Grants for County governments - Recreation

This funding opportunity provides financial support to local governments, nonprofits, and educational institutions for projects that protect coastal habitats, improve public access, and enhance community resilience along the Illinois Lake Michigan shoreline.

The Pumpout Grant Program provides funding to both public and private boating facilities for up to 75% of the costs to build, renovate, and maintain sewage pumpout and dump stations, with the goal of reducing pollution from boat sewage.

Coshocton Foundation Unrestricted Grant Application Deadline: May 31, 2024 Meeting Date: Early June 2024 Eligibility Criteria: Community organizations with a current 501(c)(3) non-profit designation are eligible to apply. Schools, churches, and government agencies are also eligible. Application Process: Application Criteria and Form: [Click Here](link to application) Contact Number: (740) 622-0010 Submission Details: Completed applications should be sent to: Coshocton Foundation P.O. Box 55 Coshocton, OH 43812 Alternatively, applications may be brought to: Coshocton Foundation Office 220 S. Fourth St. If delivering in person, please use the mail slot in the front door or call the office to make other arrangements. Seven copies of the grant request are required. Deadline for Submission: All applications must be received in the office by 4 p.m. on Friday, May 31, 2024.

The 2025 Small Grants Program, offered by Boulder County Parks & Open Space (BCPOS), provides funding for research and biological inventories on open space lands. The program aims to enhance resource management practices and improve visitor experiences through data-driven insights. Grants of up to $12,500 are available, with a proposal deadline of January 9, 2025. Applicants will be notified of funding decisions by February 20, 2025, and final reports must be submitted by December 8, 2025, to ensure complete payment. BCPOS has identified priority research topics in areas such as Plant Ecology, Wildlife, Forestry and Fire, Education and Outreach, and Invasive Plants. These topics include projects such as assessing the impacts of invasive species, evaluating fire behavior in cheatgrass-dominated areas, and creating habitat connectivity models. Proposals are not limited to these areas, and researchers are encouraged to propose innovative projects aligned with the department’s mission. Proposals must follow a specific format and include sections such as an abstract, introduction, methods, budget, and researcher qualifications. Applications must not exceed six double-spaced pages (excluding cover pages, maps, and resumes) and should be submitted electronically via the Research on Open Space webpage. Researchers are advised to contact BCPOS staff to discuss their topics before submission. If a proposal is initially incomplete, researchers may resubmit once before the deadline. Eligibility is open to universities, government agencies, private organizations, and individuals, including students with faculty sponsorship. Research must occur on BCPOS properties or conservation easements, with prior landowner permission if required. Overhead costs cannot exceed 15%, and there is no requirement for matching funds. Grant recipients are expected to deliver detailed reports, including raw data and mapping products, formatted according to BCPOS guidelines. For interdisciplinary projects, collaboration with other local entities, such as the City of Boulder Open Space and Mountain Parks, is encouraged. For more information or to discuss proposals, applicants can contact program coordinator Raquel Robles at [email protected].

The Georgia Council for the Arts is seeking applications for its Cultural Facilities Grant Program to support the construction, renovation, or acquisition of an arts facility, or the addition of equipment to support arts programs. Donor Name: Georgia Council for the Arts State: Georgia County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline:  08/30/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Less than 1 Year Details: Cultural Facilities Grants provide support for capital projects for arts facilities in Georgia. Arts-based programming may include, but is not limited to: Performing arts (dance, music, theatre, musical theatre, opera, storytelling, puppetry, and performance art) Visual arts (two-dimensional, three-dimensional, photography, and digital) Media arts (film, video, and audio) Literary arts (poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction) Folk & traditional arts (music, dance, theatre, storytelling, and crafts) Public concerts or performances Multidisciplinary arts projects Education in any of the arts fields referenced above, including workshops, demonstrations, classes, and field trips Artist guilds, communities, and residencies Arts service organization programs, including professional development or capacity building Artist residencies The following areas fall outside of GCA’s definition of arts-based programming: Humanities (history, religion, philosophy, languages) Social sciences (sociology, anthropology, economics, political science, geography) Sciences (physics, chemistry, biology, zoology, botany) Culinary arts Fashion Martial arts Sports or recreation Magic shows, circus arts, balloon twisters, parades, fireworks, reenactments Body art (face painting, body painting, tattoos) Non-arts recreation (inflatable jumpers, petting zoos, 5K races or other athletic events) Topiary or landscape art Interior design or beautification Funding Information FY25 Cultural Facilities Grants will receive an award that could range from $10,000 to $75,000. Project Period Project that will be carried out between November 1, 2024, and June 30, 2025. Eligibility Criteria All eligible applicants must be located in Georgia, registered with the Georgia Secretary of State, and must have completed all requirements of any previous GCA or State of Georgia grant awarded prior to 2024. Previous recipients of the Cultural Facilities Grant are eligible to apply in 2024 due to the additional funds available from ARP funds awarded by the State of Georgia. Eligible applicants must be one of the following: a non-profit arts organization registered with the IRS (to be defined as an arts organization, the entity must include the arts as part of the mission statement and more than 50% of programming must be arts-related) a local government entity (i.e. a city, county or local authority) that owns and manages an arts facility For more information, visit GCA.

