Breathe/Respira Grants

Connecting communities with parks and preserves

Breathe/Respira Grant Application

Since 2014, Breathe/Respira grants have helped bring underserved, high risk, and vulnerable community members to parks and preserves. These grants fund group visits, community outreach, and programs to help overcome barriers that limit or prevent access to parks and open space.

The deadline for Breathe/Respira Grant proposals was June 2, 2023.

Marin County Parks Government Affairs Manager Kevin Wright is available to answer questions about this grants program.

Breathe/Respira FAQ

What is the focus of Breathe/Respira Grants?

This grant program seeks to connect communities experiencing barriers to parks to Marin’s parks, preserves, recreational facilities, staff and programming through partnerships with a broad network of trusted relationships and service providers. 

In 2021, Marin County Parks joined with Marin’s leaders and community-based organizations working toward equitable park access to form the Parks Equity Roundtable. Over the last year the Roundtable has convened to build community, share resources, and overcome structural barriers preventing Marin’s communities of color and other groups from enjoying parks and recreational opportunities. The Roundtable has helped to remove barriers to public meeting participation, inform equitable changes to the Measure A Ordinance 3760, secure funding for dedicated parks workforce housing, partner on grant applications, explore connections between local workforce programs and parks jobs, share summer job opportunities and help ensure the pool and other facilities remain open at peak times, and gather to grow relationships across the county and identify partnership opportunities.

Most recently the Roundtable met to discuss barriers caused by and changes to county park fees and reservations policies. Conversations reinforced the value of this Community Grant Program and its combined approach of providing free access with engaging programming through trusted relationships. Visitor data shows that Marin County Parks’ regional parks attract significantly more racial diversity compared to open spaces and are the places that best accommodate social gatherings of family and friends; a priority of many underserved groups including youth 13-24 and communities of color. Roundtable leaders expressed that an approach that combines fee policy changes with expanded community-based organization and school partnerships would help maximize positive impacts for underserved Marin County residents. Free entrance and/or reduced entrance fees for specific populations came up multiple times during the September 2022 Roundtable meeting as an important tangible change that would "increase equitable access" to Marin County park sites.

Based on feedback from the Roundtable, Marin County Parks is working with the Parks and Open Space Commission and Board of Supervisors to eliminate park entry and parking fees by the end of the 2022-23 fiscal year. The Roundtable also agreed that a multipronged approach combining fee reductions with partnerships and structural changes is key. The Roundtable specifically urged progress in the following areas:

  • Centering communities of color as participants at the table of government and agency decision making to remove policy barriers and increase access to parks. Transportation continues to be a priority issue.
  • Empowering youth ambassadors to build relationships between peers and parks.
  • Connectivity across partner organizations/entities to facilitate collaboration on new program development, outreach needs/opportunities, and engagement of key populations, e.g. communities of color, youth, seniors, immigrant, or low-income residents.
  • Engaging, culturally relevant programs providing positive experiences for specific populations through art, music, health, older adult and youth-focused programs, culturally and linguistically appropriate events, and BIPOC (black, indigenous, people of color) or bilingual staff to help deliver these programs.
  • Shuttle services for specific populations, on certain days, or from specific neighborhoods/to specific trailheads, including field trips for children.
  • Expanded partnerships with Marin’s schools, community event organizers, and leaders providing services in immigrant communities.
  • Over half preferred to visit a new park with a friend.
  • Half of those who responded would be motivated to visit a park if an interesting program was being offered. Photography and art were identified as interesting programs, followed by kayaking and yoga.
  • Fostering cultural relevance, a sense of belonging, and JEDI (justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion) issues in order to foster connection to parks and to help people feel welcomed and safe.

What are the specific funding areas for 2023 grant proposals?

  • Visits to Parks: Organize and lead trips to our parks, open space preserves, and recreation facilities. These outings may be coordinated with planned or existing events and/or programs at Marin County parks or open space preserves in partnership with our ranger, volunteer and environmental education staff.
  • Outreach in Communities: Many people are introduced to new park outings through friends and family. Help Marin County Parks expand its reach into Marin’s communities that are unfamiliar with county parks, open space preserves, and programs by working with us to share information about public lands and programs. Help us build community knowledge and use of public lands by helping us to connect with the communities you are already connected to through culturally responsive approaches.
  • Bridges to Enjoying the Outdoors: Plan and lead programs that overcome existing barriers preventing communities from accessing and enjoying Marin County parks and open space preserves. Proposed strategies could address language, transportation, ability level, information access, and a wide range of other barriers.

