Recreation Grants

The Art Project program, administered by the Arrowhead Regional Arts Council (ARAC), is a targeted funding mechanism that provides grants up to $5,000 to eligible organizations for meaningful arts activities. The program is specifically designed to foster artistic creation, performance, exhibition, and publication, as well as the presentation of arts events, often through collaborations with other entities or individuals. While a formal mission statement for ARAC is not detailed, the program's explicit focus on "relevant, meaningful arts activities with value to the community" clearly aligns with a foundational philanthropic goal of enriching the local culture and enhancing overall community well-being through supporting local artistic expression. The program's target beneficiaries include a specific set of organizations that are vital to the community's infrastructure: state-registered and federally recognized non-profit organizations, accredited schools, tribal governments, and units of government. Both individual artists and arts organizations are eligible to apply. Geographically, the beneficiaries must be primarily based in one of seven specific Minnesota counties—Aitkin, Carlton, Cook, Itasca, Koochiching, Lake, or St. Louis County (outside Duluth)—or within the four Tribal Nations of Bois Forte, Fond du Lac, Grand Portage, or Leech Lake (within Itasca County). All Duluth organizations are eligible regardless of budget size, while organizations outside Duluth must have had prior year arts operating expenses of $40,000 or more; smaller groups are directed to a complementary program. The overarching impact goal is to support the arts landscape of this defined region by ensuring resources reach established organizations and communities. The strategic focus of the grant prioritizes activities that directly involve the creation, performance, exhibition, or publication of new artistic works. Funds are flexible and can cover essential supporting infrastructure, including art supplies, administrative and volunteer costs, and advertising, marketing, and promotional materials. To ensure the funds primarily support artistic output, purchases for equipment or technology are permitted only if they are integral to the artistic project and constitute less than 25 percent of the total request. This emphasis on direct artistic output and supporting necessary operational and promotional expenses ensures the grants have a tangible impact on the regional arts community. The expected outcomes and measurable results revolve around fostering a more vibrant cultural environment by increasing access to and participation in arts activities within the designated service area. Though not explicitly quantified, the ARAC's theory of change is inferred to be that by strategically funding projects which create new artistic works, present public arts events, and support the operational needs of qualifying arts organizations, they will successfully stimulate cultural engagement. The strategic distribution of resources is managed by key funding limitations, including the maximum grant of $5,000 and an overall cap of $25,000 per organization per fiscal year across all ARAC programs, which ensures broad distribution and support for a diverse range of projects and organizations. Furthermore, the requirement that projects must begin within six months helps ensure timely implementation and community benefit from the funded activities.

Impact Projects grants support arts organizations for collaborations between local artist(s) and community members to develop and express their own creative and artistic goals and address a community-defined need. Collaborative projects will utilize various creative practices to impact social issues affecting their communities, including but not limited to systemic marginalization, incarceration/justice systems, arts learning, poverty/economic disparity, health disparities, accessibility for people with disabilities, housing insecurity, violence, food insecurity, cultural/social justice, intergenerational/multigenerational learning, veterans’ issues, and environmental sustainability

The Youth Climate Action Fund (YCAF) Micro-Grant Program, established by the City of La Crosse, aims to empower youth aged 15-24 to address urgent climate challenges within their community. This program directly aligns with the City's Climate Action Plan by activating youth-led initiatives. The foundational mission of this grant is to foster environmental stewardship and action among young residents, contributing to the broader strategic priorities of the City in climate mitigation and adaptation. The primary beneficiaries of this program are young individuals and youth-led groups between the ages of 15-24, residing in or directly benefiting the city of La Crosse. The overarching impact goal is to create a tangible difference in the local environment through youth-driven projects, thereby fostering a generation of climate-conscious leaders and contributing to the city's sustainability objectives. Projects must fit within the strategies of the City’s Climate Action Plan, ensuring alignment with municipal environmental goals. The program prioritizes several key areas. These include youth-led awareness, education, research, and development initiatives, such as climate education programs, hackathons, surveys, and public art campaigns. Additionally, youth-driven climate mitigation and adaptation projects are highly encouraged, encompassing community gardening, tree planting, waste reduction, and climate resilience workshops. Finally, co-governed youth climate action plans, which involve partnerships between city leaders and youth groups to inform policy and decision-making, are also a core focus. Expected outcomes include a more engaged and educated youth population regarding climate issues, the implementation of various local sustainability projects, and a reduction in the city's environmental footprint. Measurable results could involve the number of participants in youth-led initiatives, the amount of waste reduced, the number of trees planted, or the development of new climate-related policies influenced by youth input. The program’s theory of change posits that by providing direct funding and support to youth-led projects, it will catalyze innovative solutions and foster a sense of ownership and responsibility among young people for their local environment, thereby contributing to the long-term sustainability and resilience of La Crosse.