Program Name: LAND AND WATER CONSERVATION FUND (LWCF) PROGRAM Funding Organization: Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Contact Information: For assistance with LWCF grants, contact Pam Rood, your regional DNR Stewardship contact. Award Details: Grants cover 50% of eligible project costs. Eligible Applicants: Towns, villages, cities, counties, tribal governments, school districts or other state political subdivisions. Eligible Projects: 1. Land acquisition or development projects that provide opportunities for public outdoor recreation. 2. Property with frontage on rivers, streams, lakes, estuaries and reservoirs that provide water-based outdoor recreation. 3. Property that provides special recreation opportunities such as floodplains, wetlands, and areas adjacent to scenic highways. 4. Natural areas and outstanding scenic areas that preserve scenic or natural values and are open to the general public for outdoor recreation use without impairing the natural attributes of the areas. 5. Land or development within urban areas for day-use picnic areas. 6. Land or development of nature-based outdoor recreation trails. 7. Development of basic outdoor recreation facilities. 8. Renovation of existing outdoor recreation facilities in danger of being lost for public use. Ineligible Project Examples: 1. Projects not supported by a local comprehensive outdoor recreational plan. 2. Acquisition and development of golf courses. 3. Projects where stormwater management is the primary purpose. 4. Lands that include cell towers. 5. Land that will be used for non-outdoor public recreation purposes. Deadlines and Funding Cycles: - Completed applications must be submitted to your regional Stewardship community service specialist by May 1 each year. - Department of Natural Resources regional staff review and rate eligible projects in early June. - Final project listing is compiled in July with projects ranking the highest selected for grants based on available funds. - Final selected projects will be reviewed and approved by the National Park Service before the sponsor receives an agreement with the DNR. Note: The grant is renewable every year, and the application period closes on May 1st each year.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to state and local governments in Maryland for outdoor recreation projects, including land acquisition and the development or renovation of recreational facilities.

The Community Forests Program gives communities a way to preserve their working forest heritage. Donor Name: Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office State: Washington County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 05/01/2024 Size of the Grant: More than $1 million Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The grant program balances the many benefits forests provide – from providing money from use of the land, to safeguarding against climate and other environmental changes, to providing opportunities for recreation, education, and cultural enrichment.  As Washington’s population continues to grow and forestlands are increasingly threatened by development, the Community Forests Program is a valuable tool for preserving working lands for the benefit of Washingtonians now and into the future. Typical Projects Buying land to conserve working forests (required for all projects). On purchased land, projects also may restore forest and habitat health and develop recreational facilities. Funding Information $3 million is available. Eligible Projects Acquisition: Buying forestland Development: Developing recreation facilities, such as trails and trailheads, parking, restrooms, campgrounds, picnic and day-use areas, challenge courses, interpretive displays. Restoration: Restoring forest health or habitats, planting or reforestation, removing or correcting fish barriers All projects must acquire land. Projects may include restoration or development of that land but restoration and development cannot be stand-alone projects. Who May Apply? Cities, counties, and towns Native American tribes Nonprofit nature conservancy organizations Special purpose districts, public development authorities, or other political subdivisions of the state. State agencies (in partnership with one or more of the above groups). For more information, visit WSRCO.

This grant provides funding to local government agencies in California for the construction and improvement of facilities that enhance public access to waterways for recreational boating.

This funding opportunity supports nonprofit organizations and artists in Sullivan County to create structured arts education programs in collaboration with schools or community partners.

