Recreation Grants

The Barbour County Community Foundation enhances life in Barbour County by awarding grants in areas such as arts and culture, health and human services, education, public recreation, beautification, and youth services. To be eligible, applicants must be private, non-profit organizations with 501(c)(3) status or public institutions, with programs based in Barbour County. The application period is from October 1st to December 15th annually, and submissions must be mailed to the Foundation. An independent committee reviews applications and makes final decisions, with successful applicants notified shortly after and a payment schedule developed. Grant renewed every year. Grant annual opening/closing deadline: October 1st to December 15th

The Facility Start-Up/New License Grant, offered by Coastal Enterprises Inc. (CEI) in Maine, aims to support entrepreneurs in establishing new child care facilities or expanding existing ones. This grant provides funding to help new child care businesses cover up to 50% of their start-up costs, with a total award ceiling of $80,000, and a general grant size ranging from $10,000 to $100,000. CEI's mission, though not explicitly detailed in the provided text, can be inferred as supporting economic development and community well-being through strategic investments, particularly in vital services like child care. The target beneficiaries of this grant are individuals and organizations (sole proprietors, partnerships, cooperatives, nonprofit organizations, and employers) interested in starting or expanding child care facilities outside of a home environment. The impact goals are to increase access to quality child care, particularly in specific counties of Maine, and to foster business growth in this essential sector. By providing start-up capital, the program seeks to alleviate financial barriers for new and expanding child care providers, thereby strengthening the child care infrastructure. Priority is given to applications from Aroostook, Franklin, Penobscot, Piscataquis, Somerset, and Washington Counties in Maine, indicating a strategic focus on underserved or high-need areas within the state. Additionally, bonus points are awarded to applicants who commit to providing care for infants and toddlers, serving income-eligible families (those receiving subsidies), and participating in the USDA Child and Adult Care Food Program. These priorities align with broader goals of supporting vulnerable populations and improving the nutritional well-being of children. The grant funds can be used for a wide range of purposes, including purchasing, renting, or renovating buildings for child care, constructing new facilities, acquiring educational materials, indoor furniture, outdoor learning environments, playground equipment, and health and safety supplies. Importantly, funds can also cover working capital for the first month, including pre-opening payroll and initial food costs. The expected outcomes include a measurable increase in the number of high-quality child care slots, particularly for infants, toddlers, and income-eligible families, in the designated priority counties. This initiative directly supports community development by addressing critical social and economic needs related to child care accessibility and quality.

This grant provides financial support to charitable organizations in Utah that focus on improving health, education, community development, environmental preservation, and the arts, while ensuring they meet community needs without duplicating existing services.

The City of Burien offers the Burien Neighborhood Grants Program to support resident initiated projects that improve quality of life, build community, and create lasting public benefits. The program encourages participation from youth groups, neighborhood associations, and informal groups of neighbors. The city may provide up to 5,000 dollars per project, to be matched by volunteer labor, donated materials, professional services, or additional funds. Eligible projects include tree planting and maintenance, minor park or trailhead improvements, environmental or sustainability projects, public amenities such as benches or markers, and community based events that foster neighbor connections. Projects must be designed for low maintenance and provide broad public access and benefit. Projects must be located within Burien city limits and involve at least two residents from separate households. Applicants must demonstrate neighborhood support, obtain approvals from adjacent property owners as needed, involve residents in all phases, and meet project completion timelines and permitting requirements. Projects must be on publicly accessed property and be free and open to the public. Applications are due May 1, 2024. Grant duration is not stated. Additional information is available from the City of Burien.

The Pennsylvania Water Trails Program Mini Grant, overseen by the Pennsylvania Environmental Council (PEC) in partnership with the Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission, Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, and the National Park Service, aims to address urgent issues on designated water trails that compromise safety or access. With a total of $2000 available, this grant supports projects that can quickly resolve situations like storm-induced damage, navigational obstructions, or critical sign destruction that impedes safe water trail access. Eligible projects must match the grant 1:1 with cash or in-kind services. The grant serves as a last-resort funding source for unforeseen issues affecting Pennsylvania's 28 designated water trails, emphasizing safety and accessibility while fostering recreational opportunities and sustainable natural resource use. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until September 30, 2024, with awards based on urgency and committee discretion.

This grant provides funding to support the maintenance, safety, and enhancement of recreational walking and cycling trails in Warren County.

This funding opportunity supports public non-profits and government entities in West Michigan to enhance the quality of life for children and youth through programs focused on health, education, and community collaboration.

