Project Profile:

Midwest Community Foundations’ Ventures (MCFV), W.K. Kellogg Foundation (WKKF), Michigan Recreation and Park Association, Michigan Department of National Resources, Forefront, Philanthropy Ohio, and the Indiana Philanthropy Alliance

Launched in 2006, Access to Recreation (A2R) was a three-year initiative focused on supporting community foundations, parks and recreation providers, advocacy groups, and individuals as they sought to provide greater access to a wide variety of recreational opportunities. Its mission was to “be a catalyst for change, enabling communities to create greater access and inclusiveness in recreation facilities, programs, and services for people of all ages and all abilities.”

This initiative was made possible by a $15 million grant from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation (WKKF).

• In addition to making $5.85 million in direct grants to the Michigan Recreation and Park Association Foundation and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, A2R re-granted over $8 million to community foundations in Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois for more than 36 recreation projects that incorporated the Principles of Universal Design.

• Funded more than 36 recreation projects that incorporated the Principles of Universal Design across four states
• Successfully incorporated the Principles of Universal Design in updating guidelines of the Michigan Department of Natural Resources
• Access to Recreation Endowment Fund created at the Michigan Recreation and Park Association Foundation