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 and around nature.
In the fall of 2022, the Foundation awarded grants to five organizations in south and coastal San Mateo County. In an effort to better reach organizations in the northern part of the county, a spring grant program was opened up and nonprofits were invited to apply. We are pleased to announce the three outstanding organizations that were awarded grants of $4,000 each. Read on to learn more about how each is expanding access to our parks, trails, and coastal areas for those who face barriers, such as a lack of transportation or an awareness about the parks themselves.