Grants for Exclusive - see details - Recreation

This grant provides financial support to Virginia's Destination Marketing Organizations to create marketing campaigns that boost tourism during the off-season, specifically targeting small businesses and lodging partners.

This program provides financial support to established festivals and special events in Virginia to enhance tourism and attract visitors, requiring a partnership with local lodging and a commitment to marketing outside the region.

This program provides funding to Destination Marketing Organizations in Virginia to develop outdoor recreation projects that enhance local tourism and community engagement.

This grant provides funding to Virginia-based organizations for marketing commemorative events and programs celebrating the 250th anniversary of the United States, focusing on themes of history, freedom, innovation, and entrepreneurship.

The City of Naperville in Illinois is offering grants ranging from $10,000 to $100,000, funded by the National Multistate Opioid Settlement, for approved opioid remediation programs and services that benefit Naperville residents, with applications open to a wide range of organizations including school districts, medical providers, and non-profits.

The Pat Sanford Animal Welfare Grant, offered by Orange County Animal Services in North Carolina, provides up to $500 for individuals, groups, or organizations to fund animal welfare initiatives in Orange County, honoring the legacy of former Animal Protection Society Executive Director, Pat Sanford.

A grant program for certified local tourism and convention bureaus to develop, coordinate and promote international tourism marketing efforts. The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (the “Department” or “DCEO”) is issuing this Notice of Funding Opportunity (“NOFO”) to provide grants to certified convention and visitors bureaus outside the City of Chicago to assist with international marketing efforts in markets identified by the Office of Tourism for its FY 25 marketing plan. For FY 25, those markets include Mexico, Canada, UK/Ireland, German-speaking countries of Germany, Austria and Switzerland, France, India, Italy, Australia, and New Zealand.

Virginia Outdoors Foundation (VOF) is seeking proposals for projects that provide new or expanded public access to open space, such as parks, preserves, trails, greenways, outdoor classrooms, beaches, and boat launches, as well as projects that protect exceptional natural and cultural resources for the benefit of the Commonwealth. Donor Name: Virginia Outdoors Foundation State: Virginia County: All Counties Deadline: Size of the Grant: $100,000 to $500,000 Details: Established by the Virginia General Assembly in 1997 and administered by the Virginia Outdoors Foundation (VOF), the Open-Space Lands Preservation Trust Fund (PTF) provides grants for acquisitions, easements, rights of way, and other methods of protecting open space for farming, forestry, recreation, wildlife, water quality, and more. In most cases, a right, privilege, or interest in real estate must be conveyed to either VOF or a locality, pursuant to Virginia’s Open-Space Land Act, to be eligible for PTF funding. Project Prioritization While VOF is offering grant awards for both public access and exceptional natural and cultural resource protection projects, VOF is prioritizing those projects in which the interest in real estate includes a provision to provide access to the property by the public. Successful proposals will protect and preserve open green space. Funding for resource protection easements will be prioritized for those projects that show exceptional characteristics in the following categories: historic and cultural, water quality, scenic and open space, habitat, agriculture and forestry, and policy alignment. Deed restrictions will protect the highest conservation values of a property. Funding Information There is approximately $1.7 million available for the first grant round of fiscal year 2025. In recent cycles, grant awards have averaged $150,000 per project. Eligibility Criteria PTF grants may be awarded to any person, organization, or locality with a real estate interest to convey on either public or private land. Land already under locality ownership may be eligible for PTF funding as long as the parcel is not already protected through certain existing deed restrictions. For more information, visit VOF.

