Partnerships

Matching Funds Program

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What projects are eligible for matching funds?

What type of contributions can be matched?

What types of projects will be approved?

How will the project be managed?

Once an application is approved, what further reviews and approvals are required?

Will partner contributions be publicly recognized?

What projects are eligible for matching funds?

Matching funds are available for capital projects at the parks, open spaces, and properties managed by DCR.  Capital projects generally include construction and/or restoration of physical features on state land and the planning required for such projects, including resource management plans. They do not include land acquisition, staff, or operational maintenance activities.

What type of contributions can be matched?

DCR will match only monetary contributions.  In-kind donations of materials, services, and labor, while appreciated, are not eligible for this matching funds program.  DCR will match private contributions from individuals, organizations (e.g., Friends groups, civic organizations), institutions or businesses, or non-state governmental entities (e.g., federal, municipal).  It will not match contributions by other state agencies.      

What types of projects will be approved?

Partnership projects may include major field reconstruction, building restorations, interpretive signs, planning efforts, and more.  DCR will consider a 2:1 match on contributions of up to and including $25,000 and a 1:1 match on those of more than $25,000.  More information about completed projects is available on DCR’s website at www.mass.gov/dcr.

Generally, eligible projects are reviewed with the following considerations:

• Projects that address the deferred maintenance needs of the agency are strongly encouraged.

• Projects should contain detailed, realistic cost estimates, ideally prepared after consultation with a planning or engineering professional.

• Projects should meet management goals of DCR as expressed by a master plan, management plan, or by agency staff in the absence of such plan.

• Partnerships formed to support a DCR capital project’s long-term maintenance requirements are strongly favored.

• Projects with solely aesthetic benefit are a lower priority for agency approval.

• Projects, when complete, must not infringe on public use and enjoyment.

• While the program aims to support projects that are expected to be completed by the end of FY 2009 (June 30, 2009), DCR will consider applications for projects that may require more than one fiscal year to plan and complete. 

How will the project be managed?

DCR will manage the project. The project officially begins when the partner’s contribution is received at the agency.

The project will be assigned a manager at DCR, and this project manager will work with the partner(s) from start to finish. The project manager will oversee hiring of the contractor or vendor if one is needed. Hiring must comply with applicable state laws regarding bidding and contracting. The project manager will conduct meetings with the partners, as well as other parties whose input is necessary to carry out the project.

Once an application is approved, what further reviews and approvals are required?

The agency partner will seek appropriate public participation in partnership decisions to promote a shared sense of responsibility for public resources and environmental assets.  If necessary, a public meeting will be held to discuss any proposed partnership projects that involve character-altering changes at a property or facility under the agency’s stewardship.  For projects of a lesser scale, the agency partner may consult with other stakeholders with an interest in the project, especially friends groups formed to support a particular park, beach, reservation, or forest.

The agency partner will comply with applicable laws and/or policies pertaining to public review and comment.  Some projects may require review and/or approval of another agency (e.g., Massachusetts Historical Commission, local conservation commissions, environmental reviews). DCR will be responsible for securing these approvals.

Will partner contributions be publicly recognized?

All partners will receive a Certificate of Appreciation from the Commonwealth for their contributions, and their contribution will be recognized in any publicity about the project that is distributed by DCR.