Private Recreation Grants

This grant provides financial support to nonprofit organizations in Cumberland and surrounding counties for projects that benefit children from birth to 18 years old.

The Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office administers the Washington Wildlife and Recreation Program to acquire recreation and habitat lands and to develop recreation areas for the state’s growing population. The program supports local and state parks, trails, water access, and restoration on state lands to enhance public outdoor recreation. Funding is available across categories such as Local Parks acquisition and development, State Lands development and renovation, and Water Access and Trails in accordance with program rules. Typical projects include buying land for parks, developing athletic complexes, renovating community parks, building regional trails and waterfront facilities, and developing state lands. Local Parks awards may reach 1,000,000 dollars for acquisition or combination projects, with up to 500,000 dollars for development costs, and 500,000 dollars for development only. State Lands development and renovation awards range from 25,000 to 325,000 dollars. Eligible applicants vary by category and include cities, counties, towns, federally recognized tribes, special purpose and port districts, and state agencies as specified in the program guidance. Eligible costs include land acquisition through perpetual or long term interests and a wide range of development features such as buildings, campgrounds, play areas, restrooms, roads and paths, and interpretive elements, subject to category rules. Applications are submitted through the state’s process by May 1, 2024. Grant duration is not stated. Proposals are assessed for alignment with category requirements and public benefit. Official information is available from the Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office.

This program provides funding for out-of-school arts initiatives that help underserved youth develop essential skills for success in education and careers through artistic engagement.

The Heart of Illinois Community Foundation's Impact100 Grant Program is currently seeking applications, inviting proposals across a broad spectrum of community needs. While the explicit mission alignment and strategic priorities of the foundation are not detailed in the provided text, the grant program itself demonstrates an implicit commitment to fostering positive change in areas vital to community well-being. By supporting projects in arts/culture/recreation, social services, conservation/environment, health, youth, and education, the foundation aligns with a general philanthropic mission to enhance the quality of life for residents within its service area. The program's openness to operating funds, one-time projects addressing critical needs, new or expanding programs, and improvement projects beyond an organization's means, indicates a flexible and responsive approach to community investment. The target beneficiaries for this grant program are primarily non-profit organizations that serve the residents of Macon, Piatt, and Moultrie counties, or Paris, IL. Specifically, organizations with 501(c)(3) status or other qualified charitable, religious, or government organizations are eligible. A prioritization is given to 501(c)(3) organizations recognized by the IRS as operating public charities for a minimum of three years, suggesting a focus on established and sustainable entities. The overarching impact goal is to address critical needs within these communities by funding projects that fall within the designated categories. The grant program focuses on a diverse range of project types and subject areas. These include arts/culture/recreation, social services, conservation/environment, health, youth, and education. This broad scope indicates a desire to support a holistic improvement of community life. The funding also specifically supports operating funds, one-time projects addressing critical needs, new or expanding programs, and improvement projects. These priorities highlight the foundation's understanding that effective community support can take many forms, from sustaining ongoing operations to catalyzing new initiatives and addressing urgent needs. While specific expected outcomes and measurable results are not explicitly detailed in the provided text, the nature of the supported project types implies a desire for tangible community benefits. For instance, funding for social services would likely aim for improved well-being for vulnerable populations, while education grants would seek enhanced learning opportunities. Similarly, support for conservation/environment would aim for improved ecological health, and health grants for better public health outcomes. Organizations applying are likely expected to articulate their own specific, measurable outcomes that align with the foundation's broad areas of interest, demonstrating how their proposed projects will generate positive, quantifiable change within the communities served. With $200,000 available funding for 2024 and individual grants ranging from no minimum to $50,000, the Heart of Illinois Community Foundation is strategically investing in local organizations that are working to address the most pressing issues in Macon, Piatt, and Moultrie counties, and Paris, IL. Their theory of change, while not explicitly stated, appears to be rooted in empowering local non-profits to effect positive change through direct service, program development, and critical infrastructure improvements. By providing financial resources to a diverse array of projects, the foundation aims to strengthen the social fabric and overall vitality of the communities it serves, ultimately contributing to a healthier, more vibrant region.

