Private Recreation Grants

This funding opportunity provides financial support to small nonprofit organizations in Northeast Florida with limited budgets, helping them strengthen their operations or develop community-focused programs.

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.

This grant provides financial support to nonprofit organizations in northwest Ohio that serve youth under 18, particularly those with developmental disabilities or who have experienced abuse.

This fellowship provides $10,000 to support AAPI women and gender-expansive individuals in Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, or Georgia who are dedicated to creating impactful civic projects in their communities, along with mentorship and skills training.

The Miami Lakes Town Foundation is accepting applications for its 2024 mini-grant awards, aimed at supporting community groups, school clubs, and organizations that foster literacy, continuing education, youth programs, beautification projects, and cultural events in the Miami Lakes community, with a preference for projects that include a kindness component.

This funding program provides financial support to organizations working to improve digital access and skills in underserved communities through the acquisition of devices, client-facing IT support, and the development of digital literacy courses.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to nonprofit and government organizations in Licking County, Ohio, to address critical issues related to behavioral health, children and families, and poverty.

This funding opportunity supports Oklahoma-based nonprofit organizations, public entities, tribal nations, and educational institutions in developing infrastructure projects that promote physical activity and nutrition in their communities.

This grant provides financial support to nonprofit organizations in Iowa, Minnesota, and Nebraska that focus on improving financial literacy and employment readiness to help individuals achieve financial stability.

The Wispact Inc. Foundation offers charitable grants to nonprofit organizations dedicated to serving individuals with disabilities. This grant program directly aligns with the foundation's mission to enhance the quality of life for persons with disabilities by supporting organizations that provide critical services. The foundation's strategic priority is to address a range of needs that improve daily living conditions and foster greater independence and inclusion for this population across all counties in Wisconsin. The target beneficiaries of these grants are individuals with disabilities throughout the state of Wisconsin. The foundation aims to achieve significant impact by funding programs that provide safe living environments, increase accessibility, offer essential assistive devices, and promote inclusive educational and recreational opportunities. The ultimate goal is to improve day-to-day living conditions, enhance accessibility, provide necessary support, and foster personal fulfillment and edification for people with disabilities. The Wispact Foundation's priorities and focus areas are clearly defined, including housing programs designed to improve living conditions and accessibility, provision of assistive devices such as canes, wheelchairs, and shower chairs, and inclusive education/recreation programs like workshops, summer camps, and art classes, along with educational equipment. The foundation also prioritizes the expansion of current services and transportation solutions, recognizing these as critical components for independent living and community integration. Expected outcomes include improved living conditions and accessibility for individuals with disabilities, increased access to assistive devices that aid in daily tasks, and greater participation in educational and recreational activities. Measurable results would involve tracking the number of individuals served by housing improvements, assistive device provisions, and participation in educational and recreational programs, as well as the expansion of existing services and improved transportation access. The foundation's theory of change posits that by investing in these key areas, they can create tangible, positive changes in the lives of people with disabilities, leading to greater independence, dignity, and community engagement. The Wispact Foundation strictly outlines eligibility criteria and restrictions to ensure that grants effectively serve their intended purpose. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofits in good standing, and all grant funds must exclusively benefit individuals with disabilities. The foundation does not support capital campaigns, general operating expenses unrelated to the grant purpose, retroactive funding, basic research, staff development activities, or projects that already have existing funding, thereby ensuring that resources are directed towards specific, impactful initiatives.

The United Black Fund of Greater Cleveland (UBFGC) has announced the "Community Thrive" grant, a special funding opportunity designed to combat mental health issues and gun violence in the community. This initiative aligns with UBFGC's mission to identify and partner with organizations that are making a positive impact on the devastating effects of these issues, demonstrating a commitment to community well-being and social justice. The grant supports programs, resources, and support services that aim to improve mental health and/or reduce the incidence of gun violence, reflecting a strategic priority to foster a healthier and safer Cuyahoga County. The grant targets organizations serving Cuyahoga County that provide programming to support mental health or gun violence prevention/intervention work. The beneficiaries include youth and adults affected by depression, those at risk of suicide, individuals struggling with school violence/absenteeism, anger management, and social media addiction. In terms of gun violence, the grant aims to support families affected by gun violence, promote gun safety, and address gun culture and laws. The expected impact is a reduction in mental health crises and gun violence incidents, leading to improved community well-being and safety. The "Community Thrive" grant prioritizes projects that impact mental health wellness, including addressing depression, suicide prevention, school violence, anger management, and social media addiction. For gun violence prevention, the grant seeks innovative approaches such as education and awareness campaigns, and community-based interventions that tackle root causes. Specific areas of interest include preventing shootings in schools, universities, religious institutions, and retail locations, as well as supporting affected families. The grant also considers proposals addressing gun culture, gun safety, and gun laws. Applicants must be established organizations with a proven track record of at least three years, demonstrating their impact through data. They must serve Cuyahoga County and provide a minimum of one letter of support. A key criterion is that funding must be utilized for 80% programming and 20% operations and/or marketing. The organization must be a 501(c)(3) or have a fiscal agent, and a one-page strategic plan summary outlining the use of funds is required. The grant does not support one-time events, sponsorships, or fundraising campaigns, emphasizing a focus on sustained programming with a minimum execution period of one year, commencing January 1, 2024. These criteria reflect UBFGC's theory of change, which emphasizes evidence-based, long-term, and community-focused interventions.