This grant provides funding to state and local governments, nonprofits, and Native organizations for the preservation and restoration of historic sites that reflect the early history of the United States, in honor of its 250th anniversary.

The Granville Community Foundation in Ohio is offering grants to non-profit organizations and public agencies for projects that enrich the lives of Granville residents, with a focus on arts, culture, education, and social services, and prioritizes initiatives that enhance quality of life, cultural opportunities, historical preservation, social support, public spaces, and youth experiences.

This program provides financial assistance to counties and tribal governing bodies to enhance fish and wildlife programs. Established in 1965 by the Wisconsin Legislature as an alternative to bounty payments on coyote, foxes, and bobcats, it now supports a wide range of county-sponsored fish and wildlife habitat projects. After the state budget approval, funds are allocated based on the ratio of each county's area to the total state area. The program is designed as a cost-share initiative for projects that include development of outdoor recreation structures, habitat restoration, stocking projects, maintenance, and miscellaneous projects directly related to fish and wildlife. Grant renewed every year. Grant annual deadline: October 1st

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 Essex Community Fund (ECF) at Adirondack Foundation invites local nonprofits, schools, churches, and municipalities to apply for grant funding. Eligible projects must serve town of Essex residents through community services, beautification, historic preservation, culture, the arts, education, or programs for youth and senior citizens. The deadline to apply is May 24. ECF gives strong preference to capacity building grants or modest one-time capital projects. It does not award grants for ongoing operating expenses. While grants typically range from $250 to $2,000, the maximum a potential grantee can request is $5,000. After reviewing applications, the ECF committee anticipates making grant recommendations in June with funding available as early as July. Applications must be submitted online through Adirondack Foundation’s Online Grants Manager: adirondackfoundation.org/granting/online-grants-manager For more information about ECF grants, please call Colleen Van Hoven at (518) 569-3141 or email [email protected] or email [email protected]. To learn more about community funds at Adirondack Foundation, visit adirondackfoundation.org. Grant renewed every year. Grant Annual deadline: May

The California Tahoe Conservancy (Conservancy) leads California's efforts to restore and enhance the extraordinary natural and recreational resources of the Lake Tahoe Basin. The principal goal of the Conservancy's Science and Lake Improvement Account program (SB 630, 2013) is to support near-shore environmental improvement program activities and projects, particularly projects that manage aquatic invasive species or improve public access to sovereign land in Lake Tahoe.More specifically, such projects manage aquatic invasive species, or improve public access to sovereign land in Lake Tahoe, including planning and site improvement or reconstruction projects on public land, and land acquisitions from willing sellers. SB 630 (2013) allocates the Conservancy approximately $350,000 annually. Please contact staff at [email protected] and 916.402.7508 for more information.

Applications are now being accepted for the Black Hawk County Gaming Association Grant Program. Donor Name: Black Hawk County Gaming Association State: Iowa County: Black Hawk County (IA) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 09/23/2024 Size of the Grant: Not Available Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The Black Hawk County Gaming Association (BHCGA) is interested in awarding grants that will make the Cedar Valley a stronger, better place to live, work, and play. The board prefers to receive requests for the following types of projects: Capital improvements that contribute to better cities, neighborhoods, and inclusive spaces Capacity-building plans that help organizations build stronger skills, processes, and resources to better serve the Cedar Valley Collaborative approaches that align with community initiatives Eligibility Criteria Applicants must be a governmental entity or nonprofit with a valid 501(c)3 or 501(c)19 status under the US IRS Code. The applicant’s nonprofit status will be verified through GuideStar or a Determination Letter through the IRS. Applicants are not allowed to share or borrow nonprofit status from another organization. No distribution will be granted to any organization that has an employee, officer, or director who is a member of the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission. Requests that will NOT be Considered: Endowment funds Political causes, candidate, or lobbying efforts Individuals, including scholarships, fellowships, or personal benefits Religious workshops, education, or proselytizing Debt incurred or purchases made prior to the award date Capital requests of more than 50% of the total project budget For-profit organizations or organizations using a fiscal sponsor For more information, visit BHCGA. Related Posts:Midwest BDC Empowerment Grant Program 2024-2025Community-Wide Assessment Grants for States and TribesEPA Community-Wide Assessment Grants 2025EPA: Brownfield Assessment Grants 2025Washington County Riverboat Foundation Grant Program in IowaApplications open for Community Empowerment Grant ProgramPeter Capell Award for Midwestern Creativity &…Peter Capell Award for Midwestern Creativity &…Bureau of Land Management: Recreation and Visitor…EPA: Office of Land and Emergency Management Tribal Program2025–2026 Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Health…Framing the Future: Industrial Technologies Photo ContestRequest for Applications for Tribal Transit ProgramTrauma-Responsive Training and Resources for…Facilitation Skills for Cognitive Behavioral…City of Surprise Neighborhood Grant Program…Submit Applications for Quality of Life GrantsCapacity Building Grants Program – IndianaJudicial Tools to Combat Impaired DrivingApply now for Indigenous Earth FundFunding available for API LGBTQIA+ Communities

