Grants for Independent school districts - Recreation

This funding opportunity provides financial support to New Jersey counties, municipalities, and school districts for improving public recreational facilities, particularly in underserved communities.

The South Plains Foundation program, administered by The Community Foundation of West Texas, aims to foster the development of charitable programs within Lubbock County, Texas. This initiative aligns with the foundation's broader mission to support community well-being by providing grants to eligible organizations. The grants, typically ranging from $1,000 to $10,000, are designed to encourage local programming that addresses identified community needs. The primary beneficiaries of this grant program are 501(c)3 nonprofit organizations, units of local government (such as school districts, counties, and cities), and faith-based organizations that serve the general community in Lubbock County. The impact goal is to strengthen the local charitable landscape and enhance the capacity of these organizations to deliver effective programs. By supporting a diverse range of community-serving entities, the foundation seeks to create a ripple effect of positive change throughout the county. The program prioritizes projects that directly benefit the general community and are not focused on specific religious beliefs or individual financial gain. While the exact strategic priorities and theory of change are not explicitly detailed beyond the general encouragement of charitable programs, the emphasis on 501(c)3 nonprofits and local government suggests a commitment to established, accountable entities capable of implementing community-wide initiatives. The foundation's approach appears to be one of empowering local organizations to address local challenges. Expected outcomes include the successful implementation of new or expanded charitable programs in Lubbock County. Measurable results would likely involve the number of people served, the types of services provided, and the overall impact on the community, although specific metrics are not outlined in the provided information. The typical grant limit of $10,000 suggests that the foundation is likely supporting projects with defined scopes, aiming for tangible, localized results rather than large-scale, long-term operational funding.

This grant provides financial support to nonprofit organizations and agencies that address community needs in the Methow Valley, with options for both unrestricted operating support and program-specific funding.

The Hudson-Ellis Fund, administered by the Blue Grass Community Foundation, is a competitive grantmaking program designed to support tax-exempt, nonprofit organizations benefiting residents of Boyle County, Kentucky. This initiative aligns with the foundation's mission to enhance community well-being through strategic philanthropy, as evidenced by the establishment of the fund through bequests for the good of Boyle County by donors like Lottie B. Ellis. The program prioritizes projects that address critical community needs and demonstrate meaningful impact and sustainability, reflecting the foundation's commitment to long-term positive change. The program specifically targets youth and/or adults who are economically disadvantaged, youth and/or adults with disabilities, and initiatives focused on public education. The overarching impact goal is to improve the quality of life for these specific populations within Boyle County. Successful proposals are expected to demonstrate how their projects and programs will address these community needs effectively. The Hudson-Ellis Fund has clear funding priorities: public education, and programming that improves the quality of life for youth and adults with disabilities or those who are economically disadvantaged. Grant requests should not exceed $7,500, and the grant period for funded projects will run from September 2024 to June 2025. This focus indicates the foundation's strategic priority to invest in areas that foster equitable access to resources and opportunities for vulnerable populations. Expected outcomes include tangible improvements in the lives of Boyle County residents, particularly within the identified beneficiary groups. While specific measurable results are not explicitly detailed beyond "meaningful impact and sustainability," the emphasis on addressing community needs implies a focus on quantifiable improvements in educational attainment, economic stability, or quality of life for individuals with disabilities. The foundation's theory of change appears to be that by strategically funding projects in these key areas, they can empower local nonprofits to create lasting positive change and foster a more inclusive and prosperous community in Boyle County.

This grant provides funding to various organizations in Washington State to create outdoor education and recreation opportunities for underserved and historically excluded youth.

The BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina Foundation is offering Heal Mini-Grants, a funding opportunity designed to support healthy eating or active living projects. These grants specifically target policy, systems, and environmental (PSE) change in community health. The foundation's mission, as evidenced by its past award to Wholespire, is to promote the health of South Carolina’s economically challenged population. The Heal Mini-Grants align with this mission by creating opportunities for equitable access to healthy food and safe places for physical activity, recognizing that individual choices are influenced by available options. The target beneficiaries include community members, students, employees, and devout individuals who will benefit from increased opportunities to make healthy choices and engage in physical activity. The impact goals are to foster healthier communities by addressing systemic barriers to well-being. This is achieved by supporting projects that either serve as seed money for new initiatives, help progress existing ones, or provide the final push to complete ongoing projects, all within a 9-month grant period. The program's priorities and focus areas are exclusively related to healthy eating and/or active living, with a strong emphasis on implementing or supporting PSE change projects. Examples of funded projects include establishing or promoting SNAP/Healthy Bucks at farmers' markets, creating sustainable food-gleaning stations, installing water bottle refill stations, improving playgrounds, supporting active communities with bike racks and crosswalks, and enhancing community trails with signage and amenities. These examples highlight the commitment to creating environments that naturally encourage healthier lifestyles. Expected outcomes include increased access to healthy food options and greater opportunities for physical activity within communities. Measurable results would stem from the implementation of tangible PSE changes, such as the establishment of new programs, improvements to existing infrastructure, or the adoption of supportive policies. The foundation's strategic priorities are clearly centered on community health improvement through practical, environmental interventions. Their theory of change appears to be that by altering the policy, systems, and environmental landscape, individuals will naturally be empowered to make healthier choices, leading to a more active and well-nourished population.