This grant provides financial support to nonprofit organizations in south Douglas County, Oregon, focusing on initiatives in education, youth development, literacy, culture, and community enhancement.

Grantees will be required to accomplish the following within the Grant Activity Period: Convene a standing committee of community members and stakeholders tosupport development of new SLP structure and strategic framework. Model equity practices and principles in the development of new SLP mission,vision, programming, and services. Identify and retain a dedicated staff member to lead new SLP and provide mentorship to that individual. Identify and maintain an accessible public office space for the new SLP. Create and implement a realistic operating budget for new SLP, with appropriate portion of grant funds going directly to support new SLP. Supply anticipated outcomes for a one-year grant and outline any next steps anticipated to occur beyond the grant activity period to fulfill the goals of the grant program. 

The Oshkosh Area United Way (OAUW) is offering its 2025 Community Investment Grant, a funding opportunity designed for organizations in Southern Winnebago County, Wisconsin. This grant program aligns directly with OAUW's mission to address critical community needs by investing in programs focused on youth-focused education, mental health, and financial stability. The OAUW's strategic approach is to support initiatives that create long-term positive change and foster a thriving community in the Oshkosh area. The primary beneficiaries of this grant are residents of Southern Winnebago County, specifically within the zip codes 54901, 54902, 54903, 54904, 54906, 54927, 54963, 54964, 54980, 54985, and 54986. The OAUW aims to achieve significant impact by supporting programs that provide access to high-quality childcare and education, connect residents to health and human services (including healing and crisis intervention for mental health), and empower households to achieve financial stability through improved employment skills, reduced transportation barriers, and access to basic needs like food and shelter. The grant prioritizes programs in three key focus areas: Youth-Focused Education, Mental Health, and Financial Stability. Within Youth-Focused Education, OAUW seeks to fund programs that equip parents and children with tools for early childhood development and overall school and career readiness. For Mental Health, the focus is on connecting residents to support services for healing and crisis intervention. Financial Stability initiatives should improve skills for gainful employment, reduce transportation barriers, and offer essential resources such as food and shelter. Applicants are expected to demonstrate how their programs benefit local residents, measure and track positive results for clients, maintain records, comply with anti-terrorist funding regulations, and practice non-discrimination. The OAUW will not fund individuals, religious activities serving only members, lobbying efforts, direct travel support (unless critical to an eligible program), advertising (beyond service awareness), endowments, capital campaigns, athletic associations, or fundraising events. The deadline for applications is June 28, 2024.

The Arizona Diamondbacks Foundation Grant Program is currently accepting applications for grants ranging from $1,000 to $10,000, with awards typically falling between $1,000 and $5,000. These grants are designed to fund programs and projects that will be completed within one year of the award date. The foundation's mission, as indicated by its focus areas, is deeply rooted in human services, aiming to address critical needs within Arizona communities. While the specific "foundation mission alignment" and "strategic priorities and theory of change" are not explicitly stated, they are implicitly demonstrated through the consistent focus on human services and community impact. The program's primary target beneficiaries are organizations located in Arizona that serve various populations in need. The "impact goals" are to alleviate suffering and improve the quality of life for individuals experiencing homelessness, those requiring indigent healthcare, and youth participating in various programs. While programs operated by schools and youth sports leagues typically fall under other grant programs, the broader human services category ensures a wide reach. The exclusion of certain funding areas like annual appeals, capital campaigns, and endowments further defines the scope of their intended impact, emphasizing direct program support. The grant program's priorities and focuses are clearly delineated: homelessness, indigent healthcare, and youth programs. Additionally, other human services requests will be considered, demonstrating a flexible yet targeted approach. This indicates a strategic priority on immediate and direct community intervention rather than long-term infrastructural or endowment building. The focus on short-term, impactful projects with a one-year completion timeline suggests a theory of change centered on addressing pressing community issues through focused, measurable interventions. To ensure accountability and demonstrate "expected outcomes and measurable results," eligible organizations are required to submit an end-of-year Grant Progress Report. The application process itself mandates the submission of detailed information, including an Agency Overview, Board of Directors Roster, Financial Statements, Program/Project Timeline, Use of Funds Description, and Outcome Measurements. This rigorous reporting requirement underscores the foundation's commitment to understanding the tangible impact of its grants, aligning with a strategic approach that values transparency and demonstrable results in its philanthropic endeavors.

