Durham County
HomeDurham County Open Space Matching Grants Program
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The 2024-25 Matching Grants Application cycle will be open from
September 20, 2024 through November 13, 2024 at 5:00 pm.
To be added to the listserv, receive updates, or for project specific questions,
email grant administrator Brendan Moore at: brmoore@dconc.gov.
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The Durham County Matching Grants Program will allow qualifying projects within priority focus areas for up to $5,000 using a simplified application with a reduced applicant match of 25% (county matching funds are 75%) . Interested groups may apply for projects in these areas even if they do not currently hold formal non-profit status.
Please contact Brendan Moore at brmoore@dconc.gov to see if your project location is eligible or review the program guidelines at the link below.
To apply for this grant, please use the SHORT FORM application located at the link below.
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A Durham County Program Providing Recreation and Open Space
The Matching Grants Program is designed to assist non-profit organizations in Durham County, both inside and outside the city limits, in preserving open space lands and promoting new or improved recreational opportunities for citizens of Durham County. Grant funds help provide public lands and outdoor recreational facilities through citizen initiative, support and involvement. Applicants must provide at least one half of the project's cost and manage all aspects of the project to accommodate public accessibility. Grant awards are made to new permanent programs and expansions of existing programs that meet a wide range of service provision criteria.
Grants are awarded competitively on a yearly cycle beginning in August with advertisements and announcements in newspapers, newsletters, emails, and mailing lists. Recommendations for funding are developed by the Matching Grants Committee and the Durham Open Space and Trails Commission (DOST) for action by the Durham Board of County Commissioners. The County enters into a contract with the successful applicant organization and the project work begins in the spring with a maximum of eighteen months for completion. The completed project is managed and maintained for public use as agreed to by the contracted organization and may be inspected or visited on a yearly basis by a representative of the County.
In 2024, Durham County completed a comprehensive report on the history and state of the Matching Grants Program. You can download the report at the link below.
- Durham County Matching Grants Program Report - December 2024
The application and program guidelines are available below for downloading. Please read the guidelines booklet before beginning the application process. Answers for questions, which come up during each stage of the process, should be available under the applicable section of the guidelines.
The application cycle of the Matching Grants Program for FY 2024-25 will be open from September 20, 2024 – November 13, 2024. Applications are due by 5 pm on November 13, 2024. For questions, please contact Brendan Moore, Open Space Land Manager, at (919) 560-7957 or email brmoore@dconc.gov.
Download
- FY 2024-25 Matching Grants Application[Microsoft Word Document]
- FY2024-25 Matching Grants SHORT FORM Application[Microsoft Word Document]
- Matching Grants Budget Worksheet [Excel Document]
- Program Guidelines[PDF]
- Matching Grants FAQs [PDF]
- Matching Grant Twelve Month Progress Report Form [Microsoft Word Document]
- Matching Grant Final Report Form [Microsoft Word Document]
- Matching Grants Reimbursement Request Form[Excel Document]
- Hints for a Successful Grant Application [Microsoft Word Document]
Development of the Matching Grants Program became a DOST priority when determined to be a cost-effective way for the County to encourage and support additional open space, parks, trails, and recreation. It creates a partnership of public support with the many strong private efforts in parks and open space that have been on going for years in Durham County. The program is specifically for the benefit of Durham County residents.
The DOST welcomes your questions, comments and suggestions. The DOST as a volunteer citizen advisory board provides many valuable hours of committed service to the community but does not maintain an office. The best point of contact or source of information is the City/County Planning Department located at 101 City Hall Plaza, Durham, NC, 27701, telephone number (919) 560-4137. Request to speak with the planner knowledgeable of DOST activities and programs.
For specific assistance with Matching Grants information, applications, questions, materials, presentations, or communication with the Matching Grants Committee contact the Matching Grants Administrator, County of Durham, Engineering and Environmental Services Department, 201 East Main Street, 7th Floor, Durham, NC 27701, telephone number (919) 560-7957. You may also email brmoore@dconc.gov for information and assistance.