The Sports Equipment Grant, awarded through The Tommy Bohanon Foundation, is an opportunity for Southwest Florida Athletic Programs in need to receive funding or physical equipment for their athletes. Donor Name: Tommy Bohanon Foundation State: Florida County: Charlotte County (FL), Collier County (FL), Lee County (FL), Manatee County (FL), Sarasota County (FL) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 09/09/2024 Size of the Grant: Not Available Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The foundation serves youth aged five to eighteen through the annual programs and community outreach events. The developmental programs and scholarship opportunities for high school athletes ensure they are equipped with the resources to become future leaders. To complete the application process, applicants must have the following information: Copy of the proposed program’s budget for the 2024/2025 school year. A letter from the Athletic Director or a School Administrator, on the school’s official letterhead, acknowledging that the program is requesting funding. Information about the coaches/staff who are involved with the athletic program. (This information should include years working at the school, experience, position and any special accolades they have received). Any additional information or documents pertinent for the proposed program to be selected as a Sports Equipment Grant Recipient. Eligibility Criteria The Tommy Bohanon Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting young athletes reach their highest potential on and off the playing field. For more information, visit Tommy Bohanon Foundation.

The Pennsylvania Shooting Range Improvement Grant Program is designed to provide financial support to Pennsylvania’s aging shooting range infrastructure. Donor Name: Pennsylvania Game Commission State: Pennsylvania County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 09/01/2024 Size of the Grant: $100,000 to $500,000 Grant Duration: 5-10 Years Details: The purpose of the SRIP grant is to bring life into aging infrastructure while creating opportunities for more access for new members. The PGC is proud of state’s hunting and shooting heritage and is here to work together to ensure the future is bright for the next generation. Many states have been leaders in the development of ranges on state-owned properties for several years. According to those states, agency range development has been beneficial in many ways including: Increased use of state lands. Decreased firearms-related vandalism in those areas with developed and accessible ranges. Local citizen support and appreciation. Increased generated funds. Enhanced user support of the hunting and shooting sports. Program Goals Increase public access to private and club-type facilities. Enhance shooting range facility availability or quality to the public. Enhance public safety and environmental stewardship. Enhance facilities available for the Pennsylvania Hunter-Trapper Education Program. Provide funding to shooting facilities that have not received grants previously. Program Tiers The Shooting Range Improvement Program will have a tier structure within the application for funding of projects after completion of the one-year pilot program. It will include three separate tiers based on the grant amount and useful life of the project for providing deliverables. Tier One Projects (Pilot year 2024, Max $30,000) will be a grant amount up to $50,000 with a useful life of five years. Deliverables for tier one: PGC signage of program funding  One youth field day per year or two hunter/shooter education classes 10 public days per calendar year (matches, tournaments, sight in days, open house event) Tier Two Projects will be a grant amount between $50,000 to $250,000 with a useful life of 10 years. Deliverables for tier two: PGC signage of program funding. One youth field day per year or two hunter/shooter education classes. 20 public days per calendar year (matches, tournaments, sight in days, open house event). Tier Three Projects will be a grant amount of $250,000 and up with a useful life of 15 years. Deliverables for tier three: PGC signage of program funding. One youth field day. Minimum 3 hunter/shooter education. 25 public days per calendar year (matches, tournaments, sight in days, open house event). Eligible Projects Projects for rifle, handgun, shotgun, skeet, and trap ranges should be designed to standards found in National Rifle Association (NRA) Range Source Book, a Guide to Planning and Construction or the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) website. For archery ranges, design information is available on websites for the Archery Trade Association, the National Field Archery Association, and other organizations. Design may also mirror PGC state game land ranges. Eligibility Criteria  Applicants who are eligible to apply for SRIP grants are existing shooting ranges, shooting clubs, recreational shooting organizations, archery clubs, and education groups. Applicants must demonstrate public use of current facilities. Examples of public use of facilities include public range times, educational outreach/trainings, or organized shooting competitions. Retail ranges are not eligible to apply for this program. For more information, visit Pennsylvania Game Commission.

This program provides financial assistance to production companies organizing esports events in North Carolina, promoting economic growth through local spending and job creation.

