As the anchor of our ACL Music Festival Grants Program, Community Grants are intended for large, community-initiated park improvement projects that fall between $5,000 to $50,000. Check out our Impact Grant for larger projects, or our Neighborhood Grants for smaller projects. These grants are offered twice a year with a grant period of 12 months, and are awarded through a competitive process.

Potential applicants should attend a grants info session before applying. When you are ready to apply, please click the button below to access the application.

To download a paper template of the application, click here. Use the template for planning purposes only and submit answers to the form above when ready.

Q: What types of projects are funded?

A: Community 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.

Q: What types of projects are preferable?

A: 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 historically underserved areas of town
• Include a strong matching component, including volunteer labor, in-kind contributions, and a substantial cash match from new/recent fundraising

Q: Who should apply?

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

Q: When should we apply?

A: All potential applicants are strongly encouraged to attend a grants information class prior to applying (check our calendar page for upcoming sessions). Applications are accepted April 30 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. Additionally, proposed projects on parks jointly-owned and maintained by Austin ISD and the City of Austin Parks and Recreation Department must have an approved Schoolyard Improvement Project form on file with Austin ISD.

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