State Recreation Grants

This grant provides financial assistance to municipalities, non-profit land conservation organizations, and water companies in Connecticut for acquiring land to preserve open spaces and protect water supplies.

This grant provides funding for collaborative, arts-based projects that improve community livability and cultural vibrancy in Pennsylvania, focusing on diversity, equity, and local engagement.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to local and state governments, school districts, and nonprofit organizations in Missouri for the development and maintenance of public recreational trails, promoting outdoor activities and community engagement.

This grant provides funding for community projects in Hawaii that promote the benefits of trees and engage residents in tree care and conservation activities.

The Maine Tourism Development & Management Grant is designed to foster tourism development, education, and management projects in Maine that aim to enhance collaboration among key destination organizations, create sustainable growth within the tourism sector, and provide qualified technical and consulting assistance. The grant supports projects that align with the Maine Office of Tourism's Destination Management Plan and prioritize sustainable and inclusive tourism. Applications are accepted annually, with grants ranging from $15,000 to $40,000. Eligible projects include tourism product development, stewardship planning, visitor education programs, strategic planning related to tourism, and the creation of educational or interpretive signage to improve the visitor experience. A 25% cash match is required to ensure regional and community support for the projects. Ineligible uses of funding include marketing campaigns, special events, for-profit organizations, administrative costs, and construction projects. The grant emphasizes the importance of advancing off-season tourism, promoting the value of tourism, and developing inclusive travel opportunities. Deadline – Letter of Intent – 2pm, April 19, 2024 Application Deadline: 2pm, May 24th, 2024

This program provides financial assistance to private marinas, boatyards, and yacht clubs for the construction of sewage pumpout and dump stations to help reduce pollution from recreational boating.

This funding opportunity supports local parks in California by providing financial assistance for both arts programs and art installations, benefiting communities and enhancing public spaces.

The Department of Energy and Environment (DOEE) is offering a grant for a Youth Bicycle Clinic and Ride Event, aiming to promote green and active transportation education among youth in underserved communities within the District of Columbia. The grant seeks to educate youth on bicycle maintenance, safety, and basic repairs. While the prompt asks for "foundation mission alignment" and "foundation's strategic priorities and theory of change," the provided text specifies the "Department of Energy & Environment" as the donor, not a foundation. The grant's goal aligns with fostering environmental stewardship and community engagement, encouraging sustainable practices, and empowering young individuals with practical skills. The target beneficiaries are youth in underserved communities in the District of Columbia. The program's impact goals are to help these youth become bicycle pioneers in their respective communities, deepen their knowledge and exposure to engineering concepts, and encourage them to seek alternative forms of transportation. The grant specifically focuses on bicycle maintenance, safety, and basic repairs as key components of this educational initiative. The expected outcomes and measurable results include an increase in youth skilled in bicycle maintenance and safety, greater understanding of engineering principles, and a higher inclination among participants to utilize bicycles as an alternative mode of transport. The funding allocated for the Youth Bicycle Clinic and Ride Event is $50,000, indicating the scale of impact the DOEE aims to achieve through this initiative. The eligible entities for this grant include nonprofit organizations (including 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(4) determinations), faith-based organizations, government agencies, universities/educational institutions, and private enterprises. This broad eligibility ensures a wide range of organizations can contribute to the DOEE's objective of promoting green and active transportation among the youth. The grant's emphasis on practical skills and community leadership reflects a strategic priority to create tangible, lasting change within the District.

Comcast RISE is a grant program established in 2020 to aid small businesses severely affected by COVID-19, helping them to recover and flourish. The program returned in 2024, expanding its reach to a broader spectrum of small businesses while maintaining its core focus on diversity, inclusion, and community investment. Its overarching mission is to foster economic growth within businesses and their communities, aligning with a strategic priority to support underserved or underrepresented small business owners. The program specifically targets small businesses that are at least 51% owned by an individual aged 18 or older who is the primary decision-maker, actively engaged in daily operations, and whose business is independently owned, not a franchise, has been operating for at least three years, and has been revenue-generating for at least 12 months. It also specifies geographical locations in Atlanta, GA; Southern Colorado; Houston, TX; Jacksonville, FL; and Richmond, VA. Businesses with more than 100 employees or those falling into categories like non-profits, religious organizations, political advertisers, or businesses related to marijuana, firearms, tobacco, or adult entertainment are ineligible. In 2024, Comcast RISE aims to award 500 recipients across five cities with a comprehensive grant package. This package includes a $5,000 monetary grant, a creative and media campaign valued at approximately $17,500, a technology makeover with an approximate retail value of $7,500, access to 12 months of LinkedIn Learning for business education, and business consultation services. The focus is on providing tangible resources that directly contribute to the growth and sustainability of small businesses. The expected outcomes and measurable results include direct financial support through the cash grant, enhanced market presence and customer reach through the media campaign, improved operational efficiency and digital capabilities via the technology makeover, and strengthened business acumen through educational resources and consultation. The theory of change posits that by providing a multi-faceted support system, Comcast RISE empowers small businesses to overcome challenges, achieve sustained growth, create jobs, and contribute to the economic vitality of their local communities, ultimately fostering a more diverse and inclusive business landscape.

