City of Alexandria Accepts Applications for FY 2019 Community Matching Fund

ALEXANDRiA,VA–The City of Alexandria’s Community Matching Fund grant program will begin accepting applications for Fiscal Year (FY) 2019 on Monday, February 26. Established in FY 2017, the Fund promotes collaborative partnerships among Alexandria’s community organizations by providing matching funds to groups for park and recreation improvement projects. The Fund fosters public-private partnerships and cultivates innovative ways for residents to help improve park and recreation facilities. These partnerships provide opportunities for developing positive relationships between the City and the community. 

The City will accept applications from February 26 through April 16, 2018, for funds to be spent from July 1, 2018, through June 30, 2019. A total of $100,000 in City matching funds is expected to be available. At least four applications will be selected to receive dollar-for-dollar matching awards from $5,000 to $25,000. Applicants may count in-kind physical labor toward the match.

Any community group that works in or whose members reside in Alexandria may apply for the Community Matching Fund. The group must demonstrate in their application a capacity to build a stronger and healthier community through park and recreation facility improvements. Each application must show the project will:

• Provide a public benefit, free and open to all;
• Be located in a City-owned park 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.

The City will hold an online information session on Monday, March 5, to review the application process and answer questions.

To apply for the Fund, register for the online information session, or get more information, visit the Community Matching Fund website.