What are the available grant opportunities?

In 2023, $200,000 is available for Breath/Respira grants. Applications are due on June 2, 2023. The maximum amount of each individual grant will be $8,000.

Each grant will focus on improving outdoor access or removing barriers to parks for any community where an inequity can be addressed, and will prioritize existing projects and programs of community partners. Grant proposals that support a partnership between two organizations that improves services to the community and access to outdoor spaces will be prioritized for funding.

Grant applications submitted after the June 2, 2023 deadline will be considered on a case-by case-basis. Up to $30,000, plus any funds not awarded under the first competitive round, will be available, until these funds are expended.

What types of projects and programs are eligible?

An existing project/program is defined as any project, program, or service an organization has been successfully implementing for a minimum of the last six months that connects underserved communities with positive outdoor experiences, or health and wellness activities, or safety net services (ex: access to food, counseling services, etc.) that can be adapted to the outdoor environment. Proposals may include modification to existing applicant programs.

Grants may be used to match other funding sources. Grants will be awarded one year at a time, with no promise of future funding. All grants must be spent out by grantee on an annual basis. Unspent funds will revert back to this program. An organization may be a sub-applicant on multiple proposal teams. However, an organization functioning as the lead applicant may apply for funding as the lead on only one proposal per grant cycle.

What are the qualifying criteria for a grant proposal?

An applicant organization (or fiscal agent) must be:

  • a city or county
  • a non-profit organization (501(c)3)
  • a special district or Joint Powers Authority (JPA) formed pursuant to Chapter 5 (commencing with Section 6500) of Division 7 of the Government code
  • a community group, community-based organization, or emerging or existing coalition

Applicants that are not a city, county, non-profit organization (501(c)3), special district or JPA formed pursuant to Chapter 5 (commencing with Section 6500 of Division 7 of the Government code if at least one of the parties to the Joint Powers Agreement qualifies as an eligible applicant), must work through a fiscal agent to apply.

  • The applicant currently provides programs to underserved, high-risk, or vulnerable populations in Marin.
  • The applicant is committed to improving the health, wellness, and/or environmental awareness of populations in Marin.
  • The proposal focuses on improving mental health, and increasing access to and use of Marin County Parks or Marin County Open Space District lands, facilities, and/or staff and programs.
  • The proposal is designed around one or more of the three program areas discussed in the Funding Areas section below.
  • The proposal seeks funds for an existing project or program.

What are some project examples?

  • Example 1: An organization caring for residents with developmental disabilities proposes to experiment with bringing their clients and programming outdoors to enjoy the parks and learn how the organization may offer and expand these types of trips in the future (grant application would request funding for transportation, development of program materials, food and activity materials, coordination with Marin County Parks staff, and limited purchase of first aid or other specialized materials needed for accommodating the safe and enjoyable experience of their clients).
  • Example 2: A non-profit organization providing counseling services to first-responders and front line workers proposes bringing groups to parks to support mental health and recovery. The organization(s) propose five park outings and request funding for transportation, snacks, and additional staff support..
  • Example 3: An assisted living facility and community center director partner on a proposal to organize 3 small-group social outings for seniors who have been largely isolated over the last year. The proposal requests funding to cover the time of a bus driver and food. Partners match their grant request by providing free access to the assisted living facility shuttle and additional free social programs through the community center.
  • Example 4:An organization teams up with local artists to provide an ArtRx program where young people explore photography and other art forms in local parks. Participants develop a knowledge and relationship with local parks, and explore personal artistic interests. The proposal requests funding for art supplies, snacks, transportation, and staff coordinator time. 

These are only examples. Please consider proposing any strategies related to the existing work of your organization that would promote mental health and connect Marin residents with the county parks and open spaces. We look forward to learning about your innovative ideas!

