Grants for Nonprofits - Recreation

The City of Boston has launched the Third Annual Community Empowerment Grants, offering a total of $500,000 to strengthen capacity and expand programming for organizations supporting men and boys across Boston’s neighborhoods. Administered by the Mayor’s Office of Black Male Advancement (BMA), these grants provide up to $20,000 per organization to enhance programs aimed at empowering Black men and boys. Applications are open now and must be submitted by January 6, 2024, at 5:00 PM. The grants focus on seven key areas: Mentoring and Out-of-School Time, Youth and Young Adult Pathways, Housing Mobility, Economic Inclusion and Wealth Building, Workforce Training and Development, Fatherhood Engagement, and Mental Health and Wellness. Programs in these areas should foster social, economic, and emotional wellbeing for men and boys, providing pathways to success in education, housing, employment, and mental health. Building on the success of prior grant cycles, this year’s initiative introduces enhanced capacity-building support through the BMA Capacity Building and Impact Institute and mentoring opportunities in collaboration with Mass Mentoring. These programs offer personalized coaching, nonprofit training, and expert resources to help grantees amplify their impact and build long-term sustainability. To further promote collaboration, the BMA will facilitate a community of practice for grantees to share insights and strategies. Eligible applicants must be Boston-based organizations with a demonstrated history of positively impacting Black men and boys. Interested organizations can attend a virtual information session on December 11, 2024, at 12:00 PM via Zoom, with registration available on the BMA website. For further questions, applicants may contact the City of Boston grants team at grants@boston.gov. In previous cycles, $1.5 million in Community Empowerment Grants has been awarded to 115 community-based organizations. This ongoing investment aligns with the BMA's mission to create equitable opportunities and lasting change for Black men and boys across Boston. For more details on this and other grant opportunities, visit www.boston.gov/grants.

The Union County Local Arts Grants program, supported by the Union County Board of County Commissioners, the Cultural and Heritage Programs Advisory Board, and the NJ State Council on the Arts, aims to strengthen local arts through a State/County block-grant partnership. This initiative aligns with a broader mission to recognize the value of the arts, foster artistic excellence, and expand the public impact of arts organizations and projects within Union County. The program's design reflects a strategic priority to empower non-profit arts organizations and non-arts organizations that serve Union County residents, demonstrating a commitment to local cultural development. The primary target beneficiaries are non-profit arts organizations and non-arts organizations located in and serving Union County residents, as well as libraries, schools, and units of government undertaking specific arts projects. The impact goals are multifaceted: to increase the availability and accessibility of quality arts experiences, broaden and diversify participation in the arts, and promote public and private support for local arts activities. This includes fostering collaborations and partnership-building, ensuring ADA compliance, and strengthening organizations artistically and administratively. The program prioritizes several key areas, encouraging applicants to highlight the excellence of New Jersey artists, incorporate diverse programming and artists, reach diverse and underserved audiences, present family-friendly programs, and promote high-quality, lifelong arts education. Organizations can apply for either General Operating Support (GOS), exclusively for arts organizations to cover overall operations, or Special Project (SP) grants, open to both arts and non-arts organizations for specific arts projects or series. This dual approach allows for comprehensive support, addressing both the foundational stability of arts organizations and the execution of innovative projects. Expected outcomes include enhanced artistic excellence, increased public recognition of the arts, and a more robust and diverse array of arts programs available to Union County residents. Measurable results are tied to strengthening local arts organizations, increasing accessibility through ADA compliance, and fostering greater community participation. The theory of change behind this grant program posits that by investing in local arts organizations and projects, Union County can cultivate a vibrant cultural landscape, enrich the lives of its residents, and stimulate broader community engagement and support for the arts.

The Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and Blue Care Network are offering the Step Up for School Wellness (SUFSW) grant, an innovative program designed to empower school health leaders, educators, administrators, families, and communities. This initiative aims to improve the health and well-being of K-12 students and staff across all public, charter, or private nonprofit schools in Michigan. The program aligns with the foundation's mission by fostering healthier school environments and cultivating a culture of wellness, which directly contributes to the development of lifelong healthy behaviors. The primary beneficiaries of this program are K-12 students and school staff throughout Michigan. The program's core impact goals revolve around reducing the incidence of obesity and undernourishment, combating absenteeism, addressing trauma, and nurturing a more productive teaching and learning atmosphere. Through a five-step model, the SUFSW program translates into specific goals focused on improving knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors related to health and wellness. The program prioritizes several key areas, including empowering students to be more physically active daily and make healthy food choices that incorporate fruits, vegetables, low-fat dairy, whole grains, and lean protein. Furthermore, it aims to empower students to learn and practice social and emotional skills, and equip staff to implement and participate in well-being initiatives. A significant focus is also placed on encouraging staff to instigate policy, system, and environmental changes that bolster the well-being of both students and staff within schools. Expected outcomes include improved physical activity levels, healthier eating habits, enhanced social and emotional skills among students, and a stronger culture of wellness for all school employees. The program also anticipates policy and environmental changes within schools that support overall well-being. These measurable results are driven by three distinct focus areas: physical activity and physical education resources, healthy eating and nutrition education resources, and well-being resources, all working towards a greater collective impact.

This funding opportunity is designed for organizations within the Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Units Program to support natural resource management and conservation efforts at Edwards Air Force Base in California.

The Innovia Foundation has launched the Community Heart & Soul® Program, a resident-driven initiative aimed at strengthening rural communities within its 20-county service area across Idaho and Washington. This program aligns with the foundation's mission to "BUILD COMMUNITY" and "TAKE ACTION" on what matters most to residents. The foundation's strategic priority is to foster local community decision-making, increase volunteerism, encourage investment in community-supported programs, and stimulate economic development. The target beneficiaries are rural communities in the designated 20-county region. The program's impact goals are to increase resident participation in local decision-making, boost volunteer engagement, promote investment in community programs, and drive economic development and downtown revitalization. It also aims to establish community endowment funds, ensuring long-term sustainability and local ownership. The Community Heart & Soul approach is based on three core principles: "Involve Everyone," "Focus On What Matters Most," and "Play The Long Game," reflecting a theory of change that empowers residents to shape their communities' future while preserving their unique character. The program prioritizes communities that can provide a $10,000 local match, demonstrating local commitment and investment. Innovia will award up to ten $30,000 grants to support community-based project coordinators and actions for up to two years. The grant period is from October 1, 2024, to August 31, 2026. The foundation emphasizes an advisory process with local volunteers to ensure that grant opportunities address the evolving needs of the communities they serve. Expected outcomes include a measurable increase in local community decision-making participation, higher volunteer rates, increased investment in community-supported programs and activities, and tangible economic development and downtown revitalization. The establishment of community endowment funds is another key measurable result, indicating sustainable community growth and self-sufficiency. Eligibility requires applicants to be a public charity with 501(c)(3) status, a federally recognized tribe, or a public entity, ensuring that the grants support organizations with a clear charitable purpose and a commitment to the well-being of their communities.

The San Francisco Bay Restoration Authority, a regional government agency, allocates funds for restoring and enhancing wetland and wildlife habitats along the San Francisco Bay shoreline. Grants exceeding $1 million are available for projects lasting up to five years, with a deadline of September 20, 2024. Eligible projects must be located within the nine Bay Area counties—Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, Napa, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Solano, and Sonoma—and align with priorities outlined in Measure AA. These priorities include maximizing positive environmental impacts, ensuring geographic distribution, leveraging additional resources, and benefiting economically disadvantaged communities. The Authority funds various project phases, including planning, construction, and scientific studies, provided they support habitat restoration, flood management, or public access initiatives. Projects must meet specific criteria related to improving water quality, enhancing wildlife habitats, providing flood protection, and improving public access. Eligible applicants include federal, state, and local agencies, tribal governments, nonprofits, and shoreline parcel owners in the San Francisco Bay Area. For more information, visit the San Francisco Bay Restoration Authority website.

This grant provides funding to establish Trauma Recovery Centers in Arizona, aimed at supporting survivors of crime and underserved populations through holistic, trauma-informed services.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations in Erie County to support projects that improve the lives of women and children by addressing critical issues such as transportation, healthcare, education, housing, childcare, and food insecurity.

