Community Parks & Recreation Grants

The Missoula County Parks, Trails & Recreation Program frequently partners with community groups and organizations to enhance County parks and other public recreation areas. In these partnerships, the Parks, Trails & Open Lands Program provides planning assistance and funding. In turn, the partner organization matches 25% of total project funds through a combination of project expenses, in-kind donations and volunteer service hours. 

$90,000 is available for community-driven projects that improve recreation opportunities on public lands located within Missoula County but outside Missoula city limits. There is no limit on the award amount. The county will reimburse up to 75% of total project costs and will only reimburse actual cash expenses. At least 25% of the total project costs must be provided by the grant recipient. Cash, in-kind donations of materials and services, and volunteer hours are all recognized as match.

The 2026 application cycle has closed. 

1:1 Project Consultations 

A brief project consultation is required prior to submitting your application. These consultations are designed for those interested in learning more about this program and an opportunity to answer any questions you may have on how to apply, qualifying projects and the award process. Click here to sign up.

Use the form below to submit your grant application.

• Seeley Lake Nordic Ski Trails: $26,985 for improvements to the Nordic Ski Trails beginner trails system, including addition of fill material for trail surfacing, stump removal and site restoration.
• Bonner Playground & Community Park: $25,000 for phase 2 playground improvements, including ADA accessible swings, a volleyball court and other independent play components.
• Clinton Community Park Pavilion: $17,000 for the construction of a universally accessible picnic pavilion and supporting amenities.
• Potomac School District Playground: $11,351.94 for a picnic shelter, ADA accessible picnic tables and a wildlife-resistant trash bin.
• U.S. Forest Service National Conservation Legacy Center trail system: $6,218.10 for benches, dog waste stations, trash and recycling bins along the museum trail system, which is west of the Missoula airport.
• Ninemile Community Center: $3,444.96 for an on-site storage shed for grounds maintenance and recreational equipment.

Seeley Lake Lions Park bench installation (2024 awardee).