What are the funding restrictions?

Grant funds may be used to cover a wide range of expenses related to the implementation of proposed events or programs. However, the following activities and costs will not be covered by this funding:

  • Conducting lobbying, carrying on propaganda, or otherwise attempting to influence legislation or political decision making
  • Influencing the outcome of any specific election through any means
  • Purposes other than those that are charitable, scientific, or educational
  • Fundraising purposes
  • Budget shortfalls or endowment funds
  • Administrative costs not related to the implementation of the program or event
  • Scholarships, fellowships, or grants to individuals
  • Land acquisition or real estate purchases
  • Trips or activities outside of Marin County
  • Items outside of the scope approved by the Board of Supervisors where changes were not agreed to in advance
  • Group events exceeding 50 people or events that are planned for and marketed to the general public. Larger groups may be permitted in parks on a case by case basis through the Special Event Permit process

15% of each grant may be allocated to cover program or event-related administrative costs directly related to work performed under this grant. 

What is the checklist of information needed to submit a grant application?

To submit the Breathe/Respira online application form, have the following information ready:

  • Lead grant applicant organization name 
  • Type of qualifying organization or fiscal sponsor
  • Primary contact information
  • Requested funding amount
  • Clear idea of project scope and budget
  • Notes on alignment of proposal with grant program goals
  • Organization mission, overview and annual budget

During the application period, interested applicants may direct all questions about the grant program, including questions regarding the online proposal form, to Marin County Parks’ Government Affairs Manager, Kevin Wright, at kwright@marincounty.org.

 

What is the application process?

The Breathe/Respira! Grant program will solicit proposals from qualified applicants at the beginning of each annual grant cycle. Any grantees from previous years that demonstrated excellent funding implementation may be asked to re-apply. The grant application form is available online:

Breathe/Respira 2023 Grant Application

During the application period, interested applicants may direct all questions about the grant program, including questions regarding the online proposal form, to Marin County Parks’ Government Affairs Manager, Kevin Wright, at kwright@marincounty.orgAll proposals that require coordination with Marin County Parks staff and programs are encouraged to contact the Government Affairs Manager to ensure the feasibility of their proposal.

We ask that you align your plans with our existing quarterly calendar of free monthly programming on our website, or rely largely on your organization and programming when connecting people to our lands and facilities due to the time constraints of Marin County Parks staff.

 

What if we miss the June 2 application deadline?

Grant applications submitted after the June 2, 2023 deadline will be considered on a case-by case-basis. Up to $30,000, plus any funds not awarded under the first competitive round, will be available. The maximum amount of each individual grant will be $8,000. These second chance grants will be awarded through January 1, 2024, or until the budget is expended, whichever comes first.

What is the selection process?

A review team comprised of Marin County Parks environmental education, volunteer, equity team, and executive staff will review all grant proposals and ensure applicants qualify for program funding according to the Qualifying Criteria. The Government Affairs Manager may contact applicants to discuss small changes to better align proposals with Marin County Parks operations, programming, and staff availability.

Two or three members selected from the Parks and Open Space Commission (POSC), in partnership with staff and community partners, will be responsible for recommending successful proposals. Staff will prepare a summary of all proposals and provide all application materials for review during the decision-making process. POSC members will review staff recommendations and form recommendations for winning proposals and funding allocation. The Government Affairs Manager may contact an applicant with questions from the POSC team prior to forming a recommendation for an award. The entire POSC will review recommendations of the smaller POSC team at a regularly scheduled public meeting, and will vote to recommend successful proposals and award amounts to the Marin County Board of Supervisors (BOS).

Staff will prepare grant agreements and send to each successful applicant for signature. Staff will work with each successful applicant to include specific performance objectives within each grant agreement. Grant agreements will ultimately be approved by the BOS, based on a recommendation by the full POSC. All applicants are invited to attend POSC and BOS meetings. Successful proposals may not receive the full amount requested in their applications. Grantees will receive the full grant amount upon approval of a grant agreement by the BOS. Additional information regarding disbursements and other grant requirements are itemized in the grant agreement. Please note that all proposals become public documents.

What is the timeline?

