Grants for City or township governments - Recreation

The Anderson County Watershed Protection Council is offering grants ranging from $10,000 to $100,000 for projects that protect or restore water quality in the Savannah River watershed, increase citizen awareness, and empower communities to collect and share water quality data, with priority given to proposals closest to the spill site.

Delmarva Power, together with its program administrator Delaware Nature Society (DelNature), is pleased to announce the 2024 Sustainable Communities Grant Program, providing $35,000 in funds to support open space and resiliency projects across its Delaware and Maryland service area. Donor Name: Delaware Nature Society State: Delaware, Maryland County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 08/30/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Delmarva Power’s Sustainable Communities Program has provided more than $235,000 in grants to fund sustainability projects across Delaware and Maryland since 2020. The Sustainable Communities Grant Program will administer grants of up to $10,000 each to support projects that display a compelling impact on one or more of the following: Open Space Preservation  Conservation & Habitat Improvements  Environmental Conservation  Community Resiliency, including:  Community Engagement and Education Regarding Resiliency  Purchase of Energy Storage Solar Installation Including Mobile Solar Units The Sustainable Communities Grant Program encourages communities to prepare for the impacts of more severe weather with projects that strengthen natural systems and/or demonstrate innovation in providing a safe and reliable resource for a community during a time of emergency. Climate change is real. While they are doing part to combat climate change, they all need to prepare for a world with more extreme weather and less predictability. Eligibility Criteria Municipalities, recreational authorities and nonprofits in the Delmarva Power service area can apply for a Sustainable Communities grant each year. For more information, visit Delaware Nature Society.

The City of Kemah has opened the application for organizations to apply for a portion of the City’s Hotel/Motel Tax funds. Donor Name: City of Kemah State: County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 08/30/2024 Size of the Grant: Not Available Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Through the Hotel Occupancy Tax Sponsorship Program, qualified events can apply for funds from the City of Kemah. The mission of the Hotel Occupancy Tax Grant Program is to provide funding to directly enhance and promote tourism and the convention and hotel industry in Kemah. Applications for a HOT sponsorship must be able to pass a two-part test to be eligible for funding.  The first part is the ‘heads in beds’ test. What this means is that every funded project or event must attract overnight tourists to the city’s hotels and motels, thus promoting the city’s hotel industry.  The second part is that the project or event must fit into one of these nine statutorily authorized categories: convention and visitor centers convention registration.  advertising the city promotion of the arts historical restoration and preservation sporting events in a county under one million in population enhancing or upgrading existing sports facilities or sports fields (only in certain cities tourist transportation systems signage directing the public to sights and attractions that are visited frequently by hotel guests in the city. For more information, visit City of Kemah.

This funding opportunity is designed to assist local and state organizations, private companies, and nonprofits in Maryland with projects that improve water quality by reducing pollution in designated watersheds.

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Chesapeake & Coastal Service (CCS) offers grants to support the sustainable development and use of Maryland waterways. Funded by the Waterway Improvement Fund (WIF), the program supports projects that improve and promote the recreational and commercial capabilities, conditions, and safety of Maryland’s waterways. Eligible applicants, including county, town, or city governments and state or federal agencies, can apply for projects such as constructing or maintaining public boating facilities, dredging channels, and purchasing fire/rescue vessels. Applications are due by September 18, 2024, with funding available starting July 1, 2025.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to Kansas cities and counties for the construction of sidewalks and trails that benefit low- and moderate-income residents.

This grant provides funding to small and larger communities in Kansas for the construction or renovation of public recreational facilities and libraries to enhance community engagement and well-being.

The Great Trails State Program (GTSP) provides funding for new trail development and extension of existing trails within North Carolina. This includes paved trails, natural surface trails, biking trails, equestrian trails, and other types recognized by the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources. One grant cycle will distribute $25 million in non-recurring funds. Eligible applicants include municipalities, counties, regional councils of government, public authorities, and nonprofits with local government support. Project types include planning and feasibility, design and engineering, acquisition, construction, and maintenance.

The Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) is accepting grant applications for the Land and Water Conservation Fund program until September 13, 2024. The program provides 50 percent reimbursement to selected outdoor recreation projects sponsored by political subdivisions and other public agencies. Eligible projects include the development and/or acquisition of outdoor facilities for public recreation. Applications will be reviewed for eligibility according to the LWCF guidelines and the 2021 Kansas Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP). Applications should include all required documentation and meet the needs identified in the 2021 Kansas Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP). A checklist is included to ensure project sponsors have met all requirements. Incomplete or late applications will result in withdrawal from funding consideration. Federal Standard Forms (SF-424) for Budget Information and Compliance Assurance are also required.

The Visit BG Ohio 2025 Tourism Grant Program offers financial support ranging from $1,000 to $10,000 for projects, events, and activities that promote tourism, increase overnight stays, and provide economic benefits to the City of Bowling Green, with a focus on capital improvement, sports, conferences, festivals, large events, and arts and culture.

The Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation is seeking applications for its 2024 Open Grant Round. Donor Name: Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation State: Minnesota County: Dakota County (MN), Ramsey County (MN), Washington County (MN) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 08/07/2024 Size of the Grant: Not Available Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Areas of Community Vitality The Foundation supports work that addresses at least one of six areas of community vitality. Data and the experience suggest that the following elements play key roles in community health and vitality. Community Connectedness Creating opportunities for equity in arts, civic dialogue, community problem solving as well as supporting natural and built spaces where people live, work and play While community connectedness can be fostered in many ways, the Saint Paul and Minnesota Foundation is prioritizing three broad strategies: arts and culture, civic engagement and environmental justice. The Foundation shares Grantmakers in the Arts’ view that “[a]ll peoples, their cultures, and their art contribute to the meaning and understanding of the humanity and should be honored and celebrated.” Priority will be given to arts and culture organizations that seek to amplify narratives and voices across BIPOC communities and other communities experiencing marginalization (e.g., people with disabilities, low-income communities, members of the LGBTQ+ community, formerly incarcerated people, etc.) through the arts. The civic engagement priorities include work designed to build the capacity and power of marginalized community members through organizing and training. The goals for this work should be focused on advancing equity. The Foundation’s environmental justice priorities include work that contributes to an intergenerational, multi-racial movement that promotes a safe, clean community and workplace environment. The Foundation also seeks to aid East Metro communities to build and strengthen enduring community connections between people, to heal and revitalize the community while restoring natural spaces, and to encourage stewardship of natural resources through education programs. Economic Opportunity and Security Strengthening support for low-income individuals and families through community development, workforce education and training and creating sustainable employment pathways The Foundation seeks to invest and partner in solutions informed and formed by the people facing the highest barriers to wealth creation, economic security and family-sustaining career pathways. In the East Metro, this includes BIPOC, women, veterans, young people, people with disabilities, formerly incarcerated people and LGBTQ+ people. Specific priorities for wealth creation include strengthening the entrepreneur ecosystem, increasing local ownership of businesses and homes, and expanding access to culturally appropriate services. Regarding economic security, the Foundation recognizes the importance of anchor institutions embedded at the neighborhood level. For workforce development, they will prioritize employment pathways that meet the needs of individuals and employers alike. Education Exploring high-quality educational opportunities for everyone, from cradle to career, and more equitable access for racial and cultural communities The Foundation recognizes how important it is for students and young people to feel cared for, protected, valued and seen after a difficult period in their learning and growth. This is complex and urgent work, and the Foundation will prioritize organizations that blend academic, social and emotional supports for young people most impacted by educational inequity. The Foundation will also support the policy change and other systems change efforts of organizations working toward ensuring a robust early childhood system that gives children and families access to high-quality early care and education programs. Health Increasing health equity through quality, affordable health services, particularly for low-income, uninsured and under-insured individuals The Foundation continues to prioritize health organizations that focus on health equity and increasing access to affordable, culturally relevant health services. The Foundation hopes to better align its health grants to be inclusive of programs and organizations that serve low-income families and provide free or affordable, culturally relevant services and holistic care. Given the increase in severity, cost of and demand for mental health services, urgent care and/or crisis prevention, access to reproductive health care, trauma-informed health care, and free or reduced services for uninsured or underinsured communities, the Foundation will prioritize these programs and organizations to continue to serve the most vulnerable and marginalized communities. Housing and Transportation Strengthening the region through affordable, quality housing, addressing homelessness and investing in equitable transportation options and benefits The Foundation embraces the vision for housing justice articulated by the Minnesota Interagency Council on Homelessness. The Foundation will prioritize work that ensures the most marginalized people experiencing housing instability and homelessness are able to access housing that is “safe, decent, affordable,” and “free of prejudice” while also receiving the additional supports and services they need. Work within the transportation sector that explicitly addresses intersections of racial justice, climate justice, economic opportunity and health equity will also be prioritized. Human Services and Family Support Meeting basic needs for individuals and families, helping them be safe, stable and independent The Foundation will prioritize grants that assist residents in navigating life transitions, find safety and stability, and promote independence. In addition to supporting work that centers the voices of the people most impacted by an organization’s work, special priority will be given to disability support services, child welfare support services, family and parent support services, food relief and assistance, older adult services, immigration and legal services, and re-entry supports for formerly incarcerated people. Types of Grants The current grant opportunity includes funding for general operating support for the whole organization and capital support. General Operating Grants These grants provide flexible funding for nonprofits. To be eligible for general operating support, organizations must primarily serve the East Metro area with 50% or more of all services provided by the entire organization benefiting East Metro (Washington, Dakota and Ramsey counties) residents. Capital Grants These grants are designed to support your organization’s investment in buildings, facilities and equipment. Foundation investments are typically limited to buildings owned by nonprofits or held by long-term lease agreement. These grants are generally paid over multiple years. Capital projects must be located in the East Metro AND 50% or more of all services provided by the entire organization are benefiting East Metro residents. They will consider capital grants for projects located in Dakota, Ramsey and Washington counties for: Renovations/repairs Land acquisition Construction costs Technology hardware and software Equipment Furniture Appliances. Geographic Areas The Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation is proud to serve and fund Saint Paul’s East Metro region, which is defined as Dakota, Ramsey and Washington counties. Eligibility Criteria  Grants can be made to 501(c)3 organizations, education or governmental units and religious institutions. Grants can also be made to groups working through an eligible fiscal sponsor. While an organization may be eligible to apply, attention and preference will be given to organizations: Prioritizing those experiencing the most marginalization, especially due to race, ethnicity, gender identity or sexual orientation, age, ability, immigration status, etc. Establishing a clear connection to the Informs, Forms, Benefits framework, which states that those experiencing barriers should not only benefit from the work they support but inform, form, and lead it as well. Ineligibility  The Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation will not consider grant requests for support of: Sectarian religious programs or organizations Work by an individual Capital projects located outside Dakota, Ramsey and Washington counties Program/project specific requests. For more information, visit Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation.

