Recreation Grants

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.

Amway offers grants to 501(c)(3) nonprofits in Kent County, Michigan, focusing on health, wellness, and empowerment programs, particularly those that increase access to healthy foods, support mental wellbeing, provide life skills education, and promote youth leadership, primarily serving children, families, and traditionally underserved populations.

The Mayor’s Office of Cultural Economy is offering a 2024 Grant Funding Program designed to support and promote the cultural economy of New Orleans. This program aligns with the office's mission to foster economic growth through cultural activities. For the FY24 cycle, twenty-five grants of $2,000 each will be awarded. The grants target individuals and organizations that are actively engaged in promoting the cultural economy. This includes educating youth, training cultural producers, providing networking opportunities, and creating cultural events. Eligible applicants include State and federal 501(c)3 nonprofits, for-profit businesses licensed with the City and State (for community/cultural activities only), and individuals such as artists who have secured a fiscal agent. The program aims to strengthen the cultural sector by supporting initiatives that build capacity and generate economic activity. The program prioritizes workshops, training, and conferences that enhance the capacity of cultural non-profits, neighborhood organizations, and cultural businesses. This capacity building encompasses networking, skill development (such as fundraising and grant writing), programming improvement, education on sustainability, and learning new concepts like place-based planning. Additionally, the grants support workshops, training, and conferences within specific Cultural Economy segments including Entertainment, Design, Preservation, Culinary Arts, Literary Arts and Humanities, and Visual Arts and Crafts. Expected outcomes include the creation of cultural events, increased employment for cultural workers (e.g., musicians), and increased sales for art and cultural vendors, thereby attracting tourists. The program's theory of change is that by investing in cultural education, training, networking, and events, the Office of Cultural Economy can stimulate economic growth and enhance the vibrancy of New Orleans' cultural landscape. All funded programs, events, and activities are required to acknowledge support from the Office of Cultural Economy, ensuring visibility and accountability.

The FC Dallas Foundation's Community Action Grant program, presented by NUU Mobile, is designed to support nonprofit organizations that share the foundation's mission of promoting healthy, active lifestyles for underserved communities in North Texas. This initiative aligns with the foundation's strategic priority to foster community well-being through direct support to organizations making a tangible difference in the lives of those who need it most. By partnering with nonprofits, the foundation aims to extend its reach and impact, reinforcing its commitment to community development. The program specifically targets underserved individuals and communities within the local North Texas area. The impact goals are centered on improving the nutrition, healthy activity (with a preference for sports, especially soccer), and education of these populations. This focus is a direct reflection of the foundation's theory of change, which posits that by addressing these fundamental areas, individuals can achieve a better quality of life and long-term well-being. Grantees are required to focus their efforts in one or more of three key areas: nutrition, healthy activity through sports (preferably soccer), or education. This allows for a diverse range of projects while maintaining a clear alignment with the foundation's core mission. The program prioritizes organizations that can effectively provide opportunities for underserved individuals, ensuring that the grants lead to meaningful engagement and support. Each successful grant recipient receives a $5,000 grant. While specific expected outcomes and measurable results are not detailed in the provided information, the program's emphasis on "providing opportunities for underserved individuals" and "serving those in the local North Texas community" strongly implies an expectation of increased access to resources and improved well-being within the target demographic. The foundation's overall strategic priorities suggest a commitment to empowering communities through focused interventions. Applicants must be 501(c)3 nonprofits that meet specific criteria, including providing opportunities for underserved individuals and communities, serving the local North Texas community, and focusing on nutrition, healthy activity, and/or education. This rigorous selection process ensures that funding is directed towards organizations that are well-positioned to achieve the desired community impact and align with the FC Dallas Foundation's mission.

The Land and Water Conservation Fund offers matching grants to states and local governments for acquiring and developing public outdoor recreation areas and facilities. Aligning with Michigan's 2023-2027 Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP), this grant focuses on assessing current resources and demands, evaluating trends, and setting strategic priorities for outdoor recreation improvements over the next five years. Applications are evaluated based on criteria that ensure alignment with the SCORP, and funding decisions are made by the National Park Service upon recommendation from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. Application deadlines are set annually, with a process involving submission, evaluation, and final approval stages. Applicants must have a DNR-approved community five-year recreation plan to be eligible. Grant renewed every year. Grant Annual deadline: April 1st

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.