The Skillman Foundation President's Youth Council is offering a grant opportunity designed and implemented by youth, from concept development to funding decisions. This initiative aligns with the foundation's mission by fostering youth leadership and voice, empowering young people to shape their communities. The program aims to support Detroit-based and/or Detroit-serving organizations that are youth-led or actively increase youth leadership within their structures. The target beneficiaries of this grant are Detroit youth, with a particular interest in supporting grassroots organizations. The program's impact goals are centered on developing youth leadership and providing opportunities for young people to express their voice. While all eligible applications will be considered, the youth council members specifically prioritize identifying and supporting these grassroots efforts, recognizing their potential for deep community impact and authentic youth engagement. To be eligible, organizations must be a 501(c)(3) publicly supported charity (or apply through a fiscal sponsor), be based in Detroit or serve Detroit youth, and offer opportunity and service inclusively, regardless of age, race, creed, gender, religion, disability, sexual orientation, and ethnicity. These requirements ensure that the grants support legitimate organizations committed to equitable service delivery within the Detroit community. The expected outcomes of this grant program include strengthening youth-led initiatives, enhancing the leadership capacity of Detroit youth, and empowering young people to drive positive change in their city. While specific measurable results are not detailed in the provided information, the youth council's direct involvement in designing the decision-making process suggests an emphasis on effective program delivery and meaningful impact for Detroit's youth. This initiative reflects the Skillman Foundation's strategic priority of investing in the potential of young people and their capacity for leadership and community transformation.

The Thomaston Savings Bank Phase II Grant Program is an annual initiative by the Thomaston Savings Bank Foundation, Inc., designed to enhance the lives of community members in Litchfield County, Connecticut. The Foundation is deeply committed to addressing the human and material needs of the community, aligning its mission with a broader goal of improving the quality of life for its neighbors through dedicated grant programs and community outreach initiatives. This grant cycle specifically targets local nonprofit and government agencies that demonstrate significant local impact within the designated geographic areas. The primary beneficiaries of this grant program are local nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and government agencies. Religious organizations may also be considered if their programming supports community needs and falls within the priority focus areas. The impact goals are centered on assisting organizations that address critical community needs within specific towns, aiming to foster positive change and improve overall well-being. The Foundation seeks to support initiatives that will have a tangible and meaningful effect on the lives of residents in these communities. The program's priorities and focus areas are clearly defined to ensure alignment with the Foundation's strategic objectives. These include Arts & Culture, Community Development, Education & Youth Services, Health & Human Services, and Public Safety. Grant applications are carefully considered based on how well an organization's mission or services align with these identified priority areas. The geographic areas of focus are Bethlehem, Harwinton, Plymouth/Terryville, Thomaston, Torrington, and Watertown/Oakville, ensuring that the grants directly benefit the communities served by Thomaston Savings Bank. While specific measurable results are not detailed in the provided information, the Foundation's strategic priorities imply an expectation of improved community well-being and enhanced quality of life within the supported towns. The theory of change suggests that by investing in organizations that address these critical focus areas, the Foundation will contribute to stronger, healthier, and more vibrant communities. The program explicitly states what it generally does not invest in, such as individuals, endowment campaigns, lobbying, political activities, religious purposes, other foundations, and discriminatory organizations, which further refines its strategic approach to grantmaking and ensures resources are directed towards its core mission.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to nonprofits in Illinois and Missouri that are addressing critical community needs through innovative or emergent programs, with a focus on areas such as basic needs, health, and youth success.

This grant provides funding for capital improvement projects that benefit both Southern Baptist churches and the wider community in Greene County, Missouri.

