Grants for City or township governments - Recreation

This program provides funding to rural communities in North Dakota to improve quality of life and stimulate economic development through various projects, with a focus on collaboration and innovative solutions.

This program provides funding for projects that protect and restore California's forests, benefiting local communities, wildlife, and water resources.

This funding program provides financial support to public and private entities for significant water-related projects in Colorado that address regional supply challenges and are not eligible for other funding sources.

This grant provides funding to organizations in Philadelphia for planting and maintaining trees in underserved neighborhoods to improve green space and community health.

This funding opportunity supports significant projects that develop and maintain off-highway vehicle trails and facilities in Arizona, targeting governmental entities, non-profits, and clubs involved in OHV recreation.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to California public agencies for projects that address shoreline erosion and enhance coastal restoration efforts.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to community organizations and local entities in New York State to implement programs that promote mental wellness, resilience, and healing from trauma.

This program provides funding to support local events in Montana that attract tourists and boost the economy, particularly in rural and under-visited areas.

This program provides funding to local organizations in Waterbury to support recreational activities and projects that engage the community.

The City of Kemah's Hotel Occupancy Tax (HOT) Sponsorship Program offers funding to organizations for events that directly enhance and promote tourism, as well as the convention and hotel industry within the city. This initiative is designed to align with the city's mission to stimulate economic growth through increased visitor traffic, ensuring that the local hospitality sector benefits from funded activities. The program's core objective is to utilize Hotel/Motel Tax funds to support endeavors that bring tangible advantages to Kemah's tourism landscape. To be eligible for funding, applications must satisfy a two-part criterion. Firstly, the "heads in beds" test requires that every funded project or event must demonstrably attract overnight tourists to Kemah's hotels and motels, thereby directly bolstering the city's lodging industry. This ensures that the grant funds are utilized in a manner that directly contributes to the program's primary goal of promoting the city's hotel industry. The target beneficiaries are primarily the hotels, motels, and businesses within the tourism sector in Kemah, with the ultimate impact goal of increasing their revenue and overall economic vitality. Secondly, the project or event must fall into one of nine statutorily authorized categories. These categories include convention and visitor centers/registration, advertising the city, promotion of the arts, historical restoration and preservation, sporting events in counties under one million in population, enhancing or upgrading existing sports facilities or fields (in certain cities), tourist transportation systems, and signage directing the public to frequently visited sights and attractions. These categories represent the key priorities and focuses of the grant program, ensuring that diverse aspects of tourism and community enrichment are supported. The expected outcomes and measurable results of the program include a measurable increase in hotel occupancy rates, a rise in the number of overnight tourists, and an enhancement of Kemah's reputation as a tourist destination. By funding projects aligned with these categories, the city aims to create a vibrant tourism ecosystem that benefits both visitors and local businesses. The City of Kemah's strategic priority is to maximize the economic benefits derived from the Hotel/Motel Tax through targeted investments in tourism promotion and infrastructure. The theory of change behind this program is that by providing financial support to events and projects that directly attract overnight visitors and enhance tourist experiences, the city will foster sustainable growth in its tourism and hotel industries.

This grant provides federal funding to local agencies, tribes, and nonprofits in Washington to rehabilitate and maintain recreational trails for various outdoor activities, ensuring a sustainable backcountry experience.

This funding opportunity supports nonprofit organizations and community groups in Denver that are working to improve youth mental health, address trauma, and reduce substance misuse through innovative and measurable programs.

This grant provides funding to local public agencies, nonprofit organizations, and educational institutions in California to enhance boating safety education and training programs.