Application Period Announced: March 16, 2023

Workshops to Share and Develop Grant Ideas: March 17 - May 5, 2023

First Round Grant Applications Deadline: June 2, 2023 

Parks and Open Space Commission Votes to Recommend Proposals: July 20, 2023

Grant Agreements Sent to Successful Applicants: Late July 2023

Board of Supervisors Executes Grant Agreements: Late August 2023

Grant Period: September 1, 2023 to August 30, 2024

Mid-year Report: February 2024

Grant Reporting Due: 30 Days After End of the Grant Period

Rolling Grant Applications Accepted: June 3, 2023 - January 1, 2024

What if I just want free access to park group sites for my program?

Qualified organizations can now apply for free group site reservations even if they are not applying for any grant funding. Complete this online form, and Parks staff will contact you to discuss your request. This can be done at any time throughout the year. 

What are the reporting requirements for grant awardees?

Mid-year reports will include a brief summary of progress to date, examples of success meeting grant objectives to date, and future planned trips and activities.

Upon completion of a project, or at the end of the funding period each grantee will be required to complete a final report. Grantees will be asked to provide a summary of expenditures and provide receipts and payroll summaries to verify expenses. Grantees will be asked to provide detailed information about the program’s or project’s beneficiaries, whether the program or project was successful based on initial goals identified in the application, and performance objectives listed in grant agreements, lessons learned, feedback on the grant program, and photos from events and activities. Grantees are required to give a final presentation of grant work and accomplishments during a regularly scheduled public meeting of the Parks and Open Space Commission.

During events and activities grantees may be asked to post signs or use Measure A logos on program materials recognizing the contribution of Measure A tax dollars.

What other Parks resources can support grantees?

Marin County Parks offers a wide range of resources and programs to local communities. Every successful applicant will have an initial discussion with MCP’s Government Affairs Manager to discuss the entire suite of resources that can be shared to support funded proposals. The discussion will include appropriate strategies for coordinating with our Environmental Education and Volunteer Programs. Aside from the parks and preserves themselves, a brief list of the resources offered by Marin County Parks includes:

  • Maps and other informational materials
  • Limited printing and similar services
  • Scheduled Marin County Parks programs led by environmental education, ranger, and volunteer staffs
  • Meeting rooms
  • Connections with other community partners and resources
  • Technical materials covering environmental education, recreation, and volunteer management
  • Program and event outreach support
  • Limited administrative staff support

All grantees may have the opportunity to attend a tour of parks, open spaces, and programs. Also, annual idea-sharing and grantee educational opportunities may be planned to grow capacity and increase grantee and staff effectiveness.

How will Parks staff support the grants program?

The Government Affairs Manager will work closely with grant applicants and grantees to assist with the application process and realize the full potential of their project or program when funding is awarded. The Manager will act as a liaison between Marin County Parks staff, Parks and Open Space Commissioners, and grantees. The Manager will work with the Marin County Parks and Open Space Commission during the grant selection process each year and with the Measure A Community Oversight Committee during the annual reporting process. Finally, the Manager will seek to connect grantees with other relevant community groups and members, and will reach out to Marin-based organizations working with underserved communities to continue refining this program and Marin County Parks’ approach to effectively working with communities it wishes to better serve.

Environmental Education, Equity Team, and Volunteer Program staff may work directly with grantees when applicable once grant agreements have been signed.

Breathe/Respira Grant Awardees

FY 2022-23

Bridging the Gap  $8,000
Twelve outings in Marin waterways and outdoor spaces through Marin City Rowers, a collaboration between Bridge the Gap, Play Marin, and Marin Rowing Association

Canal Mini Soccer League  $8,000
Participation for 35 extreme low income youth in four seasons of the Canal Mini Soccer League through uniform and equipment purchases, and field rental fees

Love Is The Answer   $8,000
Four intergenerational outings for Marin seniors to Marin County Parks focusing on providing social connection, nature and/or art activities

Marin City Arts and Culture   $8,000
Thirty outings focused on the visual arts, and Tai-chi inspired movement, deep breathing and physical mindfulness for both children and adults

Marin City Fatherhood Council   $8,000
Six park outings focused on mental health of young men and their families and communities 