The Governor and the General Assembly direct the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) to administer grants for specific miscellaneous purposes to bolster the state’s economy, promote a clean environment, and improve the overall quality of life throughout the state of Illinois. This grant program is available to any entity receiving funding via lump sum appropriation. Eligible costs for this program are bondable costs associated with site improvements. This includes demolition; grading/earthwork; landscaping; sidewalks; replacement of bridges; construction and/or upgrade of roads, parking lots, curb and gutter, parks and other open spaces as well as structures within them; etc. This may include associated streetscaping.

This program provides funding to local government agencies and organizations in Colorado to upgrade or replace pump-out stations for recreational motorboats, helping to protect water quality and aquatic wildlife.

This funding opportunity supports Boy Scout Councils in Massachusetts for significant capital improvements to summer and training camps, focusing on projects that enhance usability, reduce maintenance costs, or address urgent needs.

The City of Fishers is excited to announce the 2024 Neighborhood Vibrancy Grant. Donor Name: City of Fishers State: Indiana City: Fishers Type of Grant: Grant | Matching Grants Deadline: 07/31/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The purpose of this grant is to provide funding for creative and innovative ideas that make the community a more beautiful place to live, and that will impact the lives of the community at large in a smart, vibrant, and entrepreneurial manner. Grant highlights: The Neighborhood Vibrancy Grant is a matching grant Applicants must provide at least 20% of the total project cost The Grant is awarded quarterly in 2024 Grants are competitive and will not be awarded for recurring or maintenance items Funding Information Maximum amount to be awarded is $25,000. Uses of funds  Funding must be used towards costs of a project which involves design, construction, or installation. Ideas and example photos are provided here to kick start creativity! Priority is given to projects that will have the greatest visibility and positive effect on Fishers as a community. Projects located inside the public right-of-way are subject to additional review and approval. Below are ideas for preferred projects: Converting high maintenance common area lawns to no-mow native plantings Installation of shoreline plantings, water aeration, or rain gardens near Detention/Retention Ponds (White River Alliance Resource) Monarch Butterfly Waystation and/or Wildlife Habitat Corridors Neighborhood Community Gardens Environmental & Agricultural Common Area Trail Repairs & Improvements Park Improvement such as Picnic Shelters, Benches, Planters, Mini-Libraries, or Accessible Playground Equipment Connected two or more Neighborhood Walking Trails Installation of Solar Lights or other renewable energy projects Improved Pedestrian Connectivity or Tactical Urbanism. Eligible Applicants  Neighborhoods groups and HOAs within Fishers City Limits. For more information, visit City of Fishers.

Are you aged 15 to 24 years old? Want to make a difference in the La Crosse community? Are you ready to act on climate change and help the environment? If yes, then apply for the Youth Climate Action Fund (YCAF) Micro-Grant Program. Donor Name: City of La Crosse State: County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 07/24/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The goal of the YCAF is to activate youth-led initiatives and address urgent climate challenges in La Crosse. All projects must fit within the strategies of the City’s Climate Action Plan. These ideas may include Youth-led awareness, education, research, and development initiatives, including youth-led climate education programs, youth climate hackathons; youth-developed climate surveys and research youth-informed clubs or curriculum; and youth-designed public art and awareness campaigns. Youth-driven climate mitigation and adaptation projects, including youth-led community gardening, tree planting, reforestation, and urban farming campaigns; youth-managed recycling and waste reduction programs; and youth-produced climate resilience workshops and disaster preparedness programs. Co-governed youth climate action plans, including partnerships between city leaders and youth groups to inform climate-related policy ideas, decisions, actions, or the formation of youth climate ambassadors or advisory boards. This program can fund any youth-led (15-24 years of age) project that is focused on sustainability and climate change that directly benefits La Crosse. Example projects can include school community gardens, waste collection programs, road/waterway cleanups, renewable energy projects, tree plantings, energy efficiency projects, sustainable transportation projects, murals, etc. Additionally, projects could also include hosting events or organizing online or in-person activities Funding Information Grants ranging from $1,000 – $5,000. Eligibility Criteria Open to applicants between the ages of 15-24 years old who reside in, or whose initiatives directly benefit, the city of La Crosse. If youth-led groups are not incorporated entities, they may partner with one that serves as the micro-grant recipient and fund administrator.  Entities must have a formal incorporation or status of some kind (not necessarily an NGO or charity), a bank account in its name, and an ability to manage the funds. For more information, visit City of La Crosse.