The North Dakota Council on the Arts (NDCA) offers Special Projects (SP) grants to support diverse art events across all disciplines and forms within North Dakota. This program aligns with the NDCA's mission to provide art experiences for a wide range of populations throughout the state. The grants aim to foster artistic expression and engagement, ensuring that communities and individuals in North Dakota have access to and participate in various art forms. Target beneficiaries for this program include individual artists, North Dakota state and federally tax-exempt nonprofit arts organizations, federally tax-exempt non-arts organizations with isolated arts budgets, public entities (state, local, or tribal government units), and affiliate arts-presenting or arts-producing organizations. Fiscally sponsored groups with arts projects, comprising at least three people and an advisory committee, are also eligible. The primary impact goal is to broaden access to and participation in the arts, enriching the cultural landscape of North Dakota and promoting community involvement in artistic endeavors. The program prioritizes initiatives that engage audiences and are not solely focused on teaching or learning, although educational elements within broader community events are acceptable. Funding supports initiating art events, including exhibitions, performances, and festivals (in-person or online), murals, sculptures, public art installations with community input, and publications that involve community participation. Annual events can receive funding for up to two consecutive years if adjustments are made to increase audience participation, demonstrating a commitment to sustained engagement and growth. Expected outcomes include an increase in the variety and accessibility of art experiences for North Dakotans, enhanced community participation in arts and cultural activities, and the creation of new artistic works or the expansion of existing ones. While specific measurable results are not explicitly detailed beyond increased audience participation for annual events, the program's emphasis on intentional audience engagement and diverse art forms suggests that success will be gauged by the reach and impact of funded projects on North Dakota communities and artists. The grants, ranging from $1,000 to $10,000 (with Special Projects providing up to $1,500), support projects within the NDCA Fiscal Year (July 1, 2024 – June 30, 2025).

The Ellensburg Community Grant Program offers a water quality-focused grant to support community-based projects aimed at improving or protecting surface water quality. Funded by the Stormwater Utility, this grant aligns with the broader mission of fostering a healthy environment where water quality sustains diverse organisms and safeguards public health. The program provides funding for community groups to engage in outreach, education, assessments, planning, implementation, prevention, and control initiatives specifically targeting the city's surface water. The grant targets eligible volunteer groups, including youth, seniors, non-profit organizations, and educational organizations. While business and governmental partners are encouraged to participate, they cannot be the primary applicants. The overarching impact goal is to improve stormwater quality within Ellensburg city limits. Projects are expected to demonstrate tangible improvements in surface water quality, educate a significant and diverse portion of Ellensburg's population about water quality and protective actions, and promote best practices to reduce or eliminate adverse impacts on water quality. The program prioritizes projects that demonstrably improve surface water quality, educate residents on water quality and actions to protect it, and teach best practices to minimize water quality impacts. Examples of eligible projects include public outreach and education, yard care initiatives, and litter pickup, all aimed at benefiting stormwater quality within the city. Projects must be situated within city limits, and if on publicly owned property, an agreement addressing various terms, including the use of minors as volunteers and hold harmless clauses, will be required. A total of $10,000 is available for this grant cycle. Expected outcomes include a more informed community regarding water quality issues, a reduction in pollutants impacting surface waters, and a greater adoption of environmentally sound practices. The program’s theory of change is that by empowering and funding community groups to engage in direct action and education, Ellensburg can achieve measurable improvements in its surface water quality, thereby enhancing ecological health and public well-being. Grant funds explicitly prohibit projects that involve or promote the use of alcohol.

The Conservancy may fund activities within or benefitting the Delta and Suisun Marsh as defined in Public Resources Code section 85058 (a map can be found at this link: https://www.deltacouncil.ca.gov/pdf/delta-plan/figure-1-1-delta-boundaries.pdf). The Conservancy may fund an action outside the Delta and Suisun Marsh if the Board makes all the findings described in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta Reform Act of 2009 (CWC, div. 35, §§ 85000 – 85350). The Conservancy will fund planning projects, which include pilot projects. Allowable activities for planning projects include, but are not limited to, project scoping (partnership development, outreach to impacted parties, stakeholder coordination, negotiation of site access or land tenure); planning and design (engineering design, identifying appropriate best management practices); and environmental compliance (permitting, California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) activities, Delta Plan consistency). The Conservancy will fund implementation projects, which include acquisition projects. Implementation projects are specific, on-the-ground projects that result in the construction, improvement, or acquisition of a capital asset that will be maintained for a minimum of 15 years. Implementation projects are "shovel-ready" projects. Applicants must submit a concept proposal, as found on the Conservancy’s website, before submitting a full proposal. Partnerships are encouraged but not required. There are no limitations on number of submissions by organizations. Applications are received via email for concept proposals and by uploading files to a designated site for full proposals. Awards are announced at a Board Meeting and applicants are informed with a letter.

