Grants for Nonprofits - Recreation

This program provides funding to municipalities and non-profit organizations in New York that manage natural heritage collections, helping them enhance public education and maintain their living and preserved biological specimens.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to arts organizations of color in New England with annual expenses under $500,000, helping them sustain and expand their cultural programming and community engagement.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations and government entities that aim to improve the quality of life for residents in Kossuth County, Iowa, through various community-focused projects.

The Ohio Animal Foundation is currently accepting applications for its grant program, which aims to support animal welfare initiatives across the state. While the foundation's overarching mission isn't explicitly detailed, the focus of this grant program on rescue and shelter services, as well as wildlife protection, education, and rehabilitation, strongly indicates an alignment with improving the lives of animals and protecting wildlife within Ohio. The target beneficiaries for this grant program are Ohio-based 501(c)3 nonprofit organizations that are in good standing, specifically those involved in animal rescue, shelter services, or wildlife programs. The program intends to support services for domestic, companion, and farm animals, as well as feral and community cats. It also extends its reach to wildlife protection, education, and rehabilitation efforts. The impact goals are to provide essential funding to these organizations, enabling them to continue their vital work in animal care and protection. The priorities and focuses of the grant program are clearly defined. A significant emphasis is placed on "Rescue and Shelter Services," which includes a broad spectrum of animal care, from domestic animals to feral cat programs. Additionally, "Wildlife Protection, Education and Rehabilitation Programs" are a key area of interest, highlighting the foundation's commitment to both domesticated and wild animal populations. The typical grant range of $250-$500 suggests a strategy of providing smaller, impactful grants to a wider array of organizations. While specific expected outcomes and measurable results are not explicitly stated, it can be inferred that the foundation aims to see improvements in animal welfare metrics such as increased adoptions, successful rescue operations, effective rehabilitation of injured wildlife, and enhanced public education on animal care and protection. The modest grant size suggests a focus on supporting operational costs or specific, smaller-scale projects that can demonstrate tangible benefits within these fields. The foundation's strategic priorities and theory of change appear to center on empowering local Ohio-based nonprofits to directly address animal welfare needs. By providing financial assistance to established 501(c)3 organizations, the Ohio Animal Foundation likely believes that it can most effectively leverage existing infrastructure and expertise to achieve its goals. The exclusion of funding for individuals further supports this approach, focusing resources on organizations with a proven capacity for impact.

The Scherman Foundation's Core Fund Arts Program in New York City supports a diverse range of professional performing arts organizations and a limited number of visual arts groups. The program prioritizes excellence and innovation, providing general operating support to empower artistic leaders with flexible funding. It aims to enrich the city's spirit, create sustainable communities, impact social wellbeing and cohesion, and serve as an economic engine while attracting emerging and established artists and art lovers from around the world. The program supports small groups dedicated to the work of a single artist, larger producing entities, museums, and organizations that sustain the creative life.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to non-profit organizations and municipalities in Salem County, New Jersey, for special arts projects, general operating expenses, or technical assistance to enhance local arts initiatives.

The Greater Cincinnati Foundation (GCF) offers the Environmental Sustainability Grant Program to support and enhance the environmental sustainability of the Greater Cincinnati region. This aligns with GCF's mission to increase accessibility and quality of greenspaces, conservation, horticulture, and nature education, with a strong emphasis on inclusivity for historically marginalized groups. The program aims to address environmental disparities and promote equitable access to nature's benefits. The primary beneficiaries of this program are organizations whose efforts are based in the Greater Cincinnati region, specifically within the counties of Hamilton, Butler, Warren, and Clermont in Ohio; Boone, Kenton, and Campbell in Kentucky; and Dearborn in Indiana. The program targets historically marginalized groups by prioritizing requests that connect them to the benefits of nature, including fresh food access and nature education, particularly for children and youth. The overarching impact goal is to foster a more environmentally sustainable and equitable region. The program prioritizes proposals that develop solutions with a racial equity lens, recognizing that environmental issues often disproportionately affect marginalized communities. Key focus areas include beautifying, creating, conserving, and restoring greenspaces, with a preference for those benefiting historically marginalized groups. Additionally, the program seeks to connect these groups to nature's benefits through various initiatives, such as increased fresh food access and nature education programming. Collaboration between well-aligned organizations is highly favored, as is an asset-based approach to the work. Expected outcomes include expanded or strengthened existing programs, successful capital improvements, the launch of new initiatives, and enhanced organizational capacity among grantee organizations. Proposals are expected to articulate clear and measurable outcomes, demonstrating how their efforts will contribute to the program's goals. While specific measurable results are not explicitly detailed beyond the general intent to increase accessibility and quality of greenspaces and nature education, the emphasis on "clear and measurable outcomes" suggests a commitment to tracking the tangible impact of funded projects. The foundation's strategic priorities are evident in its preference for organizations demonstrating partnerships, community alignment, insights from past results, and an asset-based approach, all contributing to a theory of change that values collaborative, data-informed, and community-centric environmental solutions with a strong equity focus.

The Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) is accepting applications for the 2024 Recreational Trails Program (RTP) grant round from March 12 to May 7, 2024. Approximately $1.9 million in RTP funding is available. The RTP, funded by the Federal Highway Administration and the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, is a federal 80-20 matching reimbursement program aimed at building and rehabilitating trails and trail-related facilities across non-motorized, diversified, and motorized trail categories. In 2024, the program is open for applications for both new trail construction and improvements to existing trails, following a competitive application process overseen by the RTP and the Virginia Recreational Trails Program Advisory Committee. Eligible applicants include city, county, town, tribal, or other government entities, as well as registered nonprofit groups partnered with a government body.

This funding opportunity supports organizations in Greater Philadelphia that provide engaging arts education programs for young people aged 5 to 18, fostering creativity and personal growth through partnerships with skilled teaching artists.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations, schools, and government entities in Douglas County, Minnesota, to support initiatives that create meaningful community change in areas such as education, social services, health, arts and culture, and civic engagement.

This grant provides unrestricted funding to nonprofits in Washington state that are focused on advancing equity in healthcare, climate and agricultural justice, and education, particularly for marginalized communities.

The Rock Charitable Fund, administered by the Northern New York Community Foundation, is currently accepting applications for grants ranging from $100,000 to $500,000. This grant program aligns with the foundation's mission to support the well-being and historical preservation within St. Lawrence County, New York. The fund emphasizes projects that address existing structures and elements, as well as providing technical assistance and planning support, indicating a strategic priority on sustainable development and preservation rather than new construction or significant alterations to historic properties. The primary beneficiaries of the Rock Charitable Fund include 501(c)(3) charitable organizations, churches, houses of worship, cemeteries, and government entities. The fund targets projects that contribute to the maintenance and preservation of these institutions and places of historical significance within St. Lawrence County. Additionally, the fund aims to benefit and/or assist Veterans of the United States Military residing in St. Lawrence County by addressing their medical and recreational needs through qualified organizations. The impact goals are centered on enhancing community resources, preserving local heritage, and improving the quality of life for Veterans. The program's priorities and focus areas are clearly defined. For historical and religious properties, there's a strong preference for exterior projects that are publicly visible and accessible, though interior improvements may be considered. Peripheral or incidental projects are not desired. For cemeteries, support covers the property as a whole or aesthetically significant portions, explicitly excluding individual burial plots or monuments without special justification. For Veterans, grants are awarded to qualified organizations serving them, not directly to individuals, and can support programs for medical and recreational needs. This structured approach highlights a theory of change that leverages established organizations to create broader community benefit and long-term impact. Expected outcomes include the successful preservation and maintenance of historically significant sites and religious institutions, ensuring their continued benefit to the public. For Veterans, the anticipated result is improved access to medical and recreational support, contributing to their overall well-being. Measurable results could include the number of structures preserved, the extent of public access improved, and the number of Veterans served by supported programs. The foundation's strategic priorities are evident in its commitment to tangible, community-focused projects that have a lasting positive effect on St. Lawrence County's heritage and its Veteran population.

This grant provides funding to eligible organizations that support community programs focused on health, basic needs, workforce development, and youth development for low-income families in Wayne and Holmes Counties, Ohio.

The program funds projects that acquire, develop, and renovate firearm ranges and archery training and practice facilities. It was created by the Legislature in 1990 after a report assessing the needs of law enforcement, sports groups, and the public identified a need for a program and funding to support shooting facilities. Typical Projects Installing fences, berms, and other noise and safety elements Upgrading firearms and archery equipment Renovating clubhouses Building new shooting courses Funding is awarded every 2 years and comes from a portion of each concealed pistol license fee.

This funding opportunity provides financial support for summer programs that enrich the lives of children and youth from low to moderate-income families in five parishes of Southwest Louisiana.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to organizations that create and manage adaptive sports programs for disabled Veterans and members of the Armed Forces, enhancing their independence and quality of life through sports activities.

The Junior League of Detroit is offering Community Assistance Grants ranging from $500 to $5,000 to tax-exempt organizations in Wayne County, Michigan, that aim to improve children's health and welfare, particularly through programs addressing food insecurity, with a focus on education, nutrition, and accessibility.