The Sheboygan County Planning & Conservation Department is currently accepting applications for the Sheboygan County Stewardship Fund Grant. This grant aims to foster recreational opportunities and conserve valuable natural resources within Sheboygan County. Applicants can submit projects under three main categories: project development, land acquisition, or discretionary, all subject to case-by-case review. Projects may include land and easement acquisition, development or restoration of parks and trails, protection of water resources, and habitat restoration, among others. Funds awarded by the Stewardship Grant cannot exceed 50% of the total cost of the project or acquisition. The deadline for application submission is May 3, 2024. A matching requirement of 1:1 is necessary for grant consideration.

The Maine Land Protection grant program supports land acquisition or conservation easement projects that foster strong connections between Maine/Wabanaki territory and its land and water. These projects should create or increase permanent access to these natural resources, particularly for marginalized and historically excluded populations. The program encourages applications from Wabanaki tribal governments and similar entities. Projects should involve community support and include future use plans with engagement strategies for maintaining the land. Grant renewed every year. Grant Annual opening/closing deadlines: June 21st to September 16th

Since its inception in 2000, the Diamondbacks Foundation has significantly contributed to youth sports in Arizona through the "Diamonds Back" Youth Field Building Program. This initiative has successfully built or refurbished 42 baseball and softball fields, offering children across the state access to quality playing facilities. The program, in collaboration with the corporate sponsor APS, local businesses, and donations from individual players, equips the fields with new lights, electronic scoreboards, fencing and backstops, as well as updated irrigation systems and field surfaces. The fields' locations are selected via a grant application process. This opportunity aims to enrich youth recreation and sports by providing well-equipped fields for baseball and softball enthusiasts. Grant renewed every year. Grant Annual deadline: July 31st

The Conservation for All grant program is designed to strengthen the bond between the people in Maine and its natural landscapes, focusing on land and water. It aims to ensure equitable access to Maine's outdoors for all, particularly marginalized and historically excluded populations, by addressing physical, economic, and awareness barriers and fostering inclusive participation in program design and implementation. The grant supports projects that facilitate access to outdoor spaces, involve beneficiaries in decision-making, and address the impacts of climate change on vulnerable communities. Grant renewed every year. Grant Annual opening/closing deadlines: June 21st to September 16th

The Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) is a federal program administered in Michigan by the Department of Natural Resources on behalf of the National Park Service. It aims to develop public outdoor recreation facilities and offer matching grants to local governments for creating public outdoor recreation areas and facilities. The grant focuses on aligning with the priorities of the 2022-2027 State Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan, which includes trails, community recreation, green technology, coordination, communication, and universal access. Acquisition of land is not eligible for funding under this grant. Eligible applicants include state agencies and local government units such as cities, villages, townships, counties, and Native American Tribes. The application process is exclusively online via the MiGrants system, and the funding requires a 50% match from the applicant. Grant renewed every year. Grant Annual deadline: April 1st

The Albert and Mary Dick Charitable Trust supports charitable organizations that promote higher education, assist youth, and prevent cruelty to children and animals, with primary emphasis on Victoria County, Texas. The trust’s purpose is to fund programs that benefit the local community across several program areas. Grants support work in education, environment and animals, health, and human services. Typical awards average 7,000 dollars, and the trust’s average total giving per year is approximately 200,000 dollars. Specific project scopes and uses should align with the trust’s focus on youth, education, and humane treatment of children and animals. Eligible applicants are organizations that qualify as tax exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Applications must be submitted through the online grant application form as specified by the trustee. The deadline is May 1, 2024. Grant duration is not stated. Additional information, including application procedures, is available through the trustee’s online portal referenced by Wells Fargo.

This program provides funding to communities in Washington State for the acquisition and long-term preservation of working forestlands, promoting sustainable timber use, environmental resilience, and public recreational opportunities.

