Parks & Trails Council of Minnesota is proud to offer a grant program designed to support Friends Groups with the implementation of onsite youth engagement projects in state and regional parks and trails.
Parks and trails are important for engaging youth with the natural world. By facilitating meaningful outdoor connections for youth, we can help promote the next generation of environmental stewards. Friends Groups are uniquely positioned to assist in these efforts thanks to their commitment to stewardship, their working relationships with park staff and the community at large, and their existing efforts to actively connect people to public lands.
Draft Application: July 19, 2024
Final Application: August 2, 2024
Please review the Grant Overview pdf above before applying. While developing your group’s application, be sure to contact your land management agency contact and the Friends Group Program Manager from P&TC (651-370-7907). Applications can be submitted to friends@parksandtrails.org.
The minimum grant request is $500 and the maximum grant request is $1,000. Grant awards will be issued to qualifying Friends Groups with appropriate projects in September 2024.
Projects should be focused on engaging youth in an outdoors activity at a Minnesota park or trail. For example: birdwatching, identifying plants and animals, learning about weather and the seasons, maple syruping, etc.
Applicants must be a Friends Group Partner of Parks & Trails Council.
Projects that take place on parks and trails in Minnesota are eligible.