Private Recreation Grants

The Education After-School Grant, offered by the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation, supports after-school and summer educational arts programs provided by nonprofit organizations in Louisiana. This grant aligns directly with the Foundation's mission to promote, preserve, perpetuate, and encourage the music, culture, and heritage of Louisiana communities through cultural, educational, civic, and economic activities. Specifically, it targets programs that foster a greater understanding and appreciation for the unique culture of Louisiana, ensuring that grant funds are exclusively spent within the state. The primary beneficiaries of this grant are nonprofit organizations within Louisiana that offer arts instruction to students in after-school and summer settings. The grant aims to financially support these organizations by covering the professional teaching fees of the artists or educators involved. The overarching impact goal is to enrich the lives of young people through exposure to various art forms and to cultivate an appreciation for Louisiana's distinct cultural heritage, ensuring the continuity of these traditions. The grant prioritizes programs in disciplines such as Music, Dance, Theater, Visual Arts/Photography, Cultural Heritage/Folk life, Media Arts/Film/Web, Culinary Arts, Creative Writing/Literary/Spoken Word, and Multidisciplinary arts. Only 501(c)(3) organizations and active registered Louisiana nonprofits (who may use a 501(c)(3) as a fiscal agent) are eligible, with commercial organizations explicitly excluded. The focus is on programs that demonstrate a clear alignment with the Jazz & Heritage Foundation's mission. Expected outcomes include the sustained operation of high-quality educational arts programs for youth across Louisiana, increased participation in cultural activities, and a deeper appreciation for the state's cultural identity among participants. Measurable results could include the number of students served, the variety of artistic disciplines offered, and feedback from program participants and educators. The maximum grant amount is $7,500, with a grant duration of one year, for activities occurring between September 1, 2024, and August 31, 2025. This strategic investment in arts education reflects the Foundation's theory of change, which posits that by supporting cultural and educational initiatives, they can preserve and perpetuate Louisiana's unique heritage for future generations.

This grant provides funding to support professional development and networking opportunities for teaching artists in the Philadelphia area, enabling them to deliver high-quality, inclusive arts education programs for youth.

This program provides funding for innovative projects that address substance abuse, mental wellness, and violence among teens aged 12-18 in Michigan's tri-county capital region.

The Access to Recreation Program, an initiative of the Community Foundation for the Land of Lincoln, is designed to support accessible recreation projects for individuals with disabilities and special needs. This includes adaptive sports, games, and programs, as well as capital projects, addressing various needs such as sensory, physical, mobility, cognitive, developmental, emotional, and psychological disabilities. The foundation's mission, as evidenced by this program, aligns with fostering inclusive community participation and removing barriers to recreation. The program primarily targets nonprofit organizations, faith-based organizations, public or private schools, and units of government or municipalities that serve residents of Sangamon County, IL. The goal is to provide opportunities for people with disabilities to participate in indoor or outdoor recreation activities without barriers. The program seeks to fund initiatives that are specifically designed for and/or about people with disabilities but are also available to the general public, promoting broader community inclusion. The program prioritizes requests that support accessible recreation, focusing on activities that enable participation for individuals with disabilities. This includes projects that facilitate adaptive sports, games, and various recreational programs. The emphasis is on creating an environment where disabilities do not hinder access to recreational activities, thereby enhancing the quality of life for individuals with special needs within Sangamon County. Expected outcomes include increased participation of people with disabilities in recreational activities, the development of more inclusive recreational programs, and the establishment of accessible facilities. Measurable results could include the number of individuals served, the types of adaptive programs implemented, and the improvements made to existing facilities to enhance accessibility. The foundation's strategic priorities appear to revolve around community well-being and equitable access, with a theory of change that posits by funding accessible recreation, they can directly improve the health, social integration, and overall life satisfaction of people with disabilities in their service area.

This program honors and recognizes women leaders in the Denver metro area who demonstrate exceptional leadership, innovation, and community impact through their professional and volunteer efforts.

