State Recreation Grants

This funding opportunity provides financial support to local governments and public agencies in New York State for projects that enhance bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure, promote active transportation, and improve community mobility.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to local governments and eligible agencies in Illinois for developing non-motorized transportation infrastructure that enhances regional connectivity and promotes sustainable transportation options.

The All-Terrain Vehicle and Snowmobile grant supports projects focused on the planning, acquisition of land, development, rehabilitation, maintenance, purchase of equipment for maintenance and construction, and the development of educational programs related to ATV and/or snowmobile trails and facilities. Only projects specifically related to ATV or snowmobile endeavors are eligible for submission under this category. The grant is funded by the ATV Management Restricted Account and the Snowmobile Management Restricted Account as authorized by Act 97 of 2016. Although there is no mandatory match requirement for this funding opportunity, applications that include match funding will receive additional consideration. Grant renewed every year. Grant Annual Fall opening/ closing deadlines: opens first business day in August and closes the last business day in September

This funding opportunity provides financial support to Arizona-based organizations focused on increasing parental involvement and preventing youth substance abuse through community engagement and educational programs.

The Oklahoma Office of the Attorney General is currently accepting applications for the 2025 Safe Oklahoma Grant Program. Established in 2012, this program is funded by an annual appropriation from the state legislature and aims to provide local law enforcement agencies and sheriff's offices with additional resources to address violent crime across Oklahoma. The program's core mission aligns with public safety and crime reduction within the state, directly supporting the Attorney General's efforts to ensure safer communities. The primary beneficiaries of this grant are local law enforcement agencies and sheriff's offices throughout all counties in Oklahoma. The impact goal is to decrease violent crime within their respective jurisdictions. This is achieved by offering resources that help cover overtime costs for officers, fund technology upgrades, enhance analytical capabilities, and support community partnership projects focused on preventing youth violent crime. The grant's duration is one year, from January 1, 2025, to December 31, 2025, allowing for focused, short-term interventions and improvements. The grant program prioritizes several strategies for decreasing violent crime, as outlined in 74 O.S. § 20k(B)(1)-(5). These include focusing on intervention and enforcement through increased staffing resources with overtime funds for evidence-driven approaches like directed patrols and "hot spot" policing; increasing technological capacity with purchases such as crime-mapping software and GPS technology; enhancing analytical capabilities for crime trend analysis and data-driven strategies; engaging with community partners to develop projects preventing violent crime, including drug enforcement and youth violence programs; and increasing direct services to crime victims by improving accessibility and awareness of support. The expected outcomes include a measurable reduction in violent crime within the participating jurisdictions. By funding increased patrols, technology upgrades, and improved analytical and community engagement efforts, the program anticipates a direct positive impact on community safety. The theory of change behind the Safe Oklahoma Grant Program is that by providing targeted financial resources to local law enforcement, these agencies can implement specific, data-driven strategies and foster community partnerships that will effectively deter and reduce violent crime, ultimately leading to safer communities across Oklahoma.

This fellowship provides resources and training for local newsrooms in Connecticut, Rhode Island, and Massachusetts to enhance their climate and environmental reporting, particularly benefiting those serving marginalized communities.

