal money allocated to communities that have faced financial barriers after the COVID-19 pandemic. The grant funding is tailored toward parks in areas where at least half of the households earn less than 60% of the median income for the region.

Organizations that are registered with the city’s Neighborhood Services Department, in addition to nonprofits planning events in parks serving qualified census tracts, can apply.