LANSING — After record interest in first-round Michigan Spark Grants funding, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources will reopen grant applications starting Monday with up to $23 million available for public recreation improvement projects in areas most affected by COVID-19.

To boost grant access for those in greatest need, the DNR also announced a partnership that will connect identified “opportunity communities” with funding and the support of Michigan’s philanthropic network.

Earlier this year, the DNR awarded $14.2 million in first-round funding to 21 communities. Interest in the Spark Grants program far exceeded the department’s expectations.

Applicants can seek a minimum of $100,000 up to a maximum of $1 million. Applications are due June 26, with award announcements expected in late September. Michigan Spark Grants are available to entities that are legally constituted to provide public recreation, such as:

— Units of government or public authorities;

— Federally designated tribes;

— Regional or statewide organizations that are established with a recreational focus.

A new philanthropy-focused partnership through the Council of Michigan Foundations will make Spark Grants funding available this summer to communities identified as “opportunity communities” — those that traditionally have been under-resourced and under-represented and who lack access to parks and recreation.

This innovative model aligns with federal funding requirements to support communities adversely affected by COVID-19, along with helping to improve and redevelop existing public recreation in communities that historically have experienced barriers to accessing these types of grants. Further details on this partnership will be coming this summer.

Learn more at Michigan.gov/DNRGrants.