Grants for County governments - Recreation

The Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) is a federal program administered in Michigan by the Department of Natural Resources on behalf of the National Park Service. It aims to develop public outdoor recreation facilities and offer matching grants to local governments for creating public outdoor recreation areas and facilities. The grant focuses on aligning with the priorities of the 2022-2027 State Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan, which includes trails, community recreation, green technology, coordination, communication, and universal access. Acquisition of land is not eligible for funding under this grant. Eligible applicants include state agencies and local government units such as cities, villages, townships, counties, and Native American Tribes. The application process is exclusively online via the MiGrants system, and the funding requires a 50% match from the applicant. Grant renewed every year. Grant Annual deadline: April 1st

This funding opportunity provides financial support to nonprofit organizations, government units, and educational institutions in Charlevoix County, Michigan, to improve youth mental health and foster a positive school atmosphere.

This funding opportunity supports LGBTQ+ filmmakers in Georgia and the Southeastern U.S. to complete their narrative, documentary, or experimental projects that authentically represent queer experiences.

The Cobb & Douglas Public Health Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP) Partnership Grants are designed to empower community partners in implementing initiatives that directly support the 2023-2027 CHIP for Cobb and Douglas Counties in Georgia. This program aligns with the foundation's mission to improve public health outcomes by fostering collaborative, sustainable, and impactful community-led projects. The grants serve as seed money for non-profit initiatives, emphasizing a commitment to long-term health equity and community well-being. The primary target beneficiaries are residents within Cobb and/or Douglas County, with a particular focus on addressing health disparities and promoting health equity. The impact goals are broad, aiming to improve access to health care, encourage healthy behaviors (such as physical activity, healthy sexual behaviors, worksite wellness, chronic disease prevention, and reducing youth tobacco use), promote healthy eating, enhance maternal and infant health, and support mental and behavioral health. These goals are directly tied to the strategic priorities outlined in the 2023-2027 CHIP. The program prioritizes new or expanded efforts that are collaborative, requiring a minimum of one partnership, and include letters of support from partnering agencies. Initiatives must align with a goal area and strategy identified in the CHIP, and importantly, incorporate policy development activities, systems-level improvements, or built environment changes (PSE changes). This focus on PSE changes reflects the foundation's strategic approach and theory of change, recognizing that these systemic interventions lead to practical, sustainable health choices and benefits that extend far beyond the project's completion, by altering laws, shaping physical landscapes, and ensuring lasting community improvements. Expected outcomes include measurable improvements in the identified CHIP goal areas. By funding initiatives that create PSE changes, the program aims to ensure that residents experience lasting positive impacts on their health. While awards will not exceed $25,000 per applicant, and requests up to $5,000 do not require a 1:1 match, the emphasis remains on the sustainability and community-wide reach of the proposed projects. Ultimately, the program seeks to create a healthier environment for all community members, driven by strategic, collaborative efforts that address the root causes of health challenges.

This grant provides multi-year funding to small nonprofit organizations in the Philadelphia area to tackle health, education, environmental, and food system challenges in their communities.

This funding opportunity provides financial support for the development and improvement of public recreational trails and facilities, targeting local, state, and federal agencies, as well as qualified nonprofits and private organizations.

