Local Recreation Grants

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

This funding opportunity provides financial support to non-profit organizations and government entities for community development projects that assist low- and moderate-income residents in Beaumont, California.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to organizations delivering essential services that promote educational readiness, career preparedness, youth empowerment, and family support for children, youth, and families in San Francisco.

The Trans Resilience Fund, a grant program of Gender Justice Fund, aims to bolster regional trans communities through a participatory grantmaking process. While the Gender Justice Fund's overarching mission isn't explicitly detailed, the Trans Resilience Fund's focus on supporting trans communities directly aligns with a mission of promoting gender justice and equity. This initiative is a pooled fund, supported by several external funding partners, including the Claneil Foundation, Collective Future Fund, Homeless Assistance Fund, Patricia Kind Family Foundation, and Valentine Foundation for 2024. The collaborative nature of this funding mechanism suggests a strategic priority of collective impact and shared responsibility in addressing the needs of trans individuals. The primary beneficiaries of this grant program are trans communities, with specific prioritization given to groups working in Philadelphia, those serving BIPOC trans communities, groups with trans and/or BIPOC leadership, and organizations serving trans youth, disabled, and/or elderly trans individuals. The impact goal is to provide crucial financial and service-based support to these communities. For instance, smaller organizations exclusively serving trans communities can use funds for direct financial support (food, cash, transportation, medical, housing, utility costs), service provision, organizing, advocacy, and general operating support. This broad range of uses indicates a holistic approach to supporting the well-being and empowerment of trans individuals and groups. The grantmaking committee, comprised of trans and non-binary community members, sets the guidelines and makes funding decisions, embodying a strategic priority of community-led development and self-determination. This participatory approach ensures that funding decisions are informed by the lived experiences and most pressing needs of the target beneficiaries. Organizations with budgets under $250,000, even those not exclusively serving trans communities, can apply for funds for direct financial support, service provision, organizing, and advocacy, while larger organizations (over $250,000 budget) are limited to direct financial support for trans individuals, with 10% of the grant usable for administrative costs. This differentiated approach reflects a strategic awareness of organizational capacity and impact potential across various scales. Expected outcomes include improved health and safety for trans individuals through direct financial assistance, enhanced community support through services, and greater advocacy for trans rights and needs. While specific measurable results are not explicitly outlined, the program's focus on tangible support (e.g., covering medical, housing, or utility costs) and organizational activities (e.g., organizing and advocacy) suggests that success would be measured by the reach and effectiveness of these interventions. The program's theory of change appears to be that by empowering trans and non-binary community members to lead the grantmaking process and by providing flexible funding to a diverse range of organizations, significant positive change can be achieved within trans communities, particularly for those facing compounded vulnerabilities due to race, age, or disability.

This grant provides financial support to nonprofits in LaGrange County, Indiana, for projects that benefit the Stroh community, such as parks, youth sports, schools, and community events.

The Cultural Coalition of Washington County in Oregon is offering grants ranging from $1,000 to $10,000 to support arts, culture, and humanities projects that promote cultural diversity, community partnerships, and public engagement, with priority given to nonprofit organizations and educational institutions that serve the residents of Washington County.

United Way of Dane County is offering 2025-2026 Impact Grants, an open and competitive funding opportunity for organizations working in Youth Opportunity, Financial Security, and Healthy Communities. This grant program is deeply aligned with United Way of Dane County’s Plan for Community Well-Being, which seeks to measurably increase individual and family well-being in Dane County, ensuring every person leads a healthy, thriving, and secure life unimpacted by systemic racism, discrimination, and poverty. The total investment available is approximately $2-$3 million, with minimum awards of $15,000 per year for a two-year funding cycle (January 1, 2025 – December 31, 2026), contingent on Campaign results. The target beneficiaries of these grants are individuals and families in Dane County, particularly those impacted by systemic racism, discrimination, and poverty. The impact goals are centered on fostering healthy, thriving, and secure lives for all residents. United Way of Dane County is looking to support organizations whose work aligns with their collective vision and demonstrates the greatest potential for impact in helping to achieve these community goals. The program's priorities and focuses are clearly defined through a multi-generational approach. This includes engaging in sustainable, long-term work on systems change with a clear focus on youth opportunity, financial security, and healthy communities. Furthermore, the grants emphasize modeling equitable, anti-racist practices across all aspects of work, including investments, partnerships, innovation, public policy advocacy, data and research, and connection to resources. Another key priority is cultivating a stronger nonprofit ecosystem through trust-based collaborations to drive positive community change. Expected outcomes include a measurable increase in individual and family well-being throughout Dane County. This involves supporting organizations that directly contribute to the defined goals of the Plan for Community Well-Being, ultimately aiming for a community where experiences of systemic racism, discrimination, and poverty no longer impact a person's ability to lead a healthy, thriving, and secure life. The foundation's strategic priorities and theory of change are rooted in a holistic approach to community well-being, focusing on systemic change and equitable practices to achieve lasting positive impact.

