FY 2020 Community Matching Fund Application  

For Immediate Release: February 25, 2019

Established in FY 2017, the Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities (RPCA) created the Community Matching Fund (Fund) to promote collaborative partnerships among City of Alexandria community organizations by providing matching 1:1 dollars to groups for park and recreation improvement projects. The Fund fosters public/private partnerships and cultivates innovative ways for residents to have a greater stake in improving the park and recreation facilities they use. These partnerships provide opportunities for developing positive relationships between the City and the community. 

RPCA will accept proposals for the fiscal year 2020 from Monday, February 25 through Wednesday, April 10, 2019. A total of $100,000 in City matching funds is proposed for FY 2019. RPCA will give 1:1 matching award in an amount up to $25,000, which allows a minimum of four selected proposals. Awards may vary given in any amount between $5,000 (for project totals of $10,000) to $25,000 (for project totals for $50,000). Groups may count in-kind physical labor.

Any community group that lives and/or works in the City of Alexandria can apply for the matching fund. The group must demonstrate in their proposal a capacity to build a stronger and healthier community through park and recreation facility improvements. Proposals must show that the project will:

• Provide a public benefit, free and open to all members of the public;
• Be located on City owned parks property or recreational facility;
• Emphasize self-help, with project ideas initiated, planned and implemented by the neighbors and community members impacted by the project; and
• Demonstrate the ability to raise the community match within one year.

Visit the Community Matching Fund website for information on how to apply. Staff will also hold an online information session on March 12, 2019 at noon to review the application process and answer questions. To register for the online session e-mail dana.wedeles@alexandriava.gov.

For additional information, contact Dana Wedeles at Dana.Wedeles@alexandriava.gov or 703.746.5491.

For reasonable disability accommodation, contact Dana.Wedeles@alexandriava.gov or call 703.746.5491, Virginia Relay 711.