The City of Knoxville Parks and Recreation Department is now accepting applications for its 2016-17 Challenge Grant Program, which offers grants to nonprofit projects associated with public parks or recreation facilities within the City limits. 

The grants are available this year to 501(c)3, 501(c)4 and 501(c)6 status community groups, homeowner associations, schools, Scout troops and other organizations. 

Recipients of a challenge grant will be reimbursed 50 percent of the cost of a single project, up to $2,500. 

Previously, the grants have been used for projects such as playground equipment, water fountains, benches and landscaping. The Knoxville Parks and Recreation Department has been awarding challenge grants to nonprofit groups for more than 25 years.

The deadline for applications is Friday, Sept. 16, 2016. 

Applicants will be notified and announced by late October 2016.

All project work must be completed by Friday, April 28, 2017.

Applications and grant parameters are available at www.knoxvilletn.gov/citygrants. For questions regarding the Parks and Recreation Challenge Grants, please call 311 or 865-215-4311.