California State Parks Opens Grant Program for New Parks and Recreation Projects
California State Park’s Statewide Park Development and Community Revitalization Program (SPP) is now accepting applications for the Round 5 funding cycle with the goal of creating new parks and new recreation opportunities in critically underserved communities across California. SPP has $188.5 million total available funding and applications are due on December 17, 2026.
Who is eligible to apply?
Eligible applicants are:
- Cities
- Counties
- Districts
- Joint Powers Authority (JPA)
- Nonprofits with 501(c)(3) status
What types of projects are eligible?
Applicants may request funds for the following projects:
- Create a new park
- Expand an existing park
- Renovate an existing park
Projects must create or renovate at least one recreation feature, such as an amphitheater; athletic fields or courts; gardens; outdoor classrooms; fitness stations; picnic and BBQ areas; and playgrounds, among others. Applicants are encouraged to be creative when considering recreation features that best represent the community’s needs.
The project site must be within a half-mile of a location with either a ratio of less than three acres of parkland per 1,000 residents or a median household income that is less than 80% of the California median household income or project is within proximity to a climate vulnerability.
What funding is available?
The SPP program has a total of $188.5 million in available funding. Applicants may request a maximum of $8.5 million and a minimum of $200,000 per application. No match is required.
The SPP Grant Guide can be found here.
For more information on this grant or how to apply with Morrison’s assistance, please contact the Morrison Grants Team by email at grants@morrisonco.net or call us at 530-893-4764.