The Fargo Park District Foundation is proud to announce the recipients of the first round for the 2021 Matching Grant Program. The Matching Grant Program provides a funding opportunity for associations, organizations, clubs or individuals to partner on projects in Fargo Park District facilities or parks.
“The Fargo Park District Foundation is excited to partner with the Fargo Fastpitch Association, Fargo Public Library, FM Trailbuilders, Fargo Youth Baseball and Post 400 Legion Baseball through our Grant Match Program,” shared Brian Arett, Fargo Park District Foundation Director. “Our continued goal is that this program provide opportunities to support projects, like those of these five outstanding organizations, that enrich the lifestyle of our community through recreation.”
Fargo Fastpitch Association will receive a $3,000 match grant to partially fund their project: Outfield Fence Screen and Fence Tops. The project will provide additional safety measures to Diamond 5 at the North Softball Complex. According to Fargo Fastpitch Association, the new measures will include fence top protectors on both foul line fences and the outfield fence as well as the addition of an outfield fence screen to act as a batter’s eye and provide a substantially better visual of the fence for outfielders. These upgrades will improve player safety for the more than 300 players who utilize this space.
Fargo Public Library will receive a $1,930 match grant to partially fund their project: FPL Education Garden. The project will place three 6’x12’ beds at the northwest corner of the Dr. James Carlson Library as the starting point for a community education garden space. A pollinator garden will also be installed on the south side of the property. According to the Fargo Public Library, the project complements the Fargo Park District’s mission of improving the lifestyle of the community by encouraging environmental education, outside activity, and intergenerational togetherness while lending itself naturally to social distancing.
FM Trailbuilders will receive a $15,000 match grant to partially fund their project: Fargo Park District Forum Tower, Iwen North and South Trail Maintenance. The project will allow FM Trailbuilders to purchase maintenance equipment as well as purchase and place a storage facility to easily store the equipment needed for year-round trail maintenance of Fargo’s largest single trail system in the FM area. According to FM Trailbuilders, since they are entirely reliant upon availability of volunteer time, close access to needed tools and equipment is crucial to their work to keep Fargo nature trails safe and enjoyable for the public.
Fargo Youth Baseball will receive a $14,233.36 match grant to partially fund their project: Facility Upgrades. The project would allow Fargo Youth Baseball to add foul poles, score tables, fence caps, paint the concessions building, purchase a mound and add ivy on the batter’s eye. According to Fargo Youth Baseball, the new measures will improve the experience for players, officials, and tournament attendees. Fargo Youth Baseball has roughly 1,200 youth baseball players and serves as the headquarters for the Red River Valley League which has 200+ teams.
Post 400 Legion Baseball will receive a $15,000 match grant to partially fund their project: Grandstand Project. The project would allow Post 400 Legion Baseball to construct a grandstand with increased seating capacity, overhang for shade and a press box at Starion Field. The added amenities will allow for radio/video broadcast and live streaming of all games as well as provide for a better experience for players, fans and opponents.
The Matching Grant Program provides a dollar-for-dollar match. The project sponsor must certify that they have the necessary funds for their share of the total estimated project’s cost in order to be considered for the program.
The Fargo Park District Foundation considers applications for the Matching Grant program twice a year. In order to be considered for the next funding cycle, applications must be submitted by 5:00 pm on July 1. Prior to submission and deadline, Brian Arett, Foundation Director, must be contacted at 701-356-1420 to conduct an initial project review to make sure the project meets minimum specifications. Visit the Matching Grant Program page for more information on applications.
