Grants for Nonprofits - Recreation

This federal grant program provides funding to develop and renovate boating facilities targeting guest recreational boats 26 feet and larger. Grants also may be used for boater education. Typical Projects Renovating guest docks Installing utilities to moorage docks Building moorage docks and floats. Funding generally is awarded every 2 years. Funding comes through the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service from federal gas taxes deposited in the federal Aquatic Resources Trust Fund.

This funding opportunity supports community gardens in metro Atlanta by providing financial assistance for infrastructure improvements and larger projects that promote sustainable food growing and community engagement.

This funding opportunity provides financial support for events and activities that attract tourists to Friday Harbor, with a focus on off-season initiatives, and is open to both nonprofit and for-profit organizations, public agencies, and individuals.

This program provides funding to public entities and nonprofit organizations in Pennsylvania for the design, construction, or improvement of public access facilities for non-motorized waterway recreation.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to organizations that empower youth to lead tobacco control initiatives and reduce tobacco use among their peers in the District of Columbia.

This grant provides funding to 501(c)(3) nonprofits and local government entities in Akron, Iowa, to support projects that enhance community quality of life in areas such as arts, education, health, and the environment.

The Indiana Department of Health’s (IDOH) Maternal and Child Health Division aims to fund community-based organizations, local health departments, hospitals, and not-for-profit organizations in Indiana. The primary goal is to implement evidence-based or promising practice programs focused on teen pregnancy prevention and positive youth development. This initiative aligns with the IDOH's mission to improve maternal and child health outcomes across the state by empowering youth to make healthy decisions and avoid risky behaviors. The funding is provided by the Family and Youth Services Bureau and the IDOH, Maternal and Child Health Division (MCH). The program's target beneficiaries are youth within Indiana, with an intentional focus on high-risk groups. These include youth in or aging out of foster care, those in the child welfare system, idle youth (not working or in school), school dropouts, youth living in poverty, youth in juvenile centers, traditionally underserved racial or ethnic groups, LGBTQIA+ youth, and runaway or homeless youth. The impact goals are to reduce teen pregnancy rates, promote self-regulation, encourage healthy relationships, and foster goal setting through a positive youth development framework. The priorities and focuses of this grant include providing evidence-based sexual risk avoidance education curricula that normalize voluntarily refraining from non-marital sexual activity. Programs should also emphasize the benefits of self-regulation, success sequencing, healthy relationships, and goal setting. Applicants may also implement the Teen Café Model alongside an evidence-based curriculum. Additionally, the program prioritizes teaching youth skills to avoid risky behaviors, explaining how alcohol and drug use increases vulnerability, defining "consent" and "active consent," and teaching the importance of attaining self-sufficiency before engaging in sexual activity. Where appropriate, mentoring, counseling, and adult supervision should be provided to support these objectives. Expected outcomes include a decrease in teen pregnancy rates among participating youth, an increase in youth demonstrating self-regulation and goal-setting behaviors, and improved decision-making regarding sexual activity. Measurable results will likely be tracked through participant engagement, knowledge acquisition on consent and risk avoidance, and, ultimately, a reduction in pregnancy rates within the target populations. The strategic priority is to equip Indiana's youth with the knowledge and skills necessary for positive development and to avoid the risks associated with early sexual activity, thereby improving long-term health and well-being outcomes. The theory of change posits that by providing comprehensive, evidence-based education and support, at-risk youth will be empowered to make informed choices that lead to healthier lives and a reduced incidence of teen pregnancy. Projects are scheduled to start October 1, 2024, and conclude September 30, 2026, contingent on federal funding availability.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to cities, counties, and public institutions in Utah for developing and restoring outdoor recreation infrastructure to enhance community access and promote tourism.

The Office of Broadband and Digital Equity (BDE) is accepting applications for the Digital Equity Fund (DEF), a grant program designed to foster community-led digital equity outreach, digital inclusion planning, and implementation within Baltimore City. This initiative aligns with the foundation's mission to bridge the significant digital divide experienced by many Baltimore residents, where over 25% lack a digital device and more than 40% lack internet access. The program's strategic priority is to address these gaps through targeted interventions, aiming for a theory of change that by investing in digital education, inclusion programming, and IT skills, vulnerable populations will gain the essential tools to fully participate in the modern digital world. The DEF focuses on providing digital education training, digital inclusion programming, and initiatives specifically in low digital inclusion communities throughout Baltimore. The target beneficiaries include a wide range of vulnerable residents: those in low digital equity communities, people with disabilities, older adults, immigrants and non-English speakers, racial or ethnic minority groups, returning citizens, LGBTQIA+ youth, people experiencing homelessness, and families with children under five. The impact goal is to empower these communities by enhancing digital literacy and skills, thereby reducing the disparities caused by decades of disinvestment and the digital divide. The program is structured around three distinct grant categories, each with a maximum award of $200,000, and a grant period from September 1, 2024, to June 30, 2026. Tier 1, "Digital Literacy Education Training," supports initiatives for older adults and the wider community through tech hubs at recreation centers, focusing on basic computer skills, internet usage, and digital skills for job seekers. Tier 2, "Advanced Digital Education and IT Fundamentals Programming," aims to provide IT fundamental skills training and certification, such as Cisco IT Essentials or CompTIA certifications, to residents aspiring to IT careers. Tier 3, "Digital Creatives and Virtual Makerspaces Programming," encourages education in coding, digital media creation, robotics, video editing, and 3D printing at local recreation centers. Expected outcomes for the DEF include increased digital literacy and skills across the target populations, enhanced access to digital devices and internet for underserved households, and improved employment opportunities for residents through IT certification. Measurable results will likely involve tracking the number of individuals receiving training, certifications earned, and participation in digital creative programs. The ultimate goal is to see a significant reduction in the digital divide in Baltimore City, enabling more residents to engage effectively in the digital world and addressing the systemic inequities faced by the most vulnerable.