The Go Outside Fund, provided by the Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin, aims to connect youth with outdoor, nature-based learning experiences. This grant program directly aligns with the foundation's mission by fostering an appreciation for natural resources and encouraging hands-on engagement with the environment among the younger generation in Wisconsin. The program's core objective is to facilitate access to outdoor activities for children, thereby promoting environmental literacy and a deeper connection to nature. The primary beneficiaries of this fund are pre-K through 12th-grade students in Wisconsin. Teachers and partner organizations can apply for funding to cover various costs that enable outdoor learning, such as field supplies, transportation, substitute teachers, or educator expenses. The impact goals are centered on increasing opportunities for children to learn in outdoor settings, fostering a sense of stewardship, and enriching their educational experiences through direct interaction with nature. The fund prioritizes grant applications that include a significant component of outdoor activity and directly engage children in outdoor, nature-based learning. While alignment with classroom learning and standards is encouraged, it is not a strict requirement, emphasizing the program's focus on experiential learning. Grants between $100 and $500 are available, supporting a wide range of smaller-scale, impactful projects that meet the eligibility criteria. Eligible applicants include public charities with approved 501(c)(3) status, governmental units, American Indian nations or tribal communities, and accredited schools, colleges, or universities. The program's theory of change posits that by removing financial barriers and supporting educators and organizations, more Wisconsin youth will have access to enriching outdoor experiences, leading to increased environmental awareness and appreciation. The expected outcome is a measurable increase in youth participation in nature-based learning, contributing to a more environmentally conscious and engaged generation. Projects must benefit Wisconsin students, and activities must take place six weeks or more after the application due date, ensuring planned and impactful engagement.

This program provides financial support to organizations and event planners to develop and promote multi-day athletic events in Virginia Beach, boosting tourism and the local economy.

This grant provides financial support to nonprofit arts organizations in Genesee County, Michigan, to enhance community engagement and cultural initiatives through various arts programs.

The Humanities Montana’s Community Project Grants support public humanities programming throughout Montana. This initiative aligns with the foundation's mission to strengthen community and culture by promoting civic engagement, sparking thoughtful community dialogue, and reflecting on the human experience across the state. These grants are designed to foster bold and innovative projects that are meaningful to local communities and inspire timely community conversations. The primary target beneficiaries are the general public across Montana, with a particular emphasis on engaging diverse communities and cultures. The impact goals include deepening public understanding of significant humanities questions, building on sound humanities scholarship, and fostering analytical approaches that present a variety of perspectives. The program aims to strengthen cultural understanding and civic participation through accessible and appealing formats. The program prioritizes projects focused on clearly defined humanities themes. Funding is available for a wide array of formats, including storytelling, historical analysis, public writing workshops, literacy programs, ethical inquiry, interpretation at historic sites, book festivals, exhibits, lectures, speaker series, panel discussions, teacher institutes & workshops, humanities program planning, reading & discussion programs, and various humanities events. All projects must involve humanities scholars (academic, professional, or subject-expert) in all aspects and require at least one confirmed subject-expert. Expected outcomes include increased public engagement with humanities topics, enhanced community dialogue, and a deeper reflection on the human experience. Measurable results will likely be demonstrated through the reach and participation in the programs, the quality of humanities scholarship integrated, and the active involvement of communities and cultures represented in project content. For projects involving Native American communities, letters of support from participating scholars, researchers, and/or program participants are required, outlining their involvement. The maximum award for these grants ranges from $2,000 to $10,000.

The A Blood Bank of the Redwoods Legacy Fund is a grant program established to create a lasting legacy for the Blood Bank of the Redwoods, which has served North Bay communities since 1949. Administered in partnership with Community Foundation Sonoma County, the Fund aims to support initiatives that contribute to a stable blood supply. The Community Foundation of Mendocino County's mission aligns with this goal by fostering community well-being and supporting vital services. The target beneficiaries of this grant program are organizations, including educational institutions, that are actively working to increase a stable blood supply. The primary impact goal is to strengthen the blood supply through community engagement. This includes reaching out to diverse populations, educating the public on the importance of blood donation, and engaging youth in blood donation efforts to cultivate future donors. The program's priorities and focuses include outreach, education, and youth engagement. Funding can be used for salaries or wages, marketing/promotional expenses, and stipends or incentives, all of which must directly relate to the proposed project. This focus ensures that the grants directly support activities that contribute to a more robust and reliable blood supply in the North Bay communities. Expected outcomes include an increase in blood donations, a more informed public regarding blood supply needs, and greater participation from youth in blood donation initiatives. While specific measurable results are not detailed in the provided information, the focus on direct project-related expenses implies an expectation of tangible improvements in blood supply stability. The foundation's strategic priority is to uphold the legacy of the Blood Bank of the Redwoods by continuing its critical work through community-based programs.

This funding opportunity supports projects that improve the quality of life in Greenwood County through initiatives in arts, community development, parks, recreation, and animal welfare.