The Men's Fund of Vanderburgh County, managed by the Vanderburgh Community Foundation, aims to improve the quality of life in Vanderburgh County, Indiana, by collectively funding significant grants for charitable initiatives. This program aligns with the foundation's mission to address current community needs and create positive social change through the efforts of male philanthropists. The fund is open to nonprofit organizations deemed tax-exempt under sections 501(c)(3) and 509(a) of the Internal Revenue Code, as well as governmental agencies serving Vanderburgh County. Non-501(c)(3) public charities may also be considered if their proposal is charitable, supports a community need, and meets the stated criteria, requiring a fiscal sponsor in such cases. The target beneficiaries of the grants are underserved residents of Vanderburgh County, with impact goals centered on improving their quality of life. The fund prioritizes both program activities and capital projects across various areas, including Community Development, Education, Health/Mental Health, Human Services, and Other Civic Endeavors (Arts & Culture, Environment, Recreation, and Youth Development). Endowment creation is also an area considered for both program and project funding. The strategic priorities emphasize supporting organizations that demonstrate long-range planning, financial stability, sustainability, and sound plans to address ongoing or emerging issues. Key considerations for funding include a commitment to long-range planning, financial stability, and sustainability. Organizations should have sound plans to address ongoing or emerging issues identified by research, specific and realistic plans for program or project evaluation, and a desire to promote collaboration to prevent duplication of services. The fund also values project methodologies utilizing preventative strategies for addressing issues and solving problems, along with evidence of organizational planning and management. This reflects a theory of change that emphasizes well-managed, collaborative, and preventative approaches to community challenges. The expected outcomes include significant improvements in the quality of life for Vanderburgh County residents through funded initiatives. Measurable results are tied to the specific evaluation plans outlined in successful proposals. The 2024 Impact Grant Award will be for $30,000, and funded programs and projects must commence within six months of the award and be completed within two years from the grant receipt date. Past recipients of the Impact Grant must observe a two-year waiting period before reapplying, ensuring broader access to funding for various community organizations.

The Black Equity & Excellence Fund, established by the Central New York Community Foundation, is dedicated to supporting community-based projects that foster self-sufficiency and enhance the physical and economic well-being of the Black community in Central New York. This initiative aligns with the Foundation's broader mission to strengthen race-related matters and promote social and educational growth within the community. By investing in projects that directly address the unique needs and challenges faced by Black residents, the fund aims to create a more equitable and thriving environment, reflecting the Foundation's strategic priority of community development and social justice. The primary beneficiaries of this grant program are organizations and projects that explicitly serve the Black community, particularly in Onondaga and Madison counties. The overarching impact goal is to improve the quality of life for Black individuals and families through various interventions. The program aims to empower the Black community by building upon existing capabilities and addressing systemic disparities. This is achieved by focusing on specific interest areas that have been identified as crucial for community advancement and well-being. The fund prioritizes projects within several key focus areas, including Black Creatives, Black Leadership + Advancement, Black LGBTQIA+, Black Mental Wellness, Black Legacy + Generational Wealth, Black Business, Black Maternal Health, Black Civic Engagement, Black Youth + Students, and Black Tech. These areas reflect the Foundation's theory of change, which posits that targeted investments in these sectors will lead to holistic development and greater equity. Projects are encouraged to contribute to dialogue that strengthens race-related matters and supports social and educational growth, indicating a strategic approach to fostering long-term, sustainable change. Expected outcomes include increased self-sufficiency, improved physical and economic conditions, and enhanced community well-being within the Black community. Measurable results are tied to the types of projects funded, with different funding levels supporting various initiatives, from grassroots efforts and pilot programs to the expansion of existing projects and large capital projects. The eligibility criteria, which mandate Black leadership in senior executive positions and at least 51% Black board membership, further ensure that the projects are community-led and responsive to the needs of the Black population, thereby maximizing impact and fostering authentic community empowerment.

This funding opportunity supports non-profit organizations, schools, and community groups in Hawaii to develop and sustain urban forestry projects that promote tree planting, care, and education while emphasizing equity and environmental justice.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to municipalities, non-profit organizations, and Indian Nations in New York State for purchasing land to protect natural resources, enhance outdoor recreation, and improve climate resilience.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to a single birthing hospital or facility in Washington, DC, to establish on-site emergency childcare for pregnant and birthing parents during medical treatments.

This grant provides financial support to nonprofit organizations in Cumberland and surrounding counties for projects that benefit children from birth to 18 years old.

This program provides financial support to farms and agricultural businesses in Garrett County, Maryland, to enhance their marketing efforts and boost local agricultural economic activity.

This program provides funding to local governments and organizations in Florida for small-scale transportation projects that improve safety and accessibility for pedestrians and cyclists, while also preserving cultural and environmental resources.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to organizations that create and manage equine therapy programs aimed at improving the well-being and quality of life for disabled veterans and members of the Armed Forces.

