$1.7 million in funding awarded to grassroots groups

Congrats to the awardees of the 10th round of Park and Trail Partnership Grants! From projects that improve accessibility to those creating permanent positions, PTNY celebrates a diverse range of enhancements to our state parks, historic sites, and public lands.

This March, $1.7 million was awarded to 22 non-profit organizations throughout the state. Projects falling within multiple regions throughout the state will be implemented by the awarded organization in partnership with the Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation, or the Department of Environmental Conservation.

Projects like increased trail stewardship, installation of interpretive signage, and the construction of ADA compliant restrooms will help these remarkable locations be more accessible to a wide range of visitors. Improvements to maple sugaring equipment, development of new school field trips, and public art installations will vastly increase the programming and event experiences for new and returning visitors. This round will also help fund the initial two years of two new permanent Executive Director positions–a need for these organizations that is long overdue.

These grants will not only support projects that enhance visitor experience, but will strengthen the functional capacity of these organizations. A budding non-profit in Long Island now has the finances to obtain their 501(c)(3) status while a trail organization covering multiple counties in the Finger Lakes will be able to launch a well-needed strategic planning process.

All recipients must match the award with cash and in-kind contributions on their own behalf. The proposals from this round committed over $525,000 in private funds to be contributed to help make these projects a reality.

The initial $500,000 program that kicked off in 2015 doubled to $1 million just a few rounds later, then doubled again in 2022 to its current $2 million level. This was a result of Parks & Trails New York’s advocacy efforts due to the overwhelming demand from applicants. This past round saw $4.3 million in requests from 41 organizations. Despite the strong needs and compelling proposals, 18 of those requests resulted in denials due to a lack of available funds. We continue to push for increased funding, with the governor and both legislative houses proposing increased funds for the program in the next fiscal year.

The eleventh round of Park and Trail Partnership Grants opens this May.

View the list of all awards in the OPRHP March 20th press release: https://parks.ny.gov/newsroom/press-releases/relea...