The Central Indiana Community Foundation (CICF) is offering the Elevation Grant Program to support community-based efforts in Marion County, Indiana. This program aligns with CICF's mission to foster a thriving community by focusing on areas critical to well-being and equitable opportunity. The grant aims to empower residents and organizations to address systemic challenges through targeted interventions, ultimately leading to a more inclusive and resilient Central Indiana. The grant targets a diverse range of beneficiaries, including residents in specific neighborhoods, youth and young adults facing unique challenges, individuals currently interacting with the criminal legal system, and a priority population of Black/Latinx males aged 18-35 who are at high risk of violent victimization or perpetration. The impact goals are broad, encompassing increased resident safety, strengthened social networks, reduced crime, improved educational and employment outcomes for youth, enhanced social-emotional development, reduced recidivism, and comprehensive crisis response services for vulnerable populations. The Elevation Grant Program prioritizes five key areas: Thriving Neighborhoods, Empowered Youth / Young Adult, Restoration & Resilience, Justice-Involved Supports, and Intervention. Thriving Neighborhoods focuses on place-based efforts to promote safety and reduce crime, emphasizing resident engagement and community partnerships. Empowered Youth / Young Adult programs provide supportive services like employment, education, and mentoring to youth and young adults facing disengagement. Restoration & Resilience aims to offer social-emotional development, mental health support, and substance use reduction programs. Justice-Involved Supports focuses on services for individuals interacting with the criminal legal system to promote productive citizenship and reduce recidivism. Intervention programs implement integrated 24/7 crisis response services for the priority population, including housing, food, childcare, and mental health support. Expected outcomes and measurable results are integral to the grant program. For Thriving Neighborhoods, organizations must demonstrate increased resident safety and awareness through surveys, crime reporting, or statistics. Empowered Youth/Young Adult programs should show improved conditions for participants through measurable impacts of services and formal mentorship components. Justice-Involved Supports require demonstration of an individual's ability to gain skills, obtain work, secure housing, and prevent future interactions with the criminal legal system. The overall theory of change for CICF's Elevation Grant Program is to invest in strategic, community-led initiatives that address root causes of inequity and disengagement, thereby fostering a stronger, safer, and more equitable community for all residents of Marion County. The grant size ranges from $100,000 to $500,000 for an initial grant, with funding for the priority population ranging from $20,000 to $250,000. The grant duration is one year, with the grant period beginning October 1, 2024, and ending September 30, 2025. Eligibility criteria include being a 501(c)(3) public charity or having a fiscal sponsor, being located in and serving residents of Marion County, Indiana. Organizations may apply to multiple interest areas.

The Southern Maryland Agricultural Development Commission (SMADC) is offering its 11th round of farmer mini grants in Spring 2024, providing a total of $60,000 in funding. This program was established in 2016 in response to feedback from the farming community, aligning directly with SMADC's mission to support farms and the future of agriculture in Southern Maryland. The core objective is to expand and promote a viable, market-driven, sustainable, and profitable agricultural farming community in the region. The primary beneficiaries of this program are actively farming individuals in Anne Arundel, Calvert, Charles, Prince George’s, and St. Mary’s counties in Maryland. Both urban and rural farms are encouraged to apply, including youth aged 16 and older who have a background in agriculture. The impact goals are centered around enhancing farm sales strategies, facilitating business maintenance and expansion, and improving overall farm operations through tangible investments. The grant program prioritizes projects that are simple in scope and can be completed within one year. Specific areas of focus include services or equipment to transition sales strategies (e.g., online sales, home delivery, on-farm sales), purchase of foundation livestock or plant stock, marketing and promotion, new fencing, hoop houses, materials for value-added production, on-farm upgrades for food safety, irrigation installation or upgrades (especially in relation to GAP certification or FSMA standards), washing/packing stations, and freezer/refrigeration units. The expected outcomes are diverse, aiming to directly improve farm infrastructure, market access, and operational efficiency. Measurable results would include increased sales due to new strategies or equipment, enhanced food safety compliance, improved crop yields or livestock health, and expanded market reach for participating farms. The grants are awarded up to $3,000 per applicant, requiring a one-to-one dollar match from the farmer, ensuring a shared investment and commitment to project success. SMADC's strategic priority is to foster a robust and sustainable agricultural sector in Southern Maryland. Their theory of change suggests that by providing direct financial assistance for practical, farm-level improvements, they can empower individual farmers to adapt to market demands, enhance their competitiveness, and ultimately contribute to the long-term economic viability and environmental sustainability of agriculture in the region. The matching fund requirement further reinforces this by promoting farmer self-sufficiency and accountability.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations and government entities within the UDS 260 area for innovative community projects that enhance local well-being.

The Rancho Bernardo Community Foundation (RBCF) invites nonprofit organizations to submit grant applications for projects that will enhance the quality of life for those who live, work, and play in Rancho Bernardo. The foundation's purpose and vision are to improve the quality of life and meet emerging needs by increasing responsible and effective philanthropy, building a community endowment, providing annual funds to community organizations, and offering a vehicle for legacy planning. This directly aligns with their mission of fostering community well-being and long-term sustainability within Rancho Bernardo. The grant program targets nonprofit organizations, schools, or government agencies whose projects clearly address Rancho Bernardo-specific issues and needs, and enhance civic engagement, with a clear impact on local residents. The overall impact goal is to improve the quality of life for the community. Funding can be used to expand existing programs, replicate successful programs from other communities, or launch entirely new initiatives, emphasizing practicality and achievability within a 12-month timeframe. RBCF's grantmaking for its 36th year focuses on two key areas: Music and Community Enhancement. For music-related programs, RBCF will award between $1,500 and $5,000 from the RB Symphony on the Green Fund. For community enhancement projects, which aim to inspire community pride, revitalization, and increase the quality of life, grants will range from $1,500 to $10,000. These focus areas reflect the foundation's strategic priority to directly invest in specific sectors that contribute to a vibrant and thriving community. Expected outcomes include projects that demonstrate and/or foster collaboration with other successful entities, have a strategic impact with long-lasting benefits, are based on a proven track record, and target clearly defined, measurable results attainable within a reasonable timeframe. Sustainability is a key criterion, meaning projects should be replicable, repeatable, and/or scalable. The foundation's theory of change posits that by supporting well-managed programs that address unmet needs, foster collaboration, and demonstrate long-term viability, they can effectively contribute to the sustained improvement of the community's quality of life. They particularly seek projects that focus on problem areas, opportunities, or populations not currently funded or serviced by existing entities.