This funding opportunity provides $10,000 to individual artists in Illinois to support their professional development and enhance community engagement through their creative practices.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to local educational agencies and community organizations in California to create after-school programs that enhance literacy, academic achievement, and student safety for children in kindergarten through ninth grade.

The Southern Maryland Agricultural Development Commission (SMADC) is offering its 11th round of farmer mini grants in Spring 2024, providing a total of $60,000 in funding. This program was established in 2016 in response to feedback from the farming community, aligning directly with SMADC's mission to support farms and the future of agriculture in Southern Maryland. The core objective is to expand and promote a viable, market-driven, sustainable, and profitable agricultural farming community in the region. The primary beneficiaries of this program are actively farming individuals in Anne Arundel, Calvert, Charles, Prince George’s, and St. Mary’s counties in Maryland. Both urban and rural farms are encouraged to apply, including youth aged 16 and older who have a background in agriculture. The impact goals are centered around enhancing farm sales strategies, facilitating business maintenance and expansion, and improving overall farm operations through tangible investments. The grant program prioritizes projects that are simple in scope and can be completed within one year. Specific areas of focus include services or equipment to transition sales strategies (e.g., online sales, home delivery, on-farm sales), purchase of foundation livestock or plant stock, marketing and promotion, new fencing, hoop houses, materials for value-added production, on-farm upgrades for food safety, irrigation installation or upgrades (especially in relation to GAP certification or FSMA standards), washing/packing stations, and freezer/refrigeration units. The expected outcomes are diverse, aiming to directly improve farm infrastructure, market access, and operational efficiency. Measurable results would include increased sales due to new strategies or equipment, enhanced food safety compliance, improved crop yields or livestock health, and expanded market reach for participating farms. The grants are awarded up to $3,000 per applicant, requiring a one-to-one dollar match from the farmer, ensuring a shared investment and commitment to project success. SMADC's strategic priority is to foster a robust and sustainable agricultural sector in Southern Maryland. Their theory of change suggests that by providing direct financial assistance for practical, farm-level improvements, they can empower individual farmers to adapt to market demands, enhance their competitiveness, and ultimately contribute to the long-term economic viability and environmental sustainability of agriculture in the region. The matching fund requirement further reinforces this by promoting farmer self-sufficiency and accountability.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations and government entities within the UDS 260 area for innovative community projects that enhance local well-being.

The Rancho Bernardo Community Foundation (RBCF) invites nonprofit organizations to submit grant applications for projects that will enhance the quality of life for those who live, work, and play in Rancho Bernardo. The foundation's purpose and vision are to improve the quality of life and meet emerging needs by increasing responsible and effective philanthropy, building a community endowment, providing annual funds to community organizations, and offering a vehicle for legacy planning. This directly aligns with their mission of fostering community well-being and long-term sustainability within Rancho Bernardo. The grant program targets nonprofit organizations, schools, or government agencies whose projects clearly address Rancho Bernardo-specific issues and needs, and enhance civic engagement, with a clear impact on local residents. The overall impact goal is to improve the quality of life for the community. Funding can be used to expand existing programs, replicate successful programs from other communities, or launch entirely new initiatives, emphasizing practicality and achievability within a 12-month timeframe. RBCF's grantmaking for its 36th year focuses on two key areas: Music and Community Enhancement. For music-related programs, RBCF will award between $1,500 and $5,000 from the RB Symphony on the Green Fund. For community enhancement projects, which aim to inspire community pride, revitalization, and increase the quality of life, grants will range from $1,500 to $10,000. These focus areas reflect the foundation's strategic priority to directly invest in specific sectors that contribute to a vibrant and thriving community. Expected outcomes include projects that demonstrate and/or foster collaboration with other successful entities, have a strategic impact with long-lasting benefits, are based on a proven track record, and target clearly defined, measurable results attainable within a reasonable timeframe. Sustainability is a key criterion, meaning projects should be replicable, repeatable, and/or scalable. The foundation's theory of change posits that by supporting well-managed programs that address unmet needs, foster collaboration, and demonstrate long-term viability, they can effectively contribute to the sustained improvement of the community's quality of life. They particularly seek projects that focus on problem areas, opportunities, or populations not currently funded or serviced by existing entities.