The Ashland Parks Foundation (APF) is launching their annual Grant Giving Campaign. APF​ has a mission of enhancing Ashland’s quality of life by financially supporting its parks and other non-profit recreational groups and projects. 
 
Annually, before the end of the 2nd quarter of each year (June), the five-member APF board receives grant requests and hears a brief presentation from each community organization or group who has applied. Revenue for the grants comes from the interest generated on the principal balance of the APF General Fund and varies from year to year depending on how the fund’s investments perform. In years when the General Fund doesn't increase in value, grants are not awarded. This year, APF will be able to award more than it ever has in its 23-year history!
 
Any non-profit group (501 c 3), project or organization that makes use of or works toward improving Ashland’s parks system is eligible to apply for a grant of financial support. Requesting groups shall complete the online grant request form.

In years past, grants have been awarded to youth scholarships and equipment for youth programs such as baseball, soccer, water polo, swim lessons, art classes and more.  Other grants have gone to help create a pollinator garden at The Grove, to offer adult and youth scholarships through the Recreation Division of Ashland Parks and Recreation Commission (APRC) and to help fund an APRC volunteer appreciation dinner, to name a few.
 
The deadline to apply is Friday, May 18 at 5 p.m. – Requests will be heard before the APF Board on Thursday, May 31, 2018. For questions please email the APF Board President, Katharine Cato at katharine@ashlandchamber.com, or call 541.488.5340.