This funding opportunity provides up to $2 million to a single organization to enhance statewide tobacco prevention efforts in California through communication, technical assistance, and support for local initiatives targeting high-risk populations.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to non-profit organizations and public agencies in San Diego County for projects that enhance community well-being, safety, and economic opportunities.

The Pollinator Pathways grant program, led by local conservation partners in Minnesota, aims to promote native plantings to establish key corridors for at-risk pollinators like the Monarch Butterfly and Rusty Patched Bumble Bee. This initiative aligns with a broader mission of increasing biodiversity, enhancing climate resiliency through deep-rooted native vegetation, and providing essential ecosystem services. The program is designed to fund pollinator plantings and inspire DIY projects among Minnesota residents. Funding for the FY24/25 biennium totals $1,100,000, with individual grant requests needing to be greater than $50,000. The primary beneficiaries of this program are Minnesota residents, communities, and educational spaces, particularly those with gardens, as well as the at-risk pollinator species themselves. The impact goals are to establish and connect pollinator pathways across communities, ranging from local neighborhoods to entire watersheds. This will be achieved by creating new habitats and educating Minnesotans about pollinators and ecological landscaping. The program also seeks to foster civic engagement and public outreach to further these goals. The program prioritizes activities that directly support the establishment of pollinator habitat projects. This includes planting beneficial trees, shrubs, pollinator lawns, meadows, and native pocket plantings, with a maximum project size of 5 acres. A strong emphasis is placed on using MN Native Plants and Seeds that are insecticide/neonicotinoid free, ensuring at least three blooming plant species during spring, summer, and fall, and sourcing native plants within 175 miles of the project location. Expected outcomes include a significant increase in pollinator habitat across Minnesota, improved climate resiliency, and greater biodiversity. Measurable results will stem from tracking the establishment of pollinator habitat projects, the types and diversity of native plantings, and the engagement of residents and communities in ecological landscaping efforts. The program’s strategic approach centers on local partnerships, community involvement, and hands-on projects, with a theory of change that by empowering residents and communities to create pollinator-friendly landscapes, vital corridors will be established, leading to a healthier environment for at-risk pollinators and broader ecological benefits.

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This grant provides financial support to local sports organizations in the Richmond Region to enhance their events and attract more visitors, boosting tourism and the local economy.

The City of Bellevue Art and Cultural Facility Grant Program aims to fund capital projects by arts and cultural organizations within Bellevue, Washington. This program directly supports the city's commitment to fostering a vibrant cultural landscape, recognizing the importance of well-maintained and accessible facilities for artistic expression and community engagement. The program's mission aligns with the broader goal of enriching the lives of Bellevue residents by ensuring robust and sustainable cultural infrastructure. It prioritizes the physical foundations that enable arts and cultural organizations to thrive, acknowledging that facility health is critical for long-term operational success and public service. The target beneficiaries are nonprofit arts and cultural organizations in Bellevue that require funding for capital projects or facility maintenance. The ultimate impact goal is to enhance the longevity, functionality, and accessibility of cultural facilities, thereby expanding access to arts and culture for underrepresented groups and the general public. Expected outcomes include improved physical spaces for performances, exhibitions, workshops, and educational programs, leading to increased participation and engagement from Bellevue residents. Measurable results could include the number of facilities renovated or maintained, the increase in program offerings, and the growth in audience attendance or participant numbers. The program has two distinct focuses: Capital Projects and Facility Maintenance. Capital Projects encompass acquiring property, building new facilities, acquiring specialized equipment, and major building renovations. Facility Maintenance focuses on preventative maintenance and repairs to preserve existing arts and cultural facilities. Both types of projects are prioritized, reflecting a comprehensive strategy for supporting the physical infrastructure of the arts. The funding structure for Capital Projects allows for requests up to $499,999 for renovations and equipment, with potential for higher requests for land acquisition or new construction, provided it doesn't exceed 40% of the total project budget. Facility Maintenance grants also cap at $499,999. Eligibility criteria emphasize a commitment to public benefit, a sustainable financial model, and a strong presence in Bellevue. Organizations must be nonprofits in good standing for at least two years and not be dependent on City funding for their operational staffing or facility maintenance. A key strategic priority is to ensure that public funding translates into tangible public benefits, such as free or reduced-fare tickets, scholarships for arts education, and services that expand access to underrepresented groups. This aligns with a theory of change where investment in cultural infrastructure and organizational stability directly leads to increased public access and engagement with the arts. Project eligibility also requires site control and a commitment to operating the facility for a minimum of five or ten years, depending on the project size, demonstrating a long-term vision for cultural sustainability in Bellevue.