Through the support of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Urban Indian Health Institute (UIHI) launched a nationwide initiative to not only enhance evidence-based culturally rigorous chronic disease prevention programs but also to enhance public health infrastructure among urban Indian organizations. This initiative aligns with UIHI's mission to serve urban Indian communities by promoting health and preventing chronic diseases through culturally appropriate approaches. The grant program, called Sweetgrass funds, focuses on Indigenous approaches to preventing chronic diseases. The target beneficiaries of this grant are Urban Indian Organizations (UIOs) as defined by the Indian Health Service (Title V programs), members of the National Urban Indian Family Coalition (NUIFC), and not-for-profit urban Indian organizations whose leadership and board are majority urban Indian, and whose mission is to provide public health services to urban Indians. The impact goals are to address and prevent chronic diseases such as obesity, commercial tobacco use, Type 2 Diabetes, and heart disease and stroke within these communities. The program encourages the use of AI/AN traditional, cultural, and regional knowledge in developing and implementing chronic disease education, prevention, and management initiatives. The program prioritizes expanding previous projects related to obesity prevention, commercial tobacco use prevention and cessation promotion, Type 2 Diabetes prevention, and heart disease and stroke prevention. Specific approaches include using cultural or regional adaptations of chronic disease prevention education program components, reclaiming traditional knowledge of nutrition and first foods, promoting access to physical activity and lifestyle modifications, engaging Native youth and elders, addressing perceptions and beliefs, promoting traditional values, and emphasizing community-driven planning for chronic disease prevention and control, such as community needs assessments. Expected outcomes include enhanced evidence-based and culturally rigorous chronic disease prevention programs, improved public health infrastructure among urban Indian organizations, and a reduction in the prevalence of chronic diseases within urban Indian communities. Applicants are required to participate in performance measurement, evaluation activities, and a chronic disease community of practice, which includes annual webinar-based trainings and optional technical assistance services, all coordinated by UIHI. This structured approach ensures measurable results and continuous improvement in addressing chronic diseases with a broad reach across the United States.

The Wichita County Community Foundation, an affiliate of the Western Kansas Community Foundation, is a local grantmaker dedicated to enhancing the quality of life in Wichita County, Kansas. Its mission is to strengthen community well being by supporting charitable activities carried out by eligible organizations that serve residents of Wichita County. The program seeks proposals that address community issues, stimulate participation, leverage other support, and demonstrate broad impact, innovation, responsiveness to emerging needs, collaboration, and long term sustainability. Grants are intended to improve quality of life across the service area through new initiatives or enhancements to existing programs. Eligible applicants are 501(c)(3) public charities or other tax exempt entities and government equivalents such as public schools and city, county, or state entities, including churches for non religious activities, that serve Wichita County, Kansas. The board will not consider requests from individuals or for operating or maintenance expenses including salaries, medical or scholarly research, membership fees, banquets, ticket purchases, religious purposes, travel for groups, capital debt reduction, political lobbying or legislative activity, fiscal agent services, endowments, umbrella funding, marketing tchotchkes, or giveaway prizes or incentives. Applications are submitted through the foundation’s stated process by the deadline of May 1, 2024. Grant size and duration are not stated. Additional information and official details are available from the Wichita County Community Foundation.

This funding opportunity provides financial support for conservation and restoration projects that protect wildlife habitats and enhance public recreational access across Washington State, targeting local governments, nonprofit organizations, and tribes.

The Judith Ann Mogan Foundation (JAMF) is offering its 2024 Grant Cycle, featuring two distinct grant programs: a Small Grant Program for requests of $25,000 or less, and a Large Grant Program for requests exceeding $25,000. JAMF's mission is to award grants to qualified organizations in Oregon that implement programs and projects benefiting communities in specific service areas. These service areas include Coastal Douglas County, Coos County, and Curry County, indicating a clear focus on supporting the well-being and development of these particular regions within Oregon. The foundation's overall strategy is rooted in fostering community health, economic development, and cultural enrichment within these designated geographic zones. JAMF primarily targets organizations serving communities within Coastal Douglas County, Coos County, and Curry County in Oregon. The grants are intended to create positive impacts by addressing critical needs within these areas, aligning with the foundation's goal of community betterment. While specific impact goals and measurable results are not explicitly detailed in terms of quantitative outcomes, the focus on various priority areas suggests a desire for broad community improvement. The foundation implicitly aims to improve the quality of life, strengthen local economies, and enhance access to resources for residents in these regions. The foundation's priority areas underscore its strategic focus and theory of change. These areas include Arts & Culture, Children & Youth, Community Health, Convening & Gathering Places, Economic Development, Environment & Natural Resources, and Poverty Alleviation. This multi-faceted approach suggests a theory of change where addressing a range of interconnected social, economic, and environmental factors will lead to holistic community development and resilience. By investing in these diverse areas, JAMF seeks to create a robust and supportive environment for the communities it serves, fostering long-term positive change rather than short-term fixes. Eligible organizations for JAMF grants must be Oregon-based and fall into categories such as 501(c)(3) charitable organizations, publicly supported organizations, governmental units (City, County, Tribal), schools, hospitals, or organizations with a qualified fiscal sponsor. Conversely, the foundation does not support requests related to endowments, individual requests, scholarships, political campaigns, legislative activities, promotion of any religious doctrine, or financing/lending. This clear delineation of eligibility and ineligibility criteria ensures that grants are directed towards initiatives that align with JAMF's strategic priorities and avoid activities that fall outside its philanthropic scope, thereby maximizing the intended impact of its funding.

