Durham, N.C. –The Durham County Open Space Program is now accepting applications for the 2024 – 2025 Matching Grants Cycle. These competitive grants are designed to assist nonprofit organizations in Durham County, both inside and outside the city limits, in preserving publicly accessible open space lands and promoting new or improved recreational opportunities for County residents. 

Since its inception in 1990, the Durham County Matching Grants Program has assisted 67 nonprofit organizations in Durham County with over 120 projects, including land acquisitions, trail improvements, interpretive signage, community gardens, and playgrounds. Organizations with a proposal for an open space or recreation project may apply to receive funding for up to 50% of the total project cost. 

In addition, the Durham County Matching Grants Program allows qualifying projects within priority focus areas, for up to $5,000, using a simplified application with a reduced applicant match requirement of 25%. Interested groups may apply for projects in these priority focus areas even if they do not currently hold formal nonprofit status. 

Applications must be submitted by 5 p.m. on Wednesday, November 13, 2024. Project applications are reviewed by the Durham Open Space and Trails Commission (DOST) Matching Grants Committee and approved by the Durham Board of County Commissioners. Applicants are strongly encouraged to review all program guidelines[DD1]  and materials on the project website before submitting their application. 

To be added to the Matching Grants listserv, receive updates, or for project-specific questions, please email grant administrator Brendan Moore at brmoore@dconc.gov. 

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