DOST Matching Grants Program
The
2012 Matching Grants cycle is currently
closed. The program will be part
of the non-profit programs considered
during the forthcoming budget
process for the 2013 year funding.
Please check the DOST and County of
Durham sites for updates regarding the
re-opening of the Matching Grants
Program.
The Matching Grants Program is designed to assist non-profit organizations in Durham County, NC, both inside and outside the city limits, in preserving open space lands and promoting new or improved recreational opportunities for citizens of Durham County. Grant funds help provide public lands and outdoor recreational facilities through citizen initiative, support and involvement. Applicants must provide at least one half of the project's cost and manage all aspects of the project to accommodate public accessibility. Grant awards are made to new permanent programs and expansions of existing programs that meet a wide range of service provision criteria.
Grants are awarded competitively on a yearly cycle beginning in August with advertisements and announcements in newspapers, newsletters, emails, and mailing lists. Recommendations for funding are developed by the Matching Grants Committee and the Durham Open Space and Trails Commission (DOST) for action by the Durham Board of County Commissioners. The County enters into a contract with the successful applicant organization and the project work begins in the spring with a maximum of eighteen months for completion. The completed project is managed and maintained for public use as agreed to by the contracted organization and may be inspected or visited on a yearly basis by a representative of the County.
The application and program guidelines are available below for downloading. Please read the guidelines booklet before beginning the application process. Answers for questions, which come up during each stage of the process, should be available under the applicable section of the guidelines.
Matching Grants Program Application (Closed)
Matching Grants Program Guidelines (PDF file)
Matching Grants Program Brochure (PDF file)
Google map of previous Matching Grants Program recipients (Link)
The Matching Grants Program was developed by Durham County in 1990 under the guidance of the DOST through its Matching Grants Committee. The first years of the program were funded using a portion of the 1986 $1.5 million Durham County Park and Recreation Bonds. Funds to continue the Matching Grants program are approved on a yearly basis by the Durham County Board of County Commissioners.
Now almost twenty years old, the Matching Grants Program continues to provide grants to community non-profit organizations for open space and recreation projects throughout the County. Durham County contributes an annual allocation of $85,000 to support the Program. During the life of this Program, the County's investment of $1,287,765 has leveraged over $1.8 million in monetary and in-kind contributions.
Development of the Matching Grants Program became a DOST priority when determined to be a cost-effective way for the County to encourage and support additional open space, parks, trails, and recreation. It creates a partnership of public support with the many strong private efforts in parks and open space that have been on going for years in Durham County. The program is specifically for the benefit of Durham County residents.
DOST welcomes your questions, comments and suggestions. DOST is a volunteer citizen advisory board provides many valuable hours of committed service to the community but does not maintain an office. The best point of contact or source of information is the City/County Planning Department located at 101 City Hall Plaza, Durham, NC, 27701, telephone number (919) 560-4137. Request to speak with the planner knowledgeable of DOST activities and programs.
For specific assistance with Matching Grants information, applications, questions, materials, presentations, or communication with the Matching Grants Committee contact the Matching Grants Administrator, County of Durham, Budget and Management Services Department, 200 East Main Street, 4th Floor, Durham, NC 27701, telephone number (919) 560-0018. You may also email matchinggrants@durhamcountync.gov for information and assistance.
During its lifetime, the Program has
awarded $1,287,765 in grants, or
approximately $20,000 per recipient.
Below is a list of recipients, by year, of
matching grants from DOST.
2006
2005
2004
2003
2002
2001
2000
1999
1998
1997
1996
1995
1994
1993
1992
1991