State Recreation Grants

This funding opportunity provides financial support to Maine-based nonprofits, municipalities, and tribal governments for large-scale events that attract visitors from over 50 miles away, promoting tourism and economic growth in the state.

This state-funded program provides financial assistance for large-scale economic, cultural, and community improvement projects in Pennsylvania that create jobs and enhance regional development.

This program provides funding to various organizations and agencies in Montana to improve off-highway vehicle recreational opportunities through trail development, maintenance, and educational initiatives.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to public and nonprofit organizations for creating outdoor trails that promote literacy and family engagement through interactive children's literature displays.

This grant provides funding to local governments and organizations in Nebraska for the development and improvement of public parks and recreational spaces, promoting outdoor access and environmental preservation for all residents.

The After School Education and Safety (ASES) Universal Grant is administered by the California Department of Education (CDE) through its Expanded Learning Division (EXLD) and supports after school programs across the state. The program was established via Proposition 49 in 2002 and is legislated through California Education Code sections 8482 through 8484.65. ASES aims to promote academic enrichment and safe, structured activities for students in kindergarten through ninth grade during non-school hours. The funding supports programs that incorporate literacy and educational enrichment while providing a safe environment conducive to learning and development. Applicants include both new organizations and existing grantees seeking to add sites or increase funding for current programs. The program seeks to foster partnerships between schools and community-based organizations, public agencies, and other stakeholders. It encourages collaboration among parents, youth, educators, law enforcement, and local nonprofits. Programs funded by ASES must offer a minimum of 15 hours of services per week, begin immediately after the school day ends, and remain open until at least 6 p.m. each school day. Required program components include a literacy and academic element and an enrichment element, both aligned with state standards and tailored to after school settings. Services may include tutoring, computer training, arts education, physical fitness, career readiness, and substance abuse prevention, among others. Eligibility is open to local educational agencies (LEAs), city or county governments, and nonprofit organizations in partnership with an LEA. High schools, umbrella organizations, and programs solely requesting before-school or summer funding are ineligible. Currently funded grantees may only apply for increased funding or to add new sites, provided they meet all reporting and compliance requirements. Maximum awards are capped at $152,612.13 for elementary schools and $203,482.84 for middle schools, with potential adjustments for large schools using a formula defined by state statute. Programs must also contribute a local match equal to one-third of the total grant, either in cash or in-kind, excluding facilities as more than 25% of the match. Applications must be submitted electronically via the ASSIST system by February 24, 2026, at 4:00 PM. Required forms include a cover page, narrative for new applicants, co-applicant information (if applicable), authorized signatures, assurances, and site approvals. Applications that fail to meet the formatting or deadline requirements will be disqualified. Notifications of disqualification will be issued in March 2026, followed by the Intent to Award list in April and final awards shortly thereafter. Each school site is evaluated independently based on its percentage of students eligible for Free and Reduced-Priced Meals (FRPM), using data from the CALPADS system. Selected programs will enter a three-year renewable funding period, contingent on continued compliance and available funding. Grantees must submit quarterly expenditure and biannual attendance reports via ASSIST, maintain auditable records for five years, and participate in CDE-led evaluations and audits. Programs are also expected to implement a Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) process aligned with CDE guidance. ASES ensures that no less than 85% of funds are allocated to direct services for students, with no more than 15% permitted for administrative costs, including indirect expenses. Technical assistance is available through a network of regional support providers coordinated by EXLD. Additional resources, including detailed application instructions and the Program Plan Guide, can be found on the CDE website. Program contacts include the EXLD team via expandedlearning@cde.ca.gov or phone at 916-319-0923. Appeals of disqualifications must be submitted electronically within 10 calendar days of notification and must include an original signature and justification based on the application review standards.

This program provides funding to local governments in Illinois for acquiring land designated for public outdoor recreation, such as parks and natural areas.

This program provides funding to a diverse range of organizations in Minnesota to create inclusive and accessible environments that support the aging population, particularly focusing on historically marginalized communities.

This program provides funding to nonprofit organizations, government agencies, and for-profit businesses to host large-scale events in Hawai‘i that promote tourism, showcase local culture, and generate economic impact.

This program provides financial support to Rhode Island agricultural businesses and nonprofits for energy efficiency and renewable energy projects to help reduce energy costs and promote sustainability.

This program provides funding to local governments in Missouri for the acquisition, development, and renovation of public outdoor recreation spaces, ensuring they remain accessible for community use.

This funding program provides financial support for the development and maintenance of off-highway vehicle parks and trails in Illinois, targeting local governments, private clubs, and individuals involved in outdoor recreation.

This program provides funding to local governments and K–12 schools in Kansas for purchasing and installing products made from recycled waste tires, promoting sustainability and reducing waste in community outdoor spaces.

This grant provides funding for local governments, nonprofits, and other organizations to conserve and restore wetland and riparian ecosystems in Colorado, benefiting wildlife and enhancing public hunting opportunities.

This program provides funding to state agencies, local governments, and nonprofits for projects that enhance, restore, or preserve Louisiana's natural landscapes and recreational areas.

This program provides funding to municipalities, nonprofits, and community groups in Vermont for projects that protect and enhance the health of local watersheds, including lakes, rivers, and streams.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to nonprofit arts and cultural organizations in Kansas to strengthen their operational capacity and enhance their community impact.

This grant provides funding to government entities managing public lakes and reservoirs in California to install and maintain accessible floating restrooms for boaters.

This program provides funding to local and state governments, nonprofits, and school districts in Missouri for the development and maintenance of recreational trails and related facilities, ensuring public access and long-term benefits.

This program provides financial support to local governments in Ohio for outdoor recreation projects, helping them acquire, develop, or rehabilitate public parks and recreational areas.