This grant provides financial support to nonprofit organizations in northwest Ohio that serve youth under 18, particularly those with developmental disabilities or who have experienced abuse.

This funding opportunity supports Oklahoma-based nonprofit organizations, public entities, tribal nations, and educational institutions in developing infrastructure projects that promote physical activity and nutrition in their communities.

Program Goals Projects should address the following Exposure program goals: Develop long-term, mutually beneficial relationships between arts and educational organizations, teaching artists, and the youth and families in the communities they serve. Cultivate students’ appreciation for the arts and understanding of themselves as the next generation of arts patrons and participants. Promote culturally and linguistically responsive learning through the arts, using cultural knowledge to support the cultural assets of the local community and students’ positive self-identification within and respect for diverse cultures.

The Innovia Foundation has launched the Community Heart & Soul® Program, a resident-driven initiative aimed at strengthening rural communities within its 20-county service area across Idaho and Washington. This program aligns with the foundation's mission to "BUILD COMMUNITY" and "TAKE ACTION" on what matters most to residents. The foundation's strategic priority is to foster local community decision-making, increase volunteerism, encourage investment in community-supported programs, and stimulate economic development. The target beneficiaries are rural communities in the designated 20-county region. The program's impact goals are to increase resident participation in local decision-making, boost volunteer engagement, promote investment in community programs, and drive economic development and downtown revitalization. It also aims to establish community endowment funds, ensuring long-term sustainability and local ownership. The Community Heart & Soul approach is based on three core principles: "Involve Everyone," "Focus On What Matters Most," and "Play The Long Game," reflecting a theory of change that empowers residents to shape their communities' future while preserving their unique character. The program prioritizes communities that can provide a $10,000 local match, demonstrating local commitment and investment. Innovia will award up to ten $30,000 grants to support community-based project coordinators and actions for up to two years. The grant period is from October 1, 2024, to August 31, 2026. The foundation emphasizes an advisory process with local volunteers to ensure that grant opportunities address the evolving needs of the communities they serve. Expected outcomes include a measurable increase in local community decision-making participation, higher volunteer rates, increased investment in community-supported programs and activities, and tangible economic development and downtown revitalization. The establishment of community endowment funds is another key measurable result, indicating sustainable community growth and self-sufficiency. Eligibility requires applicants to be a public charity with 501(c)(3) status, a federally recognized tribe, or a public entity, ensuring that the grants support organizations with a clear charitable purpose and a commitment to the well-being of their communities.

The Community Reinvestment Fund is a capital grant program established by the Delaware General Assembly, designed to foster community redevelopment, revitalization, and investment capital projects. Its overarching mission is to improve the economic, cultural, historical, and recreational health of Delaware communities. This program aligns with a strategic priority to enhance local well-being and stimulate growth across various sectors within the state. The target beneficiaries of this grant program include county and local governments, community-based nonprofit organizations, and private sector nonprofit organizations that hold a 501(c)3 designation at the time of application. The program specifically excludes state agencies, school districts, charter schools, private schools, institutions of higher education, childcare facilities, churches, fire companies, fiscal agents, and for-profit organizations. The impact goals are broad, aiming for a holistic improvement in community health. The program prioritizes projects that involve preconstruction costs, land acquisition, building construction, reconstruction, rehabilitation, or restoration. It also supports the acquisition or installation of apparatus or equipment permanently attached to buildings, and the acquisition and improvement of land for project sites. Furthermore, the construction of sidewalks, sewers, or water mains connecting to public systems are eligible. These priorities demonstrate a focus on tangible, capital-intensive projects that build or restore essential community infrastructure. The expected outcomes and measurable results include the successful completion of capital projects that contribute to the economic, cultural, historical, and recreational health of Delaware communities. While specific metrics are not detailed, the emphasis on "redevelopment," "revitalization," and "investment" suggests a theory of change where targeted capital injections lead to observable improvements in community assets and overall quality of life. The program implicitly aims for a ripple effect, where improved infrastructure and facilities foster greater community engagement, economic activity, and cultural preservation.