The Youth Opioid Prevention Grant Program (YOPGP) in Oregon City is dedicated to preventing opioid misuse and reducing overdose deaths among young people through evidence-based or evidence-informed strategies. The program aligns with a mission to improve the community's overall quality of life by investing directly in youth-focused initiatives. It seeks to create a healthier environment for young individuals by addressing the critical issue of opioid-related harms. The primary beneficiaries of this program are the youth within the Oregon City community. The impact goals are twofold: to discourage or prevent the misuse of opioids and to prevent or reduce overdose deaths and other opioid-related harms. This is achieved by focusing on comprehensive prevention efforts and harm reduction strategies specifically tailored for young people, aiming to foster a safer and more resilient youth population. The program prioritizes two main areas: preventing opioid misuse and preventing overdose deaths and other harms. Under misuse prevention, strategies include media campaigns, corrective advertising, drug take-back programs, and evidence-based prevention in schools and communities. It also emphasizes addressing mental health needs of young people at risk of misusing opioids, including emotional modulation, resilience skills, and increased access to mental health services through schools and behavioral health workers. For harm reduction, the focus is on increasing the availability and distribution of naloxone and other overdose-treating drugs, alongside training and education for various community members and organizations. The expected outcomes include a measurable decrease in youth opioid misuse and a reduction in overdose deaths and other opioid-related harms in Oregon City. The program anticipates improved community well-being and a more informed and resilient youth population capable of making healthier choices. The strategic approach is rooted in a theory of change that posits that by implementing evidence-based prevention and harm reduction programs, providing mental health support, and increasing access to life-saving resources, the incidence of opioid misuse and its associated negative consequences among youth will significantly decline. The funding for the YOPGP comes from the Oregon City Budget Committee, which earmarks $40,000 annually. The City plans to distribute up to $40,000 in awards each year, with individual grants capped at $20,000 for a one-year duration (July 1, 2024 – June 30, 2025). Eligible applicants include non-profit organizations with 501(c)(3) status, schools or institutions of higher learning, and local government advisory committees, departments, or coalitions. Projects must not involve major capital improvements, promote or inhibit religion, discriminate, or replace existing funding sources.

This grant provides funding to community members and organizations in Philadelphia to improve public spaces and enhance pedestrian safety, particularly in underserved neighborhoods.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to nonprofit organizations in the Puna area of Hawai‘i to foster collaboration and enhance community resilience following the 2018 Kīlauea eruption.

This funding opportunity supports non-profit and community organizations in Knoxville to implement programs that raise awareness and prevent youth violence during National Youth Violence Prevention Week.

This grant provides funding to local governments and nonprofit organizations for projects that restore and enhance urban forested areas and riparian corridors, focusing on improving ecosystem health and resilience.

This grant provides financial support to local nonprofits in Hammond to improve community quality of life through projects in arts, civic betterment, education, and health.

The Outreach and Restoration Grant Program is a collaborative effort between the Chesapeake Bay Trust and various partners including BGE, Charles County, the City of Baltimore Department of Public Works, and others. This program is designed to foster community engagement, raise awareness, and facilitate on-the-ground restoration projects. Its core mission aligns with increasing knowledge, changing behaviors, and accelerating the stewardship of natural resources within Maryland. The Trust encourages projects that recognize the interconnectedness of environmental and human health, aiming for co-benefits such as improved air quality, access to green spaces, and reduced flooding, alongside direct natural resource improvements. The program targets a diverse range of organizations, encompassing both community-related and environmental-focused missions. Eligible applicants include 501(c)3 private nonprofits, faith-based organizations, community and homeowners associations, public agencies, and educational institutions. The overarching impact goals are to increase public understanding of environmental challenges and solutions, address community environmental health disparities, implement demonstration-scale community-inspired restoration projects, and expand the base of public support for the restoration and protection of Maryland's natural resources. Projects funded through this grant program must meet one or both of two primary goals: engaging specific audiences in community sustainability and environmental health issues through knowledge-building or behavior-change efforts, and accomplishing on-the-ground restoration that enhances the health of Maryland's natural resources, specifically through water quality improvement or habitat enhancement. These priorities are further broken down into four distinct funding tracks: Outreach/Knowledge Building (up to $50,000), Behavior Change (up to $75,000), Restoration (up to $100,000), and Outreach and Restoration (up to $125,000), allowing applicants to focus on their specific expertise and project scope. Expected outcomes and measurable results include increased knowledge and altered behaviors among community members regarding environmental stewardship. On-the-ground restoration projects are expected to yield tangible improvements in water quality and habitat health. The program seeks to demonstrate the effectiveness of community-led stewardship efforts and address local environmental health disparities. By engaging a broad spectrum of organizations and communities, the Chesapeake Bay Trust and its partners aim to build a stronger, more informed base of support for long-term environmental protection and restoration across the state of Maryland.