Program Goals Projects should address the following Exposure program goals: Develop long-term, mutually beneficial relationships between arts and educational organizations, teaching artists, and the youth and families in the communities they serve. Cultivate students’ appreciation for the arts and understanding of themselves as the next generation of arts patrons and participants. Promote culturally and linguistically responsive learning through the arts, using cultural knowledge to support the cultural assets of the local community and students’ positive self-identification within and respect for diverse cultures.

The ArtsFairfax Project Support Grants program is designed to encourage the development and advancement of the arts in Fairfax County, Virginia, and to serve the artistic and cultural needs of its residents. ArtsFairfax, the donor, aligns its mission with these grants by providing funding to both arts organizations and individual artists for projects that engage the community. This program supports established and developing arts organizations, promotes opportunities for individual artists, and aims to be a catalyst for increased private sector support for the arts through leveraged public funding. The target beneficiaries of these grants include eligible nonprofit arts organizations, both established and developing, as well as individual artists and non-501(c)(3) arts groups through partnerships. The program specifically aims to engage new audiences in the arts and contribute to the vibrancy and quality of life in Fairfax County. Impact goals include fostering artistic development and recognition, strengthening arts engagement, and ensuring diverse cultural programming is available to all residents, including underserved and economically disadvantaged communities. The program prioritizes activities that are not part of an organization's usual activities, such as designing and implementing new class offerings, bringing in guest artists who might normally be financially out of reach, or enhancing and expanding existing program offerings. The four grant subcategories—Arts in Education, Opportunity, Partnerships with Individual Artists, Artist Teams/Cooperatives, non-501(c)(3) Arts Groups, and Arts Access—each focus on specific areas of artistic engagement and development. Arts in Education projects provide high-impact art experiences, Opportunity projects enable organizations to take advantage of atypical opportunities, Partnerships support collaborations, and Arts Access projects strengthen engagement in underserved communities. Expected outcomes and measurable results include increased participation in the arts, the creation and presentation of new artistic endeavors, enhanced scope of program offerings, and reduced barriers to high-quality arts experiences in communities with limited access. The grants range from $1,000 to $30,000, with a grant period of two years. While specific measurable results are not explicitly detailed as numerical targets, the emphasis on engaging new audiences, supporting diverse programming, and strengthening arts engagement suggests that successful outcomes would be demonstrated through increased attendance, participation, and the development of new artistic initiatives within Fairfax County.

The Access to Recreation Program, an initiative of the Community Foundation for the Land of Lincoln, is designed to support accessible recreation projects for individuals with disabilities and special needs. This includes adaptive sports, games, and programs, as well as capital projects, addressing various needs such as sensory, physical, mobility, cognitive, developmental, emotional, and psychological disabilities. The foundation's mission, as evidenced by this program, aligns with fostering inclusive community participation and removing barriers to recreation. The program primarily targets nonprofit organizations, faith-based organizations, public or private schools, and units of government or municipalities that serve residents of Sangamon County, IL. The goal is to provide opportunities for people with disabilities to participate in indoor or outdoor recreation activities without barriers. The program seeks to fund initiatives that are specifically designed for and/or about people with disabilities but are also available to the general public, promoting broader community inclusion. The program prioritizes requests that support accessible recreation, focusing on activities that enable participation for individuals with disabilities. This includes projects that facilitate adaptive sports, games, and various recreational programs. The emphasis is on creating an environment where disabilities do not hinder access to recreational activities, thereby enhancing the quality of life for individuals with special needs within Sangamon County. Expected outcomes include increased participation of people with disabilities in recreational activities, the development of more inclusive recreational programs, and the establishment of accessible facilities. Measurable results could include the number of individuals served, the types of adaptive programs implemented, and the improvements made to existing facilities to enhance accessibility. The foundation's strategic priorities appear to revolve around community well-being and equitable access, with a theory of change that posits by funding accessible recreation, they can directly improve the health, social integration, and overall life satisfaction of people with disabilities in their service area.