This grant provides financial support to local nonprofit organizations in Southwest Louisiana that address community needs, particularly for youth, financial security, health, and resilience, while focusing on assisting low-income working families.

The Eddie C. and C. Sylvia Brown Family Foundation offers grants between $1,000 to $10,000 to 501(c)(3) organizations in the Baltimore area, focusing on mental health, cancer prevention and treatment, arts exposure for youth, and educational opportunities for disadvantaged children, excluding start-ups, capital projects, individuals, multi-year projects, higher education institutions, and organizations outside Baltimore.

The Frank H. Stewart Trust provides grants primarily to assist municipalities within Gloucester, Salem, Atlantic, Cumberland, and Cape May Counties in New Jersey. The core mission of this grant program is to facilitate the acquisition of land for public use, specifically for parks, recreation grounds, game refuges, fishing or fish propagation, bird sanctuaries, and wildlife protection and preservation. This aligns with a foundational commitment to environmental conservation and public access to natural spaces. The Trust's strategic priority is to enhance public welfare through the creation and maintenance of accessible natural areas, reflecting a theory of change that postulates that by preserving land and making it available for public use, communities will benefit from increased recreational opportunities, biodiversity protection, and overall environmental health. The target beneficiaries are local municipalities within the specified New Jersey counties, with the ultimate impact goal of enriching public and ecological well-being in these regions. The Trust also extends support to prior grantees for the ongoing care, maintenance, upkeep, repair, and improvement of land previously purchased with Trust funds. This dual focus ensures not only the establishment of new public lands but also the sustained viability and quality of existing ones. The expected outcomes include an increase in dedicated public green spaces, improved habitats for wildlife, and enhanced recreational facilities for residents. The program's priorities and focuses are clearly defined: land must be dedicated to the public, have a flowing water course or be bounded by bodies of water, and be used for specific conservation and recreational purposes. Eligibility criteria also stipulate that grant recipients must obtain a resolution from their governing body dedicating the land to the public and provide a certified copy of the property appraisal. This rigorous approach ensures that funded projects align precisely with the Trust's mission and contribute to its long-term goals. Measurable results can be gauged by the number of acres of land purchased and dedicated for public use, the creation of new public parks and recreation areas, and the sustained maintenance of previously funded sites. The average total giving per year is $150,000, with individual grant sizes ranging from $100,000 to $500,000, indicating a significant investment in these environmental and community-focused initiatives. Applications must be submitted through an online form, ensuring an accessible and streamlined process for eligible municipalities.

The Branch County Grant Program is offered by an undisclosed funding organization and aims to support projects that benefit organizations in Branch County. The program operates on a quarterly basis, with four competitive grant cycles per year. The grant committee reviews requests for proposals during each cycle, and funding proposals must be submitted by February 1, May 1, August 1, or November 1. It is important to note that availability for these grants may be limited. For further information and to apply, interested organizations should contact the funding organization directly using the provided contact information.

The Mississippi Council on Developmental Disabilities is accepting Innovative Quality of Life Grant applications for Fiscal Year 2025 (July 1, 2024 – June 30, 2025). Maximum funding amount for each grant is $25,000. MSCDD expects to fund five or more new grants. Deadline for the application is June 5, 2024 at noon. Eligibility and more details are stated in the application. Applications should address one or more of the following expected outcomes from the current state plan: Developing and Strengthening Self-Advocacy and Leadership Developing or Improving Approaches to Services and Systems Meeting Other Needs of People with Developmental Disabilities and Families Planning of the Future Care for Aging Adults with Developmental Disabilities

This fellowship provides college and graduate students, who have participated in the World Food Prize Youth Program, the opportunity to work with USDA scientists on research and policy initiatives related to agriculture, food, and rural development during a paid summer program.