This opportunity invites midway operators to submit proposals for providing and managing rides, games, and concessions at the Great New York State Fair from 2025 to 2034.

This grant provides financial support to tax-exempt organizations to engage under-served populations in outdoor recreation, conservation, and environmental education across Texas.

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife’s Office of Spill Prevention and Response (CDFW‐OSPR) is seeking grant applications to help fund projects that enhance, restore, or acquire habitat for wildlife, with available funding totaling $5,000,000. These grant funds come from CDFW-OSPR’s Environmental Enhancement Fund (EEF), which acquires funds from spill violations in accordance with California’s Lempert-Keene-Seastrand Oil Spill Prevention and Response Act. The EEF selection committee includes representatives from the California Coastal Conservancy, the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation and CDFW‐OSPR. The selection committee is seeking projects with a minimum requested grant award of $500,000. Projects must be completed by April 1, 2031. Multiple projects may be submitted for funding. Disbursement of money from the grant is contingent on the availability of funds in the EEF. To qualify, an environmental enhancement project must 1. Be located within or immediately adjacent to waters of the state, 2. Have measurable outcomes within a pre-determined timeframe 3. Be designed to acquire, restore, or improve habitat or restore ecosystem function, or both, to benefit fish and wildlife. Eligible Applicants include nonprofit organizations, cities, counties, cities and counties, districts, state agencies, and departments; and, to the extent permitted by federal law, to federal agencies. All eligible groups and projects are encouraged to apply. For more information, please go to www.wildlife.ca.gov/OSPR/Science/Environmental-Enhancement-Fund/About

Created in 1964, the Boating Facilities Program provides grants to acquire, develop, and renovate facilities for motorized boats and other watercraft, including launching ramps, guest moorage, and support facilities. Typical Projects Renovating boat launches Adding guest moorage facilities Building parking, restrooms, and other boating amenities To apply for this funding, grant applicants must have completed a comprehensive recreation or conservation plan. Match Details Match may include the following: Applicant’s labor, equipment, and materials Appropriations or cash Bonds Conservation futures Corrections labor Donations of cash, land, labor, equipment, and materials Federal, state, local, and private grants Local agencies and special purpose districts must provide 25 percent match for each project, and at least 10 percent of the total project cost must be from a non-state, non-federal contribution. State applicants do not need to provide match. Tribes need to provide 25 percent match.

The Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential (MiLEAP) is offering $57 million in grant funds for in-person before-school, after-school, before-and-after-school, and/or summer programming for children in grades K-12. This initiative aligns with MiLEAP's mission to prioritize education from preschool through postsecondary, focusing on kindergarten readiness and helping individuals earn skills or degrees for good-paying jobs. The grant specifically supports Out-of-School Time (OST) Programs that provide educational programming in core subjects such as mathematics, reading, and science. The target beneficiaries are children in grades K-12. The impact goals are to improve school attendance, academic outcomes, attitudes toward school, positive behaviors, skill development and retention, and higher education aspirations, as well as to enhance family engagement. MiLEAP's strategic priority is to prepare children for kindergarten and help more people earn a skill certificate or degree, and this grant directly contributes to that by funding programs that offer expanded learning opportunities and academic enrichment. The grant prioritizes the expansion of existing programs, establishment of new programs, hands-on academic enrichment, field trips, professional learning, and the development of school-community partnerships. It also supports expanded learning opportunities in areas like mentoring, leadership, community engagement, agriculture, visual and performing arts, financial literacy, STEM, health and wellness, recreation, career and college exploration, youth voice, 21st-century skills, social-emotional learning, and cultural engagement. Expected outcomes include measurable improvements in areas such as improved school attendance and academic performance, enhanced positive behaviors and skill development, and increased aspirations for higher education. The grant's theory of change posits that by investing in comprehensive OST programming that addresses both academic and social-emotional needs, children will be better prepared for academic success and future career opportunities, thereby contributing to MiLEAP's broader goal of lifelong education and advancement.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to New Jersey counties, municipalities, and school districts for improving public recreational facilities, particularly in underserved communities.

