The Project Funding Assistance Program has been in place since 1999 when the citizens approved a $5.75 million bond proposition for Parks and Open Space. Those funds were used to create Collin County's Parks and Open Space Strategic Plan and assisted with the advancement of 33 projects for twenty-five different entities over a 3-year period. In 2003, the citizens approved an $11 million bond proposition that allowed us to expand an already successful program. The 2003 funds supported the development of 45 projects for twenty-nine different entities over a 5-year period.

In November 2007, the citizens of Collin County approved a $17 million bond proposition for Parks and Open Space. Over the next six years (2009-2015) Collin County will make these funds accessible to cities and non-profit organizations within the County. These funds will be obtainable through an application process to assist with the acquisition of park land, trail construction and park/open space improvements.

The Collin County Parks Foundation Advisory Board administers the Project Funding Assistance Program. This is a reimbursement program. Applicants must have at minimum dollar for dollar in matching funds, comprised of direct cash or in-kind services, for the project being proposed.

Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization, nonpolitical groups, or any unit of local government including municipalities, school districts, or county located in Collin County, Texas. Faith-based organizations are eligible to apply as long as inherently religious activities, such as worship and religious instruction are not conducted.

Proposed project goals must be similar to and support or advance the mission published in the Collin County Parks and Open Space Strategic Plan (October 2001). The executive summary of this plan is made available on the Collin County website or you may request a complete copy by emailing openspace@collincountytexas.gov.

Information regarding the Project Funding Assistance Program is presented in the General Guidelines and Instructions. The Funding Application* is now a fillable form. A detailed summary of projects funded by the 2003 Parks and Open Space Bond has been made available along with various project photos.

The application submission deadline is July 8, 2011, with the award announcement in October. An original and 12 copies of your application packet should be submitted to Collin County Special Projects, 825 N. McDonald St., Suite 145, McKinney, Texas 75069. For expediency please staple upper left corner on ALL packets of information submitted.

General questions can be addressed by phoning (972) 548-3744.

*Note: If you have trouble opening or using the Funding Application document, please check that your Microsoft Word macro security is not set too high. To change this setting within Microsoft Word, go to the "Tools" menu and then select "Options". Then click on the "Security" tab and click on the "Macro Security" button. On the next window that appears, select the "Security Level" tab, change the level to "Medium" or lower, and then click the "OK" button.