The Indy Arts Council offers Art for Awareness Grants to support projects that use arts based activities to prevent or create awareness of substance use disorder or addiction in Marion County, Indiana. The program promotes collaborations between artists and subject matter experts and encourages the use of evidence based techniques. Grants range from 5,000 to 65,000 dollars with no match requirement. Priority is given to youth oriented programming and projects that center racial equity. Funds may support artist fees, program delivery, and project costs associated with prevention and awareness efforts rooted in artistic practice and community engagement. Eligible artists must be at least 18 years old, reside in or work predominantly in Marion County, and be able to provide required identification numbers. Eligible organizations must have 501(c)(3) status, be Indianapolis based and physically headquartered in Marion County, include artists in their programs, and provide equitable compensation for artistic work. Applications are due May 3, 2024. Additional information is available from the Indy Arts Council.

This funding opportunity provides financial support for nonprofit and community organizations to develop and improve recreational facilities for youth, ensuring access to safe and supportive environments that promote their overall well-being and development.

The LGBTQ Fund at the Community Foundation of Greater Birmingham has released its Request for Proposals (RFP) for the 2024 Grant Cycle, aiming to support organizations that strengthen the infrastructure of LGBTQ-led or serving groups, provide services to LGBTQ youth, individuals, and families, and offer educational opportunities highlighting the needs of the LGBTQ community. The fund also seeks to advance collaboration between LGBTQ organizations and other community groups, and support nonprofit partners working on public policy and social justice issues that intersect with LGBTQ concerns. The Community Foundation of Greater Birmingham's mission to enhance the quality of life in the region aligns with the LGBTQ Fund's goals by fostering a more inclusive and supportive environment for all community members, particularly those from historically marginalized groups. The primary beneficiaries of this grant program are LGBTQ persons, with a particular focus on underserved communities including people of color, youth, seniors, transgender individuals, gender non-binary persons, and those in rural areas. The impact goals are to improve the well-being and equity of these communities through various support systems. Expected outcomes include stronger LGBTQ organizations, increased access to vital services for LGBTQ individuals and families, greater public understanding and acceptance through education, and more effective advocacy for LGBTQ rights and social justice. Measurable results could include the number of organizations supported, the number of individuals served, the reach of educational programs, and the impact of policy initiatives. Priority will be given to proposals that specifically address the needs of demonstrably underserved LGBTQ communities, emphasizing an intersectional approach. This includes programs focusing on inclusive healthcare and mental health services, immigrant advocacy, racial and economic justice, and initiatives promoting faith and acceptance. The typical grant amounts range from $3,000 to $7,000, with the fund also considering general operating expenses if justified in the application. This strategic focus ensures that resources are directed towards areas with the most significant need and potential for transformative impact within the LGBTQ community in Central Alabama. Grants are awarded to non-profit organizations in Central Alabama, specifically in Blount, Jefferson, Shelby, St. Clair, and Walker counties, that either directly serve the LGBTQ community or are expanding existing programs to be inclusive and affirming of LGBTQ persons. Organizations not currently designated as a 501(c)(3) non-profit are encouraged to apply using a fiscal sponsor. This demonstrates the Foundation's strategic priority of building capacity within the non-profit sector and its theory of change, which posits that by empowering and funding organizations dedicated to LGBTQ issues, they can create a more equitable, supportive, and inclusive Central Alabama for all LGBTQ individuals.