Grants for Nonprofits - Recreation

This program provides funding to support projects that restore and maintain trails and watersheds in national forests and grasslands across the United States.

The Impact Central Illinois 2025 Grant Cycle is now open, offering significant funding opportunities for local nonprofit organizations. This women's collective giving organization combines contributions from members to fund impactful projects addressing critical community needs. For 2025, Impact Central Illinois plans to award three IMPACT Grants of $100,000 each and one INSPIRE Grant of $25,000, with the final grant amounts confirmed in December 2024. The funding cycle runs from July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2025, with grants awarded during the organization’s annual meeting in June 2025. Nonprofits interested in applying must first complete Phase 1, which involves submitting financial documentation and an organizational questionnaire via the online portal by January 1, 2025, at 11:59 PM EST. This phase focuses on financial integrity, and the Financial Review Committee (FRC) will evaluate the submitted documentation in early 2025 to assess each organization's readiness to receive and implement a grant. Organizations approved during this phase will be invited in February 2025 to submit detailed proposals and budgets for consideration. Impact Central Illinois evaluates applications through a five-phase process. In Phase 2 and 3, eligible organizations submit proposals and project budgets, which are reviewed by the Grant Review Committees (GRCs). Phase 4 involves on-site visits and interviews with selected organizations’ leadership. Finally, in Phase 5, two finalists from each focus area are invited to the annual meeting, where they present their proposals, and members vote to select the grant recipients. Grant applications must align with one of three focus areas: Health & Community Wellbeing, Education & Community Development, or Social Services & Basic Needs. Smaller nonprofits applying for the INSPIRE Grant do not need to select a specific focus area. Applicants are required to submit three years of filed organizational 990s (990 or 990-EZ, not 990-N), proof of 501(c)(3) status, proof of good standing, and, if applicable, the most recent audit. For organizations unable to file 990s, a financial review template is available. Nonprofits are encouraged to thoroughly review the guidelines and submit complete and accurate documentation to maximize their chances of advancing through the grant cycle. Questions can be directed to grants@impactcentralillinois.org, and more details are available on the Impact Central Illinois website. This grant opportunity offers a substantial funding boost to organizations addressing critical community issues with innovative and measurable solutions.

The Vermont Community Foundation's grant program seeks proposals from Vermont villages, towns, and cities to close the opportunity gap by fostering inclusion and belonging for people of all races and backgrounds. This initiative aligns with the Foundation's mission to support local governments in removing structural barriers and building a more inclusive and diverse state. Developed in collaboration with the Vermont League of Cities and Towns and Vermont’s Office of Racial Equity, the program primarily supports communities participating in the IDEAL (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Action, and Leadership) Vermont program, though limited grants are also available for non-participating communities. The target beneficiaries of this program are all people within Vermont communities, particularly those who may feel excluded, discriminated against, or fear visiting, living, or conducting business due to a reputation for exclusion, intolerance, or bias. The program specifically aims to benefit Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) individuals by ensuring they feel safe and supported, thereby enabling their recruitment and leadership in businesses and local governing bodies. The overall impact goal is to cultivate communities where all residents feel connected and safe, regardless of their background or how long they have resided there. The program prioritizes a range of activities designed to meet locally defined community needs. These include funding for consultant-led work, such as introductory and implicit bias trainings, equity assessments, planning efforts, and reviews of hiring practices. Additionally, the program focuses on supporting community-wide conversations, the creation and work of municipal equity committees, and providing stipends for community members to ensure their involvement is appropriately compensated (e.g., for time off work, childcare, or transportation). This flexible approach acknowledges that communities are at different stages in their equity journey and require varied support. Expected outcomes include a reduction in feelings of fear or exclusion within communities, increased recruitment and leadership of BIPOC individuals in local businesses and governance, and enhanced capacity for educators, students, local leaders, and families to address discrimination and bias effectively. Measurable results will stem from the progress municipalities make in their learning and actions related to equity and inclusion. While not explicitly detailing a 'theory of change,' the Foundation's strategic priority is clearly to empower local governments as leaders in fostering a more equitable and inclusive Vermont by providing resources that facilitate ongoing progress rather than expecting a single project to resolve all challenges.

