Grants for Special district governments - Recreation

This grant provides financial and technical support to a wide range of partners, including governments, nonprofits, and private entities, to remove barriers in waterways and restore aquatic habitats, benefiting local communities and ecosystems.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations and government agencies for projects that promote wine and culinary tourism in Oregon, with a focus on increasing visitor numbers and overnight stays.

This new multi-year grant program intends to create local community connections to California’s rich and diverse cultural history and natural areas outside of California’s state park boundaries. Eligible projects will enhance connections to local cultural history, local parks, open space or natural areas through community events, programming or installations that help to build sustainable community connections, health and well-being. The Local Parks Grants Program will be managed and administered by Parks California. This program supports the “Outdoor Access for All” initiative led by Governor Gavin Newsom and First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom, along with the Natural Resources Agency’s “Outdoors for All” initiative, and California State Parks’ Reexamining Our Past Initiative.

The Local Parks Grant Program offers five individual grants to assist local government units in Texas with the acquisition and/or development of public recreation areas and facilities. This program aims to enhance public access to recreational opportunities, dedicating all grant-assisted sites to parkland in perpetuity. Funded by a portion of the state sales tax on sporting goods and federal off-shore gas royalties, the program supports projects that ensure sites are properly maintained and open to the public.

The Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa's Black Hawk County Grants program offers one-time grants to organizations and projects that benefit residents of Black Hawk County, Iowa. These grants are designed to support a wide range of initiatives across various areas, including Arts and Culture, Community Betterment, Education and Youth Development, Environment and Animal Welfare, Health, and Human Service. The foundation's mission is deeply aligned with improving the quality of life for Black Hawk County residents by investing in programs that foster community well-being and address critical needs. The grants target beneficiaries across all age groups and demographics within Black Hawk County. The impact goals are broad, aiming to enhance access to arts and cultural opportunities, protect historical infrastructure, develop local talent, stimulate economic development, promote civic engagement, create or expand public amenities, improve child care, support youth mentorship and career readiness, conserve and restore ecosystems, educate on environmental issues, provide behavioral healthcare and wellness services, prevent various social issues, and meet basic human needs. The foundation prioritizes requests that align with these program areas and community initiatives, seeking to achieve long-lasting positive changes within the community. The program's priorities and focuses are further guided by specific community initiatives. These include Advancing Racial Equity, with a commitment to supporting BIPOC-led organizations and populations; Expanding Child Care, aiming to increase equitable, accessible, and sustainable child care; Enhancing the Arts, by enriching an inclusive arts community; Strengthening Workforce Readiness, to create a more qualified workforce; and Building Nonprofit Capacity, to strengthen the work of their partners. The foundation embraces organizations that address two or more of these initiatives, demonstrating a holistic approach to community development. Expected outcomes include expanded access to essential services, improved educational and career opportunities, a healthier environment, a reduction in social challenges, and a more vibrant and equitable community. While specific measurable results are not explicitly detailed for each program area in the provided text, the foundation's emphasis on addressing defined needs within Black Hawk County suggests an expectation of tangible improvements in the lives of residents. The majority of competitive grants range from $5,000 to $25,000, indicating a focus on funding a diverse portfolio of impactful projects rather than a few large-scale initiatives. The foundation's strategic priorities and theory of change are centered on identifying and investing in critical community needs and fostering collaborative efforts. By focusing on specific initiatives such as racial equity, child care, arts, workforce readiness, and nonprofit capacity, they aim to create systemic change. Their theory of change appears to be that by supporting organizations that address these key areas, they can empower communities, strengthen infrastructure, and improve the overall well-being and resilience of Black Hawk County residents. This approach emphasizes targeted investments and community-driven solutions to achieve their philanthropic goals.

The Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF), established by Congress in 1965 and administered by the National Park Service, provides 1:1 matching financial grants to state and local governments for the acquisition and development of public outdoor recreational areas and facilities. The program is fully funded by revenues from offshore oil and gas leases. The State of New Hampshire, through its Department of Natural and Cultural Resources, distributes these grants to eligible sub-units of government following the federal guidelines which include the development of a Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP) and coordination by the State Liaison Officer. The 35th grant round is currently open, with Intent-to-Apply forms due by June 7, 2024. Eligible project types include development of new or existing facilities, acquisition of land for public recreation, or a combination of both. Funding requests must be between $50,000 and $500,000, with total project costs at least double the requested grant amount, as the program requires a 50% match from sponsors.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to state agencies, local governments, and special purpose districts to create or improve recreational facilities in economically disadvantaged communities.

The Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) Bureau of Women’s and Children’s Health (BWCH) oversees Adolescent Health programming to improve the health and well-being of young people in the state. As of 2005, BWCH has been administering state lottery funds for the prevention of teen pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). According to the Arizona Vital Statistics, from 2011 to 2021, the teen birth rate for Arizona teenagers ages fifteen through nineteen (15-19) has declined from thirty-six point nine (36.9) to fifteen point three (15.3) per 1,000 females. The repeat birth rates of youth of the same age, who had already had a child decreased from 142.7 in 2011 to 135.8 per 1,000 in 2021. Despite the declines, birth rates for Arizona teens ages fifteen through nineteen (15-19)   exceeds   the   national   rate   of   thirteen   point   nine   (13.9)   in   2021 (https://blogs.cdc.gov/nchs/2023/01/20/7245/). Arizona's racial and ethnic groups exhibit significant disparities in teen pregnancy rates, with Hispanic, American Indian, and African American females aged nineteen (19) or younger experiencing the highest rates. In 2021, American Indian youth had a notably elevated pregnancy rate of sixteen point three (16.3) per 1,000 females, surpassing the state average of ten point six (10.6) per 1,000. Similarly, rates for Hispanic or Latino youth were fourteen point four (14.4) per 1,000, and for Black or African American youth, they were twelve point six (12.6) per 1,000, both above the state average, while rates for White Non-Hispanics six (6) per 1,000 and Asian or Pacific Islanders three point four (3.4) per 1,000 were considerably lower. Teen pregnancy is intricately linked with complex factors such as school failure, behavioral issues, and family challenges, which often hinder youths’ ability to avoid pregnancy. Positive Youth Development (PYD) programs present a promising approach by emphasizing the enhancement of protective factors over merely addressing risk behaviors. These programs have shown efficacy in reducing sexual risk behaviors, Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), and unintended pregnancies. By fostering ongoing development and maturation, PYD programs empower youth to recognize and manage risk-taking behaviors, making them a viable strategy for teen pregnancy prevention (Gavin et al., 2010). According to the 2021 Arizona Surveillance STD case data, forty-nine percent (49%) of STD cases (chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis) in Arizona were among adolescents under the age of twenty-five (25). Since 2019, the rate of chlamydia among teenagers fifteen through nineteen (15-19) years old has been slowly decreasing but still remains high at 2,031 per 100,000 in 2019 to 1,729 per 100,000 in 2021. For gonorrhea, the rate among these teenagers increased from 384 per 100,000 in 2019 to 467 per 100,000 in 2021. As for syphilis, in 2019, twenty-two (22) per 100,000 fifteen through nineteen (15-19) year-old teenagers were reported to have syphilis, increasing to twenty-six (26) per 100,000 in 2021. Regarding STDs/STIs, major disparities between Arizona’s racial and ethnic groups also persist. The Arizona 2021 Annual STD Report indicates that Black (994 per 100,000) and American Indian/Alaska Native (787 per 100,000) populations have consistently higher rates of chlamydia, the Black population (763 per 100,000) continues to have the highest rate of gonorrhea, and the American Indian/Alaska Native (172 per 100,000) and Black (123 per 100,000) populations have the highest rates of syphilis, surpassing their Hispanic, White, and Asian/Pacific Islander counterparts. Financial Notes: Approximately $700,000.00 will be available each Grant year for a five (5) year grant period to provide services to youth for the prevention of teen pregnancies and STIs. Annual funding for services will be provided during the state fiscal year, from July through June; Therefore, the first and last years of funding will be partial funding: first year funded upon award through June 30, 2025; fifth year from July 1, 2029 through September 30, 2029. Budgets will be reviewed annually and may be decreased based on: 1. Changes in state lottery funding allocations. 2. Failure to meet the number of youths proposed to be served; or meet the required program completion by youth for Teen Pregnancy Prevention Programming. 3. Failure to comply with Grant requirements. 4. Negative audit findings. 5. Failure to spend budget funds efficiently.

