Fargo Park District Foundation Matching Grant Program

The Fargo Park District Foundation Matching Grant Program provides financial support for community-driven projects that enhance and expand recreational opportunities within the Fargo Park District. The program is designed to allow residents and community groups to identify needs and partner with the Foundation to bring park and recreation improvements to life. The Foundation states that its broader mission is to enhance quality of life in the metro area through modernized facilities, new programs, and opportunities for the community. Associations, organizations, clubs, and individuals in the Fargo Park District may apply to sponsor an eligible project. Eligible projects must involve park or facility improvements and may include the purchase of recreation equipment. The Foundation encourages projects that align with the Fargo Park District strategic plan, mission, and vision; serve a wide variety or large number of people; can be used throughout the year or for more than one season; have a developmental plan approved or reviewed by the Fargo Park District; are located on Fargo Park District property; and have limited long-term operational maintenance costs. Playground projects must comply with current playground standards and guidelines, and playgrounds incorporating a ramp with an accessible route receive the highest consideration. Projects on private property as fixed improvements that are not open to the public are ineligible. Personnel, operations, consultants, clothing, uniforms, projects begun before grant approval, and projects using in-kind expenses as the match are also ineligible. The Matching Grant Program provides a dollar-for-dollar match and funds no more than 50 percent of a project's total estimated cost, up to a maximum grant award of $20,000, whichever is less. The source states that projects must have a minimum cost of $2,500 and also describes a $2,500 minimum amount in its funding guidelines. Before funding, applicants must certify that they have the necessary funds for their share of the total estimated project cost. In-kind expenses cannot be used as the required match. The Fargo Park District Foundation determines the amount available for matching funds during each budget year and may change or make exceptions to the amount at its discretion. For 2026, the Foundation may approve more than one grant application but states that it will not exceed $20,000 in total. Applications for the 2026 cycle are open and must be submitted by October 1, 2026 at 4:30 p.m. No pre-application letter of intent, concept paper, or other gating submission is identified in the supplied information. Applicants are directed to submit the Foundation Matching Grant Application through the application link provided by the Fargo Park District Foundation. Questions or concerns may be directed to foundation@fargoparks.com. The Foundation's general contact information also lists 701-499-6060 and 6100 38th St. S., Fargo, ND 58104. Following submission, the Fargo Park District Foundation Executive Director reviews applications with the Park District executive team. Qualified applications advance to the Foundation Development Committee for review, and recommended applications are then reviewed for approval or disapproval by the Fargo Park District Foundation Board. Applicants receive letters indicating whether grant funding has been approved or denied. Successful project sponsors receive an agreement stating the provisions of the grant funds, and the agreement is signed by the applicant and Foundation Executive Director. Approved projects must be completed within 12 months of the grant award unless other arrangements have been made. After project completion, the applicant must submit an invoice substantiating the total amount paid. Foundation staff review and sign off on the completed project to verify that the funding objective has been met, and a follow-up meeting is scheduled for photos and a brief video interview. Completed projects receive a recognition plaque, dedication, or other recognition identifying participation in the Matching Grant Program. Projects on Park District property must follow Park District purchasing guidelines, local ordinances, and state laws, and the Fargo Park District assumes ownership of improvements or equipment upon completion unless another arrangement has been agreed upon. The supplied material identifies the 2026 deadline but does not explicitly state that the program recurs annually or provide a future application cycle date.

Prioritize projects aligned with the Fargo Park District strategic plan, mission, and vision; demonstrate benefit to a wide variety or large number of people; favor year-round or multi-season use; obtain Fargo Park District review or approval of the developmental plan; minimize long-term operational maintenance costs; for playgrounds, comply with current standards and note that a ramp with an accessible route receives the highest consideration.