Marin Community Clinics   $8,000
Promote park access and outdoor recreation through the Teen Clinic

Marin County Bicycle Coalition   $8,000
Three rides to Marin parks, preserves, and multiuse pathways through the Cory's Ride earn-a-bike program

Multicultural Center of Marin   $8,000
Three park outings designed by their youth mentorship/leadership programs

North Marin Community Services  $8,000
Three park outings for youth and their families through the School Works Initiative and Promotores services

Opening the World  $8,000
Four outings in Marin County Parks focused on mental health activities and art in the park

San Geronimo Valley Community Center  $8,000
Afterschool and summer outings for youth, foster connections between youth from various communities and backgrounds across the County through open space adventures

Spahr Center  $8,000
Ten programs in Marin parks focused on building community for LGBTQ+ young people and their families and promote the outdoors through targeted outreach

Trips For Kids  $8,000
Twelve bicycle outings to parks through their Trail Rides program and enhance rides with trailside education

Vivalon  $8,000
Six intergenerational outings to parks

West Marin Community Services  $8,000
Six youth bicycling, skateboarding, and water safety outings

West Marin Environmental Action Committee  $8,000
Six school and youth group environmental education outings in West Marin parks

YMCA of San Francisco  $8,000
Six outings to parks serving summer camp programs at Short Elementary and Albert J. Baro Community Center using the Y Ranger curriculum

Youth for Justice  $8,000
Twelve days of local green space development and environmental education for youth and four trips to Marin County Parks focused on improving mental health for youth

Youth Transforming Justice  $8,000
Quarterly trips for Peer Solutions clients and their families to reconnect, increase attachment, relax, and enjoy Marin County parks

Age Friendly Sausalito  $7,990
Six outings with seniors from Sausalito and Marin City, co-present (with Marin County Health and Human Services) one free Tai Chi for Arthritis and Fall Prevention class of 16 sessions for older adults, four free Tai Chi for Arthritis and Fall Prevention practice sessions in county parks

Wise Choices For Girls  $7,990
Three outings in Marin County Parks focused on activities to improve mental health for Marin City's young women

Conservation Corps North Bay  $7,576
One large picnic in a park for corpsmembers, establishing confidence and empowering corpsmembers to participate in recreational activities on their own time

Marin Asian Advocacy Project  $7,000
Two social outings in the parks for large groups including yoga and outdoor activities

Novato Girl Scout Day Camp  $6,325
Free scholarships to one week of camp at Stafford Lake in July consisting of STEM, nature, crafts, physical exercise and practicing outdoor skills

Bolinas Stinson Young Stewards of the Land  $5,400
Six sessions per program (5th-8th grade: Young Stewards, and 2nd-4th grade: Earth Allies) focused on exploration, environmental education, play, and reflection

Youth Leadership Institute  $3,825
Five outings in Marin County Parks focused on mental health activities for LatinX teen girls

FY 2021-22

Marin City Arts and Culture   $8,000
Forty art prescriptions outings at George Rocky Graham Park in partnership with Marin City Health and Wellness Center

Marin Community Clinics   $8,000
Con Calma stress management classes for adult patients

Mercy Housing   $8,000
Facilitated group activities at Marin County Parks that promote mental health, reduce anxiety and decrease isolation for seniors

Multicultural Center of Marin   $8,000
One outing for community members participating in MCM’s Canal Community Resilience Council

North Marin Community Services   $8,000
Three trips to parks for 4th through 8th graders early intervention program - Novato School Works Initiative County of Marin Probation Department, and Novato Unified School District

One Tam   $8,000
High school environmental leadership program for 14 young adults

Side By Side   $8,000
Four park outings for at risk Latinx middle school students and transition-age youth

West Marin Community Services   $8,000
Bicycling, skateboarding, and water safety outings for West Marin young adults

Age Friendly Sausalito  $7,750
Six outings to parks and two 16-session fall prevention classes focused on seniors

Love Is The Answer  $7,750
Four trips bringing together school children, musician volunteers, LITA community volunteers, and seniors with limited access to parks

Wise Choices 4 Girls   $7,700
Three outings to parks for women facing depression, anxiety, trauma, substance use and other challenges