The Juneau Arts and Humanities Council, with support from the Juneau Community Foundation, offers Individual Artist Grants to assist experienced artists of exceptional talent in producing original work or advancing their careers. The program invests in local artists across disciplines to strengthen the cultural vitality of Juneau, Alaska. Eligible disciplines include visual arts, creative writing, music, dance, theater, design, and other creative fields. Grants may not exceed 1,000 dollars and support projects taking place from July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2025. Funds may be used for project costs, materials, professional development, or other expenses directly tied to creating new work or career advancement. Applicants must submit original work samples demonstrating exceptional talent and professional commitment, have been a Juneau resident for the past year, plan to remain in Juneau for the duration of the project, and be current on reporting for any prior awards. Artists who received an Individual Artist Grant in the previous cycle are not eligible in the current cycle. Applications are due May 1, 2024. Additional information is available from the Juneau Arts and Humanities Council.

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.

This grant provides financial support to tax-exempt organizations to engage under-served populations in outdoor recreation, conservation, and environmental education across Texas.

The Accion Opportunity Fund, in partnership with LegalZoom, the NBA, WNBA, and NBA G-League, has launched a grant program designed to support small business owners and emerging entrepreneurs across the United States. This initiative provides grants ranging from $1,000 to $10,000, along with free LegalZoom services valued up to $500. Administered by the nonprofit Accion Opportunity Fund, the program's core mission aligns with empowering business owners by offering essential tools and resources for starting and growing their ventures. This collaboration reflects a shared commitment to fostering entrepreneurship and investing in the success of small businesses nationwide. The program targets two primary beneficiary groups: existing small businesses and emerging entrepreneurs. Existing small businesses applying for the $10,000 grant and LegalZoom services must be U.S.-based, have been in operation for at least 3 months, have an annual revenue under $1 million, possess an active business bank account, and not be in an ineligible industry. Those in business for 12 months or more need to provide their most recent business tax return, while those in business for 3 to 12 months require specific formation documents or licenses. Emerging entrepreneurs, seeking LegalZoom services, must also be U.S.-based and either be in operation for less than 3 months or provide a business idea summary. The program's priorities and focuses revolve around encouraging entrepreneurship and providing tangible support to small business owners. This includes offering direct financial assistance through grants, as well as crucial legal and business formation resources via LegalZoom. The initiative aims to provide a "perfect play" for businesses, signifying a holistic approach to support that addresses both financial needs and structural requirements for growth. By focusing on both established and nascent ventures, the program seeks to create a robust entrepreneurial ecosystem. Expected outcomes and measurable results include the successful establishment and growth of small businesses, increased access to legal services for entrepreneurs, and a reduction in the barriers faced by new and existing ventures. While specific quantitative metrics for success beyond the grant distribution are not explicitly detailed, the underlying theory of change suggests that by providing financial capital and legal support, businesses will be better equipped to sustain operations, expand, and contribute to local economies. The program's design, with its clear eligibility criteria, is structured to ensure that resources are directed to businesses poised for positive impact and growth.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to organizations that assist individuals facing life challenges, particularly those who are blind or visually impaired, with requests up to $5,000.

The NatureWorks grant program, managed by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, supports the development or acquisition of public outdoor recreation areas. Eligible entities include Ohio's political subdivisions, such as municipalities, townships, counties, and park districts. The program offers up to 75% funding for eligible projects, requiring a minimum of 25% match from non-state and non-federal sources. Applications are due by June 1, 2024, emphasizing ADA compliance, long-term maintenance, and public accessibility.

This program provides funding to local governments and nonprofit snowmobile clubs in Michigan for maintaining and improving the state's snowmobile trail system.

The Grants Committee of the Marshall County Community Foundation seeks to enhance the quality of life in Marshall County by providing funds through a grant making process for humanitarian, cultural, educational, recreational and environmental activities. The general policy of the Marshall County Community Foundation is to make Community Fund Grants for innovative and creative projects serving Marshall County, and to programs which are responsive to changing community needs. Grant Applications Community Funds Typically, the Foundation makes grants two times per year. Applications are due on February 1 and August 1. Recipients are announced in April (following the February due date) and October (following the August due date). New in 2023: Preference will be given to Community Fund requests of $5,000 or more. For project requests less than $5,000, please consider applications to United Way R4 Grant, or Marshall County REMC Operation Round Up.

