The City of Knoxville Parks and Recreation Department is accepting applications for its 2015-16 Challenge Grant Program, which offers grants to non-profit 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.

In past years, grants have been used for playground equipment, water fountains, benches and landscaping. The Knoxville Parks and Recreation Department has been awarding challenge grants to non-profit groups for more than 25 years.

The deadline for applications is Friday, Sept. 18, 2015.

Applicants will be notified and grants announced by Friday, Oct. 16, 2015.

All project work must be completed by Friday, May 27, 2016.

Applications and grant parameters are available at www.knoxvilletn.gov/citygrants. For more information regarding the Parks and Recreation Challenge Grants, please call 865-215-2091.