The Avery Community Foundation (ACF) is offering community grants to qualified charitable organizations serving Avery County, North Carolina. This grant program aligns with the foundation's mission to address a broad range of local needs. The ACF seeks to support initiatives that strengthen the community across various sectors, demonstrating a strategic commitment to comprehensive local development. The grant program targets a diverse range of beneficiaries within Avery County, including those in need of human services, education, youth development, health, food/nutrition, and arts. The impact goal is to meet these local needs through funding programs that deliver direct benefits to the community-at-large. The foundation prioritizes organizations that provide programs and services without discrimination based on age, race, national origin, ethnicity, gender, physical ability, sexual orientation, political affiliation, or religious belief. The program focuses on supporting 501(c)(3) public charity nonprofit organizations, organizations with a fiscal agent who is a 501(c)(3) public charity, local governments (including public schools), and fire and rescue departments. Religious entities may also apply for funding to support social outreach and charitable service programs that benefit the community-at-large, but not for general operating support. This focus ensures that funding reaches a wide array of entities capable of implementing effective community programs. While specific measurable results are not explicitly detailed beyond meeting local needs, the foundation expects outcomes that demonstrably improve the quality of life and address the identified challenges within Avery County. The typical grant range of $500 to $1,000 suggests a strategy of providing smaller, impactful grants to support numerous local initiatives. The ACF's theory of change appears to be rooted in empowering local organizations to directly address community needs, thereby fostering a more resilient and thriving local environment.

The Skokie Community Foundation (SCF) grant program aims to invest in organizations and projects that significantly benefit Skokie residents and strengthen the community, extending impact beyond the grant period. This aligns with SCF's broader mission to foster a supportive, engaged, and dynamic community in Skokie through meaningful giving, collaboration, and community programming. The foundation's strategic priority is to create lasting positive change by supporting initiatives that address identified needs within the community and demonstrate a clear path to impact. The target beneficiaries are primarily Skokie residents, with a specific focus on projects where the majority of those benefiting reside in Skokie. The program's impact goals include strengthening the community, breaking down barriers, building relationships, and working towards unity and mutual respect and understanding within Skokie's diverse population. SCF supports projects that contribute to population and systems-level change, seeking to advance equity through collaborative efforts. SCF places particular priority on proposals that utilize a Collective Impact model, which involves a network of community members, organizations, and institutions learning together, aligning, and integrating their actions. Another key focus is on initiatives that bring about unity in diversity. The program also prioritizes proposals that directly address clearly identified needs of Skokie residents. Grant funding typically ranges from $1,000 to $10,000, with an average grant size of $5,000, and is for a one-year period from January 1 through December 31, 2025. Expected outcomes and measurable results are crucial for SCF. Proposals are evaluated based on whether they address a significant concern or opportunity, demonstrate collaboration between organizations, clarify the roles and responsibilities of co-applicants, address participant recruitment from Skokie, have an appropriate budget, and include a sufficient evaluation plan to track progress and determine success. The foundation's theory of change emphasizes that by funding collaborative, community-focused projects with clear objectives and evaluation metrics, they can achieve sustainable positive change and strengthen the fabric of the Skokie community.

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (Iowa DNR) Trees for Kids Grant Program is designed to educate children, teenagers, and young adults about the importance of trees and their many benefits. It also aims to provide hands-on experience in tree planting and maintenance. This program aligns with a mission to increase and diversify tree canopy in public areas within Iowa communities, supporting environmental stewardship and community engagement. The primary beneficiaries of this grant program are youth in Iowa, specifically children, teenagers, and young adults, who will gain direct experience with tree planting and care. Indirectly, the entire community benefits from increased tree canopy in public spaces such as parks, community centers, and public schools. The program's impact goals include fostering environmental education, promoting community involvement in green initiatives, and enhancing the ecological health and aesthetic appeal of public lands across Iowa. The program prioritizes projects that involve significant youth participation in planting, mulching, and initial watering. A key focus is on ensuring proper techniques are learned through required DNR-led demonstrations. Funding is specifically allocated for the purchase of trees and mulch, reinforcing the program's core objective of tangible tree planting. Projects must occur on public or private school grounds, or on public lands like parks and right-of-ways, ensuring the benefits are widely accessible. Expected outcomes include a measurable increase in tree canopy in participating communities, as well as an enhanced understanding among youth about tree care and environmental benefits. Each project aims to result in successfully planted and mulched trees, with initial watering ensuring their establishment. The program's theory of change posits that by engaging youth directly in these activities and providing necessary resources, a greater appreciation for nature will be cultivated, leading to more resilient and diverse urban forests across the state. This initiative contributes to the DNR's broader strategic priority of conserving and enhancing Iowa's natural resources for current and future generations.