This program provides funding to New Jersey middle schools to explore career opportunities in the esports industry, aiming to improve student engagement and attendance, particularly for special populations.

This grant provides funding for research projects that enhance the health of the Lake Champlain Basin, focusing on climate change adaptation, water quality, and community resilience, and is open to universities, nonprofits, and businesses in Vermont and New York.

South Lake Tahoe Cannabis Community Benefit Grant Program - Summary Grant Program Open! The City of South Lake Tahoe is offering grants funded by Cannabis Community Benefit Fees. These grants aim to mitigate potential impacts of the cannabis industry while also supporting the city's strategic priorities. Who can apply? Non-profit organizations or public agencies located in or serving South Lake Tahoe Must have a current City business license (free for non-profits) One application per organization Past recipients must be in good standing with previous grant reporting What can the grant be used for? Projects that address the City's strategic priorities (Built Environment, Recreation, Community, Economic Development, Government Services) Mitigating potential impacts of the cannabis industry Grant Details: Amounts: $1,000 - $50,000 Funds must be used within one year Up-front disbursement of 90%, remaining 10% upon successful completion Allowable indirect cost rate: 10% (unless a separate rate is approved) Important Dates: Application window: Open Now (as of April 15) until May 15, 2024 (11:59 pm) Awards announced: June 2024 Grant renewed every year.

The City of Savannah's 2025 Community Partnership Program aims to address key issues impacting its residents through Community Investment programs and Homelessness Services System Coordination funding. This initiative seeks to align with the city's strategic priorities of Good Government, Vibrant Neighborhoods, Health & Environment, Economic Strength/Poverty Reduction, Infrastructure Growth & Development, and Public Safety. The program operates under a theory of change that by supporting legally formed non-profit entities directly benefiting Savannah residents, it can achieve positive and measurable community outcomes across various critical sectors. The Community Investment programs target a broad range of beneficiaries, including residents experiencing challenges with economic mobility, seniors, youth, individuals facing food insecurity, and those in need of health and wellness services. The impact goal for these programs is to foster a more resilient and thriving community by addressing fundamental needs and improving quality of life. Funding for Community Investment contracts ranges from $15,000 to $50,000, with proposals evaluated by selection committees. A specific focus of the program is Homelessness Services System Coordination. This funding category, capped at $200,000, is dedicated to supporting the lead agency for the Continuum of Care (CoC). The target beneficiaries for this category are individuals and families experiencing homelessness in Savannah. The impact goal is to strengthen the coordinated entry system and other federally mandated CoC activities, leading to more efficient and effective services for the homeless population and ultimately reducing homelessness in the city. Eligible activities for participating agencies fall under two categories: Community Services and Homelessness Services System Coordination. Proposals for Community Services (ranging from $15,000 to $50,000) must demonstrate the ability to address a community need. For the Homelessness Services System Coordination category (up to $200,000), agencies must prove their capacity to provide all required Continuum of Care services. Expected outcomes include tangible improvements in the focus areas, with measurable results tied to the specific services provided and the number of residents impacted. For instance, an economic mobility program would measure the number of individuals gaining employment or increased income, while a food insecurity program would track the number of meals provided or individuals served. To ensure accountability and financial integrity, applying agencies must be legally formed non-profit entities located within Savannah and providing services to its residents. They are required to provide proof of legal formation and submit a Review Report of their profit and loss statement or financial statements prepared by an Independent Auditor or Certified Public Accountant. For agencies expending less than $100,000 in the prior fiscal year, a summary of the Profit and Loss Statement prepared by an independent auditor or a certified public accountant will be accepted. Any financial concerns identified will be addressed during the proposal review period in consultation with the City of Savannah’s Office of Management and Budget, ensuring that public funds are managed responsibly and effectively towards achieving the program’s strategic objectives.

