Breathe Respira Community Grant Program 2026

This grant program was launched in 2014 to provide funding to connect communities and community programs and resources to the benefits of Marin’s parks and open spaces. Thanks to the many community partners of Marin County Parks, this program has served thousands of residents by extending wellness programs and other community services outdoors while growing the relationships of Marin residents to their public lands. This grant program seeks to connect communities experiencing barriers to Marin’s parks, preserves, recreational facilities, staff and programming through partnerships with a broad network of trusted relationships and service providers.

To apply: On March 19, 2026, read about this grant program and apply using the on-line form.

Marin County Parks no longer charges fees to enter or park in any County parks. We welcome you to visit and experience a park near you, especially if you haven’t before!

Are you connecting underserved communities and groups to parks and just want to request free group site use? You can now apply for free group site reservations even if you’re not seeking any grant funding! Simply click the button at https://www.parks.marincounty.org/about-us/community-grants, complete the simple form, and we will contact you to explore your request. This can be done at any time throughout the year. 

Available Grant Opportunities

$200,000 will be available this year toward competitive grants. Applications are due May 8, 2026 by midnight. The maximum amount of each individual grant will be $10,000. Any funding not awarded under the initial competitive round this year may be made available for applications submitted by October 1, 2026. Any application submitted after May 8, 2026 will be considered on a case-by-case basis and funds will be awarded until the budget is expended. This grant program operates on a reimbursement basis unless an advance is requested and approved by staff.

Each grant will focus on improving outdoor access or removing barriers to parks for any community where an inequity can be addressed, and will prioritize existing projects and programs of community partners. Grant proposals that support a partnership between two organizations that improves services to the community and access to outdoor spaces will be prioritized for funding.

An existing project/program is defined as any project, program, or service an organization has been successfully implementing for a minimum of the last six months that connects underserved communities with positive outdoor experiences; health and wellness activities; and/or safety net services (e.g.: access to food, counseling services, etc.) that can be adapted to the outdoor environment. Proposals may include modification to existing applicant programs. 

Grants may be used to match other funding sources. Grants will be awarded one year at a time, with no promise of future funding. All grants must be spent out by grantee on an annual basis. Grant funds not used by the applicant will revert back to this program. An organization may be a sub-applicant on multiple proposal teams. However, an organization functioning as the lead applicant may apply for funding as the lead on only one proposal per grant cycle.

Qualifying Criteria

  • An applicant organization (or fiscal agent) must be a city, county, non-profit organization (501(c)3), special district or Joint Powers Authority (JPA) formed pursuant to applicable law including but not limited to Chapter 5 (commencing with Section 6500) of Division 7 of the Government code, community group, community-based organization, or emerging or existing coalition. Applicants that are not a city, county, non-profit organization (501(c)3), special district or JPA formed pursuant to applicable law including but not limited to Chapter 5 (commencing with Section 6500 of Division 7 of the Government code if at least one of the parties to the joint powers agreement qualifies as an eligible applicant), must work through a fiscal agent to apply. 
  • The applicant has a demonstrated track record of providing programs or services to underserved, high-risk and/or vulnerable populations in Marin.      
  • The applicant has a demonstrated track record of improving the health, wellness, and/or environmental awareness of populations in Marin. 
  • The proposal improves access to and use of Marin County Parks or Marin County Open Space District lands, facilities, and/or staff and programs. 
  • The proposal is designed around one or more of the three program areas discussed in the Funding Areas section of this document, below. 

The proposal seeks funds for an existing qualifying project or program. 

Funding Areas

Grant proposals must seek to improve park access for a community with demonstrated barriers, and include one or more of the following approaches: 

  • Visits to Parks: Organize and lead trips to our parks, open space preserves, and recreation facilities. These outings may be coordinated with planned or existing events and/or programs at Marin County parks or open space preserves in partnership with our ranger, volunteer and environmental education staff. See https://www.parks.marincounty.gov/discoverlearn/events-calendar.
  • Outreach in Communities: Many people are introduced to new park outings through friends and family. Help Marin County Parks expand its reach into Marin’s  communities who are unfamiliar with county parks, open space preserves, and programs by working with us to share information about public lands and programs. Help us build community knowledge and use of public lands by assisting us to connect with the communities you are already familiar with through culturally responsive approaches.
  • Bridges to Enjoying the Outdoors: Plan and lead programs that overcome existing barriers preventing communities from accessing and enjoying Marin County parks and open space preserves. Proposed strategies could address language, transportation, ability level, information access, and a wide range of other barriers. 

