Recreation Grants

Grants are available through the Metro East Park and Recreation District for events that promote the use of public parks, trails, and outdoor recreation facilities in Madison and St. Clair Counties in Illinois. The Event Sponsorship Grant Program offers funding of up to $2,500 for public organizations and up to $1,000 for 501(c)3 nonprofit organizations. Eligible events include walking, running, hiking, biking, biathlons, and triathlons that take place within MEPRD's jurisdiction and contribute at least ten percent of event proceeds towards funding improvements or developments to public parks or trails in the designated counties. Eligible applicants must be public organizations or 501(c)3 organizations headquartered within MEPRD's jurisdiction or within 15 miles of it. Only one event sponsorship grant award is allowed per MEPRD fiscal year. For more information, visit MEPRD's website.

Grant Name: Regional Touring Program Grants Donor: Mid-America Arts Alliance Location: Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma, and Texas Grant Type: Grant Deadline: Ongoing Grant Size: Up to $5,000 Details: The Regional Touring Program grants by Mid-America Arts Alliance support presenting organizations in showcasing the work of artists from within the M-AAA region. Presenters can receive up to 50% of the artist's fee for booking an artist listed on a state touring roster and up to 25% for booking an artist from the region not listed on a touring roster. Rural presenters may receive an additional 10% of the artist's fee. Projects must engage regional audiences through exposure, interaction, and outreach engagement. Eligible projects must feature in-region artists from outside the presenter's home state and include public-facing events between July 1, 2023, and June 30, 2024. The grant does not cover indirect project costs or expenses associated with benefits or fundraiser events. Eligibility Criteria: Applicant organizations must be tax-exempt non-profit organizations or federally recognized tribal communities incorporated in one or more states in the M-AAA region. They must have a valid EIN and UEI ID and commit to M-AAA's Grantee Assurance of Compliance and Federal Suspension and Disbarment Policy. Organizations may submit a maximum of three applications per fiscal year. For more information, visit M-AAA's website.

The Austin Parks Foundation is offering Neighborhood Grants ranging from $500 to $5,000 for a 12-month period to support small-scale park improvement projects initiated by community groups such as Adopt-A-Park participants, park stewards, and community gardeners in Austin, Texas.

The ASC Cultural Organization Support Grants in North Carolina provide financial resources for nonprofit cultural organizations in Mecklenburg County to invest in capacity building opportunities that improve their management, develop audiences, strengthen fundraising, and achieve operating efficiencies. The program aims to support staff and board development at all levels of the organization and encourages a better understanding of environmental culture, history, white supremacist structures, and ways to embody equity in their work.

This program provides up to $5,000 to small, independently owned businesses in Arcadia, California, to help cover costs associated with permits for opening, expanding, or improving their commercial spaces.

Peacock Foundation, Inc. provides grant support to nonprofit organizations in Florida for specific projects and general operations in areas including children/youth, elderly, programs for people with disabilities, arts for educational purposes, environmental education, health/hospitals, medical research, and human services. However, the foundation does not fund capital campaigns, construction or renovation projects, deficit financing or debt reduction, conferences or festivals, fundraising events or advertising, special events or athletic events, individuals, lobbying to influence legislation, or religious organizations unless engaged in a significant project benefiting the entire community.

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 funding opportunity supports resident-led initiatives in Waterbury, Connecticut, that promote civic engagement, community cohesion, and neighborhood revitalization.

This program provides bicycle racks at little to no cost for commercial property owners in Palm Desert, promoting cycling and supporting local businesses while enhancing community infrastructure.

Healthy Living Grant Program – Minnesota supports communities in building social connections through healthy eating, physical activity, mental health awareness, and community building. The purpose of the grant is to increase well-being through community-driven action, with a $1,000 grant award limit per applicant and activity or program. Eligible activities include new programs or initiatives that support physical or mental well-being and social connections, and are inclusive for all members of the community. Examples of eligible uses for grant funds include promotional materials, healthy foods at wellness activities, mental health support groups, meditation classes, exercise equipment for public use, gardening materials, tobacco cessation groups, and space rental and event materials.

This funding initiative provides financial support to neighborhood-based nonprofit organizations and community groups in Holland to implement projects that enhance local pride, inclusivity, and civic engagement.

This program provides financial support to residents and community groups in Papillion, Nebraska, for projects that strengthen neighborhood connections and improve local spaces.

Grant Opportunity: Short-term Teaching Artist Residency Program (Illinois) The Short-term Teaching Artist Residency Program in Illinois supports elementary schools, community centers, and public libraries in engaging teaching artists for short-term residencies. The program prioritizes advancing equity and access in the arts, particularly for underserved audiences such as BIPOC communities, individuals with disabilities, older adults, and those with limited access to the arts. Eligible applicants can request a minimum of $250 and a maximum of $4,500 to cover 75% of residency costs. Additional percentages can be added under specific conditions. Applicants must be tax-exempt organizations or units of government in Illinois, while the selected artists must be based in Illinois. The application deadline is at least eight weeks before the project start date. For more information, visit Short-term Teaching Artist Residency Program.

This grant provides financial support for community-focused projects in Fulton County, Indiana, aimed at improving quality of life across various sectors such as education, health, and recreation.

Indiana's Community Good Grants Program considers funding for arts and culture, community development, education, health, human services, and other civic endeavors such as environment, recreation, and youth development. The grant cycle includes four request levels: Level 1 for requests of $500 or less, Level 2 for requests of $501 – $2,500, Level 3 for requests of $2,501 – $9,999, and Level 4 for requests of $10,000 or more.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations in Southeast Michigan and Western New York that focus on community health, youth development, caregiver support, entrepreneurship, and nonprofit capacity building.

Community Investment Grants Program in Indiana is offering funding to support new charitable programs and projects requiring durable equipment and capital items that are essential for organizations to carry out their charitable purposes. The grant decisions aim to enhance the quality of life for all citizens of Owen County and support projects addressing community needs with lasting value. The funding categories include education, nonprofit capacity building, youth philanthropy, human services, MYPath Trail System, attracting and retaining "Rising Generations" (25–40-year-olds), and may also include other areas of emphasis such as quality of place, arts & culture, trails & parks.

This funding opportunity supports cities, counties, and nonprofit organizations in Washington to preserve forestland through conservation agreements, ensuring sustainable timber production and ecological benefits while enhancing wildlife habitats and public access.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations in Chelan and Douglas counties to support programs that enhance opportunities and access to beneficial experiences for youth aged 18 and under.

This grant provides up to $500 to teachers and students in Minnesota to help fund service-learning projects focused on water and sanitation initiatives.