Marin Asian Advocacy Project   $7,325
Two large community field trips to parks focused on Tai Chi, mental health education, community building, and enjoyment

Marin City Fatherhood Council   $7,225
Eight outings to parks for Marin City residents in conjunction with the County of Marin Behavioral Health and Recovery Services community health workers and training program

Love Is The Answer   $6,000
Four trips bringing together school children, musician volunteers, LITA community volunteers, and seniors with limited access to parks

FY 2020-21

Bay Area Community Resources   $8,000
Six outings to Marin County parks and one outing to Slide Ranch for low income first through eighth grade after school program participants

First Missionary Baptist Church of Marin City   $8,000
Four park outings for Marin City seniors and young adults.

Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy   $8,000
Twelve outings to Marin County parks, four ranger-led outings, two volunteer outings, and an overnight camping trip for young adults living in Marin City and the Canal neighborhood of San Rafael

Marin Community Clinics   $8,000
Connect patients with high health needs to parks and outdoor physical activity; support patient connections to Park Rx programs and tools

Multicultural Center   $8,000
One park outing for the Canal Community Resilience Council and three additional outings for low-income LatinX youth

Museum of the American Indian   $8,000
Five online videos that focus on learning about local natural landscape from indigenous perspectives

North Marin Community Services   $8,000
Two park trips for school-age child development programs, one park service day for middle school students, two YouTube videos about County parks in English and Spanish

San Geronimo Valley Community Center   $8,000
Virtual programs for seniors, families, and youth, hikes for 4th-8th graders and ages 16 -26, outings for the Youth Mountain Biking Program

Strategic Energy Innovations   $8,000
Two focus groups, educational materials, and one outing connecting elementary school students with nature

The Lounge   $8,000
Bi-monthly Zoom Room sessions (including Mountain Bike, Skateboard, Cross-Fit, Water Safety);maintain West Marin Coalition for Healthy Youth online platform

Vivalon   $8,000
Expand park excursions for older adults and people living with disabilities in Marin City and the Canal neighborhood who face disproportionate isolation and challenges accessing outdoor spaces

Youth Transforming Justice   $8,000
Five outings to Marin County parks for Madrone High School students and San Rafael City Schools newcomers

Wise Choices for Girls   $7,953
Three park outings, plus one outing planned by older girls for younger girls, promote park outreach through participant family and social connections

Age Friendly Sausalito and the City of Sausalito   $7,870
Balance-strengthening, four trips for seniors to local parks, organize a large-scale senior fair promoting outdoor activity

Spahr Center   $7,000
Social media campaign to encourage youth to get outdoors during shelter-in-place, two get outside events during shelter-in-place, six outings to parks with activities driven by LGBTQ+ youth

Umoja Unity Project   $6,000
Twelve outdoor physical activity and wellness activities serving low income and socially isolated people of color in Novato

Mercy Housing   $4,200
Three outings plus attend ranger-led outings, for low-income seniors who rarely leave their housing

Love is the Answer Marin   $3,367
Three trips to Marin County parks from long-term care facilities; update and expand a parks activity book for isolated seniors.

Marin City Community Development Corporation   $2,400
Eight outings to parks for Marin County residents living with serious mental illness and associated psycho-social stressorsv

FY 2019-20

Bay Area Community Resources and Slide Ranch    $30,000
Twelve park outings for middle school and high school after school program students and eight overnight outings to Slide Ranch for middle school students

Marin City Community Services District     $30,000
Six park outings for residents of all ages, funding for a driver to utilize a district-owned bus to provide community park and recreation outings, lead three major community gatherings and three health hubs at George “Rocky” Graham Park, implement a Junior Ranger and Naturalist program that trains local young, and lead two community volunteer days

San Geronimo Valley Community Center    $30,000
Lead a variety of outdoor recreation focused programs serving West Marin residents from their community center 

Innovative Health Solutions/Healthy Cooking With Kids   $20,000
Scale up and make available Park Prescriptions to all public health service providers in the county by developing a Marin-focused Park Prescriptions tool kit and training events