Project Examples

  • Example 1: An organization caring for residents with developmental disabilities proposes to experiment with bringing their clients and programming outdoors to enjoy the parks and learn how the organization may offer and expand these types of trips in the future. The proposed grant application would request funding for transportation, development of program materials, food and activity materials, coordination with Marin County      Parks staff, and limited purchase of first aid or other specialized materials needed for accommodating the safe and enjoyable experience of their clients).
  • Example 2: A non-profit organization providing counseling services to first-responders and front line workers proposes bringing groups to parks to support mental health and recovery. The organization(s) propose five park outings and request funding for transportation, snacks, and additional staff support.
  • Example 3: An assisted living facility and community center director partner on a proposal to organize three small-group social outings for seniors who have been largely isolated over the last year. The proposal requests funding to cover the time of a bus driver and food. Partners match their grant request by providing free access to the assisted living facility shuttle and additional free social programs through the community center.
  • Example 4: An organization teams up with local artists to provide an ArtRx program where young people explore photography and other art forms in local parks. Participants develop a knowledge and relationship with local parks, and explore personal artistic interests. The proposal requests funding for art supplies, snacks, transportation, and staff coordinator time.

Note: These are only examples. Please consider proposing any strategies related to the existing work of your organization that would promote mental health and connect Marin residents with the county parks and open spaces. We look forward to learning about your innovative ideas!

Funding Restrictions

Grant funds may be used to cover a wide range of expenses related to the implementation of proposed events or programs. However, the following activities and costs that will not be covered under this grant program, include but are not limited to: 

  • Conducting lobbying, carrying on propaganda, or otherwise attempting to influence legislation or political decision making; 
  • Influencing the outcome of any specific election through any means; 
  • Purposes other than those that are charitable, scientific, or educational; 
  • Fundraising purposes; 
  • Budget shortfalls or endowment funds; 
  • Administrative costs not related to the implementation of the program or event;
  • Scholarships, fellowships, or grants to individuals; 
  • Land acquisition or real estate purchases;
  • Trips or activities outside of Marin County;
  • Items outside of the scope approved by the Board of Supervisors where changes were not agreed to in advance; and
  • Group events exceeding 50 people or events that are planned for and marketed to the general public. Larger groups may be permitted in parks on a case by case basis through the Special Event Permit process.

Any previous grantee that failed to meet the requirements of this grant program as determined by staff or audit findings, including failing to submit a final report detailing their grant activities and expenditures, will not qualify for grant funding in future years.

Cap on Direct Administrative Costs: Fifteen percent (15%) of each grant may be allocated to cover program or event-related administrative costs directly related to work performed under this grant. 

Funding Advances

This grant program operates on a reimbursement basis as a default. Funds will only be advanced to organizations that request an advance through the application process and adequately explain why an advance is needed based on specific fiscal or other organizational capacity information. Staff will have sole discretion to approve or deny a request for an advance before the grant agreement is signed by all parties. Reasons to deny an advance may include a history of the applicant struggling to perform on prior grants provided by Marin County Parks or other county departments, high turnover or other recent instability or performance issues at the applicant organization, or if an applicant organization has been doing work for less than two years.

Application Process

Apply online through the Submittable portal at <LINK> by completing the application and minimum qualifications form.

The Breathe/Respira! Grant program will solicit applications from qualified applicants at the beginning of each grant cycle. Any grantees from previous years that demonstrated excellent funding implementation may be asked to re-apply. 

During the application period, interested applicants may direct questions about this grant program to Marin County Parks’ Government Affairs Manager, Kevin Wright, at kevin.wright@marincounty.gov. All proposals that require coordination with Marin County Parks staff and programs are encouraged to contact the Government Affairs Manager to ensure the feasibility of their proposal. We request that you align your plans with our existing quarterly calendar of free monthly programing on our website, or rely largely on your organization and programming when connecting people to our lands and facilities due to the time constraints of Marin County Parks staff. 

Selection Process

A review team comprised of Marin County Parks environmental education, volunteer, equity team, administrative, and executive staff will review all applications and ensure applicants qualify for program funding according to the Qualifying Criteria. The Government Affairs Manager may contact applicants to discuss small changes to better align proposals with Marin County Parks operations, programming, and staff availability.

