Parks & Public Space Initiative
Parks & Public Space Initiative supports community groups, nonprofits and public agencies in improving Oklahoma City’s shared outdoor spaces to increase use, community involvement and stewardship.
Funder: Oklahoma City Community Foundation
Due Dates: October 20, 2026 (Applications open) | October 28, 2026 (Optional information meeting) | November 19, 2026, 5:00 p.m. (LOI) | December 10, 2026, 5:00 p.m. (Full application) | End of February 2027 (Decisions)
Funding Amounts: Up to $40,000 per award; a match is required, with no set percentage
Summary: Supports improvements that increase use, community involvement and stewardship of Oklahoma City’s parks and shared outdoor spaces.
Key Information: Recipients must maintain trees and plants for three years, and perennial or pollinator gardens longer.
Description
The Parks & Public Space Initiative, administered by the Oklahoma City Community Foundation (OCCF), supports projects that enhance and activate parks, trails, school grounds and community spaces. It builds on the Margaret Annis Boys Trust, established in 1991 to beautify and improve Oklahoma City’s public landscapes. The initiative seeks to create welcoming places by increasing their use, involving community members in improvements and strengthening community stewardship.
Supported work includes tree planting, landscaping, native and pollinator gardens, irrigation, pathways, seating and shade features. Projects have included outdoor learning spaces, public gardens and edible landscapes that provide access to fresh food. Alongside grants, OCCF staff offer expertise and hands-on assistance, including help developing site plans for landscape improvements.
