State Park Connections

State Park Connections

A small grants program for trails and greenway projects to or in Tennessee State Parks, natural areas, or public lands in Tennessee

The 2008 Grant Application will be available in September. Please see the News page for the 2007 Grant Recipients.

OVERVIEW:

Each year, the Tennessee Parks and Greenways Foundation awards approximately 25 to 30 small grants ranging from $500-$2,500 to local, regional, or statewide conservation organizations; nonprofit organizations; community volunteer groups; State Parks and Natural Areas; “Friends” groups; and city/ county agencies to help stimulate the planning, design, and development of greenway and trail projects, improvements, or enhancements.

Recipients are required to match the grant award with cash donations or in-kind contributions such as volunteer labor, donated services, or materials. This ensures funds are leveraged and respond to specific needs in the community.

Since 1999, over $250,000 has been awarded to fund over 151 visionary trail or greenway projects throughout Tennessee.

PROGRAM BENEFITS:

People of all ages and from all walks of life benefit from the State Park Connections program. Greenways and trails improve communities by not only providing recreation and transportation opportunities, but also by positively influencing economic and community development. Program benefits include:

Stimulating the planning, design, and development of greenways and trails in communities across Tennessee;
Leveraging additional money for conservation projects in local communities;
Funding critical needs in parks omitted due to budget cuts and restraints;
Strengthening local economies;
Making communities better places to live by preserving and creating open spaces;
Creating new opportunities for outdoor recreation;
Encouraging physical fitness and healthy lifestyles;
Protecting the environment; and
Preserving significant cultural and historical areas.

WHO CAN APPLY:

State park directors, "Friends" groups, nonprofit community groups, statewide or regional non-profit groups, and city or county governmental agencies.

USE OF GRANT AWARDS:

Grants may be used for all appropriate expenses needed to complete a greenway or trail project including:

Design activities
Developing brochures and maps
Interpretive displays or signage
Surveys
Mapping
Planning a bike path
Legal assistance
Bridges, boardwalks, or overlook decks
Ecological assessments
Trail enhancements and maintenance
Master plans for greenways/trails
Making trails, ramps, or decks accessible for all people regardless of abilities
Other creative projects

Grants may not be used for academic research, general institutional support, lobbying or other political activities.

GRANT CRITERIA:

Grant recipients are selected by a volunteer judging panel based on the following criteria:

Importance of the project to creating local greenways or trails to a nearby State Park, Natural Area, or other public land;
Demonstrated community support for the project;
Extent to which the grant will result in matching funds or other support from public or private sources;
Capacity of the organization to complete the project; and
Likelihood of tangible results.

Priority will be given to projects that protect and/or use native plants as well as the removal of exotic species.

PARTNERSHIPS/MATCH REQUIREMENT:

Partnerships with local, regional or statewide organizations that encourage volunteer labor or other support are strongly encouraged. A match of cash, volunteer labor, or in-kind contribution is required.

GRANT AWARDS:

Awards range from $500-$2,500 per applicant to approximately 30 entities.

SPONSORSHIP:

Funding for this program is currently based on annual solicitations and grantwriting efforts. Our long-term goal is to establish a permanent partnership with a corporate sponsor that will enable the program to be self-sustaining. We have been successful in establishing strong collaborative partnerships across the state and would welcome a new joint venture partner. Corporate support of this program is a strategic investment in Tennessee, as well as in the local communities.

For more information, please contact us at (615) 386-3171 or by email: developmenttpgf@earthlink.net.

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