The GrowBoston grant program offers a total of $20,000 to community gardens and food forests in Boston, Massachusetts. This initiative is designed to support residents in growing their own food by providing funds for essential garden supplies, including tools, equipment, seeds, seedlings, compost, and other necessities for communal use. The program aligns with a broader mission to invest in Boston's community gardens and food forests, fostering local food production and community engagement within the city. The primary beneficiaries of this grant are community gardens and food forests within Boston. The program specifically targets non-profit organizations that are registered 501(c)(3) entities or community-based organizations partnered with a fiscal sponsor that is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit. The overarching impact goal is to enhance food security and promote sustainable food practices within Boston neighborhoods by empowering local communities to cultivate their own food sources. The grant prioritizes funding for items that directly contribute to the functioning and success of communal gardens, such as gardening tools, equipment, and essential supplies. A key focus is on ensuring that these purchased supplies are stored, maintained, and made accessible to all gardeners within the recipient organization. Up to 10% of the grant budget can be allocated for indirect or administrative costs, or for a fiscal sponsorship fee, demonstrating a commitment to supporting the operational sustainability of recipient organizations. Expected outcomes include an increase in the number of active and well-equipped community gardens and food forests across Boston. Measurable results could include the quantity of supplies purchased, the number of gardeners benefiting from communal resources, and potentially an increase in local food production. The program's strategic priorities are rooted in a theory of change that posits by investing directly in community-led food initiatives, GrowBoston can create a more resilient and food-secure city, fostering stronger communities and promoting environmental stewardship.

The Robert G. Campbell Community Fund is a permanent, unrestricted charitable endowment aimed at enhancing the quality of life for citizens of Iowa County, WI. It emphasizes supporting projects and programs that benefit seniors, including recreational and relaxation opportunities, quality of life improvements, and community events that honor the contributions and achievements of senior citizens. The Fund also extends its support to initiatives focused on historic preservation, the arts, the environment, and education. The grant distribution and fundraising efforts are coordinated with the Community Foundation of Southern Wisconsin and the Health and Human Services Committee of the Iowa County Board of Supervisors. Grant applications are invited from non-profit organizations, local school districts, and local government agencies working towards the betterment of Iowa County, WI. Grant renewed every year. Grant annual deadline: September 1st

This grant provides funding for nonprofit organizations in Gilroy and surrounding South County areas to support impactful projects in various fields, including education, health, and the environment.

Grant Opportunity: U.S. Bank Community Possible Grant Program Focus: Addressing racial and economic inequities through workforce education, economic prosperity, neighborhood stability, revitalization, artistic and cultural enrichment, and learning through play. Considerations: Innovation in focus areas, positive community engagement efforts, demonstrated outcomes and impact, service delivery to low-and moderate-income individuals, women and people of color, diversity in management and governing board, financial health of the organization. Funding Types: Operating grants for day-to-day expenses, program/project grants for specific activities with explicit objectives, and capital grants for fixed assets with certain criteria.

This funding opportunity supports community-based organizations in the Mid-Atlantic region to implement sustainable forestry initiatives that promote environmental justice, improve public health, and create green job opportunities in disadvantaged areas.

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.