The Manhattan Composting Award, offered by the Manhattan Borough, aims to combat climate change by reducing organic waste in the waste stream through supporting composting programs. This initiative aligns with a broader mission to address environmental challenges at the local level by fostering sustainable practices within the community. The grant specifically focuses on promoting composting as an accessible and effective method for waste reduction, thereby contributing to a healthier environment and mitigating the effects of climate change within Manhattan. The primary beneficiaries of this grant are youth, seniors, intergenerational populations, and the broader Manhattan community. The grant seeks to impact these groups by increasing their engagement in composting activities and enhancing their understanding of its importance. The goal is to empower residents with the knowledge and resources to participate in organic waste diversion, leading to a measurable reduction in the volume of organic materials sent to landfills. Project priorities for the Manhattan Composting Award include the establishment and expansion of composting and composting education programs tailored for youth and seniors, as well as initiatives that foster intergenerational participation. Community engagement efforts that highlight the benefits of composting and the diverse options available throughout Manhattan are also a key focus. These priorities underscore a comprehensive approach to integrating composting into the daily lives of residents across different age groups and demographics. The expected outcomes of this grant include a significant increase in the number of composting programs implemented and the level of community participation in these programs. Measurable results will likely involve tracking the volume of organic waste diverted from landfills, the number of individuals educated through composting programs, and the establishment of new composting infrastructure. While a specific theory of change or explicit strategic priorities of the "foundation" (in this case, the Manhattan Borough) are not detailed, the program implicitly operates on the theory that increased community participation and education in composting will directly lead to reduced waste, a cleaner environment, and a more sustainable urban ecosystem. The focus on education and community engagement suggests a belief that empowering residents with knowledge and practical skills is the most effective way to achieve long-term environmental benefits.

The Federal Clean Vessel Act (CVA) Grant Program provides annual matching federal grants to support the purchase, installation, repair/upgrade, operation, and maintenance of recreational vessel marine sanitation facilities (pumpout facilities) and pumpout vessels in Connecticut. The program aims to improve water quality by increasing the availability of proper waste handling facilities for boaters, thereby reducing the discharge of poorly treated or untreated sanitary wastes into Long Island Sound and its harbors. Eligible applicants include public and private marinas, yacht clubs, boatyards, municipal and state-owned facilities, and pumpout vessel programs. Grants cover up to 75% of project costs, requiring a 25% match from grantees. Approximately $1 million is available annually. Grant renewed every year.

The 2024-2025 Ag Conservation Research Grants program, offered by the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, aims to fund agricultural conservation research. This initiative aligns with the broader mission of promoting sustainable agricultural practices and protecting natural resources within the state. The funding, made available through the Clean Streams Fund Nutrient Management federal ARPA funds, underscores a strategic priority to improve water quality and address nutrient management challenges. The target beneficiaries of this grant program are researchers and institutions capable of conducting agricultural conservation research within Pennsylvania. The program's impact goals are to generate actionable data and recommendations that can inform and improve agricultural conservation efforts. This includes identifying sources of pollution, quantifying the effectiveness of various practices, and developing new methods for environmental protection. The program prioritizes several research topic areas, including identifying nuisance emissions in the mushroom industry and their mitigation, quantifying emissions from the mushroom industry, and measuring the impact of best practices. It also focuses on quantifying the impact of Manure Treatment Technologies (MTT) on water quality and providing recommendations for their improved utilization. Furthermore, the program seeks to quantify the impact of precision feeding on nutrient reductions and the climate benefits of best management practices installed through the Agriculture Conservation Assistance Program and Conservation Excellence Grant programs (ACAP & CEG). Expected outcomes include the development of new and improved conservation practices, a better understanding of the environmental impacts of agricultural operations, and evidence-based recommendations for policy and practice. Measurable results will stem from the quantification of emissions, nutrient reductions, and climate impacts, as well as the evaluation of technologies and practices. The department intends to make up to $1,500,000 available for grants under the program, with research to be conducted from July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2026, with the possibility of extension.

This program provides funding to public entities in Pennsylvania for the development and improvement of public fishing and boating access facilities.