The City Parks and Open Space Grant, funded by the Iowa Legislature via REAP funds derived from gaming revenues, is a competitive grant program allocating 15% of REAP funds to cities across Iowa. The primary mission of this program is to support the creation and enhancement of city parks and open spaces. This aligns with a broader strategic priority to invest in community green infrastructure and quality of life initiatives within the state. The target beneficiaries of this grant are cities throughout Iowa, with grant distributions based on city size categories. The program's impact goals center on fostering healthier, more vibrant communities by increasing access to and improving the quality of natural recreational areas. It specifically excludes athletic fields, sports facilities, pools, and playgrounds to maintain a focus on passive recreation and natural landscapes. The program's priorities and focus are clearly defined: to support city parks and open spaces. This includes projects that enhance biodiversity, provide environmental benefits, and offer residents opportunities for outdoor enjoyment and relaxation. The competitive nature of the grant ensures that funds are directed towards projects demonstrating the greatest potential for impact and alignment with the program's objectives. Expected outcomes include an increase in the total acreage of protected and improved parkland and open space within Iowa cities. Measurable results could include the number of new or renovated park facilities, increased public engagement with green spaces, and enhancements to local ecosystems. The underlying theory of change is that by investing in natural public spaces, the program will contribute to improved public health, environmental sustainability, and overall community well-being, reflecting a strategic belief in the value of accessible green infrastructure.

This program provides financial assistance to municipalities, nonprofit land conservation organizations, and water companies in Connecticut for acquiring land designated as open space or vital for water supply.

This grant provides funding to various organizations in Washington State to create outdoor education and recreation opportunities for underserved and historically excluded youth.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to organizations in Maryland focused on improving public health and reducing health disparities, particularly for underserved populations, through initiatives in chronic disease management, maternal and child health, dental care, and behavioral health.

The California Natural Resources Agency (CNRA) has launched the Youth Community Access Program, a competitive grant initiative designed to expand outdoor access and foster a healthier California. This program is rooted in supporting youth access to natural or cultural resources, with a specific focus on low-income and disadvantaged communities. While the provided information does not explicitly detail the "foundation's mission alignment" or "strategic priorities and theory of change" in terms of a separate foundation, the CNRA's overarching mission to protect and restore California's natural resources and promote equitable access aligns directly with the program's goals. The program's aim to address and repair the multi-generational community impacts of the War on Drugs further underscores a commitment to social justice and community well-being. The primary beneficiaries of this program are youth, defined as individuals between birth and 26 years old, residing in communities disproportionately affected by past federal and state drug policies, as well as other underserved communities. The impact goals are multifaceted: to promote youth health, safety, well-being, and comfort by facilitating direct access to natural or cultural resources. This includes supporting community education and recreational amenities for youth substance use prevention and early intervention, ultimately empowering youth to make healthy choices and fostering a healthier, more engaged generation. The program prioritizes projects that actively involve youth in all stages, from planning and decision-making to facilitation and evaluation. Additionally, projects that engage youth in outreach and awareness campaigns, and those that empower youth to make healthy choices, are given priority consideration. These focuses emphasize a youth-centric, participatory approach, aiming for sustainable community-led change rather than top-down interventions. The minimum award for an individual project is $25,000, and the maximum is $300,000, indicating a range of project scales supported. While specific measurable results are not explicitly outlined, the expected outcomes can be inferred from the program's requirements and priorities. These include increased youth participation in outdoor and cultural activities, enhanced community capacity for youth development, reduced instances of substance use through prevention and early intervention efforts, and improved overall health and well-being among young people in targeted communities. The emphasis on youth involvement in planning and evaluation suggests an ongoing feedback loop to assess program effectiveness and impact.