The Open Space Authority helps connect people to the outdoors in their own neighborhoods through nearby parks, trails, urban community gardens, and environmental education programs. The Authority has two active grant programs that provide funds for urban projects.
This competitive grant program, funded by Measure Q and Measure T, addresses the needs of urban communities, including areas that currently have limited access to preserves and parks. The grant program aims to fund projects that will improve the quality of life for urban residents.
This grant program, referred to as “20% Funding,” has been setting aside 20% of the Authority’s capital fund annually for urban open space projects since 1997. Once a year, funds are allocated to participating cities and the County of Santa Clara based on each jurisdiction’s percentage of parcels within the areas that most benefit from the Authority's resources and services.
Requests for open space project funding originate with the participating jurisdictions. City and county staff apply for funds to support specific projects that meet their own and the Authority’s open space requirements and goals.
Download the Guidelines and Application
20% Funding Program Guidelines
20% Funding Program Application
Funding available varies by jurisdiction
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