MPRB Announces New “Scholarship FUNd” Program for Minneapolis Residents 17 and Under and Adults 55+

Via a November 30 e-announcement from Minneapolis Park and Rec Board:

The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) now offers a new scholarship fund designed to help more Minneapolis residents participate in a wide variety of MPRB recreation program.

The new fund, known as the Scholarship FUNd, is a result of the MPRB Board of Commissioners and Superintendent Al Bangoura’s commitment to investment in youth. The Scholarship FUNd will work together with the existing Recreation Fee Waiver program, which is part of the MPRB’s Recreation Fee Assistance Program.

“We have never turned a child away from our recreation centers because of an inability to pay fees,” said MPRB Superintendent Al Bangoura. “This new fund simply adds another avenue for more Minneapolis residents to participate in our recreation programs and other activities.”

The Scholarship FUNd is available to Minneapolis residents 17 and under and 55 + with financial limitations. The process for applying and income eligibility are the same for the FUNd and the MPRB Fee Waiver program and include completing an application and providing additional documentation, including proof of residence.

Fee waivers are for the instructional portion of fees only and not for supplies, extra fees, or admission costs for field trips. The Scholarship FUNd covers all costs up to $300 per person, minus a $5 participation fee per activity. A Scholarship FUNd application must be completed every year. Scholarships FUNDs may be used for recreational programs and activities, lessons, youth sports, environmental and naturalist programs, and 9-hole golf. 

In addition to being included in the MPRB 2021/22 budget, the Scholarship FUNd is also funded through individual donations. When anyone registers for a program, they are given an opportunity to make a tax-deductible donation in any amount directly to the Scholarship FUNd. Individuals can also make a tax-deductible donation directly to the Scholarship FUNd at https://www.minneapolisparks.org/volunteer_and_give/

Additional information about the Scholarship FUNd, including guidelines on how to apply – and applications in English, Spanish, Hmong and Somali - are available at https://www.minneapolisparks.org/activities__events/recreation_fee_assistance/.