FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: September 9, 2025
Contacts: Ryan McCauley, 650-772-6344, rmccauley@openspace.org
Midpen invites organizations to apply for new grant funding opportunity
Los Altos, CA — Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District is pleased to announce $300,000 in funding is available through the 2025 Grantmaking Program grant round. Organizations are invited to submit pre-proposals for projects that further scientific understanding of our natural world, build capacity in the conservation field, or support nature-focused access, interpretation, and/or education for the public. For full details and instructions, access the request for proposals (RFP) at openspace.org/grants. If language assistance is needed, contact grants@openspace.org or at (650) 691-1200.
“We’re proud to launch the fourth cycle of our grantmaking program with expanded funding to support projects that deepen connections to nature, advance conservation partnerships, and promote applied science,” says Midpen General Manager Ana Ruiz. “With $300,000 available this cycle, we’re especially eager to hear from new grant applicants as well as from organizations serving under-resourced communities. Our team offers pre-proposal consultations to help applicants shape strong submissions and navigate the process with confidence.”
Midpen is accepting pre-proposals that align with the grantmaking program’s purpose, intended impact and three funding priorities, as detailed in the RFP. There are two award tiers: Tier 1 is for projects up to $30,000 and Tier 2 will fund projects between $30,001 and $60,000. The funding priorities are:
- Access, Interpretation, and Education - educating and promoting open space protection.
- Applied Science - advancing scientific understanding of natural processes and/or promoting environmental stewardship.
- Network and Partnership support - cultivating, sustaining and growing conservation networks.
Eligibility
Eligible applicants must be one of the following: a public agency; affiliated with a K-12 school or academic institution; a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization; or an organization with a fiscal sponsor. Applicants from prior Grantmaking Program grant rounds are eligible to apply. Projects funded through this program must be complete and funds spent no later than two years after grant agreements are signed.
Key dates
- September 9, 2025 - Solicitation announcement
- October 9, 2025 - Optional application workshop
- October 31, 2025 - Pre-proposals due
- December 12, 2025 - Invitations to submit full proposals
- January 30, 2026 - Full proposals due
- May 2026 - Award notification
Next Steps
Interested organizations can visit openspace.org/grants for information about Midpen’s 2025 Grantmaking Program, prior grant award cycles, and to download the Request for Proposals. Contact the Grants Program team at grants@openspace.org with any questions.
Para obtener ayuda con el RFP puede contactarnos en Español a: grants@openspace.org o por teléfono: (650) 691-1200