The Department of Cultural Affairs (DCLA) is launching its fiscal year 2025 Cultural Development Fund (CDF) grant application, designed to support New York City nonprofit arts and cultural organizations. The program aims to foster the vibrant cultural landscape of the city by providing financial assistance to organizations delivering arts and cultural services across all five boroughs: Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, The Bronx, and Staten Island. This grant aligns with a mission to strengthen and sustain the arts and cultural sector, recognizing its vital role in the community and economy of New York City. The target beneficiaries of the CDF grant are New York City-based nonprofit arts and cultural organizations. This includes organizations with a primary arts or culture mission, as well as nonprofit organizations that incorporate an arts or culture component into their broader mission. The impact goal is to ensure the continued delivery of diverse and high-quality arts and cultural services to New York City residents. The program specifically excludes individual artists, certain corporate structures (LLCs, Benefit Corporations, Limited Partnerships), and organizations not based or primarily operating within New York City. The DCLA grant program prioritizes organizations that have successfully demonstrated the delivery of arts and cultural services in New York City for at least the last two consecutive years. Additionally, eligibility is tied to administrative and programmatic operations within the five boroughs, possession of a unique Federal Employee Identification Number (EIN), and 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status, or the use of a DCLA pre-approved fiscal sponsor. Organizations incorporated in New York State as not-for-profits no later than fiscal year 2022 are also prioritized for a broader range of awards. Expected outcomes include the financial stabilization and growth of eligible arts and cultural organizations, enabling them to continue and expand their programming. The grant aims to ensure that cultural services remain accessible and robust across all New York City boroughs. Measurable results would involve tracking the number of organizations supported, the range of cultural programs offered, and the sustained presence of arts and cultural activities throughout the grant period, which runs from July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2025. The DCLA's strategic priorities for this grant reflect a theory of change that investment in established and compliant nonprofit arts and cultural organizations directly contributes to the cultural enrichment and overall well-being of New York City. By providing varying levels of funding based on an organization's operating income, ranging from $10,000 for smaller organizations up to $100,000 for larger ones, the program aims to address the diverse needs of the sector and promote equitable access to funding. Organizations not previously receiving a CDF baseline award in the last six fiscal years are eligible for a one-year $10,000 baseline award, ensuring support for newer or re-engaging entities.

The Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines offers Leadership Grants, ranging from $100,000 to $500,000, to initiatives that aim to strengthen the community through equity-centered strategies and collaboration with diverse stakeholders, focusing on improving the quality of life in Greater Des Moines.

The BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina Foundation is offering Heal Mini-Grants, a funding opportunity designed to support healthy eating or active living projects. These grants specifically target policy, systems, and environmental (PSE) change in community health. The foundation's mission, as evidenced by its past award to Wholespire, is to promote the health of South Carolina’s economically challenged population. The Heal Mini-Grants align with this mission by creating opportunities for equitable access to healthy food and safe places for physical activity, recognizing that individual choices are influenced by available options. The target beneficiaries include community members, students, employees, and devout individuals who will benefit from increased opportunities to make healthy choices and engage in physical activity. The impact goals are to foster healthier communities by addressing systemic barriers to well-being. This is achieved by supporting projects that either serve as seed money for new initiatives, help progress existing ones, or provide the final push to complete ongoing projects, all within a 9-month grant period. The program's priorities and focus areas are exclusively related to healthy eating and/or active living, with a strong emphasis on implementing or supporting PSE change projects. Examples of funded projects include establishing or promoting SNAP/Healthy Bucks at farmers' markets, creating sustainable food-gleaning stations, installing water bottle refill stations, improving playgrounds, supporting active communities with bike racks and crosswalks, and enhancing community trails with signage and amenities. These examples highlight the commitment to creating environments that naturally encourage healthier lifestyles. Expected outcomes include increased access to healthy food options and greater opportunities for physical activity within communities. Measurable results would stem from the implementation of tangible PSE changes, such as the establishment of new programs, improvements to existing infrastructure, or the adoption of supportive policies. The foundation's strategic priorities are clearly centered on community health improvement through practical, environmental interventions. Their theory of change appears to be that by altering the policy, systems, and environmental landscape, individuals will naturally be empowered to make healthier choices, leading to a more active and well-nourished population.

The Legacy Foundation of Southeast Arizona is offering Innovative Grants ranging from $10,000 to $100,000 for one year to tax-exempt organizations and government entities, aiming to fund projects that promote community health and wellness through innovative solutions and collaborations, with a focus on addressing various aspects of community wellbeing and resilience.