The Maine Department of Labor (MDOL) is offering a grant program rooted in the belief that a career is essential for prosperity and economic stability for Mainers. This initiative aligns with the department's mission to help individuals chart their economic future. The grant aims to support tribal communities in connecting to employment, training opportunities, and retaining jobs. This Request for Applications (RFA) seeks to partner with tribal communities to address basic needs, engage individuals disengaged from the workforce, and support employment or training opportunities. The target beneficiaries for this grant are Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized), Native American tribal organizations (other than Federally recognized tribal governments), and non-profits with demonstrated experience and success in serving tribal communities. Applications demonstrating partnership with specific tribes—the Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians, the Mi’kmaq Nation, the Passamaquoddy Tribe, and the Penobscot Nation—are preferred. The impact goals are to address basic needs that hinder employment or job retention, and to connect disengaged individuals with workforce opportunities. The program's priorities and focuses include addressing basic needs not effectively met by existing programs like DINAP, WIOA Adult, Dislocated, Youth, or National Emergency Grants. This can encompass assistance with car repairs, childcare, housing issues, uniforms, broadband access, or other necessities for obtaining or retaining employment. Another key focus is to connect with individuals disengaged from the workforce who are not currently supported by existing DINAP, WIOA, or Department of Labor (DOL) programs. The expected outcomes include increased employment and job retention among tribal community members, and improved access to essential support services that remove barriers to workforce participation. The program anticipates making two to four awards, with a total funding of $500,000, and individual awards ranging from $75,000 to $250,000. The anticipated period of performance is September 2024 to September 2026. Measurable results will likely involve tracking the number of individuals assisted, job placements, job retention rates, and the types of basic needs addressed through the pilot projects.

This grant provides a $6,000 honorarium to a Kentucky writer selected as poet laureate, supporting their efforts to promote the literary arts in the state over a two-year term.

This grant provides financial assistance to public agencies in California for projects that combat shoreline erosion and restore public beaches.

The Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) is a federal program administered in Michigan by the Department of Natural Resources on behalf of the National Park Service. It aims to develop public outdoor recreation facilities and offer matching grants to local governments for creating public outdoor recreation areas and facilities. The grant focuses on aligning with the priorities of the 2022-2027 State Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan, which includes trails, community recreation, green technology, coordination, communication, and universal access. Acquisition of land is not eligible for funding under this grant. Eligible applicants include state agencies and local government units such as cities, villages, townships, counties, and Native American Tribes. The application process is exclusively online via the MiGrants system, and the funding requires a 50% match from the applicant. Grant renewed every year. Grant Annual deadline: April 1st

The Community Parks and Playgrounds Program (CPP), administered by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR), provides funding to assist Maryland’s incorporated municipalities and Baltimore City in developing and enhancing public parks and green spaces. This initiative is grounded in the state’s commitment to improving access to outdoor recreational areas, particularly for children and underserved communities. Funded primarily through Maryland’s State General Obligation Bonds, the program supports both the revitalization of existing parks and the creation of new public recreation spaces. These investments aim to promote community well-being, environmental sustainability, and equitable access to recreational infrastructure. The CPP program accepts project proposals from incorporated municipalities and Baltimore City for a broad range of eligible activities. These include the development of new parks, rehabilitation or expansion of existing park infrastructure, installation of playground equipment, creation of nature-oriented recreational features, development of trails and water access points, and acquisition of land intended for new parks. While land acquisition projects are eligible, the program prioritizes capital investments directly tied to park development and improvement. In addition, inclusive playground projects are encouraged and should follow guidance issued by the Maryland Developmental Disabilities Council and Department of Disabilities. Applicants must meet several requirements to be considered eligible. Projects must comply with all relevant local, state, and federal laws, be publicly accessible, and remain open without discrimination. The applicant must have legal rights to develop the proposed site, demonstrate readiness to proceed promptly following state approval, and ensure the project's longevity—development projects must remain functional for at least 20 years. Furthermore, applicants must show capacity for long-term project maintenance. For projects involving land acquisition, two independent appraisals are required, and properties acquired must remain in public recreational use in perpetuity. The proposal review and selection process is competitive. DNR staff evaluate each application based on alignment with program goals, compliance with eligibility requirements, and prior grant performance. Projects recommended by the DNR are submitted to the Department of Budget and Management for possible inclusion in the Governor’s budget proposal. Upon legislative approval, the projects proceed to the Board of Public Works and the State Clearinghouse for final authorization. Funding is distributed on a reimbursement basis, although in some cases, advance payment may be considered after state approval. Applications for FY 2027 are due by Wednesday, August 20, 2025, at 3:00 p.m. Submissions must be sent via email to laplocalgrants.dnr@maryland.gov, and applicants are encouraged to consult with their assigned Program Administrator before submission to ensure eligibility and completeness. DNR staff will also host two virtual grant workshops via Google Meet to support applicants—on June 24, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. and July 16, 2025, at 4:00 p.m. Award notifications are expected to be issued in May or June 2026, contingent upon state budget approval. Contact information is provided for three regional program administrators: Tiffany DePaoli (tiffanyr.depaoli@maryland.gov | 667-270-0786), Katelyn Mayberry (kate.mayberry@maryland.gov | 443-883-5800), and Michael McQuarrie (michael.mcquarrie@maryland.gov | 410-279-8147). Each administrator is responsible for specific counties and applicants are encouraged to reach out to the appropriate contact for support. Further information and updates are available on the program’s official website.