The Monmouth County Municipal Park Improvement Grant Program is designed to assist municipalities by providing additional funding for park improvements in municipal parks and open spaces. This program aligns with the broader mission of enhancing community well-being and access to recreational opportunities. Previously, the Municipal Open Space Grant Program was limited to $2 million annually and up to $250,000 per project. The new and expanded grant program is now funded at $6 million a year, with up to $500,000 available per project, significantly increasing its reach and potential impact. The program's scope has also expanded to include dredging projects for parks and recreation purposes, and the application process has been simplified and streamlined to encourage broader participation. The target beneficiaries of this program are Monmouth County municipalities, which are the only eligible applicants. While municipalities are the direct recipients, the ultimate beneficiaries are the residents and communities who will gain access to improved park facilities and recreational areas. The impact goals are centered around improving land for parks and recreation purposes. This includes the development of new recreational facilities, the expansion or enhancement of existing recreational opportunities, the preservation of historic resources within parks, and the implementation of new or innovative approaches to provide local access to open spaces and recreational activities. The program prioritizes projects that focus on these key areas. Additional priority is given to State-designated Urban Aid Communities and Overburdened Communities, ensuring that resources are directed to areas with the greatest need. The program’s strategic approach includes setting limits on the number of applications and the dollars awarded to ensure that funding can support a larger number of municipalities rather than a few large projects. This also encourages a cooperative project model, with a required local contribution and local funding of ineligible expenses serving as a tangible demonstration of local commitment. Expected outcomes and measurable results include an increase in the number and quality of recreational facilities, expanded access to open spaces, and better preservation of historic resources within parks. The allowance for dredging projects directly contributes to improving and expanding access to recreational bodies of water. All projects must be for park, recreation, open space, and historic preservation purposes, with a deed of open space easement or other covenant restricting the use of the project site to these purposes required as a condition of the award. This ensures the long-term dedication of these sites to public benefit, reflecting a theory of change that by investing in local park infrastructure, communities will see improved quality of life, increased public health through active recreation, and enhanced environmental and cultural stewardship.

The Summer Meals Capacity-Building Mini-Grants program, funded by the Rochester Area Community Foundation, aims to significantly increase the number of children and youth in the City of Rochester who receive summer meals, as well as extend the duration of meal service. This program directly aligns with the foundation's mission by addressing critical community needs, specifically food insecurity among youth in a designated high-need area. The federally funded Summer Meals program (Summer Food Service Program) ensures that children 18 and under, particularly those near schools with high free and reduced meal eligibility rates, continue to receive nutritious food when school is not in session. The primary beneficiaries of this grant are children and youth aged 18 and under within the City of Rochester, a city designated as a high-need area. The program specifically targets those who would otherwise lack access to consistent meals during the summer months. The impact goals are to enhance the capacity of Summer Meals sites to serve more children and to offer meals for a greater number of days. By providing essential nourishment, the program contributes to the overall well-being and health of Rochester's youth, helping to mitigate the "summer slide" in nutrition and academic readiness. The program prioritizes several key areas to achieve its goals. This includes supporting the hiring of a Summer Meals Volunteer Coordinator or supplemental staff to boost site capacity. It also focuses on one-time capital purchases such as tables, chairs, coolers, and other refrigeration/dining equipment to expand service capabilities. Furthermore, the grant encourages one-time capital purchases of equipment or supplies that promote physical activity and fun, thereby enticing more youth to participate and increasing the overall reach of the program. The expected outcomes and measurable results include an increase in the total number of children and youth served by the Summer Meals program and an expansion in the number of days meals are provided. While specific quantitative targets are not detailed, the grant's focus on capacity building inherently aims for a measurable increase in program reach and service duration. The funding information indicates grants of up to $15,000, which will facilitate these capacity-building efforts. The eligibility criteria emphasize partnerships with existing Summer Meals sponsors (City of Rochester, Rochester City School District, or Foodlink) or organizations with LEA status, ensuring alignment with established food service networks. The foundation's strategic priorities are evident in its commitment to addressing equity and supporting youth in the community, with a clear theory of change that by strengthening the infrastructure and staffing of summer meal programs, more children will have access to vital food resources.

