American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Grants
Funds Overview and Regulations

In March 2021, the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) of 2021 was signed into law providing the City of Phoenix with nearly $396 million. The first allocation of $198 million was received in May 2021 of which $28,800,000 was dedicated to youth and education programs. In April 2023, the Phoenix City Council approved the use of an additional $500,000 to fund the department's first Park Activation Grant Program. The department seeks to activate parks through programming in a variety of ways to promote recreational opportunities, the enjoyment of City parks and facilities, and ensure parks provide a welcoming and safe place for everyone.  

​Deadline to apply is Friday, October 6, 2023. ​

Neighborhood organizations listed with the City of Phoenix or Non-Profits seeking to coordinate and hold park activation events and programs in parks servin​g qualified census tracts​ are eligible to apply.

• Movies in the Park
• Concerts in the Park
• Food Truck Festivals
• Youth Sports Programming
• Neighborhood Farmers Markets (Must be free admission and have free activities associated with the event)
• Neighborhood Resource Fairs
• Safety Events (ex. Bike Rodeos)
• Fitness Programs
• 2024 GAIN Events
• Neighborhood Celebrations (May include inflatable jumpers and free activities)
  

Events and activities must be free of cost/admission for the community and park rules must be followed. All events/programs listed here will be considered priority in the application process. If your event/program category is not listed, please email tannia.ruiz@phoenix.gov for further consideration.

** Please keep in mind, that insurance requirements may apply. **

The following is a list of general governing regulations to consider before applying.

• Funds are to be spent solely on park activation programs only

• Funds can be spent on direct program materials, equipment, and staffing (i.e. program equipment, recreation supplies, marketing materials, program site staff/instructor)

• Funds cannot be spent on organization administrative staffing and associate costs to manage/support park activation program

• Funds must provide universal access to safe and reliable programming across the City of Phoenix (program offerings must be ADA compliant).

• Program providers will be required to report their efforts to help close equity gaps in community's that need safe and reliable programming the most.

• All funds must be tracked to ensure legal use of funds and to support potential audits

• Financial, performance and compliance reporting will be required. Please note, full recipient compliance and reporting Guidance can be found below:
  
  ​www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2022-01-27/pdf/2022-00292.pdf
  
  home.treasury.gov/policy-issues/coronavirus/assistance-for-state-local-and-tribal-governments/state-and-local-fiscal-recovery-funds/recipient-compliance-and-reporting-responsibilities