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Purpose

The Billings Parks and Recreation Department administers a grant program to promote and incentivize private donations for small projects that enhance public parks and trails, and to provide recreation facilities and lands for general public use by the citizens of Billings, Montana. This grant funding was designated by Billings City Council for FY25 to make available public dollars to match up to a 1:1 ratio.

The minimum grant award amount is $10,000 with a maximum grant amount awarded may be up to $100,000 depending on the number of other projects considered and criteria listed in this document. It is highly recommended that organizations/individuals discuss the project with the Parks and Recreation department prior to submitting a project for approval.

Applicant must have all contributions secured at time of application with the ability to provide proof of funds and/or letters of intent for donation of equipment, materials, and professional labor. All written estimates for work and materials must be current. All projects will require recommendation by the Parks and Recreation Department, and approval from the Parks, Recreation and Cemetery Advisory Board (Park Board) and if necessary, approval from City Council.

Application Cycle

Applications must be submitted to the Parks and Recreation Office no later than 5:00 p.m. on the first Monday of each quarter for review by the Parks and Recreation Department and the Park Board. The first applications will be reviewed on January 6th and again on April 7th, 2025. Applications received after the deadline will not be considered until the next scheduled Park Board meeting of the upcoming quarter. Applications will be accepted until all of the funding is allocated.

Projects Eligible for Funding

  1. Capital improvements to land and buildings including, but not limited to: excavation and grading athletic fields, construction of structures or buildings to facilitate recreation programs or host public use, trail construction or improvements, sports courts, horticulture materials, parking, sports lighting, and restrooms.
  2. Capital construction costs for utilities – water, sewer, electric, telephone.
  3. Freight or delivery costs of equipment
  4. Land acquisition.

Projects Not Eligible for Funding

  1. Routine maintenance
  2. Uniforms or other program supplies such as bats, balls, etc.
  3. Land development as part of required parkland dedication or projects using funds generated through a neighborhood SID.  
  4. Membership fees
  5. Awards, plaques, and monuments
  6. Salaries (i.e. fees for coaches or referees)
  7. Liability insurance

Project Application Information:
List all source(s) and amount(s) of financial match to the city share. Describe any additional sources of funding or resources, particularly if they are from partners in the project, which will be used to complete the project.

The Parks and Recreation Department requires that this grant be matched at a minimum ratio of 1:1 by the donor. This grant will favor projects that involve partnerships among that support the leveraging of resources and the extent of that leverage to allow the project budget to exceed the 1:1 match.

For acquisition projects, provide the reason(s) for the acquisition, the number of acres to be acquired, and a description of the property.  Explain whether the acquisition creates a new public park or recreation area or expands an existing site and any types of resources and features on the site that make it unique, as well as any constraints.

For development projects, provide a description of the physical improvements and/or facilities that will be developed with grant assistance. Explain whether the project involves new development, rehabilitation, and/or replacement of existing facilities. Include a site sketch depicting improvements (or examples of similar projects).

Evaluation Criteria

1.  The extent to which the project will improve recreational opportunities and address a neighborhood/community recreational deficiency

2. The extent to which the community participated in project development and the extent of support of government agencies and elected officials

3. The extent to which the project will leverage financial or in-kind support from sources in the public, private, and/or non-profit sectors and addresses the match requirement of the grant

4. The viability and reasonableness of the project budget as it relates to the scope of work

5. The strength of the project’s alignment with the Billings Parks and Recreation Comprehensive Master Plan, Individual Park Master Plans, or other city planning documents

6. The readiness of the project

Conditions

  1. Grant funding must allow any citizen of Billings to participate in any program or use any facility that results or benefits from this grant. Citizens may not be able to participate or use a facility at the time of their choice due to scheduling conflicts. However, blanket restrictions or extraordinary fees may not be charged to restrict public access.
  2. Matching funds must be committed before the City will enter any agreement.
  3. Projects may not use other local public dollars as part of the match unless appropriated by City Council.
  4. Projects must have a minimal impact on maintenance operations of the Parks and Recreation Department.
  5. The grantee shall not discriminate against any person by refusing to furnish such person services or privileges offered to or enjoyed by all citizens of Billings, nor shall the Grantee or its employees publicize the facilities provided hereunder in any manner that would directly or influentially reflect on the patronage of any person because of race, creed, color, sex, religion, or national origin.
  6. A legal agreement shall be signed by the organization/ individuals and the City Administrator, stating among other provisions; (1) if a reasonable project timeline for completion is not adhered to (2) that if the primary purpose of the project is changed without proper consent or (3) the public is denied reasonable access, the City has the option to pursue other uses of the funds as outlined in the agreement.
  7. All projects must take place on city parkland or city-owned land otherwise used for recreation purposes and will be managed/overseen by City Staff in accordance with all outlined agreements, city ordinances, state or federal law.