The Ralph C. Vonnegut, Jr. Fund, offered by the MCCF (Marshall County Community Foundation), is an annual grant opportunity available on February 1st. The fund aims to support environmental, educational, or recreational projects that are directly linked to Lake Maxinkuckee. Eligible applicants must have 501(c)(3) IRS status or be organizations with 501(c) IRS status whose request is charitable in nature. For further information, interested parties can contact the MCCF directly.

The Grants Committee of the Marshall County Community Foundation seeks to enhance the quality of life in Marshall County by providing funds through a grant making process for humanitarian, cultural, educational, recreational and environmental activities. The general policy of the Marshall County Community Foundation is to make Community Fund Grants for innovative and creative projects serving Marshall County, and to programs which are responsive to changing community needs. Grant Applications Community Funds Typically, the Foundation makes grants two times per year. Applications are due on February 1 and August 1. Recipients are announced in April (following the February due date) and October (following the August due date). New in 2023: Preference will be given to Community Fund requests of $5,000 or more. For project requests less than $5,000, please consider applications to United Way R4 Grant, or Marshall County REMC Operation Round Up.

This program provides funding to businesses and organizations for projects and events that improve tourism and community experiences in the Plover Area, with a focus on attracting overnight visitors.

The Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) State and Local Assistance (SLA) Program provides grants to the States, and through them to local units of government and federallyrecognized Indian tribes, for projects that will provide outdoor recreation opportunities to the public. This is accomplished through the acquisition of lands and waters for parks and other outdoor recreation areas, as well as through the development of new, or the renovation of existing, outdoor recreation facilities. The Program is operated by the National Park Service (NPS) in partnership with designated State Lead Agencies in each of the 50 States as well as American Samoa, the District of Columbia, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands. Congress allocates money from the LWCF for this program, which is then apportioned to the States based on a legislative formula. To be eligible for LWCF grants, States must maintain an approved Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP), which is used to assess the supply and demand for outdoor recreation resources and set priorities for the use of LWCF funds. Since 1964, more than $5.2 billion has been made available to all 50 states, territories, and the District of Columbia and more than 44,000 grants have been awarded. The Department of Defense (DOD) Readiness and Environmental Protection Integration (REPI) Program protects the Nation’s military readiness, enhances relationships with communities, preserves the environment, and improves military installation and community resilience to climate change. Under 10 U.S.C. 2684a, the REPI program funds cost-sharing partnerships for the military with state and local governments and private conservation organizations. These partnerships obtain easements or other interests in land from willing sellers or promote natural resource management and military installation resilience to preserve critical areas, resources, and natural infrastructure near military installations. Since program inception, REPI partnership projects have protected nearly 1.18 million acres of land in 120 locations in 35 states and territories. Overseen by the Office of the Secretary of Defense and implemented by the military services, REPI projects help to preserve vital missions at key military installations. In coordination with Congress and the DoD, the Secretary of the Interior has established a special competitive funding initiative using previously apportioned funds that are not currently allocated to any particular state or territory. The Readiness and Recreation Initiative will seek to fund projects that will acquire and enhance lands for public outdoor recreation that are also within the geographic scope of an agreement between a state, local government, or conservation-focused non-governmental entity and a military department pursuant to 10 U.S.C. 2684a. Projects must meet the dual purposes of 1) providing outdoor recreation opportunities, and 2) promoting or supporting compatible land uses and avoiding incompatible development 4 in areas in the vicinity of, or ecologically related to, a military installation or military airspace, and/or to maintain or enhance the climate resilience of one or more military installations (hereinafter, “REPI Partnership Opportunity Area”). The projects will serve the general public and military families. Therefore, consistent with the purposes and requirements of the LWCF Act and LWCF Manual, the NPS is seeking land acquisition only or acquisition with compatible recreation development (aka, “combination”) project proposals matching the following factors: • meeting a priority outdoor recreation need or goal as identified in the State’s SCORP as well asthat of the community(ies), and that will provide compatible land use within the REPI Partnership Opportunity Area. • creating or expanding public outdoor recreational opportunities for the general public, including for residents and military families associated with the military installation within the REPI Partnership Opportunity Area. • located within an active REPI Partnership Opportunity Area. • promoting compatible land uses for military installations within REPI Partnership Opportunity Areas, particularly land uses related to compatible recreation development, advancing conservation or climate resilience (only if also offering compatible public access). • advancing the goals of a REPI partnership.

This funding opportunity supports small, community-driven projects in Takoma Park, Maryland, aimed at strengthening neighborhood connections through grants for local non-profits and community organizations.