Colorado Media Project and Local Media Association are pleased to announce a new partnership that will bring the proven, in-depth training and coaching program of the LMA Lab for Journalism Funding to local newsrooms across Colorado. Donor Name: Local Media Association State: Colorado County: All Counties Type of Grant: Program Deadline:  06/19/2024 Size of the Grant: Not Available Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Community-based, locally controlled Colorado news organizations are invited to apply to join this state-centered cohort to learn how to develop local journalism projects that are responsive to community priorities and can be funded through philanthropy. Applicants must be producing original, local news for Colorado audiences at least weekly; priority will be given to newsrooms with philanthropic giving programs that are less than five years old. Local news partnerships or coalitions are also encouraged to apply, particularly if they have a joint initiative that they are seeking to fund via philanthropy. The LMA Lab for Journalism Funding, made possible with continuing support from Google News Initiative, has helped more than 100 news organizations across the U.S. raise more than $22 million to support local journalism since 2020. Each newsroom in the cohort will work with LMA coaches and CMP staff to: Set a fundraising goal, in consultation with the coaches, that is in line with that publisher’s market size. Develop a list of fundraising prospects, and develop a pitch deck and campaign materials to promote their newsroom and their project. Meet with funders and other lab participants in person at the CMP Summit on August 22. Participate in the end-of-year #newsCOneeds fundraising campaign with support from CMP and the Colorado Gives Foundation. Contribute best practices and lessons learned for case studies and an industry playbook published in 2025. Preference will be given to Colorado news organizations that: Have strong local leadership with deep ties to the community. Are focused on high-quality local journalism. Have leadership-level buy-in to participate in this lab and an organizational commitment to dedicate staff time and resources. Value staff and leadership diversity. Are relatively new to raising philanthropic support for local news (membership and/or grant programs of less than five years OR new staff members who could benefit from this training and cohort). For more information, visit Local Media Association.

The Neighborhood Improvement Grant, under the City of Greenbelt Micro Grant program, supports projects aimed at improving neighborhood quality of life. This includes beautification projects, clean-ups, gardening projects, minor park improvements, tree planting, public art, and other similar activities. The goal is to encourage community collaboration and enhance neighborhood environments. Grants are funded through the American Rescue Plan Act, with a maximum of $1,000 per project. Projects must be completed by September 30, 2024, with funds disbursed on a reimbursement basis. Eligible applicants include community and neighborhood organizations registered with SAM.gov. Applications are due by August 30, 2024, at 4:55 pm. Organizations awarded grants in Fiscal Year 2024 are not eligible to apply.

The Community Event Grant is part of the City of Greenbelt Micro Grant program, designed to support resident-led neighborhood social events and gatherings. The aim is to build relationships among neighbors through fun social events like block parties, festivals, cultural events, holiday celebrations, and outdoor recreation activities. This initiative seeks to foster a welcoming and inclusive community atmosphere, encouraging lasting connections and civic participation. Grants are funded through the American Rescue Plan Act, with a maximum of $500 per event. Projects must be completed by September 30, 2024, with funds disbursed on a reimbursement basis. Eligible applicants include community and neighborhood organizations registered with SAM.gov. Applications are due by August 30, 2024, at 4:55 pm. Organizations awarded grants in Fiscal Year 2024 are not eligible to apply.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to schools, districts, and outdoor school providers in Oregon to create or improve outdoor school programs for fifth and sixth-grade students, ensuring all students have access to enriching outdoor experiences.