Metro East Park and Recreation DistrictGrant Programs

For FY 2026, MEPRD is offering a total of four (4) grant opportunities. A brief description of each program is listed below. Click the link to visit the corresponding program page:

• Park and Trail Grant Program  Learn More 
• Community Planning Grant Program  Learn More 
• Event Sponsorship Grant Program  Learn More 
• Priority Paths Grant Program  Learn More 

MEPRD grants are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis to eligible applicants for eligible projects or events. Applications must be complete and meet all requirements.

Application submittal dates and deadlines are program-specific. All MEPRD grant programs are processed and awarded on a first-come, first-served basis while funding lasts.

Our website is updated regularly with the status of awarded and pending grant requests. This information is available on our Grant Program Overview page as well as on each specific program page.

No. Applications for an Event Sponsorship Grant must be submitted at least 45 days prior to the event and no more than 9 months in advance.

MEPRD grant funds are paid out as reimbursements after the project or event is complete and the Sponsor has submitted a full reimbursement request packet with financial documentation.

For FY26, applicants may receive up to 40% of the total eligible project cost, with a maximum award of $300,000 for qualifying trail projects and $150,000 for park projects. Payouts will not exceed the original request, even if costs are higher than budgeted.

Calculations should include actual out-of-pocket cash expenditures. The value of donated time, labor, materials, and equipment should NOT be included in the total.

Sponsors must provide contracts, pay requests, invoices, cancelled checks, and documentation of other grant payments. We recommend downloading the "Project Expense Summary Record" tool from our website to track these items as the project progresses.

Awards are conditional upon completion. Park and Trail Grant applicants may become ineligible for the next two grant cycles if a project is abandoned due to lack of performance or violation of the agreement.

This is a request contingent on the applicant receiving another named state or federal grant. If the other grant is not awarded, the applicant may cancel MEPRD's contingent award without penalty.

Refer to the FY26 Grant Application for a full list of eligible and ineligible components. Download it here: www.meprd.org/park-trail-grant.

Refer to the current FY26 Grant Application for a detailed list of eligible event types and requirements.

Yes, for certain types. Virtual events must encourage the use of local public parks or trails in Madison or St. Clair County and cannot exceed 31 consecutive days.

Eligible applicants may receive up to one award per grant program within any given fiscal year.

Yes. However, one phase must be substantially complete before the next begins. Each phase must have separate bid packages and dates.

Scope changes are highly discouraged and MUST be approved by MEPRD in writing. Unauthorized changes will not be reimbursed.