Micro-Grants

The Outdoors for All Micro-Grants program, administered by River City Outdoors, supports community-focused outdoor recreation projects in the Greater St. Louis bi-state region. These one-time grants aim to enhance access to and engagement with the outdoors, promoting a more inclusive and sustainable outdoor culture throughout the region. Established in 2024, the program awarded its first round of micro-grants to local organizations such as the Chain of Rocks Community Association, Missouri Whitewater Association, and Friends of Carondelet Park. These projects received grants ranging from $1,500 to $2,500 to support initiatives like trail development and local outdoor recreation events. Eligible applicants include organizations or fiscally sponsored projects operating within a defined geographic scope. This includes Missouri counties of Franklin, Jefferson, Lincoln, St. Charles, St. Louis, Warren, and The City of St. Louis, as well as Illinois counties of Bond, Calhoun, Jersey, Macoupin, Madison, Monroe, and St. Clair. While 501(c)(3) status is not required, individuals cannot apply solely for personal benefit, and applicants must demonstrate an organizational or project income level under $300,000. Fiscal sponsorship arrangements are permitted. Each application must align with the grant’s focus on outdoor recreation and must not involve political advocacy, lobbying, litigation, or other ineligible activities. Applications will be reviewed for their alignment with River City Outdoors’ mission, which includes promoting outdoor recreation, accelerating equitable outdoor engagement, and expanding outdoor access. Review criteria also include need, feasibility, and sustainability. The current application round will close on October 24, 2025. Selected grantees will be announced at the Gateway Outdoor Expo, scheduled for November 15–16, 2025. Applicants must submit their applications via email to [email protected], including information such as applicant name, location, project type, budget details, and a project proposal in written or video form. Additional materials like visual representations or letters of recommendation may also be included. Grant awards can be up to $5,000. Applicants are encouraged to keep project proposals under 5,000 characters or provide a video under three minutes in length. The program does not require a formal nonprofit status, opening opportunities for a diverse range of community-driven initiatives.

Stay within the 5,000-character or 3-minute proposal length, align clearly with outdoor recreation focus, and ensure geographic eligibility.