Recreation Grants

The Douglas County Community Foundation (DCCF) Community Grants program is dedicated to improving the lives of Douglas County, Kansas residents by supporting a wide array of local projects. The foundation aligns its mission with community needs by funding initiatives across various sectors, including arts and culture, animal welfare, children and youth, community development, education, environment, health, housing, and human services. This broad scope reflects the foundation's commitment to fostering a holistic and thriving community within Douglas County. The primary beneficiaries of these grants are the residents of Douglas County, Kansas. The program's impact goals are centered on enhancing the quality of life for these residents through tangible improvements in the supported areas. By investing in diverse projects, DCCF aims to address multiple facets of community well-being, from educational opportunities and environmental conservation to health services and cultural enrichment. DCCF prioritizes requests that are clearly and concisely described, supported by complete and clear income and expense projections, and do not require recurring funding for the same project or purpose. The foundation also favors one-time requests or projects that can reasonably ensure sustainability after the initial DCCF funding is utilized. This strategic focus ensures that grants create lasting positive change and promote self-sufficiency within recipient organizations and their initiatives. Expected outcomes include a measurable improvement in the lives of Douglas County residents within the supported areas. While specific measurable results are not detailed in the provided text, the emphasis on clear project descriptions and sound financial planning suggests an expectation of accountability and demonstrable impact. The foundation's theory of change appears to be rooted in empowering local nonprofit organizations, tribal entities, and local governments to implement projects that directly address community needs and foster long-term positive change. The foundation's strategic priorities are evident in its eligibility criteria and limitations on grantmaking. Proposals must come from 501(c)(3) nonprofits, tribal entities, or local governments, and must benefit Douglas County residents. Organizations must also operate without discrimination. DCCF explicitly does not fund multi-year requests, general operating expenses, individual support, annual campaigns, endowment funds, event sponsorships, fundraising events, religious purposes, lobbying, political activities, or debt retirement. These limitations ensure that the grants are focused on direct project support that aligns with the foundation's mission of community improvement.

The Telluride Foundation's Community Grants Program, open to organizations in Montrose, Ouray, and San Miguel counties in Colorado, offers grants ranging from $10,000 to $100,000 to support projects in areas such as early childhood development, education, environment, arts and culture, health, human service, and athletics, with a focus on enriching the quality of life of the region's residents, visitors, and workforce.

The Kansas City Outdoor Dining Enhancement Grant Program, under the leadership of Mayor Quinton Lucas and Councilman Wes Rogers, offers financial support to enhance permanent and multi-season outdoor dining spaces for restaurants in Kansas City, Missouri. The program aims to foster a vibrant restaurant industry, contributing to a thriving local economy and community-oriented neighborhoods. Eligible restaurants can receive grants of up to $15,000 for outdoor dining enhancements such as building structures, infrastructure improvements, and the purchase of furniture and coverings. Eligibility criteria include being a private, for-profit, full-service restaurant located in Kansas City, Missouri, possessing necessary licenses and permits, and having been in business for at least one year. Applications are accepted from July 29 to August 16, 2024, with selections announced in September 2024.

The City of Indian Wells’ Grants-in-Aid program is designed to provide funding to tax-exempt, non-profit organizations under Section 501(c)(3) that have been in business for at least five years. The program aims to support community assistance and services within the Coachella Valley. The City recognizes the crucial role community-based organizations play in providing various services or education, and this grant program serves as a financial aid mechanism to support these efforts. This aligns with the City's broader mission to foster a supportive and well-served community by backing organizations that possess expertise in offering valuable services that the City itself does not provide. The primary target beneficiaries of this program are the residents of Indian Wells and the Coachella Valley at large. The program specifically seeks to address identified community needs within this region. The impact goals are centered on enhancing the availability and quality of essential community services, education, and support. The City prioritizes funding for initiatives that expand existing service programs, add new services or special projects, or facilitate the purchase of specific items necessary for service delivery, excluding start-up, administrative, overhead, or fundraising costs. The program focuses on organizations that demonstrate a clear community need, are not duplicating services already funded by the City, and do not rely solely on community assistance funding for viability. The City aims to support services that would be more costly if provided directly by the municipality, emphasizing efficiency and leveraging external expertise. Expected outcomes include the successful implementation of new or expanded community programs, increased access to vital services for residents, and a stronger network of community support within the Coachella Valley. Measurable results are expected through the submission of compiled year-end reports, including project completion by June 30 of the funded year, and accurate accounts of all receipts and expenditures. Funding is awarded on a single-year basis, and proof of adequate insurance coverage may be required. The City's strategic priority is to invest in community-based groups, non-profit social agencies, or area service providers that directly benefit its residents, thereby enhancing the overall well-being and quality of life in Indian Wells and the wider Coachella Valley.

The City of Chandler is offering mini-grants up to $1,000 for projects that support diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) for youth aged 5-18, prioritizing diversity education in K-12 schools and favoring proposals that address various dimensions of diversity, with eligibility open to teachers, schools, nonprofits, and community groups in Chandler.

