The People, Parks and Community Foundation (PPCF) awards grants to foster the development and connection of people, parks, and communities. This mission is achieved by supporting recreational and educational opportunities, establishing and maintaining local parks and open spaces, and promoting vibrant, livable communities. The Foundation, a subsidiary of the Pennsylvania Recreation and Park Society, aims to serve all Pennsylvanians, with a particular focus on under-resourced communities and organizations, and stewards of public lands and facilities.
The grant program targets political subdivisions within Pennsylvania (such as municipalities, commissions, and authorities) and legally recognized nonprofit entities. The overarching impact goals are to enhance inclusive and sustainable community recreation and engagement, improve community well-being, and elevate the operational, programmatic, and financial sustainability of organizations. The Foundation's strategic priorities are rooted in a theory of change that by empowering communities and organizations with resources and skills, positive change will occur, leading to more resilient neighborhoods and improved quality of life.
The grant program focuses on three key funding priorities: Capacity and Community Development, Recreational and Educational Development, and PRPS Organizational Development. Capacity and Community Development projects aim to empower organizations through education and technical assistance in areas like fundraising, grant writing, Board training, and leadership development. Recreational and Educational Development emphasizes the creation and support of local parks, public spaces, and programs that promote conservation, environmental sustainability, personal health, social equity, and access to nature. Finally, PRPS Organizational Development supports initiatives that strengthen the relevance, capacity, and influence of the professional membership association itself.
Expected outcomes include communities better stewarding existing resources, elevated operational and financial sustainability for recipient organizations, increased engagement in nature-based activities, improved conservation and environmental sustainability, enhanced public infrastructure, and stronger connections between people and nature. Measurable results could include the number of organizations receiving capacity-building training, the number of new or improved recreational spaces, the increase in community engagement events, and the overall impact on the well-being of residents in targeted communities. The maximum grant amount for these initiatives is up to $30,000, supporting a range of projects from park system development to community education and advocacy.
