The City of Alexandria wants to help you improve your neighborhood! Through the Community Matching Fund (CMF), the City partners with local groups, organizations, and businesses to provide financial support for projects that enhance City-owned parks, trails, and recreational spaces. Your organization's funds can be raised through donations from fundraising events, community groups, businesses, foundations, and/or individuals. The City will match every dollar you raise, up to $50,000, helping bring your vision to life.

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, available 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.

• Demonstrate the ability to raise the community match within one year.

Refer to the Community Matching Fund Requirements for additional information.

RPCA will accept proposals for the fiscal year 2025 from April 7 - May 26. Beginning July 1, 2025, a total of $100,000 in City matching funds will be available. RPCA will give a 1:1 matching award in an amount of up to $50,000, which allows a minimum of four proposals to be selected. 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).

A successful proposal will show that the group has thoroughly planned the project, can organize wide community support, and has a clear plan for securing the resources needed to complete it.

Evaluation Criteria:

1. Proposed Idea (up to 30 points)
2. The project must align with the RPCA Strategic Plan and include a detailed work plan. It should explain how the project will:
   • Connect the community: Create spaces that bring together a diverse group of people.
   • Invest in the environment: Protect and enhance natural spaces, benefiting both people and nature.
   • Improve well-being: Promote healthy, active lifestyles for people of all ages and abilities.
   • If relevant, the project should also align with other city plans, like the Citywide Park Improvement Plan or Neighborhood Park Improvement Plan.
3. Neighborhood Involvement & Community Building (up to 30 points)
4. The project should involve as many different groups as possible, reflecting the local community’s diversity, including youth, seniors, renters, homeowners, and businesses. Including support from community associations and stakeholders is encouraged.
5. Project Resources & Readiness (up to 30 points)
6. Applicants must show they can secure various contributions—such as cash, volunteer labor, donated services, or materials—as signs of community backing. The group should be able to raise matching funds within 12 months and provide a clear project timeline. Proposals with a maintenance plan will receive higher consideration.
7. Outcomes (up to 10 points)
8. Applicants should define clear goals and objectives and explain how they will measure the success of the project, with both tangible and intangible results.

This structure ensures proposals are well-rounded, feasible, and impactful for the community.

Following the closure of the application process, RPCA staff will evaluate the proposals and recommend specific projects to proceed based on qualifications and the rating criteria. Staff will present the proposals to the Park and Recreation Commission (PRC) in a Public Hearing at their September meeting. At this meeting, the applicants will have an opportunity to speak to the PRC about their project and answer questions. The PRC will provide approval or request additional information at their October meeting. Groups may proceed with fundraising efforts once given PRC approval. City matching funds will be available on November 1. Following approval, the City and the community group will enter into a formal agreement that outlines both the City and the group’s responsibilities.

The community group must raise their funds within one year of the award. Awardees must provide quarterly financial updates throughout the year. Upon reaching the goal, the City and organization will work collaboratively to implement the project. 

Since 2016, the Community Matching Fund has supported a variety of projects, typically falling under the following categories:

1. Neighborhood & Pocket Park Improvements
   Your neighborhood park may have areas that could benefit from financial support and volunteer efforts. Use the neighborhood and pocket park improvement plans as a guide to address specific needs in these parks, and consider supporting them through the Community Matching Fund.
2. Athletic Facility Improvements
   This includes upgrades like water bottle fillers, batting cages, sports goals, and other enhancements to City sports facilities.
3. Resources for Environmental, Educational & Recreational Programming
   Past projects have included a teen center, nature trail signage, and fitness program equipment. These resources should support community health and education, with programming offered at least four times a year in partnership with the City’s Recreation, Parks, and Cultural Activities Department.
4. Tree Planting and Horticultural Gardens
   Projects focused on planting trees or creating beautiful gardens in public spaces.
5. Environmental Sustainability Initiatives
   Projects like compost bins, rain gardens, community gardens, pollinator gardens, solar panels, and more help reduce environmental impact and conserve natural resources.
6. Innovative Ideas for Community Health & Wellbeing
   Creative projects that improve community health and wellness in City parks and recreational facilities.

All projects must be located in a City-owned park or recreational facility.

RPCA will give a 1:1 matching award in an amount of up to $50,000, which allows a minimum of four selected proposals. The award amount will range from $5,000 (for projects totaling $10,000) to $50,000 (for projects totaling $100,000).

