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Community Recreation Grants Available Frederick County, through its Parks and
Recreation Commission (FCPRC) is accepting applications from eligible non-profit community organizations that provide recreation opportunities for county residents, for funding from
its Community Grant Program for fiscal year 2008 which will begin in July 2007.
The following organizations are eligible and may apply for grants: Homeowners Associations, Civic/Community Associations, Athletic Associations and Recreation Councils. Grants are
for the purpose of improving existing recreation facilities or constructing new ones on land owned or utilized by the organization.
Funding is not allowed on land owned by municipalities and Frederick County. Funds will be provided prior to project construction and can be applied towards the cost of materials,
equipment and contracted labor. Construction labor may be provided by any combination of volunteer service by the organization and/or paid contractors. Grants are not intended to
meet the annual maintenance needs for existing facilities. Projects must be completed within two years of July 1st of the funding year (for FY’2008 this will be June 30, 2009).
Fiscal 2008 will begin the twenty-fifth year of the Community Grant Program. The first grants were awarded in July 1983. Approximately $1,050,000 has been awarded to 65 organizations
during the previous twenty-four years of its operation.
A FCPRC sub-committee objectively evaluates the application and project. Scores are assigned according to the following criteria: Recreational and Community Value; Project and
Planning; Site Plan/ Master Plan and Local Contribution. The sub-committee’s recommendation is forwarded to the FCPRC who makes the final decision. Applicants are provided a copy of
the Project Evaluation Form, which indicates scores and comments, by the evaluators. Projects may not be started prior to the notice of award. Organizations may be funded no sooner
than every two years.
Additional information and applications are available by contacting the Department of Parks and Recreation’s offices at 301-600-1646. Applications must be received by 4:30 p.m.,
Friday, August 10, 2007. It is expected that organizations will be notified by November regarding grant awards. A budget of $100,000 has been requested for FY’2008.
Project sites have been located throughout the County. Funding has been used for the improvement and construction of organized youth ballfields and for development of playgrounds.
For example, the Glade Valley Athletic Association has installed bleachers at the Walkersville Volunteer Fire Company ballfields for use by girl’s softball teams. A new baseball
field was completed at the Jefferson School by the Jefferson Valley Baseball Association. The United Civic Association (Shookstown) undertook ballfield renovations and installation
of playground equipment, a picnic pavilion, a volleyball court and horseshoe pits.
Once construction begins many groups are able to obtain additional dona¬tions of materials, equipment and labor from local contractors, individuals and other organizations. Project
sites are inspected and organizations must submit reports which detail expenditures, volunteer time and donations for the project.
General Information on the Frederick County Department of Parks and Recreation may be found on its web site: www.recreater.com.
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