The Community Foundation of Dickinson County is committed to supporting local businesses and suppliers and encourages its grantees, whenever possible, to source their supplies and materials from Dickinson County businesses. Donor Name: Community Foundation of Dickinson County State: Kansas County: Dickinson County (KS) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 09/06/2024 Size of the Grant: Not Available Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Areas of Funding Arts and Culture Civic improvements/affairs Community development Education The environment, health, and human services. Funding Priorities The Community Foundation is dedicated to improving the quality of life in Dickinson County, Kansas.  Funding priorities include projects that: Develop or test new solutions to community problems Address prevention as well as remediation Provide assistance to underserved community resources Provide leverage for generating other fund and community resources, both financial and volunteer Provide a sustained and transforming effect for a substantial number of residents Build organizational capacity and improve the effectiveness or efficiency of nonprofit groups Provide a favorable ratio between the amount of money requested and the number of people served Facilitate cooperation and collaboration among organizations without duplicating services Encourage volunteerism, civic engagement, and development Community development is preferred to economic development. Eligibility Criteria An organization may apply for a grant if it is one of the following: Exempt from federal income tax under Section 501(c)(3) In existence for at least two years Sponsored by a 501(c)(3) who will serve as the fiscal agent (must complete fiscal sponsor form) A special-purpose unit of government Must exist within the Herington City Limits and/or be located within a 3-mile radius of the Herington City Limits. This determined area, though outside of the 3-mile radius, includes the Herington Regional Airport and complex. Funding Limitations  In general, this grant does not support: General operating expenses (salaries, supplies, administrative overhead) Capital campaigns (support of construction or renovation of a facility; also known as bricks and mortar) Endowment campaigns; annual campaigns; fundraising events (including, but not limited to, the purchase of tables at dinners, ads in program booklets, and raffle tickets) Travel grants (fees for field trips or other travel-related expenditures) Sponsorship of sports teams Previously incurred debt or retroactive funding for current projects Other grant-making organizations Individuals (except designated scholarship funds) & independent scholarly research projects Religious or sectarian programs, political parties, or campaigns Organizations operating for fewer than two years Organizations that have delinquent reports from previous Community Foundation grants Projects that provide traditional medical care; carry on propaganda or otherwise attempt to influence legislation within the meaning of Internal Revenue Code section 495(e); attempt to influence the outcome of any specific public education, or carry on directly or indirectly any voter registration drive The Herington Community Legacy Grant Fund will not support the purchase of fireworks. For more information, visit Community Foundation of Dickinson County.