Marin Community Clinics    $14,573
Fund Health Educator to promote ten and attend five Park prescriptions outings, and to meet regularly to onboard Parks bilingual outreach staff 

North Marin Community Services    $11,000
Four bilingual park outings for after school programs, one weekend family service day, and two dinners where families can meet parks staff and learn about careers and outdoor spaces

Tomales Bay Youth Center/West Marin Community Services    $10,000
Address outcomes from Madeline Hope’s research on supporting youth and young adults in West Marin through a variety of group events and activities

Wild Art Mobile Outdoor Studio   $8,095
Lead two outings in conjunction with Marin Free Library and be on-call to lead an additional four trips for groups serving disadvantaged communities

Museum of the American Indian   $8,000
Twenty trips to Miwok Park and sixteen trips to a county park serving seniors, youth, and their families, focused on outdoor enjoyment and learning about Native Peoples.

West Marin Environmental Action Committee   $8,000
Expand existing youth environmental education trips with additional ten trips emphasizing connection with nature and community science

Marin Asian Advocacy Project    $7,000
Two park outings serving Marin’s Vietnamese residents.

LITA Marin   $5,125
Four park outings serving residents in long-term care facilities who experience significant barriers to leaving their facility

Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy    $3,000
Twelve outings for middle school youth in partnership with the Canal Alliance University Prep program

Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy    $2,200
Two overnight camping trips serving students of Bayside Martin Luther King Jr. Academy

FY 2018-19

Marin City Community Services District     $35,000
Support Marin City Park Rx Program: weekly physical activities at “Rocky” Graham Park, six summer camp trips for young adults, two larger events to promote outdoor physical activity, , twenty park outings connecting young people with aging adults, one worksite wellness event

Marin Community Clinics     $35,000
Fund .3 full time health educator for one year to support the integration of Park Rx, work with providers to prescribe patient outings to parks, annual Park Rx celebration at McNears Beach, distribute information about Parks’ free programming, local walks for teens and families with young children, off-site outings for clinic families

San Geronimo Valley Community Center     $35,000
Three trail stewardship activities, eight mountain bike rides per month for elementary and middle school, one bike ride per month for aging adults, lead two hikes per month, four summer camp outings for 4th to 8th graders, three summer camp for middle-school, four ranger events with local families, and two hikes per month in open space preserves for all ages

Bay Area Community Resources     $20,000
Twelve physical activity and STEM education trips to parks for San Rafael after school programs

Marin Asian Advocacy Project/Marin LINK     $13,000
Four park outings

North Marin Community Services     $10,500
Four park and open space outings, one volunteer day, two park dinner presentations for low-income families and children

Trips for Kids     $8,000
Twelve bike rides and four ranger-led activities for youth participating in the Earn-a-Bike Program

West Marin Environmental Action Committee     $8,000
Seven outdoor environmental education trips for West Marin students

LITA Marin    $4,001
Bring together senior residents and students from local schools for two afternoon park outings

FY 2017-18

Bay Area Community Resources    $20,000
Fourteen physical activity and STEM education trips serving San Rafael City Schools after school programs

Marin City Community Services District    $20,000
Support the Marin City Park Prescriptions Program with at least two physical activities at “Rocky” Graham Park per week, four hikes for youth at Manzanita Recreation Center, one social and physical activity per week for older adults

Marin Community Clinics    $20,000
Fund a health educator for one year to support the implementation of Park RX serving the Canal Neighborhood in San Rafael

San Geronimo Valley Community Center    $19,134
Weekly walks in open space preserves for all ages, youth mountain bike league rides, and leadership coaching

Marin Asian Advocacy Project/Marin LINK    $13,000
Four outings to county parks

Novato Youth Center    $10,500
Four park outings one park improvement day, and two park dinner presentations for low-income families and the childre

Tomales Bay Youth Center    $10,000
Twelve mountain bike clinics, twelve skateboarding clinics, two trips to Stafford Lake bike park, two trips to the McInnis skatepark, and two volunteer trail work days

Trips for Kids    $8,000
Twelve bike rides, two ranger-led activities, two trail work days for youth participating in Earn-a-Bike

West Marin Environmental Action Committee    $8,000
Three outdoor environmental education outings for West Marin students