South Carolina: John S. and James L. Knight Foundation Donor-Advised Fund Grants are available for project proposals within Horry County. The fund supports local grassroots programs and seeks to invest in civic innovators addressing funding priorities such as attracting and retaining talented individuals, expanding economic opportunity, and fostering a culture of engagement. The design of places is considered crucial in achieving these goals.

The Indiana Criminal Justice Institute (ICJI) has opened applications for the 2024–2025 Family Violence Prevention and Services Act (FVPSA) American Rescue Plan (ARP) Supplemental Funding Grant. This initiative provides essential financial support to organizations serving victims of domestic and family violence across Indiana. With funding ranging from $100,000 to $500,000, the program aims to strengthen emergency services, provide housing and advocacy, and enhance recovery support for victims and their dependents. The grant also specifically addresses the ongoing and long-term impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on both survivors and the organizations that serve them. The FVPSA program serves as the nation’s cornerstone funding source for shelters and supportive services for victims of domestic and family violence. The ARP supplemental funds expand that mission to include the prevention of COVID-19 transmission, preparation for future public health challenges, and direct response to victims affected by the pandemic. ICJI emphasizes support for community-based, nonprofit organizations whose core mission involves operating shelters or providing advocacy, counseling, and self-help services for victims and their families. The funding seeks to ensure that these organizations can continue providing safe, stable, and accessible services despite the evolving challenges of public health and social crises. Under the “Prevent” category, eligible projects may include emergency housing through shelters or hotels, outreach to underserved populations, the purchase of PPE and health supplies, and technology for mobile advocacy. The “Prepare” category focuses on building organizational resilience, including conducting assessments and developing contingency plans to maintain operations during future surges. Meanwhile, the “Respond” category funds direct assistance such as counseling, advocacy, youth support services, civil legal aid, rental and utility assistance, and programs that promote victims’ economic empowerment, such as transportation, childcare, job training, and financial literacy initiatives. Approximately $350,000 in total funding is available for this grant cycle, covering a 12-month period from October 1, 2024, through September 30, 2025. Eligible applicants include local public agencies and nonprofit private organizations—such as faith-based, community-based, tribal, and charitable organizations—with proven experience assisting victims of domestic or family violence. Applicants must demonstrate a strong record of delivering effective, survivor-centered services and must align their proposed activities with the grant’s prevention, preparation, or response focus areas. Through this FVPSA ARP supplemental grant, ICJI continues its commitment to protecting survivors, strengthening community-based response systems, and addressing the intersection of domestic violence and public health. By empowering organizations with the resources they need to adapt and sustain critical services, this program ensures that victims across Indiana can access safety, stability, and the opportunity to rebuild their lives free from violence.

The Harland Jones Charitable Fund (HJCF), administered by the Community Foundation of Northeast Alabama (CFNEA), provides grants to 501(c)(3) qualified public charities in CFNEA's nine-county region. This grant program is aligned with the foundation's mission to support youth development through specific programming. Grant awards range from $1,000 to $10,000, with a one-year grant duration. Organizations must be tax-exempt, have at least one year of operating history after 501(c)(3) classification, and possess a board-approved strategic plan covering at least 24 months, including mission statement, strategic goals, and measurable objectives. The HJCF targets youth up to age nineteen, with a focus on programs that promote education, literacy, safety, and moral and physical development. The expected outcome is to provide charitable support to organizations that positively impact the lives of young people within the designated region. Measurable results would stem from the objectives outlined in the applying organizations' strategic plans, which are a required component of eligibility. The grant program's priorities clearly revolve around enhancing the well-being and development of youth. The foundation's strategic priorities, as reflected in the HJCF, emphasize direct support for operational charities rather than endowments, capital campaigns, or individual grants. This indicates a theory of change that focuses on empowering existing organizations with a proven track record to deliver services. The eligibility criteria regarding financial statements (audited, review, or compilation based on budget size) further suggest a commitment to responsible stewardship and accountability, ensuring that funds are directed to organizations capable of managing them effectively. Funding restrictions highlight areas that the foundation will not support, such as discriminatory practices, lobbying, political purposes, and organizations with less than one year of operation, or those with open grants in the same fund. This demonstrates the foundation's commitment to ethical practices, long-term impact, and ensuring equitable distribution of resources. The comprehensive guidelines ensure that grant funds are utilized for their intended charitable purposes, aligning with the overall strategic objective of fostering community development through targeted support for youth-focused programs.