For Immediate Release: April 4, 2022

Established in FY 2017, the Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities (RPCA) created the Community Matching Fund (Fund) to promote collaborative partnerships among City of Alexandria community organizations by providing matching 1:1 dollars to groups for park and recreation improvement projects. The Fund fosters public/private partnerships and cultivates innovative ways for residents to have a greater stake in improving the park and recreation facilities they use. These partnerships provide opportunities for developing positive relationships between the City and the community.

RPCA will accept proposals for the fiscal year 2023 from Wednesday, April 6 through Saturday, June 25.  A total of $200,000 in City matching funds will be available. RPCA will give 1:1 matching award in an amount up to $50,000, which allows a minimum of four selected proposals. Awards may vary given in any amount between $5,000 (for project totals of $10,000) to $50,000 (for project totals of $100,000). Groups may count in-kind physical labor.

Any community group that lives and/or works in the City of Alexandria can apply for the matching fund. The group must demonstrate in their proposal a capacity to build a stronger and healthier community through park and recreation facility improvements. Proposals must show that the project will:

• Provide a public benefit, free and open to all members of the public;
• Be located on City owned parks 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.

Visit the Community Matching Fund website for information on how to apply.

For additional information, contact Lucresha Murphy-Tate at Lucresha.Murphy@alexandriava.gov or 703.746.5489.

For reasonable disability accommodation, contact Lucresha.Murphy@alexandriava.gov or call 703.746.5489, Virginia Relay 711.

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This news release is available at https://www.alexandriava.gov/news-rpca/2022-04-04/city-of-alexandria-accepts-applications-for-fy-2022-community-matching-fund