Breathe Respira Community 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. 

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.

$200,000 will be available this year toward competitive grants. The maximum amount of each individual grant will be $10,000. 

• Applications are due May 8, 2026 by midnight.
• Any funding not awarded under the initial competitive round this year may be made available for applications submitted by October 1, 2026.
• Any application submitted after May 8, 2026 will be considered on a case-by-case basis and funds will be awarded until the budget is expended. 

This grant program operates on a reimbursement basis unless an advance is requested and approved by staff.

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.

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, unless applications serve distinctly different communities within the organization service area as determined by Program staff.

• An applicant organization (or fiscal agent) must be a:
  • City or county
  • Non-profit organization (501(c)3)
  • Special district or Joint Powers Authority (JPA) formed pursuant to Chapter 5 (commencing with Section 6500) of Division 7 of the Government code
  • 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.

• 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!

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

Any previous grantee that failed to meet the requirements of this grant program as determined by staff or audit findings, including failing to submit a final report detailing their grant activities and expenditures, will not qualify for grant funding in future years.

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

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
• Grant budget amount up to $10,000
• Clear idea of project scope and budget detail
• 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 Kevin.Wright@marincounty.gov.

From March 19 to May 9, 2026, grant applications may be submitted online on the Parks Submittable platform. 

A review team comprised of Marin County Parks environmental education, volunteer, equity team, administrative, and executive staff will review all applications 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.

Volunteer members of the Parks and Open Space Commission (POSC), in partnership with staff, 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 them 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. This grant program operates on a reimbursement basis- once awarded a grant by the BOS, you must spend money on grant activities and then request a reimbursement for those expenses. Additional information regarding grant administration is included in the grant agreement. Please note that all proposals become public documents.

Application Period Announced: March 19, 2026

Parks Staff Available for Phone Calls to Discuss Grant Proposals: March 20 - May 8, 2026

Applications Due:  May 8,  2026

Parks and Open Space Commission Votes to Recommend Proposals: July 16, 2026

Grant Agreements Sent to Successful Applicants: Late July 2026

Board of Supervisors Executes Grant Agreements: September 2026

Grant Period: Board date in September 2026 - October 31, 2027

Mid-year Report: April 1, 2027

Grant Reporting Due: October 31, 2027 unless an exception is made by Marin County Parks staff

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. 

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. A short online form will be shared for completion by each grantee.

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 may be asked to give a final presentation of grant work and accomplishments during a regularly scheduled public meeting of the POSC.

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.

Any grantee that fails to submit a final report will not qualify for this grant funding in future years.

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.

The Government Affairs Manager and Marin County Parks Superintendent and Ranger staff 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.

Love Is The Answer (LITA) $10,000
Lead four intergenerational trips to local parks, creating social opportunities for local seniors and high school students.

Marin Aging and Disability Institute $10,000
In partnership with Integrated Community Services, Dedication to Special Education, and United Cerebral Palsy of the North Bay to offer quarterly field trips tailored to meet the needs of children with mobility and cognitive challenges, as well as those with moderate to high-functioning abilities.

Marin City Health and Wellness Center $10,000
Provide weekly therapeutic outdoor programs at Rocky Graham Park led by a Nurse Practitioner for clinic patients; targeting seniors, public housing residents, unhoused, diabetics, and those with chronic pain or chronic illness.

Mental Health Advocates of Marin $10,000
Lead twelve outings to parks to promote mental health and regular enjoyment among clients of their drop in center that struggle with mental health alongside co-occurring substance use disorders, chronic homelessness, and other complex needs. (Under the fiscal sponsorship of MarinLINK.)

New Beginnings Law Center $10,000 
Provide a variety of outdoor experiences integrated with their therapeutic, social, and self care programs serving adults with criminal records in partnership with Probation and others.

Parent Voices $10,000
Host four outings for foster parents and families at local parks. (Under the fiscal sponsorship of Community Partners.)

West Marin Community Services $10,000 
Lead 15 outings for West Marin middle school youth focused on mountain biking, water safety, and more.

Ritter Center $9,700
Provide a variety of group and self-guided outdoor experiences for low-income and unhoused individuals living in Marin.

Canal Mini Soccer League $9,684
Reduce registration fees for Canal youth, purchase soccer equipment, and provide a practice ball to all players, to ensure all Canal youth can participate in local soccer programs and utilize the new Pickleweed Park soccer fields three seasons each year. (Under the fiscal sponsorship of the City of San Rafael.)