Neighborhood Grants: The Neighborhood Improvement Grant program offered by the city of Aurora provides funding opportunities for residents and neighborhood groups to improve the appearance of Aurora neighborhoods and strengthen community connections. The program offers competitive grants with a maximum award of $5,000 per project. Eligible projects include those that enhance a neighborhood's physical condition, increase pride and identity, improve neighborhood communication, and bring new assets to the community. Neighborhood organizations and residents are encouraged to apply, with eligible projects needing to be within Aurora city limits and involve at least three neighborhood households. Know Your Neighbor Mini-Grant: The Know Your Neighbor Mini-Grant provides resources to support connections among neighbors through small neighborhood block parties or clean-up events. Grant recipients receive a $100 gift card for either King Soopers or Home Depot, depending on the type of event. Funding is awarded on a first-come, first-served basis until allocated funds are used. Eligible expenses may include food and supplies for the event, but religious, political, or personal/private events will not be funded. Printing Assistance Mini-Grant: The Printing Assistance Mini-Grant offers in-house printing assistance for flyers and posters to publicize neighborhood events. This grant is available to participants registered in the Aurora Neighborhood Registration Program. Grant recipients can receive up to 25 color or 500 black and white flyers, or 10 color or 20 black and white posters. Materials must be picked up at the Aurora Municipal Center. Small Neighborhood Mini-Grant: The Small Neighborhood Activity Mini-Grant provides up to $250 for developing sustainable neighborhood groups and organizing larger-scale neighborhood events. Examples of eligible expenses include entertainment for festivals, neighborhood t-shirts, sports tournaments, or supplies for social gatherings with neighbors. Grants are awarded on a reimbursement basis and require completion of an application form and budget estimates. Please note that specific application dates for each grant opportunity are not provided in the information given.

The City of Vancouver's Community and Neighborhood Grants Program aims to foster stronger community connections, encourage partnerships among groups, and empower residents to take meaningful action within their community. This initiative aligns with a broader mission of civic engagement and local empowerment, providing financial support to grassroots efforts that enhance the social fabric of Vancouver. The program is designed to be accessible to various community-led initiatives, from small-scale events to larger, ongoing programs that address specific neighborhood needs and opportunities. The grants target a wide range of beneficiaries within the Vancouver city limits or urban growth area, including residents, community-based organizations, nonprofits, neighborhood associations, clubs, parent-teacher groups, and informal collaboratives. The primary impact goals are to build community, facilitate collaboration, and enable residents to lead positive change. By supporting a diverse array of projects, the program seeks to improve overall community well-being, promote inclusivity, and enhance the quality of life for residents, particularly in historically underserved areas. The program prioritizes projects and initiatives that strengthen community connections, encourage partnerships, and empower residents. Funding is divided into two levels: Level One Microgrants, offering up to $500 for smaller events like block parties, cultural celebrations, or arts activities, and Level Two Grants, providing up to $10,000 for larger-scale projects and ongoing programs such as after-school programs, neighborhood beautification, safety improvements, or food assistance. A key focus is on improving equity, accessibility, and inclusion, ensuring that the grants reach a broad spectrum of community needs. Expected outcomes include more vibrant and connected neighborhoods, increased resident participation in community affairs, and the successful implementation of projects that address local challenges. Measurable results could include the number of community members engaged, the diversity of partnerships formed, the successful completion of projects, and the demonstrated positive impact on target beneficiaries. The program's strategic priority is to invest directly in community-led solutions, operating under the theory of change that by empowering local groups and residents with financial resources, sustainable and impactful community development will naturally follow, leading to a more resilient and inclusive Vancouver.