The Greater Worcester Community Foundation is inviting applications for its 2024 Community Grant Program, focusing on projects in Arts & Creativity, Basic Needs, and Economic Opportunity. This program is designed to be responsive and flexible, incorporating trust-based philanthropic principles to streamline the application process, encourage more interactive engagement, and offer diverse methods for storytelling. The foundation's mission aligns with this grant by seeking to build a diverse arts and culture ecosystem, ensure access to food and shelter, and promote economic opportunity through English Language Learning and Job Training & Financial Literacy programs within Worcester County. The grant program targets residents of Worcester County as its primary beneficiaries, with a strong emphasis on access and barrier reduction. Organizations based in or having a meaningful physical presence in Worcester County, or those providing unduplicated services with authentic local partnerships, are eligible. The impact goals revolve around addressing pressing community needs through creative and innovative solutions, fostering equity, amplifying community voice, and disrupting existing systems. The program prioritizes three key focus areas. Arts & Creativity aims to build and support a diverse and strong arts and culture ecosystem where all individuals feel they belong. Basic Needs concentrates on ensuring all community residents have access to food and shelter. Economic Opportunity focuses on English Language Learning programs and Job Training & Financial Literacy programs to empower individuals and enhance their financial well-being. Projects will be assessed based on several selection criteria, which inherently define the expected outcomes and measurable results. These include the feasibility of the proposed work and budget within the grant range ($2,500 - $25,000), the level of access and barrier reduction created for Worcester County residents, and the degree of creative or innovative solutions provided for community needs. Furthermore, projects must demonstrate measurable and manageable goals and outcomes aligned with one or more of the specified focus areas, along with an organizational commitment to equity, community voice, and systems disruption, backed by sound financial and governance functions.

This grant provides funding for K-12 students in Title I-eligible, Tribal, or Military Base schools to implement their youth-led ideas for positive change in their communities.

The 2024 Harry Allen Gregg Foundation Grant Program is designed to provide financial assistance to individuals and families in New Hampshire facing physical, developmental, or emotional disabilities. While the foundation's specific mission statement is not explicitly detailed in the provided text, the grant program's focus on supporting those with long-term barriers to daily living and significant mental health issues strongly aligns with a mission to enhance the quality of life and promote independence for individuals with disabilities. The program's commitment to offering a range of funding opportunities, from medical treatments to educational and vocational support, indicates a holistic approach to addressing the diverse needs of its target population. The target beneficiaries for this grant program are New Hampshire residents who have physical, developmental, or emotional disabilities. This includes individuals with conditions that present long-term barriers to independently accomplishing tasks of daily living, adults diagnosed with Severe and Persistent Mental Illness (SPMI) such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, major depressive disorder, and borderline personality disorder, and children with significant mental health issues impacting their daily functioning. Additionally, individuals with acquired intellectual/cognitive disabilities from brain injury, dementia, developmental delays, or significant learning disabilities are eligible. The impact goal is to alleviate financial burdens associated with these conditions and enable beneficiaries to access crucial services, equipment, and opportunities that might otherwise be out of reach. The program prioritizes a broad spectrum of needs, including non-reimbursed medical or therapy treatments, continuing education or career development, specialty equipment, respite services, computers and adaptive software, camp tuition, recreational activities, vocational and academic classes, specialized driver evaluation and training, and modifications to living areas, work sites, or vehicles. Grant sizes typically range from $1,000 to $10,000, although individual grants are limited to $1,200, with specific caps for certain categories like medical costs, computers, and vehicle repairs. The ongoing review and award process for camp tuition and recreational activities, with a note about early application, suggests a strategic focus on supporting children's well-being. While specific measurable results are not explicitly outlined, the expected outcomes of the Harry Allen Gregg Foundation Grant Program can be inferred from the types of funding provided. These outcomes likely include improved access to critical medical and therapeutic care, enhanced educational and vocational opportunities leading to greater independence, increased availability of necessary adaptive equipment, reduced caregiver burden through respite services, and improved living conditions or mobility through modifications and vehicle repairs. The foundation's theory of change appears to be that by providing targeted financial assistance, it can directly address the practical challenges faced by individuals with disabilities, thereby fostering greater self-sufficiency and overall well-being. The emphasis on specific funding limits and acceptable purposes indicates a strategic approach to ensure the funds are utilized effectively and for the intended impact.

This grant provides financial support for Cuyahoga County-based artists to fund public projects, events, or specific needs related to their creative practices.