This grant provides financial support to artists and arts organizations in South Carolina for quality arts projects, capacity building, and professional development, particularly in designated Opportunity Initiative Counties.

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.

The Hudson-Ellis Fund, administered by the Blue Grass Community Foundation, is a competitive grantmaking program aimed at supporting tax-exempt, nonprofit organizations in Boyle County, Kentucky. This initiative aligns with the foundation's broader mission of fostering community well-being by channeling the generosity of donors, such as Lottie B. Ellis, into impactful local projects. The fund seeks to address critical community needs, with a particular emphasis on public education and enhancing the quality of life for vulnerable populations within Boyle County. The primary beneficiaries of this grant program are youth and adults who are economically disadvantaged, as well as youth and adults with disabilities. The fund's impact goals center on improving the overall quality of life for these individuals through targeted projects and programs. Successful proposals are expected to demonstrate meaningful and sustainable change, directly addressing identified community needs and contributing to a more equitable and supportive environment in Boyle County. The Hudson-Ellis Fund has clear funding priorities. These include public education initiatives and programming specifically designed to benefit economically disadvantaged youth and adults, as well as those with disabilities. The foundation's strategic approach emphasizes community-led solutions that are both effective and long-lasting, reflecting a theory of change that believes in empowering local organizations to drive positive societal outcomes through well-conceived and executed projects. In terms of expected outcomes and measurable results, the fund looks for proposals that can articulate clear objectives and demonstrate how their activities will lead to tangible improvements. While specific measurable results are not detailed in the provided text, the emphasis on "meaningful impact and sustainability" suggests that applicants should be prepared to outline how they will track their progress and demonstrate the positive changes brought about by their programs. Grant requests should not exceed $7,500, with a grant period from September 2024 to June 2025, implying that outcomes should be achievable within this timeframe.

The Recreational Trails Program (RTP), managed by the Arkansas Department of Transportation (ARDOT) and federally supported, funds the construction and maintenance of motorized and non-motorized recreational trails and related facilities in Arkansas. With an application deadline of May 31, 2024, the program operates on a reimbursement basis, covering 80% of project costs while requiring a 20% non-federal match. Funding priorities include new trail construction and significant maintenance of existing trails, with eligible expenses ranging from new construction to educational materials related to trail use. Grant renewed every year.

The Boating Infrastructure Grant program is designed to provide infrastructure and services for recreational boats 26 feet or more in length. Goals of the program include: 1. enhance access to recreational, historic, cultural and scenic resources; 2. strengthen community ties to the water’s edge and economic benefits; 3. promote public/private partnerships and entrepreneurial opportunities; 4. provide continuity of public access to the shore; and 5. promote awareness of transient boating opportunities.

The Open Space Lands Acquisition and Development (OSLAD) Program, managed by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR), is a state-financed grant initiative designed to assist local government agencies in acquiring and/or developing land for public parks and open spaces. This program aligns with a mission to enhance community access to outdoor recreational opportunities and preserve natural resources throughout Illinois. The primary beneficiaries of the OSLAD grants are units of local government authorized to expend public funds for public outdoor park, recreation, or conservation purposes. This excludes school districts. The program aims to increase the availability of public parkland, improve existing recreational facilities, and protect natural areas. Expected outcomes include expanded park sites, renovated recreational facilities, and preserved natural resources, leading to improved quality of life and access to nature for Illinois residents. The program prioritizes both land acquisition and development/renovation projects. Acquisition projects focus on securing land for new park sites, park expansion, water frontage, nature study, and natural resource preservation. Development/renovation projects encompass a wide range of improvements, including picnic and playground facilities, outdoor nature interpretive facilities, sports courts and play fields, swimming pools, campgrounds, winter sports facilities, park roads, parking, utilities, and restrooms. Measurable results include the number of acres acquired for public use, the types and numbers of facilities developed or renovated, and the increase in public access points to natural areas. Funding is substantial, with up to $1,725,000.00 available for acquisition projects and a maximum of $600,000 for development/renovation projects, reflecting a strategic commitment to significant, impactful projects. While not explicitly detailed as a "theory of change," the program operates on the premise that investing in public outdoor spaces directly contributes to community well-being, environmental stewardship, and opportunities for recreation and education.