This funding opportunity provides financial assistance to state and local governments, in partnership with nonprofit organizations, for the acquisition and preservation of significant Revolutionary War, War of 1812, and Civil War battlefields.

Applications are now being accepted for the 2024 Mardag Foundation Grant Program. Donor Name: Mardag Foundation State: Minnesota County: Dakota County (MN), Ramsey County (MN), Washington County (MN) Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) Details: Mardag Foundation believes that the community should not only benefit from the work, but inform and form it as well. Creating solutions to today’s issues requires a collaborative approach. The work is also rooted in a commitment to racial equity. Funding Priorities The Mardag Foundation has three focus areas and will consider proposals that address one or more of the following: Improving the lives of low-income Children, Youth and Families that lack access to critical opportunities and resources that they need Mardag Foundation seeks to support organizations focused on eliminating barriers and increasing access to equitable opportunities for children, youth and families.  Priority will be given to organizations working with marginalized communities (especially Black, Indigenous and communities of color) at the intersections of education, basic needs, mental health, access to healthcare, pathways to employment, and stable and affordable housing. Supporting older adults across Minnesota who lack access or have barriers to critical opportunities to thrive and create community connections Mardag Foundation supports organizations directly serving low-income older adults who may also be experiencing other forms of marginality (e.g., Black, Indigenous, and People of Color, people with disabilities, members of the LGBTQIA+ community, etc.). Priorities include meeting basic needs, improving the well-being and quality of caregiving, addressing isolation and mental health issues, services to help older Minnesotans age in place and/or in safe and stable housing, and intergenerational programming. Building capacity to improve community vitality through Arts & Culture Mardag Foundation shares Grantmakers in the Arts’ view that “all 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., older adults, people with disabilities, low-income children/youth/families, members of the LGBTQIA+ community, etc.) through the arts. Types of Grants The Foundation will consider grant applications for: General Operating Support These grants provide flexible funding for nonprofits in which at least 50% of the organization’s services benefit residents in the East Metro and/or Greater Minnesota. Any organization meeting this threshold is eligible for general operating support (including organizations that have never previously received support from Mardag Foundation). Capital Projects Capital projects must be located in Greater Minnesota or the East Metro AND 50% or more of all services provided by the entire organization must benefit Greater Minnesota and/or East Metro (Washington, Dakota and Ramsey counties) residents. Grants are designed to support 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. Geographic Areas  The Mardag Foundation makes grants to nonprofit organizations and public entities located within and serving residents of Minnesota. The geographic focus of our grantmaking is the East Metro area of Dakota, Ramsey and Washington counties, as well as Greater Minnesota. Eligibility Criteria  Grants can be made to 501(c)3 organizations, education or governmental units and religious institutions. While an organization may be eligible to apply, attention and preference will be given to organizations: Prioritizing people experiencing the most marginalization, especially due to race, ethnicity, gender identity or sexual orientation, age, ability, immigration status, etc. Where work is informed, formed and led by the people most impacted by it. Ineligibility The Foundation will not consider grant applications for: Organizations using fiscal sponsors Organizations exclusively serving Minneapolis and the surrounding West Metro area Scholarships and grants to individuals Sectarian religious programs or organizations Federated campaigns Events and conferences Capital campaigns of private secondary schools Capital and endowment campaigns of private colleges and universities Program/project specific requests For more information, visit Mardag Foundation.

This grant provides funding for programs that educate and engage youth in Hampton Roads about local waterways and the effects of sea level rise, promoting environmental stewardship and hands-on outdoor experiences.