Eaton County Parks Community Grant Program

The Eaton County Parks Community Grant Program is a competitive funding opportunity established through the Eaton County Parks and Recreation Millage, which was passed by voters in November 2022. The program is administered by the Eaton County Parks & Recreation Department and is designed to support the enhancement, acquisition, and development of parks and open spaces across cities, villages, and townships within Eaton County, Michigan. This initiative represents a localized reinvestment in community health, outdoor recreation, and environmental stewardship, fostering vibrant and accessible green spaces that serve the needs of residents. For the 2026–2027 grant cycle, a total of $400,000 is available, with eligible project requests ranging from a minimum of $5,000 to a maximum of $400,000. This funding can be used for planning, purchasing, preliminary engineering or design, and construction directly related to park and open space projects. Projects may include the development of new recreational spaces, conservation initiatives, or improvements that enhance access to natural resources. Administration costs, however, are not allowable. Grants may fund pre-development activities, but preference will be given to projects that also include construction or final implementation stages. This grant is reimbursement-based; funds will be disbursed monthly upon documentation approval, and local unit match funds must be expended prior to reimbursement. Eligibility is limited to municipalities—specifically cities, villages, and townships—located in Eaton County. Projects must take place on municipally owned and operated land; county-operated park projects are not eligible. Additionally, awards are limited to new projects; existing or completed projects are ineligible. While match funding is not required, it is encouraged, and applications including match contributions—particularly with clear documentation—will receive a scoring advantage. In-kind match is also permitted with appropriate breakdowns of work, cost, and responsible personnel. The application process requires detailed responses to a range of questions covering project rationale, community needs, planning history, site ownership, environmental considerations, accessibility plans, public benefit, sustainability, and long-term maintenance. A public engagement component is mandatory: applicants must hold at least one public meeting prior to submission to solicit community feedback. A certified resolution of approval from the applicant's governing body must also be included, along with a site map showing the project scope and location. Applications are evaluated based on five criteria totaling 100 points: Project Justification and Community Need (30 points), Public Value and Partnerships (20 points), Environmental Stewardship and Sustainability (20 points), Accessibility and Inclusion (15 points), and Financial Readiness and Viability (15 points). The application period opened on March 16, 2026, and will close on May 1, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. EST. Awards will be announced by May 20, 2026, with the performance period extending from July 1, 2026, through September 30, 2027. Applicants must submit a complete PDF package of the application and all attachments either by mail or electronically to the contact provided. The primary contact for the program is Ethan Jacobs of the Eaton County Parks & Recreation Department. Applicants may reach him by phone at 517-627-7351 or via email at [email protected]. All recipients will be required to display a recognition sign provided by the Parks Department, placed in an approved location for the life of the project.

Include match contributions and engage public/partners to strengthen application.