Grants for Nonprofits - Recreation

The City of Flint has launched a new Youth Climate Action Fund, a microgrant program designed to empower youth-led climate initiatives. This program aims to support projects that advance critical community goals related to climate resilience, environmental sustainability, and community engagement. The fund's mission aligns with the broader objective of fostering a more sustainable and resilient Flint by investing in its younger generation as agents of change. The primary beneficiaries of this grant are youth aged 15-24 residing in Flint, who will collaborate with local groups, organizations, nonprofits, and schools to implement their projects. The impact goals are far-reaching, intending to cultivate youth leadership, increase community participation in climate action, and produce tangible environmental improvements within the city. This approach recognizes that youth are not only vulnerable to climate change impacts but also possess unique perspectives and innovative solutions. The fund prioritizes a diverse range of youth-led projects, including awareness, education, research, and development initiatives such as climate education programs, hackathons, surveys, and public art campaigns. It also supports youth-driven climate mitigation and adaptation projects like community gardening, tree planting, reforestation, urban farming, recycling, waste reduction, and disaster preparedness programs. Additionally, the fund encourages co-governed youth climate action plans, fostering partnerships between city leaders and youth groups to inform climate-related policy and the formation of youth climate ambassadors or advisory boards. Expected outcomes include a more informed and engaged youth population, a reduction in environmental waste and an increase in green spaces, improved community resilience to climate-related challenges, and the development of new climate-related policies influenced by youth perspectives. Measurable results will likely involve the number of youth engaged, the types and scale of projects implemented, the amount of waste diverted, the number of trees planted, and the development of new community programs or policies. The City of Flint's strategic priority through this fund is to build a foundation for long-term climate action by investing directly in its youth, thereby creating a sustainable future rooted in community-led solutions and a strong theory of change that empowers the next generation to tackle pressing environmental issues.

This program provides funding to nonprofit organizations in Turlock to support services that assist low- to moderate-income individuals, such as food assistance, homeless services, and youth programs.

This funding opportunity is designed to support non-profit organizations that provide financial education and savings programs for youth in foster care aged 15-21 in the District of Columbia, helping them transition to independent living.

The Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office administers the Community Forests Program to help communities preserve working forest heritage while balancing economic, environmental, and recreational benefits. The program supports land acquisition and complementary restoration and recreation development to keep working forests intact. Typical projects acquire forestland and may include restoration of forest and habitat health and development of recreation facilities such as trails, trailheads, parking, restrooms, campgrounds, picnic and day use areas, challenge courses, and interpretive displays. Restoration activities may include removal of fish barriers and actions that restore forest health. Approximately 3,000,000 dollars is available for awards. Eligible applicants include cities, counties, and towns, Native American tribes, nonprofit nature conservancy organizations, special purpose districts and other political subdivisions, and state agencies in partnership with one or more of these groups. All projects must include acquisition; restoration and development cannot be stand alone activities. Applications are due May 1, 2024 through the state process. Grant size and duration beyond the available pool are not specified. Further information is provided by the Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office.

This grant provides funding to various organizations to expand career education and training in allied health occupations for adults from disadvantaged backgrounds and healthcare workers facing advancement barriers.

This program provides financial support and resources to community-driven environmental initiatives in underserved areas of New York, New Jersey, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and federally recognized Indian Nations.

This grant provides financial support to nonprofit organizations and government entities that enhance the welfare of residents in Fayette County, Iowa, through projects in areas such as arts, education, health, and community development.

The 2025 REC for All Support, Engagement, and Events (SEE) Grant, offered by the DC Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR), aims to support community organizations in delivering engaging recreational programming for underserved youth in the District of Columbia. This initiative aligns with Mayor Bowser’s vision of creating inclusive opportunities that enhance physical, social, and emotional well-being. Applications are due by January 8, 2025, at 4:00 PM EST, and must be submitted electronically via the DPR Grants Management System. Late or incomplete submissions will not be accepted. The SEE Grant provides funding in three categories. The Support Grant offers up to $5,000 for purchasing equipment, supplies, or materials to improve existing programs in areas such as sports, cultural arts, and youth development. The Engagement Grant provides up to $10,000 to fund field trips and other youth engagement activities. Finally, the Event and Travel Grant allocates up to $10,000 to support events, tournaments, or travel for youth athletic competitions. Applicants may choose one category and must clearly demonstrate how the funding will enhance their programming. Eligible applicants include nonprofit, community, and faith-based organizations, as well as public and private service providers with a demonstrated track record of effectively engaging youth. Proposals must address the program’s core values of equity, inclusion, empowerment, community, sustainability, and innovation. Applications should include a program description, participant demographics, and an itemized budget with a narrative detailing how the funds will be utilized. Personnel costs are generally disallowed, except for transitional needs. A pre-application meeting will take place on December 17, 2024, at 11:00 AM, offering applicants an opportunity to learn more about the grant requirements and application process. Interested organizations must register by emailing DPR.Grants@dc.gov. Grantees are required to maintain records for three years post-grant, comply with all reporting and audit requirements, and submit final deliverables no later than 30 days after the program ends. The SEE Grant program has a total funding pool of $550,000, with multiple awards anticipated. Funded programs must operate within the District of Columbia and provide proof of site ownership or occupancy. For additional information or assistance, applicants can contact LaShaun N. Basil at Lashaun.basil@dc.gov. Detailed application instructions and resources are available on the DPR Grants webpage. This funding opportunity is an excellent chance for organizations to expand recreational offerings and create impactful experiences for youth across the city.