This program provides funding to municipalities, park districts, tribes, and nonprofits in Pierce County to preserve open spaces and enhance community recreational areas.

The FY2025 Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Community Grant, offered by the Executive Office of Mayor Muriel Bowser and the Mayor’s Office of Asian and Pacific Islander Affairs (MOAPIA), seeks grant applications from qualified Community-Based Organizations (CBOs) serving the District of Columbia’s AAPI community. This grant program is aligned with the broader mission of empowering District residents, fostering public safety, and enhancing education. MOAPIA's strategic priorities are evident in the funding areas, which aim to improve the quality of life for all residents and build stronger communities. The grant targets members of the AAPI community of all ages residing in the District of Columbia. The impact goals are to create a vibrant downtown where residents, workers, and visitors can live, work, and play, fight to protect the middle class, reduce all forms of violence including gun violence, and ensure every child has the opportunity to reach their full potential. These goals reflect a comprehensive theory of change that by investing in key areas, the District can foster a more equitable, safe, and prosperous environment for its AAPI residents. The program prioritizes initiatives within three key funding areas: Downtown Comeback, Public Safety, and Education. The Downtown Comeback focus seeks to reimagine a downtown with vibrant centers of activity and ensure job opportunities for Washingtonians across all eight wards, enabling them to build better lives. The Public Safety focus aims to create significant, lasting change by reducing and ultimately ending all types of violence, including gun violence. The Education focus emphasizes supporting schools as community heartbeats, ensuring every child has access to quality education, including reading, math, sports, arts, civic engagement, and youth engagement. Expected outcomes include a more vibrant and economically secure downtown, a reduction in violence and improved public safety across the District, and enhanced educational opportunities and well-being for students and residents. While specific measurable results are not explicitly detailed beyond the funding areas and target populations, the grant's emphasis on progress reports reflecting substantial progress towards grant agreement goals suggests a commitment to accountability and impact. Eligible organizations can be awarded up to $40,000 for a project period from October 1, 2024, to September 30, 2025, further indicating a structured approach to achieving these outcomes.

The Tourism and Cultural Investment Grant Program, offered by the City of Spokane, is designed to significantly enhance the city's tourism and cultural environment. The program's core mission is to promote cultural diversity, support various forms of cultural investment, and foster new opportunities for tourism and cultural enrichment within Spokane. This directly aligns with a broader objective of enriching the community and attracting visitors through vibrant cultural and recreational offerings. The primary beneficiaries of this grant program are organizations, including non-profit, for-profit, and public agencies, that are actively involved in projects, programs, events, and facilities promoting tourism and cultural investment. The impact goals are centered on creating a more diverse and appealing cultural landscape, drawing more tourists, and ultimately boosting the local economy and quality of life for residents. The program prioritizes projects that contribute to cultural activities such as sports, arts, street/park festivals, film, culinary events, and music. This broad scope ensures that a wide array of cultural expressions can receive support, reflecting a strategic focus on comprehensive cultural development. The emphasis is on initiatives that can tangibly demonstrate their capacity to enhance Spokane's appeal as a cultural and tourist destination. Expected outcomes include an increase in diverse cultural events and attractions, a rise in tourism figures, and greater engagement from both residents and visitors in cultural activities. Measurable results would likely involve tracking the number and type of projects funded, attendance at cultural events, and economic indicators related to tourism. The City of Spokane's strategic priorities, as evidenced by this grant, involve leveraging cultural and tourism assets for community development and economic growth. The underlying theory of change appears to be that by strategically investing in cultural and tourism initiatives, the city can create a self-reinforcing cycle of cultural vibrancy, increased visitor numbers, and economic prosperity. By supporting a diverse range of cultural endeavors, the program aims to build a more dynamic and attractive city, thereby achieving its overarching goals of cultural enrichment and economic development. These grants, ranging from $5,000 to $10,000, serve as catalytic investments to achieve these broader strategic objectives.

This grant provides funding for organizations to create and manage after-school programs that support academic success and social development for students in grades K through 8 across Queen Anne’s County.