MeWater Foundation $9,285
Lead three day surf camps and one overnight surf camp for Marin youth from low-income families that have little or no access to water sports or the ocean.

San Geronimo Valley Community Center $9,000
Ensure low­income youth living in San Geronimo Valley and Nicasio can participate in four outdoor outings planned during school year and summer breaks while their parents are working.

Wise Choices for Girls $9,000
Lead three large social outings serving Marin City's young women and other participants.

Age Friendly Sausalito $8,706
Lead six outings for older adults from Marin City and Sausalito. (Under the fiscal sponsorship of City of San Rafael.)

Youth Transforming Justice and Opening the World $8,500
Lead four park outings for youth in restorative justice programs, and their families.

Environmental Action Committee of West Marin $8,800
Lead four outdoor field trips serving West Marin schools.

SEEDS (Social Emotional Education and Development of Self) $8,000
Lead eight fully integrated outdoor programs for youth ages 5 - 21 years old, including those with developmental disabilities.

Youth Leadership Institute $8,000
Lead four outings for youth from previous or current participating leadership cohorts.

Conservation Corps North Bay $7,500
Get Corps members outdoors to enjoy the parks they help care for through social outings and transportation support to explore local parks.

Raices Del Canal $7,410
Lead six bilingual nature outings for Canal Neighborhood youth and their families. (Under the fiscal sponsorship of MarinLINK.)

North Marin Community Services $8,000
Lead three outdoor field trips serving low income Novato youth.

EAH Housing $7,000
Provide four outings serving ten affordable housing properties located in Marin.

Karma Club $6,000
Provide three free outings for local teens to the Girl Scouts of Northern California's Bothin Camp in Fairfax, CA, as well as Black Mountain Ranch, a 1300-acre working farm and ranch in Point Reyes Station, where teens will learn about growing their own medicinal herbs, tend a lavender field, take nature hikes, visit farm animals, and experience the healing power of being in nature.

Marin Community Clinics $6,000
Bring outdoor inspiration and education into the Novato clinic setting by covering the walls of three pediatric exam rooms with images from local parks, accompanied by a QR code that helps patients and their families locate and visit the parks displayed and discover others.

Solinas Stinson Young Stewards of the Land $5,022
Provide several after school nature programs and one day camp for West Marin students.

Canal Alliance $5,000
Lead two outings, one for sixth graders, and one for high school seniors that includes an overnight component.

Wild Care $4,978
Lead four nature outings to Ring Mountain for local first through fifth graders.

Marin Asian Advocacy Project $4,415
Lead one large annual community outing to a park for Marin residents from Southeast Asia. (Under the fiscal sponsorship of MarinLINK.)

Age Friendly Sausalito  $10,000
Six outings and one Tai Chi and fall prevention class for older adults

Age Friendly Corte Madera  $4,000
Six outings and one Tai Chi and fall prevention class for older adults

Bolinas Stinson Young Stewards of the Land   $9,500
Lead several after school and day camp programs for Elementary and Junior High School youth in West Marin

Canal Alliance   $6,480
Two outings for University Prep students to a park

Conservation Corps North Bay  $8,000
A barbeque and one additional park outing to celebrate and provide outdoor access for corpsmembers, plus provide resources for corps members to visit in the future

EAH Housing   $9,500
Six outings to parks focused on community building and self-care

West Marin Environmental Action Committee  $9,000
Five West Marin field trips for local students focused on teamwork and naturalism

Love is the Answer   $10,000
Lead four intergenerational outings to the parks

Marin Asian Advocacy Project  $4,000
Lead one large community picnic with Tai Chi, along with a training for park ambassadors to ensure enduring support to parks

Marin City Swim  $10,000
A ten week program of swim lessons to the four-year-old class at Horizon Community School’s early childhood program in Marin City

Marin County Bicycle Coalition  $5,000
Five bike rides and related training through their Cory’s Ride program

Marin Foster Care Association  $9,855
Lead twelve trips outdoors for unaccompanied migrant youth

Marin YMCA  $10,000
Three large recreation outings for youth in partnership with San Rafael City Schools and Shoreline Unified School District

Mental Health Advocates of Marin  $10,000
Twelve outings to parks serving participants in the Enterprise Resource Center

North Marin Community Services  $10,000
Three trips to parks for Newcomer students and their families in partnership with Novato High School, in addition to individualized wrap-around support services

Opening the World  $10,000
Four park outings for underserved youth from Opening the World, Youth Transforming Justice and the Marin County Juvenile Probation Department and their families

Parent Voices Marin  $9,165
Four family picnics outdoors with parents and childcare providers.