This program provides funding to organizations in Maryland that promote equitable access to outdoor recreation for underserved communities, addressing barriers like transportation and cost.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to nonprofit organizations in South Santa Clara County for projects that positively impact areas such as education, technology, and the arts.

This funding opportunity supports nonprofit organizations and artists in Sullivan County to create structured arts education programs in collaboration with schools or community partners.

This grant provides funding to state and local governments, nonprofits, and Native organizations for the preservation and restoration of historic sites that reflect the early history of the United States, in honor of its 250th anniversary.

This grant provides up to $100,000 to nonprofit organizations for innovative projects that address critical community needs in areas such as culture, education, environment, family, and health & wellness within the Tri-State region.

The Creative Learning Grant Program, sponsored by the Lower Manhattan Cultural Council (LMCC), is designed to foster the growth and capacity of Manhattan-based teaching artists and small arts organizations. Its core mission aligns with promoting community-based arts education projects for youth, adults, and older adults. The program is funded through a combination of City funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs’ Greater New York Arts Development Fund and State funds from the New York State Council on the Arts’ (NYSCA) Statewide Community Regrants program, indicating a strategic partnership to broaden arts access. The primary beneficiaries are Manhattan's teaching artists and small arts organizations that are unable to directly apply for City and/or State arts funding. The program targets the development of sequential, skill-building arts study and participatory arts projects. The impact goals are to enrich communities through accessible arts education, delivered in local settings such as senior centers, recreation centers, public libraries, and community centers, thereby strengthening the cultural fabric of Manhattan. The program prioritizes organizations and individual artists with a core artistic mission or a history of arts programming, and those based in Manhattan with proof of nonprofit status (for organizations). A key focus is on supporting entities that do not directly apply to LMCC’s Creative Engagement program or for DCLA (GNYADF) or NYSCA (Statewide Community Regrants) funds in another county/borough for the same fiscal year. First-time applicants are required to attend an information session webinar to ensure understanding of the program's guidelines and expectations. Expected outcomes include the successful implementation of high-quality, community-based arts education projects and an increase in the capacity of teaching artists and small arts organizations. Measurable results are demonstrated through the awarding of grants in amounts of $4,000 and $8,000, with projects taking place between January 1 and December 31, 2025. This structured approach ensures a clear project period and defined funding tiers for evaluation. LMCC's strategic priorities, as evidenced by this program, revolve around fostering local arts initiatives and ensuring that arts funding reaches a diverse range of artists and organizations who might otherwise face barriers to direct funding. The theory of change suggests that by empowering these local artists and organizations through financial support and capacity building, there will be a direct positive impact on community engagement with the arts and the overall well-being of Manhattan residents of all ages.

This funding opportunity supports educational non-profits, public schools, and US Chess affiliates in creating initiatives that encourage participation and engagement of women and girls in chess through workshops and tournaments.

The City of Tucson is offering a two-year grant ranging from $1,000 to $10,000 to local organizations and businesses for programs in areas such as relief for families and workers, small business support, community reinvestment, workforce development, and affordable housing, with a focus on long-term, data-driven investments to address inequities and expand community services.

This funding provides up to $2,000 for specific projects that benefit women, children, and families in Licking County, focusing on tangible outcomes rather than broader programs.

The Granville Community Foundation in Ohio is offering grants to non-profit organizations and public agencies for projects that enrich the lives of Granville residents, with a focus on arts, culture, education, and social services, and prioritizes initiatives that enhance quality of life, cultural opportunities, historical preservation, social support, public spaces, and youth experiences.

The Chatham County Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources Department offers small grants to local nonprofit agencies to enhance recreation opportunities within Chatham County, North Carolina. This program aligns with the department's mission to support and expand recreational access for all citizens, fulfilling the North Carolina Constitution’s public purpose requirement for the expenditure of public funds. The target beneficiaries are local nonprofit agencies that have been in operation for at least three years, excluding start-up agencies and those already funded by the county's operating budget. The program aims to increase and diversify recreational opportunities throughout the county, addressing community needs as outlined in the Chatham County Comprehensive Parks & Recreation Master Plan. Funding priorities for these recreation grants are recommended by the Recreation Advisory Committee. The scoring of applications will be based on alignment with the Chatham County Comprehensive Parks & Recreation Master Plan and the specific goals and objectives of the Chatham County Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources Department. This ensures that funded projects contribute directly to the strategic vision for parks and recreation in the county. While specific expected outcomes and measurable results are not explicitly detailed in the provided information beyond the general goal of supporting recreation opportunities, the emphasis on the Master Plan and departmental goals suggests a framework for evaluating success. Agencies are expected to implement projects, programs, or services that Chatham County has the statutory authority to provide, ensuring that the grants lead to tangible public benefits. The overall theory of change is that by providing financial support to established nonprofit agencies, the county can leverage community-based efforts to expand and improve recreational offerings. The grant amounts, ranging from $10,000 to $100,000, with a tentative FY25 allocation of $20,300, indicate a commitment to investing in a diverse range of projects that will contribute to the well-being and quality of life for Chatham County residents.

JustReinvest is offering a grant of up to $75,000 for community-based organizations in Maricopa County, Arizona, to fund programs that address priority areas such as violence prevention, economic development, neighborhood beautification, and health and wellness improvement, particularly in historically under-resourced neighborhoods and marginalized populations, funded by the Justice Reinvestment Fund which is supported by state tax revenues from the sale of recreational marijuana.