The Planning and Development Grants, part of the Local Parks Grant Program managed by Parks California, aim to support the initial stages of community-oriented projects that connect local communities to California’s cultural history and natural areas. These projects include building partnerships, artist selection, and developing project plans. This initiative enhances community well-being and sustainable connections. The grant cycle runs from October 2024 to May 2025.

The Ohio Division of Wildlife's "STEP OUTSIDE" grant program is designed to support local government agencies, non-profit organizations, and other family and youth-oriented facilities in promoting outdoor skills such as fishing, hunting, trapping, archery, and shooting sports. This grant aims to fund activities that are unaffordable for the sponsoring agency or organization and is not intended to support existing programs or provide ongoing funding for new programs or activities. Eligible applicants include city, county, and community park and recreation agencies, local and state conservation clubs, and youth-oriented groups such as scouts, 4-H, YMCA/YWCA, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, etc. The program emphasizes that private individuals are not eligible. The application period is ongoing throughout the fiscal year, with applications required to be submitted at least 60 days in advance of the event.

This funding opportunity provides financial support for nonprofit organizations in Arizona to distribute free HIV self-test kits to at-risk communities, aiming to improve access to testing and reduce barriers related to HIV.

The Imperial Irrigation District (IID) is offering a Public Green Space Grant Program to cities, counties, special districts, nonprofits, and community-based organizations within its service area. The program aims to provide grant funds for tree-planting projects that reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and enhance local communities. This initiative aligns with the IID's mission to support environmental stewardship and community development through tangible, local impact. The primary beneficiaries of this program are critically underserved or disadvantaged communities within Imperial Valley and Coachella Valley. The program specifically targets community groups that seek to green their areas, thereby addressing the critical need for GHG reduction and community beautification. The impact goals include not only environmental benefits through carbon sequestration but also the creation of greener, more aesthetically pleasing public spaces that can offer recreational benefits to residents. Program priorities favor projects that provide park or recreational benefits to underserved communities, are proposed by such communities, or develop partnerships with local organizations and businesses to strengthen outreach to disadvantaged communities. Additional points are given to projects that offer access to quality jobs, workforce education and training for residents, utilize interagency cooperation, or leverage existing public lands and resources, including schools. Projects that include matching or cost-sharing funds are also prioritized. Expected outcomes include a measurable reduction in greenhouse gas emissions through increased tree cover. Beyond environmental benefits, the program aims to foster community engagement and education around green initiatives. The maximum award per project is $35,000, with a total of $350,000 available through IID’s "Tree for All" program. Eligible costs include personnel, contractors, consultants, direct and indirect costs related to tree planting and maintenance during the grant period, and community education and engagement expenses, all contributing to the program's strategic objectives of community greening and climate action.

The Los Angeles County Regional Park and Open Space District is offering a grant of $100,000 to $500,000 for public agencies and nonprofit organizations to acquire land for the creation or expansion of parks, wildlife corridors, trails, and access facilities, with a focus on high-need, rural, and regional areas.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to municipalities, state and federal agencies, non-profits, and tribal governments for the development and maintenance of recreational trails and related facilities in Utah.