• Awards will not be made to government agencies, political groups, district councils, school districts, newspapers, organizations outside the City of Alexandria, or applicants who have not completed projects funded in the previous two years.
• Awards cannot be used to duplicate existing public or private programs, fund ongoing programs or services, cover operating expenses unrelated to the project, or purchase land or buildings.
• Community groups can only receive one matching award at a time. Proposals not accepted in one year may be resubmitted the following year if they meet all requirements.
• All design and capital projects must ensure accessibility by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
• The organization must sign a commitment agreement by December 1.
• If the project includes purchases with a lifespan of less than five years, the organization must cover the maintenance costs.
• Project funds must be used as outlined in the project agreement within three years of the award. Any remaining City funds after project completion will be allocated to future community matching fund projects. Unused fundraised balances will be returned to the organization.

• Cash donations can come from fundraising events, individuals, foundations, businesses, and community groups.
• Community groups may seek grants to cover their 50% match, but these grants cannot come from other City-funded sources. If applying for grants, the group must provide grant documentation for City staff review to ensure eligibility.
• In-kind contributions, such as volunteer labor and professional services, can count toward the match. The proposal must clearly explain how these contributions will be used. In-kind professional services cannot exceed 15% of the total project budget and must be relevant to the project’s needs.
• Groups must document all volunteer hours (labor or professional services) and submit these records to the City of Alexandria.
• Donated materials and supplies will be valued at their retail price. Donors must provide documentation on their letterhead to verify the value of the donation.
• Applicants do not need to be a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization to receive matching funds. However, they must have a fiscal sponsor or a designated person to manage the project’s funds and assume financial responsibility for completing the project.
• Applicants must comply with state requirements for charitable solicitation registration: Virginia Code.

Upon completing fundraising, the City and the Organization will discuss two procurement options to determine the best approach for the project:

1. **City Procurement**: The Organization will provide the City with a check for the total amount raised. The City will then take responsibility for procuring all project contractors and/or consultants, and will serve as the project manager.

2. **Organization Procurement**: The Organization makes all necessary purchases and submits an invoice to the City for reimbursement. This option assumes that the Organization is able to pay the full amount upfront. If this method is chosen and the work occurs on City property, all plans must be reviewed and approved by City staff.

**Important Note**: Organizations are not allowed to use community match funds for architectural and engineering (A&E) services. If the project requires A&E services, the City must either procure these services, or the Organization may procure them using private funding that exceeds the matching fund amount.

Both parties will document the chosen procurement method in a signed agreement.

All award recipients are required to submit progress reports, documentation of community matching funds, and invoices as necessary throughout the project, as specified in the agreement between the City and the organization upon receiving the award.

If a community group decides by the end of the following calendar year, after signing their commitment letter, that it cannot meet its matching goals, the City will revoke the award. In that case, the City's matching funds will be allocated to another community group award in the upcoming fiscal year.

1. Lake Cook Pocket Park
   Applicant: Townes at Cameron Parke Resident Group
   Project Description: This project includes planting native trees, managing invasive species, and installing signage to help identify the park and create a sense of place for future improvements.
   Total Project Cost: $25,000
   Proposed City Contribution: $12,500
2. Paddling Access at Four Mile Run
   Applicant: Four Mile Run Conservatory Foundation 
   Project Description: The project is a public water access point, including a raised boardwalk from the Four Mile Run Trail to a gangway extending to a floating dock, maintaining ADA-compliant slopes and level landings.
   Total Project Cost: $436,885
   Proposed City Contribution: $50,000
3. Tucker Community Garden
   Applicant: Samuel Tucker Elementary School PTA
   Project Description: The Tucker Community Garden Project will develop and ‘green’ a natural space adjacent to the Samuel Tucker Elementary School and provide an outdoor learning classroom for students.
   Total Project Cost: $21,238
   Proposed City Contribution: $10,619

FY21 Applications
FY21 PRC Presentation (October 15, 2020)  

 1. Lynhaven Gateway Park Improvements

• Applicant: Lynhaven Citizens Association
• Project Description: This project will provide park improvements consistent with the Pocket Park Improvement Plan, including leveling the central mound, installing electrical power, and placing seating and picnic tables.
• Total Project Cost: $16,000
• Proposed Total City Contribution: $8,000
• Status: Fundraising underway
   

2. Luckett Field Batting Cages

• Applicant: Alexandria Little League
• Project Description: This project will help to meet citywide demand for ballfield facilities by adding two batting cages located on the side of the first and third baselines as recommended in the Luckett Field Park Improvement Plan.
• Total Project Cost: $19,900
• Proposed Total City Contribution: $9,950
• Status: Fundraising complete. Design and Procurement Spring 2021

FY20 Applications
FY20 PRC Presentation (May 16, 2019) 