The Bothin Foundation Grant Program is designed to support direct service organizations in San Francisco, Marin, Sonoma, and San Mateo counties. The foundation's mission, as evidenced by its grant priorities and eligibility criteria, is to enhance the well-being of disadvantaged children and youth, low-income families with children, and people with disabilities. The program focuses on capital projects, aligning with a strategic priority to make durable, long-lasting investments that directly benefit program participants and improve the infrastructure of critical direct service organizations. The grant program targets organizations serving a significant number of residents in the specified counties, with a particular emphasis on those serving at least 50% disadvantaged children and youth, low-income families, and/or people with disabilities. The foundation's theory of change appears to be that by funding capital projects—such as building renovations, equipment purchases, technology upgrades, and vehicle acquisitions—it can enhance the capacity of direct service organizations to deliver effective services, thereby achieving a positive and lasting impact on their beneficiaries. Key priorities for funding include building construction and renovation (for contracted labor directly associated with the project), equipment and furnishing (especially items used by or benefiting program participants), technology, and vehicles that transport participants. The foundation explicitly states what it does not fund, such as planning for capital projects, staff time for project management, insurance for vehicles, or general operating expenses, which further refines its strategic focus on tangible capital improvements. Successful applications are those that propose capital projects that can be completed within 12 months, represent durable capital investments, and are submitted by direct service organizations meeting the beneficiary criteria. The grants range from $5,000 to $50,000, with a maximum grant size of $50,000. Expected outcomes include improved facilities, enhanced program delivery through new equipment and technology, and better access to services through reliable transportation, all contributing to the foundation’s overarching goal of supporting vulnerable populations in its target regions. The foundation’s strategic priorities are clearly centered on strengthening the physical and operational assets of organizations directly serving those in need.

This grant provides financial and technical support to local governments, academic institutions, and non-profits for projects that improve water quality, restore waterways, enhance climate resilience, and promote environmental stewardship in Maryland.

The Healthy Environment, Healthy Communities Grant Program is a funding initiative by the Chesapeake Bay Trust that supports projects by various organizations to address environmental and public health issues through education, small-scale greening, and large-scale restoration in specific areas affected by wastewater treatment plants and energy companies.

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Chesapeake & Coastal Service (CCS) offers grants to support the sustainable development and use of Maryland waterways. Funded by the Waterway Improvement Fund (WIF), the program supports projects that improve and promote the recreational and commercial capabilities, conditions, and safety of Maryland’s waterways. Eligible applicants, including county, town, or city governments and state or federal agencies, can apply for projects such as constructing or maintaining public boating facilities, dredging channels, and purchasing fire/rescue vessels. Applications are due by September 18, 2024, with funding available starting July 1, 2025.

The Possibility Grant Program, overseen by the Walter and Elise Haas Fund, is a unique initiative with a core mission to foster a more just and equitable society. This program distinguishes itself by empowering Bay Area Youth (BAY) Community Fellows, who serve as youth advisors, to design and decide the grants. This approach aligns directly with the Fund's strategic priority of uplifting youth and incorporating intergenerational perspectives into its grantmaking. The grants are specifically designed as general operating support, ranging from $100,000 to $500,000, with flexible terms of either one or two years, providing essential financial stability to recipient organizations. The target beneficiaries for the Possibility Grants are primarily small organizations located in Alameda, Contra Costa, San Francisco, San Mateo, or Santa Clara County in California. These organizations must be 501(c)3 entities or fiscally sponsored by one. The impact goals are centered on challenging systems of oppression through various avenues, including cultural education, Black liberation values, community-based care, healing, and art. The program seeks to support organizations that respond to the current domestic and global political climate, demonstrating an active commitment to social change and equity. The Fund prioritizes organizations that are actively working to challenge and dismantle systems of oppression. This includes fostering intergenerational connections to uplift youth, centering collaboration in their work, and seeking a strong intersectional impact. The focus is on entities that embody Black liberation values and utilize cultural education, community-based care, healing, or art as tools for social transformation. These priorities reflect the foundation's theory of change, which posits that by supporting grassroots organizations with these specific focuses, they can contribute to systemic change and the creation of a more equitable society. Expected outcomes include the strengthening of small organizations that are vital to their communities and are at the forefront of social justice efforts. The program aims to enable these organizations to sustain and expand their work in challenging oppression and fostering intergenerational connections. While specific measurable results are not explicitly detailed beyond the general operating support, the emphasis on organizations actively working to dismantle systems of oppression and seeking intersectional impact suggests a qualitative assessment of their contributions to social equity and the empowerment of marginalized communities. The long-term impact envisioned is a Bay Area where youth are uplifted, collaboration is fostered, and systemic injustices are actively addressed.

This grant provides funding for local governments and non-profit organizations to design and construct habitat restoration projects that combat erosion and flooding while benefiting communities and addressing climate change.