The National Youth Leadership Council is pleased to announce the Youth as Solutions (YaS) Program. Donor Name: National Youth Leadership Council State: All States County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 09/13/2024 Size of the Grant: Not Available Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Youth as Solutions (YaS) is creating a generation of citizens who are passionate about making a positive impact in their schools and communities. Through self-paced service-learning program, Leadership Teams – consisting of at least two young people in grades 6-12 and an adult mentor from a public school, school district, government entity, or nonprofit – positively impact their communities by addressing one of these impact areas: Education Equity Community Health Youth as Solutions Environmental Justice icon Environmental Justice Civics and Democracy Your team will get: Leadership training for youth Service-Learning training for adults Resources and tools Learning community & networking Coaching through the IPARD process (Investigation-Preparation & Planning, Action, Reflection, Demonstration) Activity funding is available For more information, visit NYLC.

This grant provides funding to local governments and nonprofit organizations in Indiana for the development and improvement of public shooting ranges, promoting recreational shooting opportunities and hunter education.

The York County Community Foundation is offering a three-year grant of $100,000 to $500,000 for municipalities, county agencies, school districts, and non-profit organizations in York County, Pennsylvania, to preserve and protect open spaces, natural habitats, and waterways through land acquisition, planning studies, and ordinance assistance, with a focus on public access, recreational opportunities, and natural resource protection.

Tourism Capital grants support significant investments in visitor-generating projects such as theaters, museums, trails, and other major cultural and recreational attractions. Donor Name: Tompkins County State: New York County: Tompkins County (NY) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 08/26/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Funding Information Grants range from $5,000 to $100,000. Uses of Funds The funds can be used for design, renovation, and new building projects; investments in unique permanent installations such as exhibits; and feasibility studies of potential capital projects. Supported Activities Past projects funded include the Dryden Rail Trail Stewart Park Inclusive Playground renovation of Discover Cayuga Lake’s charter boat for eco-cruises; Tompkins Center for History and Culture buildout visitor amenities for the Cayuga Waterfront Trail. What is Eligible for Funding? Capital Investment Projects New construction and renovation projects are eligible. The project may provide expansion or renovation to existing facilities or may be a new facility. Project will typically be valued at $75,000 or higher. Grant funds may contribute up to one-third (33%) of eligible costs that include: Acquisition of land Acquisition, construction, and renovation of buildings Acquisition of furnishings, equipment, permanent exhibitions, and other capital improvements designed to serve or promote tourism over a minimum of five years Design services for the project Feasibility Studies Studies should lead to a capital investment as described above. Eligible projects include: Concept-level design and determination of cost estimates Tourism plan for a capital project Business plan for a capital project. Eligibility Criteria Nonprofit organizations designated as 501(c)3. Municipalities within Tompkins County. Farmers Markets. For more information, visit Tompkins County.

Tourism Advancement grants fund projects and marketing campaigns that attract visitors to Tompkins County for overnight stays. Donor Name: Tompkins County State: New York County: Tompkins County (NY) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 08/26/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Less than 1 Year Details: The Foundation is particularly interested in initiatives that generate travel demand during periods where the market has the capacity to accommodate additional travelers.  Funding Information Grants range from $2,500 to $20,000. Grant Period  The grant activity period runs from November 2024 to April 2025. Supported Activities This grant can fund a variety of projects that attract tourists, including: Large-scale and high-profile events, marketing campaigns, art installations, guided tours, and exhibits. Festivals, outdoor theatre, website redesigns, guided tours, museum exhibits, and musical performances. What is Eligible for Funding? Projects aligned with the Strategic Tourism Plan or other tourism implementation plans are eligible for Tourism Advancement grants. Examples include:  Artistic performances and installations Heritage tourism events Agriculinary events Outdoor recreation events Events that attract a niche audience Festivals Temporary exhibits  Guided tours Sporting events and tournaments Marketing campaigns. Eligibility Criteria Nonprofit organizations designated as 501(c)3. Municipalities within Tompkins County. For more information, visit Tompkins County.

