Sprouts Fund

Mission: Supporting Milwaukee County Parks through partnerships with community groups that anchor the parks they call home, with focus on historically disinvested communities.

Program Overview

The Sprouts Fund distributes grants of up to $10,000 per project with a total of $50,000 distributed annually. Whether it's resident activation, community programming, or small physical improvements, MPF invites neighbors to create projects that meaningfully connect their park and community.

Geographic Scope

• Location: Milwaukee County Parks, Wisconsin
• Priority: Projects in High Equity Index Parks and their neighborhoods (communities historically disinvested due to systemic racism)
• Geographic Eligibility: Milwaukee County Parks

Focus Areas

Projects must embody one or more of these focus areas:

1. Healing & Health - Advancing wellbeing, restoration, and/or physical activity
2. Community Care - Responding to the needs of a park's immediate community
3. Collective Joy - Sharing fellowship, happiness, connection, laughter, or however you define joy

Eligibility

• Eligible Applicants:
  • 501(c)(3) organizations (including fiscal agents)
  • LLCs
  • Individuals
  • Grassroots community groups with authentic community ties
• Match Required: No
• Contact for eligibility questions: info@mkeparksfoundation.org or 414-514-3017

Project Guidelines

• Funds can support resident activation, community programming, or small physical improvements
• Project budgets must account for all permits and rentals from Milwaukee County Parks
• Compensation for community labor (organizers, programmers, project management) is encouraged
• Contingency planning for potential issues (traffic, weather, safety, etc.) is expected
• MPF provides support in navigating Milwaukee County Parks processes and relationship-building

Physical Improvements Guidelines

• Grant approval from MPF does not automatically mean physical modifications are approved by Milwaukee County Parks
• Examples requiring additional approval: public art, gardens, signage
• Projects with physical infrastructure and long-term park impact must include a maintenance plan and budget for at least 3 years
• Maintenance may include work plans (e.g., community care) or contracted services (e.g., artist touch-ups for murals)
• Timelines for County approval may extend completion dates into following years
• MPF provides guidance on navigation of approval processes

Reporting Requirements

• Track number of events, attendees, and provide photo documentation
• Upon project completion, engage in preferred reporting method (written, digital, or in-person)
• Reporting informs potential for second-year funding

What MPF Does NOT Fund

• The website does not explicitly list exclusions, but encourages established organizations with other funding access to collaborate with grassroots organizations

Evaluation Criteria

Applications are reviewed by MPF's Program Committee (diverse community leaders) using a rubric with four criteria:

1. Community Connection - Applicant's connection to community served and collaboration history
2. Parks Connection - Collaborators' history with involved park(s) and how project serves them
3. Sprouts Fund Focus Areas - How project embodies Healing & Health, Community Care, or Collective Joy
4. Project Assessment - What excites applicant about project and confidence in accomplishment

Priority: Given to projects connected to High Equity Index Parks

Contact Information

• Email: info@mkeparksfoundation.org
• Phone: 414-514-3017
• Address: Milwaukee Parks Foundation, 1531 W Vliet St, Milwaukee, WI 53205
• Website: mkeparksfoundation.org

Background

MPF acknowledges the long history of systemic racism and prioritizes resources for grassroots groups working in most historically disinvested communities as ranked within the Milwaukee County Parks Equity Index.

Application Process

2025 Cycle Status: Application closed as of January 29, 2025

Step-by-Step Process

1. Step 1 - Submit Application
   • Applicants share project ideas and background through MPF form
   • Deadline: January 29, 2025 at 5:00 PM (for 2025 cycle)
2. Step 2 - Review & Interviews
   • Applications reviewed by MPF's Program Committee, Milwaukee County Parks staff, and partners
   • Selected projects invited for interviews in February
3. Step 3 - Grant Decisions
   • MPF notifies all applicants of grant decisions in March
4. Step 4 - Grant Activation
   • Grantees attend group orientation in March
   • First installment of funds distributed upon completion of:
   • Letter of Agreement
   • W-9 form
   • Invoice
5. Step 5 - Ongoing Support
   • Grantees attend quarterly check-ins
   • Optional skill-share sessions
   • Relationship-building opportunities with Milwaukee County Parks

Required Materials

• Project ideas and background (submitted via form)
• W-9 form
• Invoice
• Letter of Agreement

Application Resources

• Project Guidelines: Available on website before applying
• Physical Improvements Guidelines: Available on website before applying
• Equity Index Review: Applicants must review Equity Index and identify their park(s) before applying
• Guidance: YouTube page available with additional guidance on partnerships and spirit of work
• Info Sessions & Office Hours: Multiple opportunities for applicant guidance:
  • Info Session 1 (held December 3, 2024)
  • Info Session 2 (held January 17, 2025)
  • Digital Office Hours available for Q&A

Additional Support

• MPF staff committed to helping grantees learn Milwaukee County Parks processes
• Assistance with relationship building and brainstorming
• Navigation support for permits, rentals, and County approval processes (if needed)