This grant provides financial support to nonprofit organizations and government entities that aim to improve the quality of life for residents in Floyd County, Iowa, through projects in areas such as arts, education, health, and community betterment.

This grant provides financial support to eligible nonprofit organizations in Calhoun County to enhance their community programs and initiatives.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations in Palm Beach and Martin Counties to support projects that enhance community capacity, economic opportunity, education, and overall community well-being.

This funding opportunity provides up to $5,000 for neighborhood groups in Montgomery County to implement projects that enhance community pride and improve quality of life through collaboration with local government.

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.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations and government entities to support projects that enhance community life in Worth County, Iowa, across various sectors such as arts, education, health, and environment.

The 2024 Parks, Fields, Trails Grant, funded by the Erie County Gaming Revenue Authority, offers $10,000 to $100,000 for capital projects that improve public parks, athletic fields, and trails in Erie County, Pennsylvania, aiming to promote healthy lifestyles, enhance local tourism, and rejuvenate neighborhoods, with a focus on projects that provide social, educational, cultural, health, recreation, and/or economic benefits to residents.

The City of Marion has established a Hotel/Motel Grant Program funded by a seven percent room tax on overnight stays. This program redistributes these funds through the annual budget process and grants to organizations that aim to boost tourism in Marion. Eligible entities are those working towards increasing local tourism, including City of Marion events, commissions, and partners, which receive allocations during the annual budget process and do not require separate grant applications. A committee assesses applications to recommend funding allocations to the council. Funds are granted for the fiscal year only, with unclaimed funds reverting to the Hotel/Motel Fund. Marion City Council has budgeted $50,000 for the Hotel/Motel Grant Program for FY24-25. The grant application process will open on Tuesday, April 2, 2024. Grant renewed every year. Grant Annual opening: April

The Women's Fund, administered by the Spencer County Community Foundation, offers grants to support charitable projects and activities within Spencer County, Indiana. This initiative aligns directly with the Foundation's broader mission to foster community well-being and development across various sectors. The grant program is designed to empower local charitable organizations by providing financial resources for projects that address identified community needs and contribute positively to the lives of Spencer County residents. The primary beneficiaries of this grant program are the residents of Spencer County, served by nonprofit organizations and governmental agencies. The program aims to achieve significant impact by funding initiatives in diverse areas such as Arts and Culture, Community Development, Education, Health, Human Services, and Other Civic Endeavors, which include Environment, Recreation, and Youth Development. The goal is to improve the quality of life, promote community engagement, and enhance essential services available to the county's population. The Women's Fund prioritizes funding requests from organizations that are tax-exempt under sections 501(c)(3) and 509(a) of the Internal Revenue Code, as well as governmental agencies. Projects from nonprofit organizations not classified as 501(c)(3) may also be considered if they are charitable and address a community need, sometimes requiring a fiscal sponsor. The program specifically excludes funding for religious purposes, political campaigns, endowment creation, debt reduction, general operating costs not directly tied to a program, capital campaigns, annual appeals, membership contributions, and travel requests for groups or individuals. Expected outcomes include enhanced cultural experiences, improved community infrastructure, advancements in educational opportunities, better health outcomes, strengthened human services, and enriched civic life. While specific measurable results are not detailed in the provided text beyond "Awards up to $5,000," the emphasis on various program areas suggests that successful projects will demonstrate tangible improvements in the designated fields. The Foundation's strategic priority is to invest in community-led solutions that create lasting positive change, operating on a theory of change that by supporting a broad range of charitable activities, it can collectively elevate the overall well-being and vitality of Spencer County.

The City of Battle Ground is offering grants aimed at stimulating economic growth by attracting tourists to the area. This program aligns with the City's mission to foster a vibrant community and create opportunities for local businesses and residents. By encouraging tourism, the City seeks to generate a positive economic impact, support local enterprises, and enhance the overall vitality of Battle Ground. The grants are a strategic initiative to leverage the potential of tourism as a driver for community development. The primary beneficiaries of this grant program are organizations and businesses that can develop and implement programs, special events, and activities designed to draw visitors to Battle Ground. The impact goal is to increase the number of tourists, thereby boosting local spending, supporting job creation, and enhancing the City's profile as a desirable destination. This in turn contributes to the economic well-being of the entire community, from local shops and restaurants to service providers. The grant program prioritizes funding for the marketing and operational aspects of initiatives specifically designed to bring visitors to Battle Ground. This includes, but is not limited to, special events, ongoing programs, and activities that highlight the unique attractions and offerings of the City. Previous grants have supported a diverse range of projects, such as the development of wayfinding signs to enhance visitor experience, the creation of marketing materials to promote the City, and the operational costs of various events. The focus is on tangible projects that directly contribute to attracting and accommodating tourists. The expected outcomes of this grant program include an increase in tourist numbers, a measurable rise in local economic activity, and an enhanced reputation for Battle Ground as a tourist destination. Measurable results could include metrics such as event attendance figures, hotel occupancy rates, sales tax revenue increases, and the reach of marketing campaigns. The City's strategic priority is to create a sustainable tourism sector that continuously generates economic benefits and enriches the community. The underlying theory of change is that by investing in initiatives that directly attract visitors, the City can stimulate a positive economic cycle, leading to long-term community prosperity and improved quality of life for its residents.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to nonprofit organizations in Syracuse for projects that enhance affordable housing, homeownership, and community programs for residents of all ages.

