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Matching Gifts Program

The Matching Gifts Program provides a way for individuals, neighborhoods, homeowner associations, sports groups, businesses, and other organizations to join with South Suburban Parks and Recreation in the development of their particular projects. We are interested in working with eligible groups in the continual development and improvement of our parks, facilities, and programs.

The South Suburban Board of Directors annually budgets money in the General Fund to be used to match funding requests, in an amount up to fifty percent, from eligible applicants.

Program Application

Applications for the 2024 program are now closed.

Program Guidelines

Requests for funding must be in writing and meet the following requirements:
Please note: Requests of less than $2,000 are more likely to be approved for funding than requests in excess of that amount.

  • The project must be on South Suburban owned or leased property. Visit the online map.
  • Requests must be submitted by 5 p.m. on Sunday, March 3, 2024.
  • It is preferred that the funding match be in dollars, but consideration will be given for documented in-kind services, e.g., volunteer labor and donated materials.
  • Eligible projects must benefit South Suburban, its facilities or programs, or facility or program participants.
  • South Suburban will have the authority to accept or reject all or part of any proposal.
  • All improvements and purchases through this program are property of South Suburban.
  • Unless otherwise agreed, South Suburban will be responsible for the operation, maintenance, repair, storage, liability and general insurance on any project or equipment funded by this program.
  • If projects have similar or equal benefits, South Suburban may give preference to those applicants who have not received funding in the previous year.
  • Applicant's matching funds must be received by South Suburban no later than two weeks after the written notice of project approval, unless an alternative date has been agreed upon by South Suburban.
  • If projects involve planting of trees, please read thoroughly our Matching Gifts Tree Policy.

Recently awarded Matching Gifts

2023 Matching Gifts:

  • Swim race equipment at Ben Franklin, Cook Creek and Holly Pools
  • Turf repairs at Cornerstone Park
  • Pottery wheels for the Pottery Studio at Goodson Recreation Center
  • Heaters for the Sports Complex Garage Room
  • Equipment for the gymnastics room at Goodson Recreation Center

2022 Matching Gifts:

  • Turf repairs at deKoevend Park
  • Equipment for the gymnastics room at Goodson Recreation Center
  • Swim race equipment at Holly and Ben Franklin pools
  • Pottery supplies and kiln for the Goodson Pottery Studio
  • Electric mobile floor lift for Buck Recreation Center pool
  • Evergreen trees at Southbridge Park