Raices Del Canal  $10,000
Six bilingual park outings for Latino youth and their families

San Geronimo Valley Community Center  $3,000
Supplement after-school and senior programming with several trips outdoors, and host at least one event fostering connection between youth with different backgrounds and from different parts of the county

Trips for Kids Bay Area  $10,000
Two community building and biking events and 24 trail rides for low-income families

Under the Sun  $8,000
Two one-week surf camps for girls from low-income families

West Marin Community Services  $9,500
Several outings for youth and young adults focuses on fishing, mountain biking, and water safety

Wise Choices for Girls  $9,000
Three group outings in partnership with their Youth Council and families

Youth Leadership Institute  $6,000
Four outings introducing their youth leaders to new outdoor locations in Marin

Age Friendly Sausalito   $8,000
Five excursions to older adults and persons with disabilities

Bolinas Stinson Young Stewards of the Land   $7,740
Twelve after school outings for the Young Stewards program (5th-8th) and Earth Allies program (2nd-4th).

Canal Alliance   $8,000
Two hands on communication and leadership skills outings in the parks for their University Prep (UP!) Program

Conservation Corps North Bay   $6,281
Introduce the diverse group of corpsmembers in its job training program to the benefits and enjoyment of the parks. Provide transportation for future park trips to 40 corpsmembers and their families.

EAH Housing (Walnut Place)   $8,000
Five scheduled Senior Strolls in Marin County Parks focused on mental health activities

EAH Housing   $8,000
Three outings in Marin County Parks focused on mental health and building healthy connections with neighbors through the Stay Well program

Environmental Action Committee of West Marin   $8,000
Five field trips to a mix of schools and youth groups to Agate Beach or Roy's Redwoods, including bilingual outdoor education.

Homestead Valley Community Association   $2,000
Swim lessons to the 4 year-old class at Horizon Community School’s early childhood program in Marin City

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

Marin Asian Advocacy Project   $8,000
Organize two large community field trips to the parks including social and physical activities.

Marin County Bicycle Coalition   $8,000
Expand the Cory’s Ride program for local High School students with three rides to Marin parks, preserves, and multi-use pathways.

Marin Outdoor Adventures   $5,800
Two weeks of summer surf camps for underprivileged girls.

Multicultural Center of Marin   $8,000
Take their youth and families participating in leadership and intervention service programs to the parks

North Marin Community Services   $8,000
Three park outings for the Novato Latine Positive Adventures Project, targeting at-risk youth in grades 4-8

Opening the World   $8,000
Four game, art project, and barbeque days in Marin County Parks serving disadvantaged and marginalized youth and their families 

Performing Stars   $8,000
Bring groups of Marin City residents to the parks for social connection, creative activities, and outdoor enjoyment

San Geronimo Valley Community Center (SGVCC)   $8,000
Lead 12 outings in Marin County Parks for afterschool and summer camp programs for youth ages 5-10; and organize family and intergenerational hikes and activities in open space to promote intentional quality family togetherness

SEEDS (Social Emotional Education & Development of Self) under   $8,000
Five after school and ten summer outings for 5-21 year olds with a focus on social engagement, emotional awareness, and fun for all individuals including those living with developmental disabilities

Spahr Center   $8,000
Lead 10 programs in Marin parks and outdoor spaces focused on building community for LGBTQ+ young people and their families

Trips for Kids Bay Area   $8,000
Twenty trail rides for youth in Marin County Parks, in addition to hosting an annual community building event at China Camp

Vivalon  $6,325
Six outings in Marin County Parks through the Parks Excursion Program

West Marin Community Services   $8,000
Seven programs in the parks and on the water for West Marin residents of all ages through the Tomales Bay Youth Center and Waterdogs Swim Program; and continue the mountain biking and skateboarding clubs

Wise Choices for Girls   $8,000
Three outings for Marin City participants (ages 13-27) including group activities, games, and food to foster connection, mental health, and a positive connection with nature

YMCA of San Francisco   $8,000
Bring 30-50 YMCA summer and school year staff from West Marin to two staff development days hosted at Marin County parks

YMCA of San Francisco   $8,000
Two family engagement days in the parks engaging 140 under-resourced youth and their families from the Canal and San Rafael neighborhoods, in partnership with San Rafael City Schools