Questions that we receive at parks@saferoutespartnership.org and answers will be posted on this page throughout the application period.
1. Who do I contact if I have any questions or need assistance?
Please send an email to parks@saferoutespartnership.org if you have any questions about the application or the Safe Routes to Parks Activating Communities program.
2. Is it possible to save and return to the application at a later time?
No, once you begin the application form, it cannot be saved and re-opened. We encourage you to view a PDF of the application form here, compose your answers in a word processor, and input them into the application form when you are ready to submit.
3. Writing isn’t our organization’s strong suit, can we submit a video or audio recording instead?
Yes, we want to make sure that this application process includes organizations with different areas of expertise. If you are interested in submitting an alternative format, please contact us at parks@saferoutespartnership.org to discuss.
4. How do I share supporting documents for the application?
Please send supporting documents such as letters of support, maps, print or web media, etc. to parks@saferoutespartnership.org. Be sure to include the organization’s name and staff contact in the email. Please note that, with the exception of a letter of support from the jurisdiction you are working within, supplemental materials are not required.
5. How will I know that you received my application?
An email confirmation will be sent to you upon receipt of your application. If you do not see an email within five minutes, please check your spam folder for a message from parks@saferoutespartnership.org.
6. What is the anticipated start date of assistance, if received? How long is the technical assistance expected to last?
Technical assistance will likely begin early February through September 30, 2021.
7. Is the consultation and technical assistance a requirement for the Safe Routes to Parks Activating Communities program?
Yes, the technical assistance is an important part of this program. As a part of the program, all grantee communities will participate in online group trainings with expert staff and peer communities and receive individualized consultation and technical assistance (including monthly calls and a specific local workshop/training with Safe Routes Partnership staff). The Safe Routes Partnership’s staff areas of expertise are:
- Planning, Policies, and Programs (Please note we do not conduct engineering studies or plans.)
- Education, Training, and Capacity Building
- Research and Data Collection
- Campaign Development
- Funding for Sustainable Transportation
- Community Engagement and Coalition Development.
We have found that the combination of the consultation/technical assistance and grant funds help communities create both short- and long-term improvements to safe local park access.
8. What can Safe Routes to Parks Activating Communities program grant funds be used for?
The grant of $12,500 must be used for the grantee community’s Safe Routes to Parks planning process and implementation activities. Grantees will be required to report on expenditure of grant funds. Examples include, but are not limited to:
- Implementing advocacy training with community members
- Hosting a greening/park cleanup day
- Tactical urbanism pop-up/demonstration project for any of the construction/improvements listed below
- Creating/improving wayfinding signage
- Acquiring rights-of-way
- Moving utility boxes/poles
- Maintenance
- Street design
- Adding or improving physical infrastructure to support walking/biking to the park, including sidewalks, crosswalks, traffic calming, widened shoulders, upgrading crossings, bike lanes, signal timing, lighting, etc.
- Streetscaping improvements that promote physical comfort and aesthetic improvements to the route, including: shade trees, benches, water fountains, landscaping
- Anti-street harassment public service campaign
- Developing a Safe Passages Program
- Addressing dilapidated buildings/blight/dumping
9. Is a local government agency eligible for the Safe Routes to Parks Activating Communities program?
No, only non-profits that are 501 (c)(3) tax-exempt are eligible for this program.
10. How many communities will be selected for this round? Can a previous grantee apply again?
In total, seven communities will be selected. Previous grantees will not be awarded through this program again.
11. Are there specific outcomes or reporting that are expected as part of this program?
Yes, each grantee community is expected to develop a customized action plan to improve safe, equitable local park access that includes ideas for how to fund and sustain their efforts and implement at least one action from the plan. Our expert staff will support you to develop these plans. It is our hope that your organization will use this resource to continue improving safe, equitable park access in your community. In addition, grantees are expected to complete a brief final report at the end of the grant.
12. Can this award be combined with existing funding our organization has?
Yes, we encourage you to leverage your resources to improve safe, equitable local park access by combining this award with existing funding.