The Community Foundation San Luis Obispo County's "Access for All Fund" is dedicated to supporting charitable organizations that primarily benefit San Luis Obispo County residents, aligning directly with the foundation's overarching mission. This grant program specifically targets the disability community within the county, aiming to advance access and promote inclusion across several critical areas. The foundation's strategic priority is to foster a more equitable and accessible community for individuals with disabilities, with the Access for All Fund serving as a key mechanism to achieve this. The program's focus areas include advancing access to Health & Wellness, expanding capacity for Housing & Home Access, creating and supporting Community Participation/Inclusion, and promoting Accessible Workspaces and growing Employment Opportunities. For Health & Wellness, the goal is to improve access to healthcare services, equipment, and activities promoting physical and mental health. In terms of Housing & Home Access, the program seeks to increase options for accessible and affordable housing, along with modifications and equipment for independent living. Community Participation/Inclusion aims to ensure accessible events, physical and virtual spaces, inclusive programming, and accessible transportation. Finally, Accessible Workspaces and Employment Opportunities look to foster inclusive work environments through educational outreach, needs assessments, employee training, and improved access to services. The expected outcomes and measurable results of the Access for All Fund are directly tied to these focus areas. For example, increased access to health services and wellness activities, a greater number of accessible and affordable housing options, enhanced community participation through accessible events and spaces, and improved employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities. The foundation prioritizes one-year grants ranging from $1,000 to $10,000, with a specific amount of $5,000 available to award during the 2024 grant-making cycle. This funding approach is designed to support impactful, focused projects that can demonstrate tangible progress within a year. The Community Foundation San Luis Obispo County's theory of change through the Access for All Fund is that by investing in organizations that address the specific needs of the disability community, they can significantly improve the quality of life, independence, and overall inclusion of these residents. By supporting programs that advance access in health, housing, community participation, and employment, the foundation believes it can create a more equitable and supportive environment, leading to long-term positive societal impacts within San Luis Obispo County. Eligibility criteria mandate tax-exempt status under Section 501(c)(3) or a fiscal sponsorship, ensuring that funds are directed to legitimate charitable endeavors.

The Hispanic Impact Fund, a signature program of the Austin Community Foundation, is dedicated to bridging the racial wealth divide and advancing economic opportunity for Latino families in Central Texas. This initiative aligns with the foundation's broader mission to foster a thriving community by addressing systemic inequities. The fund's strategic priorities are centered on creating a pipeline from "cradle to career" for Latino individuals, thereby contributing to a more equitable and prosperous Central Texas. This approach reflects a theory of change that posits targeted investments in key areas can lead to significant, long-term positive outcomes for the Latino community. The grant program targets Latino families and individuals within the six-county Central Texas region (Travis, Bastrop, Burnet, Caldwell, Hays, and Williamson counties). The overarching impact goals are to improve access to quality education, health services, job skills, and leadership opportunities. By focusing on these critical areas, the fund aims to empower Latino families economically and socially, fostering a vibrant and engaged community. The expected outcomes include increased participation in early childhood education, improved health and wellness outcomes, enhanced entrepreneurial success, and a stronger pipeline of Latino leaders. This grant cycle, the Hispanic Impact Fund is prioritizing organizations and programs that fit into one of four key strategy areas: Early Childhood Education, Health & Wellness, Job Skills & Entrepreneurship, and Leadership Development. For Early Childhood Education, the focus is on providing affordable, high-quality Pre-K and early childhood education starting at age 3. In Health & Wellness, the fund supports preventative, culturally competent health education and access to quality mental and physical health services. For Job Skills & Entrepreneurship, the emphasis is on assisting Latino entrepreneurs in expanding their businesses. Finally, Leadership Development aims to advance Latino leadership and create pipelines of youth, emerging, and established talent. The program includes measurable results through its funding structure, with different grant amounts for winning finalists, runner-up finalists, and semifinalists, distributed over two years. For instance, a winning finalist receives $50,000 total ($30,000 in 2024 and $20,000 in 2025), and a runner-up receives $35,000 ($20,000 in 2024 and $15,000 in 2025). Two semifinalists each receive $20,000 in 2024. These specific funding allocations provide a clear framework for the scale of impact expected from the funded organizations. The eligibility criteria further ensure alignment with the fund's mission by requiring applicants to be tax-exempt nonprofit organizations or units of government working within the specified Central Texas region, and able to demonstrate non-discriminatory practices and secular programming for religious organizations.