The Jackson County Community Foundation is offering community grants to qualified charitable organizations that serve the local community within Jackson County, North Carolina. This grant program aligns with the foundation's mission to address a broad range of local needs, supporting essential services and development within the community. The grants are intended to foster local initiatives that improve the well-being of residents and strengthen community infrastructure across various sectors. The target beneficiaries of this grant program are diverse, encompassing individuals and groups benefiting from human services, education, youth development, health, food/nutrition, and arts programs. The impact goals are to meet a wide array of community needs, providing support to vulnerable populations, enhancing educational opportunities, promoting healthy lifestyles, and enriching cultural experiences. The foundation prioritizes organizations that are 501(c)(3) public charities, local governments (including public schools), fire and rescue departments, and religious entities engaged in social outreach programs. The program focuses on funding initiatives that provide tangible benefits to the community-at-large, with a particular emphasis on services that are accessible and non-discriminatory. Expected outcomes include improved access to essential services, enhanced community programs, and a strengthened local support network. While specific measurable results are not explicitly detailed beyond the range of grants, the implied results are the successful implementation of programs in the areas of human services, education, youth development, health, food/nutrition, and arts. The Jackson County Community Foundation's strategic priorities are to address local needs comprehensively through community-focused grantmaking. Their theory of change appears to be that by funding a diverse range of charitable organizations and public service entities, they can collectively create a more resilient, educated, healthy, and culturally vibrant community. The grant size typically ranges from $1,000 to $3,000, indicating a focus on supporting numerous local projects rather than a few large-scale initiatives.

The Welch Charitable Fund, administered by the Maine Community Foundation, is dedicated to supporting organizations that address the needs of individuals within the Greater Portland (Cumberland County) area. This grant program is designed to align with the foundation's broader mission of fostering community well-being by channeling resources to critical areas of need. The fund's strategic approach emphasizes targeted support for local initiatives, ensuring that grants directly benefit the communities they serve. The fund's primary beneficiaries are individuals residing in the Greater Portland area, with a specific focus on vulnerable populations. The grants are intended to create a tangible impact by supporting projects centered on youth, education, healthcare, recovery from substance use disorder, and arts and culture. The overarching impact goal is to enhance the scope, efficiency, or effectiveness of organizations, ultimately improving the quality of life for residents in Cumberland County. The Welch Charitable Fund has clearly defined priorities, including a particular interest in capital investments and select capital campaigns. This strategic focus aims to strengthen the long-term capacity of recipient organizations. Projects must serve the Greater Portland area and concentrate on the identified areas of youth, education, healthcare, recovery, and arts and culture. This ensures that funding is directed towards initiatives that address pressing community challenges. The expected outcomes of this grant program include an increase in the number of people served or services provided, as well as improvements in organizational efficiency and effectiveness. The median award of $10,000 suggests that the fund aims to provide meaningful support to a range of projects. While specific measurable results are not explicitly detailed, the focus on increasing scope and improving efficiency implies a commitment to quantifiable progress in the target areas. The foundation's theory of change appears to be rooted in the belief that targeted financial support for vital community services will lead to stronger, more resilient communities.

The 2024-2025 Sparks Grant Program, initiated by the Wisconsin Board for People with Developmental Disabilities (WBPDD), is designed to foster greater social connections and community inclusion for individuals with disabilities. This program directly aligns with the foundation's mission to enhance the lives of people with developmental disabilities by promoting their participation in inclusive and meaningful community activities. The grants, ranging from $500 to $5,000, aim to support initiatives that break down barriers and improve societal attitudes towards people with disabilities. The primary target beneficiaries of the Sparks Grant Program are individuals with disabilities, their families, and community groups or organizations that are committed to fostering inclusion but may lack the knowledge or resources to do so effectively. Traditionally underserved groups, including faith-based, civic, and nonprofit organizations, school districts, municipalities, family groups, and individuals with strong community connections, are especially encouraged to apply. The program seeks to empower these groups to create more accessible and welcoming environments. The program's key priorities and focuses are multifaceted. It emphasizes increasing social connections for people with disabilities, educating individuals and organizations on implementing inclusive programming, and encouraging community members to engage with and improve their attitudes toward people with disabilities. Examples of fund usage include making school extracurriculars accessible, hosting community conversations on inclusion, and implementing innovative ways to make families with children with disabilities feel welcome in faith communities. The expected outcomes and measurable results include an increase in inclusive community activities, a greater understanding among organizations and individuals of how to offer inclusive programming, and improved attitudes within communities toward people with disabilities. While specific quantitative metrics are not detailed, the focus is on tangible improvements in accessibility, participation, and societal acceptance. The grant duration is one year, allowing for focused efforts and demonstrable progress within that timeframe. The WBPDD's strategic priorities, as reflected in this grant, revolve around a theory of change that posits that by providing targeted funding and encouragement, communities can be transformed into more inclusive spaces. This involves not only direct support for individuals with disabilities but also empowering the broader community to actively participate in creating an inclusive environment. The program encourages innovative approaches and aims to build a network of inclusive practices across all counties in Wisconsin.

This funding opportunity supports small and mid-sized organizations and individual artists in San Francisco who are connected to historically marginalized communities, helping them sustain their work and remain in the city.

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