1. Four Mile Run Park Kayak Launch
   Applicant: Four Mile Run Park Conservatory Foundation
   Project Description: This project will hire an engineering firm to design a kayak launch at the end of Commonwealth Avenue in Four Mile Run Park. The design will provide cost estimates to plan for future construction. The FMR Park Conservatory Foundation will seek funding opportunities for construction following design completion. Consistent with the Four Mile Run Restoration Master Plan, near stream amenities recommendations.
   Total Project Cost: $32,000
   Proposed City Contribution: $16,000
   Status: Design
2. Woodbine Tot Lot Renovation
   Applicant: Make a Wish Foundation
   Project Description: This project will renovate Woodbine Tot Lot, per the “wish” of a child in the neighborhood. Make a wish will hire a designer to work with the community and a contractor to renovate the playground, with Park planning oversight. The playground design will take into consideration the draft Pock Park plan.
   Total Project Cost: $80,000
   Proposed City Contribution: $25,000
   Status: Project completed.
3. Holmes Run Park Community Garden Improvements
   Applicant: Holmes Run Community Gardeners
   Project Description: Add mulch and compost bins, fencing, landscaping, and storage to the Holmes Run Community Garden.
   Total Project Cost: $15,000
   Proposed City Contribution: $7,500
   Status: Project cancelled.
4. Parkour Park in Ewald Park
   Applicant: Jonas Neihardt
   Project Description: Build a Parkour Space in Ewald Park, as approved in the Ewald Park Plan Amendment in November 2018. 
   Total Project Cost: $80,000
   Proposed City Contribution: $25,000 
   Status: Fundraising underway.

FY19 Applications
FY19 PRC Presentation

1. Project: Powhatan Park Improvements
   Applicant: Northeast Old Town Civic Association
   Description: This project will replace the thorny shrubs with a low maintenance, hardy shrubs. The new shrubs will not only beautify the Park and remove the safety hazard, it will make the Park more likely to be used for social gatherings and safe play. Per community feedback, removing the thorny shrubs is consistent with the Neighborhood Park Improvement Plan (2016), NECA will work with the Sheriff's Department to remove the existing shrubs and volunteers in the community plant new shrubs. The City match will include purchase and installation of two picnic tables, a water meter and fountain, and two park benches.
   Requested amount from city: $22,500
   Amount from organization: $5,000 +16+ 2,000 volunteer hours
   Project Total: $45,000
   Status: Project complete.
2. Project: Monticello Park Improvements
   Applicant: Alexandria Country Day School
   Description: Alexandria Country Day School (ACDS) proposes to work with the City of Alexandria to inventory the tree and plant species, add educational signage regarding trees and birds, clean the stream bed, and make improvements to the picnic area, such as additional seating, at Monticello Park by involving current ACDS students, alumni, local birders, and the neighboring community. ACDS’ science department would direct the research portions of the project as part of its middle school science curriculum. Second grade students study habitats and biomes, and they spend a unit focusing on birds and can expand their focus to the birds in Monticello Park. Working with guidelines from the City, the lower school and middle school students will design signage identifying the trees and describing their role in the ecosystem. 
   Requested amount from city: $5,000
   Amount from organization: $4,000 + 40 hours of volunteer time
   Project Total: $10,000
   Status: Project complete.
3. Project: Simpson Triangle
   Applicant: Simpson Triangle Improvement Group
   Description: This project will improve the vacant parcel at the corner of Bellefonte and Route One by adding trees, meadow plantings, wildflowers, paths, and group boulders for seating. The objective is to experience nature and enjoy relaxing outdoor activities as a passive addition to Simpson Park, provide a natural habitat for wildlife, and create a more pleasant walk for commuters from the Route One bus to Del Ray. It is consistent with the 2014 Simpson Park Improvement Plan.
   Requested amount from city: $22,500
   Amount from organization: $22,500
   Project Total: $45,000
   Status: Project complete.
4. Project: Lee Center Playground Improvements
   Applicant: Kelley Cares
   Description: The playground has not been updated since it was built in 2004 and lacks many features that would make it truly accessible for people of all abilities to use, especially for those in wheelchairs. This project proposes the addition of tactile walls, a refreshed play surface, widened walkways, wheelchair ramps, and new playground equipment that would help to modernize the space, making it more useful for participants of the Therapeutic Recreation Program and beyond. The refreshed playground would also help tie in the Ruthanne Lodato Memorial Playground which was put into place in 2015, making it a larger and fuller playground experience.
   Requested amount from city: $22,500
   Amount from organization: $22,500
   Project Total: $45,000
   Status: Project is substantially complete.
5. Project: Ramsay House Garden Renovation
   Applicant: The Garden Club of Alexandria
   Description: The Ramsay House Visitor Center for the City of Alexandria welcomes many tourists and residents at the house and garden daily, and is the gathering place for tours in Old Town. The 1956 garden design is in need of renovation and has fallen into disrepair. Ramsay House employees approached The Garden Club of Alexandria asking for assistance in renovating the garden. The plan creates an accessible pathway from the North Fairfax Street entrance and brick terraces with additional seating, including five benches and a stone seat wall. These improvements, along with new plantings, a water fountain, a cell phone charging station, and a historical well marker, will better serve the functional needs of the thousands of people who use the Visitors Center each year and will create an oasis for residents of Alexandria and an educational opportunity for Alexandria school students.
   Requested amount from city: $22,500
   Amount from organization: $84,000
   Project Total: $106,500
   Status: Project complete.
6. Project: Hunter/Miller Park Improvements
   Applicant: Hopkins House
   Description: This project would retrofit the playground to include play equipment for children ages 2-5. This would allow the Hopkins House Helen Day Preschool Academy students as well as young kids in the neighborhood to safely use the park. 
   Requested amount from city: $6,618
   Amount from organization: $6,618
   Project Total: $13,237
   Status: Project complete.

