The Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) strives to enhance the quality of life and wellness of District of Columbia residents and visitors by providing equal access to affordable and quality recreational services by organizing programs, activities, and events, and by building and maintaining safe and beautiful open spaces and recreational amenities. In service of that commitment, DPR’s grantmaking authority specifically provides for funding opportunities to carry out this purpose by awarding and supporting the equitable distribution of grants to diverse organizations that provide high-quality programming.
#RecforALL Community Grants
Rec for All is a historic investment from Mayor Muriel Bowser to increase DPR's most popular programs while responding to the District's growing recreation needs and in conjunction with that initiative, we're proud to announce a community grants initiative that will empower recreators in underserved communities to engage youth like never before.
These low-barrier grants will allow recreation providers of all shapes and sizes across all 8 wards to enhance current programs, purchase equipment, fund travel, and expand their offerings. #RecforALL community grants will be offered in various ranges up to $150,000 for eligible non-profits, community-based organizations, and businesses with a focus on youth ages 6-18.
To review the official FY23 #RecforALL request for application document, click here.
Eastern Market Metro Park Request for Application
The Eastern Market Metro Park (EMMP) is a public space surrounding the Eastern Market Metrorail and abutting the historic Eastern Market and 8th St. Barracks Row corridors. The 2019 project improved park connectivity, enhanced transit access, increased green infrastructure and play space, and transformed the Metro Park area, including DPR Parkland, into a thriving plaza that can support a multitude of diverse social activities at the center of the Capitol Hill community.
DPR is pursuing a Grantee who can activate the DPR park space for DC residents and visitors with diverse pop-up recreation and leisure activities for all age groups in support of DPR’s Mission to promote health and wellness, conserve the natural environment, and provide universal access to parks and recreation services. Click the link below to review the Request for Application document.
Eastern Market Metro Park Request for Application 2023
"The Well" at Oxon Run Park Request for Application
Oxon Run Park is located in Ward 8 in the southernmost part of the District of Columbia. It is located between the Washington Highlands on the east and Congress Heights and Bellevue neighborhoods on the west and is primarily bounded by 13th St., Valley Ave., Livingston Rd., South Capitol St., 1st St., Wayne Pl., and Mississippi Ave.
"The Well" is an intergenerational farm and community wellness space, located within Oxon Run Park, which has been transformed into a resident-led teaching garden intended to fight against food insecurity and support better health and wellness through proper food education.
DPR is pursuing a grantee who can provide for resources to bolster farming at the Well at Oxon Run Park and food access for DC residents working in conjunction with the DPR environmental division. The focus for this grantee will be to oversee the maintenance (landscaping, repairs, trash collection, etc) and conduct immersive programming that educates residents on topics such as food production, crop management, and food distribution. Click the link below to review the Request for Application document as well as the eligibility expansion document.