The Oklahoma Office of the Attorney General is currently accepting applications for the 2025 Safe Oklahoma Grant Program. Established in 2012, this program is funded by an annual appropriation from the state legislature and aims to provide local law enforcement agencies and sheriff's offices with additional resources to address violent crime across Oklahoma. The program's core mission aligns with public safety and crime reduction within the state, directly supporting the Attorney General's efforts to ensure safer communities. The primary beneficiaries of this grant are local law enforcement agencies and sheriff's offices throughout all counties in Oklahoma. The impact goal is to decrease violent crime within their respective jurisdictions. This is achieved by offering resources that help cover overtime costs for officers, fund technology upgrades, enhance analytical capabilities, and support community partnership projects focused on preventing youth violent crime. The grant's duration is one year, from January 1, 2025, to December 31, 2025, allowing for focused, short-term interventions and improvements. The grant program prioritizes several strategies for decreasing violent crime, as outlined in 74 O.S. § 20k(B)(1)-(5). These include focusing on intervention and enforcement through increased staffing resources with overtime funds for evidence-driven approaches like directed patrols and "hot spot" policing; increasing technological capacity with purchases such as crime-mapping software and GPS technology; enhancing analytical capabilities for crime trend analysis and data-driven strategies; engaging with community partners to develop projects preventing violent crime, including drug enforcement and youth violence programs; and increasing direct services to crime victims by improving accessibility and awareness of support. The expected outcomes include a measurable reduction in violent crime within the participating jurisdictions. By funding increased patrols, technology upgrades, and improved analytical and community engagement efforts, the program anticipates a direct positive impact on community safety. The theory of change behind the Safe Oklahoma Grant Program is that by providing targeted financial resources to local law enforcement, these agencies can implement specific, data-driven strategies and foster community partnerships that will effectively deter and reduce violent crime, ultimately leading to safer communities across Oklahoma.

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 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.

The Youth Climate Action Fund (YCAF) Micro-Grant Program, a collaboration between the City of New Orleans and the Greater New Orleans Foundation, is designed to empower young individuals aged 15-24 to address urgent climate challenges within their community. This initiative is part of a larger effort supported by Bloomberg Philanthropies, aiming to activate youth-led projects that align with the New Orleans Climate Action Plan. The program's core mission is to foster environmental stewardship and facilitate tangible climate solutions at a grassroots level, thereby directly contributing to the city's broader environmental goals. The primary beneficiaries of this micro-grant program are youth between the ages of 15-24 residing in Orleans Parish, whose projects are intended to directly benefit the City of New Orleans. The program seeks to engage and mobilize this demographic, providing them with the financial resources and support necessary to translate their innovative ideas into impactful climate action. The overarching impact goal is to cultivate a new generation of environmental leaders and to implement effective, youth-led initiatives that tackle critical climate issues within the community. Projects funded through the YCAF Micro-Grant Program must align with one or more of the New Orleans Climate Action Plan priorities. These key areas of focus include Energy Efficiency, Transportation, Nature-Based Solutions, Circular Economy & Waste Reduction, and Data, Research & Engagement. This ensures that all supported initiatives contribute to the city's established climate strategy, maximizing their collective impact. The program prioritizes projects that demonstrate clear objectives and a strong potential for achieving measurable results in these critical areas. Successful applicants will receive micro-grants ranging from $1,000 to $5,000, distributed through the Greater New Orleans Foundation in August/September 2024. These funds can be utilized for various project-related expenses, such as materials, equipment, and community outreach activities. The expected outcomes include the successful implementation of diverse youth-led climate projects, increased community engagement in climate action, and a measurable reduction in environmental impact across the specified priority areas. While the document does not explicitly detail the Greater New Orleans Foundation's strategic priorities or theory of change, its partnership in this program strongly indicates an alignment with community development, environmental sustainability, and youth empowerment.

The Seattle Department of Neighborhoods (DON) is offering a Starter Fund Grant Program, ranging from $5,000 to $25,000, for small community organizations and groups focusing on advancing an equitable and sustainable local food system within Seattle, with eligible activities including food justice initiatives, community organizing, food-related job training, and more.

This grant provides funding to nonprofits, schools, and civic organizations in Columbia County, New York, to develop programs that help young people transition from education to the workforce through internships, skill-building, and entrepreneurial opportunities.