The Brookline Community Foundation (BCF) is offering a Community Grant Program, providing funding between $10,000 to $100,000 for one year to programs that promote equity and address community needs such as health, wellness, climate sustainability, arts, culture, and more, with a preference for BIPOC-led organizations and those focusing on vulnerable populations.

This funding opportunity supports nonprofit organizations in Scott County, Iowa, and Rock Island County, Illinois, to implement projects that enhance youth education, promote financial stability, and improve community health.

This funding opportunity supports nonprofit and public sector programs in specific Ohio counties that promote successful children, healthy families, self-sufficient residents, and strong communities.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations that deliver essential services and programs benefiting the residents and businesses of Arroyo Grande in areas such as social services, education, culture, beautification, and recreation.

This grant provides funding to small and larger communities in Kansas for the construction or renovation of public recreational facilities and libraries to enhance community engagement and well-being.

The Chautauqua County Tourism Product Development Grant Program, with a deadline of 10/01/2024, offers $10,000 to $100,000 for projects that enhance tourism and recreation opportunities, increase visibility, and promote overnight stays in the county, with a focus on event development, marketing, and attraction enhancement.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations in Frederick County to address critical community needs such as housing insecurity, public health, quality of life initiatives, and cultural enrichment through the arts.

The Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation's 2024 Open Grant Round seeks to support community vitality through work that addresses six key areas: Community Connectedness, Economic Opportunity and Security, Education, Health, Housing and Transportation, and Human Services and Family Support. This grant program is deeply aligned with the Foundation's mission to foster community health and vitality by investing in solutions informed and led by those facing the highest barriers. The Foundation offers both general operating support and capital grants, aiming to provide flexible funding for nonprofits and support investments in buildings, facilities, and equipment within the East Metro area. The program targets a broad range of beneficiaries, with a strong emphasis on marginalized communities. This includes BIPOC communities, people with disabilities, low-income communities, LGBTQ+ individuals, formerly incarcerated people, women, veterans, and young people. The overarching impact goal is to advance equity and strengthen enduring community connections, heal and revitalize communities, and promote independence and stability for individuals and families. The Foundation's strategic priorities are evident in its focus on supporting organizations that prioritize marginalized communities and those that demonstrate a clear connection to the "Informs, Forms, Benefits" framework, where those experiencing barriers not only benefit from the work but also inform, form, and lead it. Key priorities and focus areas within the Community Connectedness pillar include arts and culture organizations amplifying narratives from marginalized communities, civic engagement building capacity and power among these groups, and environmental justice work contributing to a multi-racial movement for safe and clean environments. For Economic Opportunity and Security, the focus is on strengthening the entrepreneur ecosystem, increasing local ownership, expanding access to culturally appropriate services, and prioritizing employment pathways for those facing barriers to wealth creation. In Education, the Foundation prioritizes organizations blending academic, social, and emotional supports for young people impacted by educational inequity, and those working towards robust early childhood systems. Within Health, the Foundation prioritizes organizations focusing on health equity, increasing access to affordable and culturally relevant health services, and addressing the growing demand for mental health, urgent care, reproductive health, and trauma-informed care for vulnerable communities. For Housing and Transportation, the emphasis is on ensuring marginalized people experiencing housing instability and homelessness can access safe, decent, affordable, and prejudice-free housing with necessary supports, and work that addresses racial justice, climate justice, economic opportunity, and health equity in transportation. Finally, Human Services and Family Support prioritizes grants that help residents navigate life transitions, find safety and stability, and promote independence, with special attention to disability, child welfare, family, older adult, immigration, legal, and re-entry support services. Expected outcomes include a more equitable, connected, and vital East Metro region where all residents have opportunities to thrive.

This funding opportunity provides financial support for local, state, tribal, and non-profit organizations to restore and protect vital riparian and aquatic habitats in the headwaters of the Colorado and Rio Grande rivers, benefiting key species and promoting sustainable conservation practices.