FY18 applications  
FY18 PRC Presentation (May 2017)

1. Compost Processing Centers
   Organization: Compost Alex 
   Project Description: This project will construct pilot processing sites that can process food waste material locally. These sites also act as a demonstration of the community's ability to properly compost food waste. As the number of food waste drop-off contributors continues to grow, they will be better informed and able to be involved in the community composting system that they directly influence. 
   Matching Fund Contribution: $12,000 | Total Project Cost: $26,000
   Status: Construction underway (Summer 2018)
2. Witter Softball Field Upgrades
   Organization: TC Williams High School Softball Boosters 
   Project Description: This project will enhance Witter fields to respond to growing softball program and site use. Enhancements include: dugout gutters installation, press box purchase and installation, permanent fencing for bullpens, bleacher canopies, and dugout fencing. 
   Matching Fund Contribution: $15,000 | Total Project Cost: $55,000
   Status: Project complete.
3. Ben Brenman Ballfield Enhancements
   Organization: Alexandria Little League 
   Project Description: The project includes the construction of a new scoreboard and the addition of a linear split batting cage on the first base side of the diamond outside of the fields fence line. Currently, Alexandria Little league has access to only one City owned field with a scoreboard and working batting cages. 
   Matching Fund Contribution: $25,000 | Total Project Cost: $50,000
   Status: Project Complete.
4. Nancy Dunning Garden 
   Applicant: Patricia and Kate Moran 
   Project Description: The Nancy Dunning Garden, located at the corner of Mt. Vernon Ave and Commonwealth, will be a place for peace and reflection amidst the bustle and prosperity of the neighborhood. Site improvements will include new paving and seating. 
   Matching Fund Contribution: $24,000 | Total Project Cost: $48,000
   Status: Project complete.
5. Colasanto Pool Site Improvements 
   Applicant: Del Ray Gateway Project 
   Project Description: The old Colasanto pool has been closed since 2010. Since then, the old pool has remained a visual eyesore and dead space at the intersection that welcomes people into Del Ray. The matching fund will provide money for site activation including a ping pong table, bollard removal, fence realignment, chairs/hammock, shade structure, and tricycle track. The City and Applicant are working towards a long-term project that aims to convert the pool to a sprayground. The items purchased through the matching fund project will not preclude future site re-development and can remain on the site after the spray ground conversion is complete. 
   Matching Fund Contribution: $24,000 | Total Project Cost: $48,000
   Status: Project canceled. Fundraised money transferred to long-term sprayground conversion project (to be designed in 2020 and constructed in 2022).

FY2017 Applications  
FY2017 PRC Presentation

1. The Charles Houston Advisory Council: $25,000 
   To develop a model teen center within the existing space at the Charles Houston Recreation Center.
   Status: COMPLETE
2. Alexandria Soccer Association: $15,000
   To provide existing court enhancements to upgrade and support the community Futsal program at Four Mile Run Park.
   Status: COMPLETE
3. Four Mile Run Conservatory Foundation: $5,000
   To install water-bottle and jug filling stations at the two highest-use fields in the City, at Simpson Stadium Park and Witter Recreational Fields where there is currently no outdoor access to drinkable water; wall-mounted ADA-accessible stations installed on the existing built facilities.
   Status: COMPLETE
4. PKMove: $5,000
   To purchase a Pop-up Playground and two portable mats to expand and increase participation in free weekly Parkour lessons for senior citizens and other special populations in our city parks. 
   Status: COMPLETE