The City of Alexandria's 2024 Small Business Resiliency (SBR) Grant Program aims to provide vital assistance to the city's small businesses. This initiative is designed to foster a resilient and inclusive business environment within the community by helping businesses overcome challenges in accessing essential resources. The program is administered by the Latino Economic Development Center (LEDC), highlighting a collaborative effort to empower entrepreneurs and cultivate a thriving local business ecosystem. The city's contribution of funds directly supports its commitment to a robust local economy. The program targets small businesses located within the City of Alexandria. To be eligible, businesses must have one or more locations, including their principal place of business, in Alexandria, and must employ 100 or fewer individuals. Furthermore, businesses must have been established and revenue-generating before December 31, 2023, and their business revenue in either 2022 or 2023 must not have exceeded $250,000. These criteria ensure that the grant focuses on genuinely small, local businesses that contribute significantly to the community's economic fabric. A key priority of the SBR Grant Program is to support businesses that are in "good standing," meaning they are current on all local taxes or have an active payment plan with the City of Alexandria, and are not currently undergoing bankruptcy proceedings. Ineligible entities include non-profits, banks, financial institutions, gig economy contractors, and corporate-owned locations, branches, subsidiaries, or franchise businesses, unless they are locally owned and operated within the City of Alexandria. This focus ensures that the grants directly benefit independent small businesses facing immediate challenges. The expected outcome of the program is to enhance the resilience of Alexandria's small business community, enabling them to better navigate and overcome economic challenges. By providing grants of up to $7,000, the program aims to provide tangible financial support that can be used to access essential resources, thereby strengthening individual businesses and, by extension, the overall local economy. The program's administration by LEDC further suggests an emphasis on equitable access to resources, aligning with a broader strategy of fostering an inclusive business environment and empowering diverse entrepreneurs within Alexandria.

The Haywood County Community Foundation is accepting applications from qualified charitable organizations that serve the local Haywood County community in North Carolina. This grant program is designed to address a broad range of local needs, encompassing human services, education, youth development, health, food/nutrition, and arts, among others. The foundation's mission, as evidenced by this grant, is to support community-based initiatives that enhance the well-being and development of its residents. The target beneficiaries of this grant are the residents of Haywood County, with a particular focus on those served by 501(c)(3) public charity nonprofit organizations, local governments (including public schools), fire and rescue departments, and religious entities engaged in social outreach and charitable service programs. The impact goal is to strengthen the community by funding programs that directly meet local needs and improve the quality of life for its citizens. The grantmaking prioritizes a wide array of community needs. While specific strategic priorities or a theory of change are not explicitly detailed beyond meeting "local needs," the broad categories indicate a holistic approach to community development. The foundation aims to fund projects that are inclusive and non-discriminatory, supporting organizations that offer programs and services without prejudice based on age, race, national origin, ethnicity, gender, physical ability, sexual orientation, political affiliation, or religious belief. Grants typically range from $500 to $1,000, suggesting a focus on supporting smaller, impactful projects or providing seed funding for broader initiatives. While specific measurable results are not outlined in the provided text, the expectation is that funded programs will contribute to positive outcomes in the community, aligned with the stated areas of focus such as improved human services, enhanced educational opportunities, better health outcomes, and increased access to food and nutrition. The emphasis on local needs implies a theory of change where targeted, community-level funding leads to tangible improvements in the daily lives of Haywood County residents.

The Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and Blue Care Network are offering the Step Up for School Wellness (SUFSW) grant, an innovative program designed to empower school health leaders, educators, administrators, families, and communities. This initiative aims to improve the health and well-being of K-12 students and staff across all public, charter, or private nonprofit schools in Michigan. The program aligns with the foundation's mission by fostering healthier school environments and cultivating a culture of wellness, which directly contributes to the development of lifelong healthy behaviors. The primary beneficiaries of this program are K-12 students and school staff throughout Michigan. The program's core impact goals revolve around reducing the incidence of obesity and undernourishment, combating absenteeism, addressing trauma, and nurturing a more productive teaching and learning atmosphere. Through a five-step model, the SUFSW program translates into specific goals focused on improving knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors related to health and wellness. The program prioritizes several key areas, including empowering students to be more physically active daily and make healthy food choices that incorporate fruits, vegetables, low-fat dairy, whole grains, and lean protein. Furthermore, it aims to empower students to learn and practice social and emotional skills, and equip staff to implement and participate in well-being initiatives. A significant focus is also placed on encouraging staff to instigate policy, system, and environmental changes that bolster the well-being of both students and staff within schools. Expected outcomes include improved physical activity levels, healthier eating habits, enhanced social and emotional skills among students, and a stronger culture of wellness for all school employees. The program also anticipates policy and environmental changes within schools that support overall well-being. These measurable results are driven by three distinct focus areas: physical activity and physical education resources, healthy eating and nutrition education resources, and well-being resources, all working towards a greater collective impact.