This funding opportunity supports nonprofit organizations that provide educational and developmental programs for middle school students, particularly those from low-income backgrounds, to improve academic performance and reduce absenteeism.

The Community Reinvestment Fund is a capital grant program established by the Delaware General Assembly, designed to foster community redevelopment, revitalization, and investment capital projects. Its overarching mission is to improve the economic, cultural, historical, and recreational health of Delaware communities. This program aligns with a strategic priority to enhance local well-being and stimulate growth across various sectors within the state. The target beneficiaries of this grant program include county and local governments, community-based nonprofit organizations, and private sector nonprofit organizations that hold a 501(c)3 designation at the time of application. The program specifically excludes state agencies, school districts, charter schools, private schools, institutions of higher education, childcare facilities, churches, fire companies, fiscal agents, and for-profit organizations. The impact goals are broad, aiming for a holistic improvement in community health. The program prioritizes projects that involve preconstruction costs, land acquisition, building construction, reconstruction, rehabilitation, or restoration. It also supports the acquisition or installation of apparatus or equipment permanently attached to buildings, and the acquisition and improvement of land for project sites. Furthermore, the construction of sidewalks, sewers, or water mains connecting to public systems are eligible. These priorities demonstrate a focus on tangible, capital-intensive projects that build or restore essential community infrastructure. The expected outcomes and measurable results include the successful completion of capital projects that contribute to the economic, cultural, historical, and recreational health of Delaware communities. While specific metrics are not detailed, the emphasis on "redevelopment," "revitalization," and "investment" suggests a theory of change where targeted capital injections lead to observable improvements in community assets and overall quality of life. The program implicitly aims for a ripple effect, where improved infrastructure and facilities foster greater community engagement, economic activity, and cultural preservation.

City of Centennial is accepting applications for the Broncos Youth Activity Grant Program, offering $900,000 in grant funding to support youth activity programs due to the sale of the Broncos Football Team. Organizations may apply for a maximum of $200,000 for capital projects and $100,000 for other initiatives. Projects must be completed within one year and applicants must demonstrate how the project benefits Centennial youth. Preference will be given to new projects that have not been previously considered, and discrimination-based groups or programs are not eligible for funding. Visit City of Centennial for more information.

This program provides funding for community-led initiatives in Phoenix that focus on improving neighborhood safety and security through block watch projects.

The Avery Community Foundation (ACF) is offering community grants to qualified charitable organizations serving Avery County, North Carolina. This grant program aligns with the foundation's mission to address a broad range of local needs. The ACF seeks to support initiatives that strengthen the community across various sectors, demonstrating a strategic commitment to comprehensive local development. The grant program targets a diverse range of beneficiaries within Avery County, including those in need of human services, education, youth development, health, food/nutrition, and arts. The impact goal is to meet these local needs through funding programs that deliver direct benefits to the community-at-large. The foundation prioritizes organizations that provide programs and services without discrimination based on age, race, national origin, ethnicity, gender, physical ability, sexual orientation, political affiliation, or religious belief. The program focuses on supporting 501(c)(3) public charity nonprofit organizations, organizations with a fiscal agent who is a 501(c)(3) public charity, local governments (including public schools), and fire and rescue departments. Religious entities may also apply for funding to support social outreach and charitable service programs that benefit the community-at-large, but not for general operating support. This focus ensures that funding reaches a wide array of entities capable of implementing effective community programs. While specific measurable results are not explicitly detailed beyond meeting local needs, the foundation expects outcomes that demonstrably improve the quality of life and address the identified challenges within Avery County. The typical grant range of $500 to $1,000 suggests a strategy of providing smaller, impactful grants to support numerous local initiatives. The ACF's theory of change appears to be rooted in empowering local organizations to directly address community needs, thereby fostering a more resilient and thriving local environment.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to nonprofit organizations and municipalities for summer programs that enhance academic achievement and mental health services for school-aged youth in Central and North Central Massachusetts.