This funding opportunity is designed to assist local and state organizations, private companies, and nonprofits in Maryland with projects that improve water quality by reducing pollution in designated watersheds.

This program provides funding to local organizations and governments in Colorado to develop strategies for protecting river resources without federal designation, supporting projects like planning and restoration efforts.

The Mazuma Foundation's grant program is deeply aligned with its mission to partner with non-profit organizations to enhance the quality of life within its field of membership. This includes Jackson, Clay, Platte, Cass, Johnson, and Wyandotte counties in the Kansas City region. The foundation's strategic priority is to effect positive change in these communities through charitable giving, supporting organizations that directly address critical needs and uplift residents. The program targets a broad range of beneficiaries, including individuals and communities served by organizations focused on the arts, financial education, and community development. The impact goals are to foster artistic expression and cultural enrichment, develop financial knowledge and career readiness for youth and adults, and improve the overall living experience in the Kansas City area. The foundation aims for measurable results in these core areas, contributing to a more vibrant, financially literate, and developed community. The grant program focuses on three core areas: The Arts, Financial Education, and Community Development. Within "The Arts," grants support fine or performing arts organizations (e.g., drawing, painting, theatre, orchestra, band, dance) in the Kansas City area. For "Financial Education," the focus is on developing financial knowledge, entrepreneurship, or career development for youth or adults. "Community Development" supports organizations actively working to make Kansas City a better place to live by enhancing the community experience. The expected outcomes are positive changes in the communities served, with specific emphasis on enriching the cultural landscape, empowering individuals through financial literacy, and fostering a stronger sense of community. The Mazuma Foundation's theory of change posits that by investing in these key areas through strategic grants, they can contribute to a sustainable improvement in the quality of life across the Kansas City region. Grant amounts will go up to a maximum of $15,000, and eligible organizations must be registered 501(c)3 non-profits.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to Kansas cities and counties for the construction of sidewalks and trails that benefit low- and moderate-income residents.

The Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) is accepting grant applications for the Land and Water Conservation Fund program until September 13, 2024. The program provides 50 percent reimbursement to selected outdoor recreation projects sponsored by political subdivisions and other public agencies. Eligible projects include the development and/or acquisition of outdoor facilities for public recreation. Applications will be reviewed for eligibility according to the LWCF guidelines and the 2021 Kansas Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP). Applications should include all required documentation and meet the needs identified in the 2021 Kansas Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP). A checklist is included to ensure project sponsors have met all requirements. Incomplete or late applications will result in withdrawal from funding consideration. Federal Standard Forms (SF-424) for Budget Information and Compliance Assurance are also required.

This program provides financial assistance to production companies organizing esports events in North Carolina, promoting economic growth through local spending and job creation.

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 Visit BG Ohio 2025 Tourism Grant Program offers financial support ranging from $1,000 to $10,000 for projects, events, and activities that promote tourism, increase overnight stays, and provide economic benefits to the City of Bowling Green, with a focus on capital improvement, sports, conferences, festivals, large events, and arts and culture.

The Pennsylvania Shooting Range Improvement Grant Program (SRIP), managed by the Pennsylvania Game Commission (PGC), aims to provide financial support for the state's aging shooting range infrastructure. The program's core mission aligns with the PGC's pride in Pennsylvania's hunting and shooting heritage, seeking to ensure a bright future for the next generation of hunters and shooters by revitalizing existing facilities and creating opportunities for increased access. This initiative is a strategic move to foster community engagement and support for shooting sports. The target beneficiaries of the SRIP grant are existing shooting ranges, shooting clubs, recreational shooting organizations, archery clubs, and education groups that can demonstrate public use of their facilities. Retail ranges are explicitly excluded. The program's impact goals include increasing public access to private and club-type facilities, enhancing the availability and quality of shooting ranges for the public, improving public safety and environmental stewardship, and bolstering facilities for the Pennsylvania Hunter-Trapper Education Program. A key priority is also to provide funding to facilities that have not previously received grants, thereby broadening the reach of support. The program focuses on bringing life into aging infrastructure and creating opportunities for new members. This is achieved through a tiered funding structure (Tier One, Tier Two, and Tier Three) based on grant amount and project useful life, with each tier having specific deliverables. These deliverables include PGC signage of program funding, a certain number of youth field days or hunter/shooter education classes, and a specified number of public days per calendar year for matches, tournaments, sight-in days, or open house events. Eligible projects include rifle, handgun, shotgun, skeet, trap, and archery ranges, which should be designed to established industry standards or mirror PGC state game land ranges. Expected outcomes and measurable results are directly tied to the program's goals and deliverables. For example, increased public days directly measure enhanced public access, while the number of youth field days and hunter/shooter education classes demonstrate an enhancement of educational opportunities. The program anticipates increased use of state lands, decreased firearms-related vandalism, local citizen support and appreciation, increased generated funds for ranges, and enhanced user support of hunting and shooting sports. These outcomes collectively contribute to the PGC's strategic priority of preserving and promoting the state's outdoor heritage through accessible and well-maintained facilities.