State Parks & Forests

Volunteer Work

Questions and Answers About Stewardship Friends Grants

See general information and guidelines on the Stewardship grant program for friends groups.

Can only friends groups apply for Stewardship grants?

No, any federally recognized 501(c)(3) organization which plans to carry out a nature-based development project on a state-owned property can apply. The purpose of the organization must include the acquisition of property for conservation purposes. See grant application guidelines

What's the application deadline?

November 15.

How much money does the friends group have to match?

The friends group may request a grant award of 50 percent (up to $20,000 per property) of the total project cost and must match 50 percent of the total project cost. For example, if the project costs $40,000, the friends can request a $20,000 grant and must match it with $20,000.

Can a group use in-kind contributions as part of its match?

Yes, a group can apply in-kind contributions such as volunteer labor and materials for up to 50 percent of its match. For example, if the required match is $20,000, then $10,000 must be a cash match and up to $10,000 can be in-kind contributions. Labor can be valued at $5.35 per hour, and logs must be kept for future review.

How much Stewardship grant money can a group apply for each year?

Up to $20,000 per property per year.

How does a group go about choosing a worthwhile project for which to request a grant?

Eligible grant recipients should meet with the property manager to select a worthwhile project that meets the property's and the program's needs. Managers keep ongoing lists of necessary improvements, many of which are the type of enhancements that friends groups enjoy pursuing. As an applicant, you will want to make sure it meets all the particular state master planning and site planning requirements before you submit an application.

Can we use the grant money to purchase machinery, books, gift shop items, software, or other tools?

No. The grant money can only be used to purchase items that have a nature based function, will be permanently affixed to the property (such as a building, trail, or sign), and have a lifetime of at least 20 years.

Are playgrounds eligible projects for a grant?

Yes.

Can Stewardship money be used for operations and maintenance costs such as personal salaries?

No

Can grant money be applied to project expenses incurred before the grant money is awarded?

No, grant money can only be applied to activities and expenses incurred after the grant money is awarded. For instance, you can not use grant money awarded in February of 2004 for expenses incurred in October of 2002. Projects should not be begun until after the grant is awarded.

Can a group apply for additional grant money after the initial award has been paid?

Yes, if a group would like to expand on an open grant project they may apply for a cost amendment. Availability of additional funds however is not guaranteed and justification is needed. To request a cost amendment a group needs to send in a cost amendment request, an adjusted budget, and proof of matching funds to the friends coordinator. Please note, the total project cost cannot exceed $20,000.

Can a group apply for a time extension?

Yes, a group can apply for an extension by sending in a written request to the Friends coordinator siting the grant number, project name, and reason for requesting a time extension. Your request should be sent in before the grant expires and can be for an extension of up to two years from the original expiration date.

Can we apply for a grant while an existing grant is still in the normal grant period, or within an approved extension period?

Yes. Please close out or request a time extension for any outstanding grants before you apply for additional grant money.

How does a group close out a grant?

You must use the Grant Report Form and follow the Grant Reporting Guidelines.

For more information, ask Marissa DeGroot, Outreach Coordinator, (608) 264-8994.

Last Revised: Friday May 29 2009