Program Name: LAND AND WATER CONSERVATION FUND (LWCF) PROGRAM Funding Organization: Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Contact Information: For assistance with LWCF grants, contact Pam Rood, your regional DNR Stewardship contact. Award Details: Grants cover 50% of eligible project costs. Eligible Applicants: Towns, villages, cities, counties, tribal governments, school districts or other state political subdivisions. Eligible Projects: 1. Land acquisition or development projects that provide opportunities for public outdoor recreation. 2. Property with frontage on rivers, streams, lakes, estuaries and reservoirs that provide water-based outdoor recreation. 3. Property that provides special recreation opportunities such as floodplains, wetlands, and areas adjacent to scenic highways. 4. Natural areas and outstanding scenic areas that preserve scenic or natural values and are open to the general public for outdoor recreation use without impairing the natural attributes of the areas. 5. Land or development within urban areas for day-use picnic areas. 6. Land or development of nature-based outdoor recreation trails. 7. Development of basic outdoor recreation facilities. 8. Renovation of existing outdoor recreation facilities in danger of being lost for public use. Ineligible Project Examples: 1. Projects not supported by a local comprehensive outdoor recreational plan. 2. Acquisition and development of golf courses. 3. Projects where stormwater management is the primary purpose. 4. Lands that include cell towers. 5. Land that will be used for non-outdoor public recreation purposes. Deadlines and Funding Cycles: - Completed applications must be submitted to your regional Stewardship community service specialist by May 1 each year. - Department of Natural Resources regional staff review and rate eligible projects in early June. - Final project listing is compiled in July with projects ranking the highest selected for grants based on available funds. - Final selected projects will be reviewed and approved by the National Park Service before the sponsor receives an agreement with the DNR. Note: The grant is renewable every year, and the application period closes on May 1st each year.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to state and local governments in Maryland for outdoor recreation projects, including land acquisition and the development or renovation of recreational facilities.

The 2024 Sustainable Communities Grant Program, a collaborative effort between Delmarva Power and the Delaware Nature Society (DelNature), aims to distribute $35,000 to support open space and resiliency projects within Delmarva Power's service area in Delaware and Maryland. This program continues Delmarva Power's commitment to sustainability, having already provided over $235,000 in grants for similar projects since 2020. The initiative aligns with both organizations' missions to foster environmental well-being and community strength. The program targets municipalities, recreational authorities, and nonprofits operating within the Delmarva Power service area. The grants, each up to $10,000, are designed to fund projects demonstrating significant impact across several key areas. The overarching impact goals are to strengthen natural systems and provide reliable community resources in emergencies, thereby addressing the realities of climate change and increasing extreme weather events. The grant program prioritizes projects focusing on Open Space Preservation, Conservation & Habitat Improvements, Environmental Conservation, and Community Resiliency. Community Resiliency is a broad focus, encompassing community engagement and education regarding resiliency, the purchase of energy storage solutions, and solar installations, including mobile solar units. This holistic approach ensures that projects can address various facets of environmental and community preparedness. Expected outcomes include enhanced natural systems, increased community preparedness for severe weather, and innovative solutions for emergency resource provision. The program encourages initiatives that not only mitigate the effects of climate change but also build resilience within communities. By funding projects that strengthen natural systems and offer reliable resources during emergencies, the program aims to achieve measurable improvements in local sustainability and safety.

The Essex Community Fund (ECF) at Adirondack Foundation invites local nonprofits, schools, churches, and municipalities to apply for grant funding. Eligible projects must serve town of Essex residents through community services, beautification, historic preservation, culture, the arts, education, or programs for youth and senior citizens. The deadline to apply is May 24. ECF gives strong preference to capacity building grants or modest one-time capital projects. It does not award grants for ongoing operating expenses. While grants typically range from $250 to $2,000, the maximum a potential grantee can request is $5,000. After reviewing applications, the ECF committee anticipates making grant recommendations in June with funding available as early as July. Applications must be submitted online through Adirondack Foundation’s Online Grants Manager: adirondackfoundation.org/granting/online-grants-manager For more information about ECF grants, please call Colleen Van Hoven at (518) 569-3141 or email colleenvanhoven@gmail.com or email leslee.mounger@adkfoundation.org. To learn more about community funds at Adirondack Foundation, visit adirondackfoundation.org. Grant renewed every year. Grant Annual deadline: May

This funding opportunity provides financial support for park districts in larger municipalities to improve infrastructure and enhance community spaces in Urbana, Illinois.

The Pennsylvania Environmental Council (PEC) is offering a grant of $2000 for projects that address urgent, unforeseen situations on designated water trails, with the aim of creating recreational opportunities, supporting sustainable use of natural resources, and improving access to Pennsylvania Water Trails.