The 2025 Sprouts Fund from the Milwaukee Parks Foundation (MPF) provides grants of up to $10,000 to support community-led projects in Milwaukee County Parks. A total of $50,000 is available to fund initiatives that strengthen the connection between parks and the communities they serve. MPF aims to empower grassroots leaders by funding resident activation, community programming, and small physical improvements, with a special focus on historically disinvested communities as identified by the Milwaukee County Parks Equity Index.

Projects should align with one or more of MPF’s focus areas: Healing & Health, Community Care, and Collective Joy. These themes emphasize physical and emotional well-being, responsiveness to community needs, and fostering social connections. Applications are evaluated based on community and park connections, alignment with focus areas, and the feasibility of the project. Priority will be given to projects connected to High Equity Index Parks and their surrounding neighborhoods.

The application process begins with project idea submissions by January 29, 2025, at 5:00 PM. Proposals will be reviewed by MPF’s Program Committee, Milwaukee County Parks staff, and partners, with selected applicants invited for interviews in February. Grant decisions will be announced in March 2025. Grantees must attend an orientation session, complete necessary paperwork, and participate in quarterly check-ins to share updates and build relationships.

To assist applicants, MPF offers info sessions and digital office hours, with details available on the MPF website. Applications can be submitted online or via a downloadable PDF. Reporting requirements include tracking events and attendees and providing photo documentation, with flexible reporting formats available at project completion.

MPF encourages collaborations between established organizations and grassroots groups to ensure funding reaches those with authentic community ties. For more information, applicants can email info@mkeparksfoundation.org or call 414-514-3017. Additional resources, including examples of past funded projects, are available on the MPF website.