FY 2016-17

Marin Community Clinics    $30,000
Health educator to help coordinate the development of Park Prescriptions programs in Canal neighborhood and Novato, serving approximately 24,000 patients

Marin City Community Services District    $20,000
Support existing Park Prescriptions program with one free activity per week at Rocky Graham Park and three outings for local youth

San Rafael City Schools/Bay Area Community Resources    $20,000
Bring K-12th grade STEM after school programs to parks – 15 outings for about 800 students

Marin Asian Advocacy Project/Marin LINK    $20,000
Four outings into parks and participate in two ranger-led outings

Opening the World/Bay Area Community Resources    $15,000
Four outings into parks and participate in two ranger-led outings

Opening the World/Bay Area Community Resources    $15,000
Organize three BBQs and outdoor games for large groups of young mothers and at-risk youth

Novato Youth Center    $12,000
Four park outings and two dinner presentations for lowincome families and children

Lifehouse    $10,000
Twenty trips to parks for participants in the Teen Recreation Integration Program

San Geronimo Valley Community Center    $10,000
Lead one hike per week plus 12 additional mountain bike rides in local open spaces

Trips for Kids    $7,980
Twelve bike rides, trips to two ranger-led activities, and two trail work days for youth participating in the Earn-a-Bike Program

Marin Conservation League    $5,200
Six guided open space hikes for seniors focused on conservation history

FY 2015-16

Marin City Community Services District    $20,000
New Park Rx partnership in conjunction with ribbon-cutting at Rocky Graham Park, and three to five park programs per week for six months

Conservation Corps North Bay    $17,840
Twenty outreach presentations, eight environmental education sessions, social media campaign focused on connecting youth to parks, and fifteen outings highlighting nutrition and physical activity

Novato Youth Center    $14,000
Four trips to Marin County Parks' lands for underserved youth

Opening the World    $8,000
Six nature photography outings for underserved youth and young mothers, host one gallery exhibit in a park, and organize four family picnics

San Geronimo Valley Community Center    $8,000
One outing per week for a year in Marin County open space preserves

Trips for Kids    $5,300
Twelve bike rides, two park outings and two volunteer days for underserved youth

Marin Conservation League    $5,100
Six history walks

FY 2014-15

LIFT/Levántate     $65,000
Connect low-income residents to Marin’s parks and preserves 

Marin Asian Advocacy Project     $15,000
Train trip leaders and lead trips connecting Marin’s Asian communities to Marin’s parks and preserves

Marin City Community Services District    $10,000
Bring youth campers participating in the Summer Outdoor Education Program into Marin parks and preserves

Opening the World     $3,500
Introduce at-risk youth to photography and life skills through several guided hikes

Trips for Kids    $3,500
Mountain bike trips, trail work opportunities, and other outings for Canal District youth and their families

San Geronimo Valley Community Center     $3,000
One outing per week for a year to Marin County open spaces

FY 2013-14

LIFT/Levántate     $48,600
Connect low-income residents to Marin’s parks and preserves 

Marin Asian Advocacy Project     $15,000
Connect Marin’s Asian communities to Marin’s parks and preserves

Marin City Community Services District    $10,000
Connect youth to Marin's parks and preserves

Opening the World     $3,500
Connect at-risk youth to parks and preserves

Trips for Kids    $3,500
Mountain bike trips, trail work opportunities, and other outings for underserved youth and their families

San Geronimo Valley Community Center     $3,000
One outing per week for a year to Marin County open spaces

 

Breathe/Respira Fee Waiver Application

Qualified community organizations may now apply for limited free group access to Marin County parks and preserves. The purpose of this initiative is to encourage positive social outdoor experiences for Marin's communities of color and others facing barriers to enjoying the outdoors. For groups whose outings are approved, the following fees will be waived: site reservation fees, special use permit, and special event permit fees.

The County of Marin's Race Equity Action Plan states that we will achieve racial equity in Marin County when one’s racial identity no longer predicts how one fares. The Marin County Parks Equity Roundtable identified free access to group sites as important. The goal is to build enduring community relationships with outdoor public spaces, to enhance mental and physical well-being for all.