Meet the recipients of the 2023 Enhancing Equitable Access Grant Program!
by Adriana Fernandez Arriaga In the fall of 2021, the San Mateo County Parks Foundation created a new small grants program called Enhancing Equitable Access. The goal is to fund and support organizations that increase opportunities for people of color and low-income youth and their families to enjoy the many benefits of being in parks. Now in our second year of funding, we are pleased to announce that five organizations have been awarded grants up to $4,000 each. Read on to learn more about these outstanding organizations that are expanding access to our parks, trails and coastal areas for those who face barriers, such as a lack of transportation or a lack of awareness about the parks themselves.
Cultivating Gratitude and Joy for 2023
I love this time of year – the winding down of one year and the looking ahead to a new one. A New Year is a blank canvas, a time to think about cultivating good habits and kicking bad ones to the curb. Winter is a time to slow down, reflect and replenish. Lately, I have been reflecting a lot on two things: gratitude and joy. Tis the season!
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SAN MATEO COUNTY PARKS FOUNDATION
General Information
The San Mateo County Parks Foundation was established in 1998 to provide additional financial support for the recreational, environmental and educational programs and projects of the San Mateo County Department of Parks. The Foundation is governed by a volunteer board of directors and has a small staff.
The Foundation seeks grants and contributions from individuals, foundations and businesses. Recognition of gifts is done in accordance with the county's approved donor recognition guidelines. The Foundation does not manage the projects directly. The San Mateo County Department of Parks is responsible for the design, permitting, contracting and maintenance of the projects.
Mission Statement
The San Mateo County Parks Foundation inspires people to care for, learn about and enjoy our parks.
Land Acknowledgement
The San Mateo County Parks Foundation’s office is located on the ancestral homeland of the Ramaytush and Muwekma Ohlone peoples, the original inhabitants and land stewards of the San Francisco Peninsula. As guests, we recognize that we benefit from living, working and recreating here on their traditional homeland. We wish to pay our respects by acknowledging the ancestors, elders and future generations of caretakers of the Ohlone people.
Fundraising Priorities and Current Goals
In partnership with the San Mateo County Department of Parks, the Foundation raises funds to support projects, programs and volunteers for benefit parks and visitors.
We are committed to conserving and improving the quality of our county parks for current and future generations to enjoy.