Community Impact Grants fund projects on land owned and managed by the City of Austin Parks & Recreation Department, and support physical improvements to parks, such as playground equipment, shade structures, trails, habitat restoration, picnic tables, ADA-accessibility and more. They can also fund specific portions of vision plan implementation, as well as placemaking projects.

Yes, in order to be eligible for grant funding, projects must take place on parkland that is owned and managed by the City of Austin Parks and Recreation Department (APR).

Preference will be given to projects that:

• Encourage community participation at the park
• Give the community a sense of ownership of & commitment to the park
• Fill a need not otherwise being met in the neighborhood
• Reach a diverse user group and encourage positive use of the park
• Have broad community support
• Help improve parks that haven't recently received funding from APF, especially in areas that have received historic under-investment
• Include a strong matching component, including volunteer labor, in-kind contributions, and a substantial cash match from new/recent fundraising

Some past project examples include:

• A large pavilion at Houston School Park
• A nature trail and nature playground features at Kendra Page Neighborhood Park
• A large climbing structure at Brentwood Neighborhood Park
• A basketball court at Gus Garcia District Park

Adopt-A-Park groups, neighborhood associations and other park stakeholder groups are welcome to apply.

All potential applicants are strongly encouraged to schedule a time to discuss your proposed project and the APF grants program with APF staff by writing to grants@austinparks.org. Applications are accepted April 1 and September 30 each year.

APF staff is available to pre-screen applications one month in advance of the deadlines. All proposed projects on city-owned parkland must have an approved Community-Activated Park Project form on file with the City of Austin Parks and Recreation Department.

While there is no upper limit on this grant, funding is allocated each year from ACL funds, and are designed for specific amenities or improvements (e.g., play equipment, basketball courts, or eco-projects) and are not meant for full park development or major infrastructure like swimming pools, restrooms, or splash pads. When in doubt, please contact grants@austinparks.org to discuss your project and understand the limitations before you apply.