The City of Walla Walla’s Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program aims to expand opportunities for low- and moderate-income citizens within the City of Walla Walla. This program aligns with a mission to improve community well-being through various initiatives. The funding amount is approximately $58,000, with individual grants ranging from $10,000 to $100,000, and a grant duration of one year. The 2025-2026 Program Year will run from April 1, 2025, through March 31, 2026. The deadline for applications is September 6, 2024. The primary target beneficiaries of this grant program are low- and moderate-income persons residing in the City of Walla Walla. The program's impact goals are focused on addressing critical community needs in housing, public services, public facilities, neighborhood improvements, and economic development. All projects and programs funded through this grant must principally benefit these individuals. The program prioritizes a range of eligible activities designed to achieve its goals. These include housing rehabilitation, acquisition of real property, demolition, and utilities for housing projects. It also supports the construction, reconstruction, or installation of public facilities and infrastructure, such as parks, playgrounds, streets, sidewalks, and public buildings (excluding those for general government conduct). Furthermore, the grant focuses on public services like mental healthcare, substance abuse treatment, health care, childcare, transportation, youth programs, employment assistance, crime prevention, and fair housing counseling. Expected outcomes include improved living conditions through housing initiatives, enhanced public spaces and infrastructure, and increased access to vital public services for low- and moderate-income residents. The measurable results will be evaluated by the direct impact of these projects and programs on the target population, ensuring they meet a National Objective of serving low- and moderate-income individuals or areas. The foundation's strategic priority is to foster a more equitable and supportive community in Walla Walla, operating under the theory of change that by investing in these key areas, the overall quality of life and opportunities for vulnerable populations will significantly improve. Eligibility criteria for the CDBG program extend to nonprofits, for-profits, and government entities. Applicants must demonstrate that their proposed activities meet a National Objective, which specifically means serving low- and moderate-income individuals or areas. Additionally, the activities themselves must be eligible under CDBG guidelines. For more comprehensive information, interested parties are encouraged to visit the City of Walla Walla’s official website.

The Council on Culture & Arts (COCA) offers three grant programs for the period of October 1, 2024 – September 30, 2025: the Cultural Grant, Cultural Tourism Marketing Grant, and Local Community Grant. These programs collectively aim to fund programming expenses for arts, culture, history, or heritage organizations. COCA's mission, as evidenced by these grants, is to foster and support cultural and artistic endeavors within Florida, with a particular emphasis on Leon County's tourist attractions and broader community engagement. The Cultural Grant specifically aligns with the mission of attracting tourists by requiring applicants to promote their activities to visitors outside of Leon County, thereby leveraging arts and culture for economic development through tourism. The target beneficiaries for all three grants are arts, culture, history, or heritage organizations. The impact goals are multifaceted, seeking to enhance cultural programming, provide educational opportunities for both young people and adults in arts, culture, and history, and serve diverse populations or unique community needs. For the Cultural Grant and Cultural Tourism Marketing Grant, a key impact goal is to increase tourism to Leon County by showcasing its cultural assets. The Local Community Grant, while sharing similar programming goals, focuses on broader community engagement within Leon County, without the explicit tourism attraction requirement. Priorities and focuses for the Cultural Grant include offering exemplary arts and cultural programs, providing educational opportunities, and serving special or diverse populations. A significant focus is also placed on attracting tourists, requiring specific marketing plans and reporting on out-of-county visitors. The Cultural Tourism Marketing Grant directly supports this by offering additional funds for out-of-county marketing. The Local Community Grant shares the programming and educational priorities but emphasizes community impact and engagement within the local area. Expected outcomes include a robust offering of high-quality cultural programs, increased educational opportunities in the arts, and greater accessibility for people with disabilities. Measurable results for the Cultural Grant and Cultural Tourism Marketing Grant involve tracking the number of out-of-county visitors served by grant-funded programs and demonstrating effective out-of-market advertising. For all grants, applicants are expected to have documented statistics on attendance and participation, representing a broad community impact. COCA's strategic priorities are thus aligned with supporting both cultural enrichment and economic development through tourism, underpinned by a theory of change that posits that funding well-planned and promoted cultural programs will lead to increased community engagement, educational attainment, and tourist visitation.