This funding opportunity provides financial support for the development and improvement of public recreational trails and facilities, targeting local, state, and federal agencies, as well as qualified nonprofits and private organizations.

This funding opportunity supports non-profit organizations, schools, and community groups in Hawaii to develop and sustain urban forestry projects that promote tree planting, care, and education while emphasizing equity and environmental justice.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to municipalities, non-profit organizations, and Indian Nations in New York State for purchasing land to protect natural resources, enhance outdoor recreation, and improve climate resilience.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to a single birthing hospital or facility in Washington, DC, to establish on-site emergency childcare for pregnant and birthing parents during medical treatments.

This program provides funding to local governments and organizations in Florida for small-scale transportation projects that improve safety and accessibility for pedestrians and cyclists, while also preserving cultural and environmental resources.

The City Parks and Open Space Grant, funded by 15% of REAP funds derived from gaming revenues, is a competitive grant program administered by the Iowa Legislature. This program is designed to support cities across Iowa in developing and maintaining their park and open space areas. The mission of this grant program aligns with fostering community well-being and environmental stewardship by providing accessible green spaces for public use. While not explicitly stating a foundation, the grant operates with a strategic priority of enhancing public spaces within cities through a state-level funding mechanism. The primary target beneficiaries of this grant are cities across all counties in Iowa, which then, in turn, benefit their residents by providing enhanced recreational and natural areas. The overarching impact goal is to improve the quality of life for Iowa citizens by increasing the availability and quality of public parks and open spaces. This goal is achieved through the allocation of funds based on city size categories, ensuring equitable distribution and impact across different community scales. The grant prioritizes projects that focus on the development and improvement of city parks and open spaces, with a clear exclusion of facilities for organized sports, athletic fields, pools, and playgrounds. This focus ensures that the funds are directed towards passive recreational areas and natural spaces, promoting a specific type of outdoor engagement. The program's theory of change appears to be that by providing financial incentives for cities to develop and maintain these specific types of public spaces, the overall health, happiness, and connection to nature for residents will improve. Expected outcomes include an increase in the number and quality of accessible city parks and open spaces throughout Iowa. While specific measurable results like the number of new parks or acres of open space created are not detailed, the competitive nature and funding distribution by city size suggest an intent for widespread improvement. The grant's no-local-matching-funds requirement also serves to ensure that smaller or less affluent cities are not excluded, thereby maximizing the reach and impact of the program across the state. Applications for this grant are due by August 15, 2024.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to local educational agencies and community organizations in California to create after-school programs that enhance literacy, academic achievement, and student safety for children in kindergarten through ninth grade.

This grant provides financial assistance to local agencies and organizations in California for the construction, operation, and maintenance of facilities that help recreational boaters properly dispose of sewage waste, promoting cleaner waterways and safer boating experiences.

This grant opportunity, offered by the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry, Bureau of Parks and Lands, is aimed at the acquisition, development, and maintenance of new trailered boat launches. The program supports state and local governments, among other eligible entities, to enhance public access to waterways for recreational boating. Eligible projects must serve as the primary recreational boating access for the general public. A pre-approval site inspection is required for project eligibility. The funding cap for new trailered launch projects is $100,000.