Volunteer members of the Parks and Open Space Commission (POSC), in partnership with staff, will be responsible for recommending successful proposals. Staff will prepare a summary of all proposals and provide all application materials for review during the decision-making process. POSC members will review staff recommendations and form recommendations for winning proposals and funding allocation. The Government Affairs Manager may contact an applicant with questions from the POSC team prior to forming a recommendation for an award. The entire POSC will review recommendations of the smaller POSC team at a regularly scheduled public meeting, and will vote to recommend successful proposals and award amounts to the Marin County Board of Supervisors (BOS). 

Staff will prepare grant agreements and send them to each successful applicant for signature. Staff will work with each successful applicant to include specific performance objectives within each grant agreement. Grant agreements will ultimately be approved by the BOS, based on a recommendation by the full POSC. All applicants are invited to attend POSC and BOS meetings. Successful proposals may not receive the full amount requested in their applications. This grant program operates on a reimbursement basis- once awarded a grant by the BOS, you must spend money on grant activities and then request a reimbursement for those expenses. Additional information regarding grant administration is included in the grant agreement. Please note that all proposals, including application materials, become public documents and could be produced to the public based on applicable law. 

Timeline

  • Application Period Announced: March 19, 2026
  • Parks Staff Available for Phone Calls to Discuss Grant Proposals: March 20 - May 8, 2026
  • Applications Due: May 8, 2026
  • POSC Votes to Recommend Proposals: July 16, 2026
  • Grant  Agreements Sent to Successful Applicants: Late July 2026
  • Board of Supervisors Executes Grant Agreements: September 2026
  • Grant Period: Board date in September 2026 - October 31, 2027 
  • Mid-year Report: April 1, 2027 
  • Grant Reporting Due: October 31, 2027 unless an exception is made by Marin County Parks staff

Reporting Requirements

Mid-year reports will include a brief summary of progress to date, examples of success meeting grant objectives to date, and future planned trips and activities. A short online form will be shared for completion by each grantee.

Upon completion of a project or at the end of the funding period, each grantee will be required to complete a final report. Grantees will be asked to provide a summary of expenditures and provide receipts and payroll summaries to verify expenses. Grantees will be asked to provide detailed information including but not limited to information about the program’s or project’s beneficiaries, whether the program or project was successful based on initial goals identified in the application, and performance objectives listed in grant agreements, lessons learned, feedback on the grant program, and photos from events and activities. Grantees may be asked to give a final presentation of grant work and accomplishments during a regularly scheduled public meeting of the POSC.

During events and activities, grantees may be asked to post signs or use Measure A logos on program materials recognizing the contribution of Measure A tax dollars.

Any grantee that fails to submit a final report will not qualify for this grant funding in future years.

Beyond the Money

Marin County Parks offers a wide range of resources and programs to local communities. Every successful applicant will have an initial discussion with MCP’s Government Affairs Manager to discuss the entire suite of resources that can be shared to support funded proposals. The discussion will include appropriate strategies for coordinating with our Environmental Education and Volunteer Programs. Aside from the parks and preserves themselves, a brief list of resources offered by Marin County Parks includes:

  • Maps and other informational materials
  • Limited printing and similar services
  • Scheduled Marin County Parks programs led by environmental education, ranger, and volunteer staffs
  • Meeting rooms
  • Connections with other community partners and resources
  • Technical materials covering environmental education, recreation, and volunteer management
  • Program and event outreach support
  • Limited administrative staff support

All grantees may have the opportunity to attend a tour of parks, open spaces, and programs. Also, annual idea-sharing and grantee educational opportunities may be planned to increase capacity and increase grantee and staff effectiveness. 

Staff Roles

In addition to the roles mentioned above, staff will fulfill the following roles:

The Government Affairs Manager and Marin County Parks Superintendent and Ranger staff will work closely with grant applicants and grantees to assist with the application process and realize the full potential of their project or program when funding is awarded. The Manager will act as a liaison between Marin County Parks staff, Parks and Open Space Commissioners, and grantees. The Manager will work with the Marin County Parks and Open Space Commission during the grant selection process each year and with the Measure A Community Oversight Committee during the annual reporting process. Finally, the Manager will seek to connect grantees with other relevant community groups and members, and will reach out to Marin-based organizations working with underserved communities to continue refining this program and Marin County Parks’ approach to effectively working with communities it wishes to better serve.

Environmental Education, Equity Team, and Volunteer Program staff will work directly with grantees when applicable once grant agreements have been signed. 

Have a question about this grant program or want to discuss an idea for a grant? Contact Kevin Wright at kevin.wright@marincounty.gov.

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