Durham County Open Space Matching Grants

The Durham County Matching Grants Program, administered by the Durham County Engineering and Environmental Services Department under the guidance of the Durham Open Space and Trails Commission (DOST), provides financial support to qualifying projects that preserve open space lands and promote new or improved recreational opportunities for Durham County residents. This locally funded program has been active since 1990, originally supported by a portion of the 1986 Durham County Park and Recreation Bonds, and continues annually with funding approved by the Durham County Board of County Commissioners. The program offers up to $5,000 for qualifying projects in priority focus areas. For the 2024–25 cycle, the application period runs from September 20, 2024, through November 13, 2024, at 5:00 pm. Applications use a simplified short-form format and require only a 25% applicant match, with Durham County providing 75% of the funding. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations, both inside and outside the Durham city limits, and groups without formal nonprofit status may also apply for projects within eligible locations. The purpose of the grant is to assist in providing public lands and outdoor recreational facilities through community initiative, support, and involvement. Funded projects must be permanent or expand existing programs and meet public accessibility requirements. All aspects of the project, from planning to execution, are managed by the applicant organization. Projects have a maximum completion timeframe of eighteen months from contract start, and completed projects must be maintained for public use. The county retains the right to inspect projects annually. Applications are reviewed on a competitive basis. The Matching Grants Committee and the DOST review submissions and make funding recommendations to the Board of County Commissioners. Public outreach about the program begins each August via advertisements in newspapers, newsletters, emails, and mailing lists. After approval, the County enters into a formal contract with each awardee, with project work typically beginning in spring. Applicants are encouraged to contact Brendan Moore, Open Space Land Manager, to confirm project location eligibility or seek clarification on program guidelines. Mr. Moore can be reached by email at brmoore@dconc.gov or by phone at (919) 560-7957. Additional information, including the application forms, budget worksheets, program guidelines, FAQs, and report forms, is available for download from the program’s website. The City/County Planning Department at 101 City Hall Plaza, Durham, NC, is also available for questions about DOST activities. The Matching Grants Program is specifically for the benefit of Durham County residents, fostering partnerships between public funding and private initiatives to expand and maintain open space, parks, trails, and recreational facilities. By leveraging citizen engagement and reducing financial barriers, the program aims to sustain the county’s natural and recreational assets for long-term public use.