Applicants are invited to apply for the 2024-2025 Sparks Grant Program. Donor Name: Wisconsin Board for People with Developmental Disabilities State: County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 09/06/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: 1 Year Details: The 2024-2025 Sparks grants are designed to: Provide people with disabilities more social connections by participating in inclusive, meaningful community activities. Help individuals and organizations understand how to offer and implement more inclusive programming. Encourage community members to get to know someone with a disability and improve overall attitudes about people with disabilities. Funding Information Grants range from $500 to $5,000. Uses of Funds Examples of what you can do with the grant.  Make school extracurriculars accessible to students with disabilities and be intentional about inviting them to participate. Host a community conversation to talk about ways to meaningfully include people with disabilities in community programs. Work on an idea or tow over the next year. Implement innovative ways to make families with children with disabilities feel welcome in their faith community. Eligibility Criteria The Foundation is looking for groups or individuals who want to be more inclusive of people with disabilities but are not sure how to do it. Traditionally underserved groups are especially encouraged to apply. Examples include:  Faith-based, civic and nonprofit groups School districts Municipalities or local governments such as community recreation programs Family groups Individuals or groups with strong connections to their community For more information, visit WBPDD.

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) is accepting applications for its Open Space Land Acquisition and Development (OSLAD) Grants. Donor Name: Illinois Department of Natural Resources State: Illinois County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 09/13/2024 Size of the Grant: $500,000 to $1 million Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The Open Space Lands Acquisition and Development (OSLAD) Program is a state-financed grant program that provides funding assistance to local government agencies for acquisition and/or development of land for public parks and open space. Funding Information Grant awards up to $1,725,000.00 are available for acquisition projects, while development/renovation projects are limited to a $600,000 grant maximum. Eligible Projects Example of Eligible Projects include: Acquisition of land for new park sites or park expansion, water frontage, nature study, and natural resource preservation. Development/Renovation of: Picnic and playground facilities; Outdoor nature interpretive facilities; Sports courts and play fields; Swimming pools, beaches and bathhouses; Campgrounds and fishing piers; winter sports facilities; Park roads and paths, parking, utilities and restrooms; and Architectural/engineering (A/E) services necessary for proper design and construction of approved project components. Eligibility Criteria OSLAD grants are available to units of local government that are authorized by Illinois law to expend public funds for the acquisition and development of land for public outdoor park, recreation, or conservation purposes are eligible to apply for funding assistance. School districts are not eligible. For more information, visit IDNR.

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (Iowa DNR) is accepting applications for its Trees for Kids Grant Program to educate children, teenagers, and young adults about the importance of trees and their myriad benefits, as well as to offer hands-on planting and maintenance experience. Donor Name: Iowa Department of Natural Resources (Iowa DNR) State: Iowa County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 08/26/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Iowa DNR funds to plant trees in public areas of communities (park, community center, public school, etc.) are available for this fall. Trees for Kids grants provides reimbursable grants to buy trees and mulch to help increase and diversify tree canopy. To that end, the program requires youth involvement in planting, mulching, and initial watering for all projects receiving funding. A DNR-led demonstration on proper planting, mulching and watering is required at the beginning of each event, and/or for each group involved in the project; projects that incorporate multiple groups working independently of one another will require multiple demonstrations. Funding Information A total of $50,000 in funds are available. Grant funding is competitive, non-match, and awarded in amounts of up to $2,500 per project. Eligibility Criteria Local and state governments such as school districts, cities, and counties, and service organizations with 501(c)3 status can apply for Trees for Kids funding. Service organizations lacking 501(c)3 status can attain eligibility by involving local governments in the holding of funds. Award money may ONLY be used for purchase of trees and mulch; shovels, buckets, gloves, saws, and other supplies, as well as any costs associated with digging, site preparation, and other labor, are NOT covered by grant funding. Projects MUST take place on public or private school grounds, or on public lands such as parks and right-of-ways. Plantings on private property other than private school grounds are NOT eligible for grant funding. For more information, visit Iowa DNR.