Grants for Independent school districts - Recreation

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.

This grant, under the authority of Public Act 53 of 2022, is part of the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, designated to enhance public outdoor recreation facilities through the development, renovation, or redevelopment of local parks and trails. The funding aims to modernize these facilities and promote public recreation, equity, tourism, and economic recovery from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Eligible subrecipients must maintain an active SAM registration and use the funds in accordance with the established terms, including meeting deadlines for expense obligations and expenditures by specific dates in 2024 and 2026 respectively.

This program provides funding to Missouri schools and nonprofits to help cover transportation costs for field trips that connect students with nature at state parks and historic sites.

The City of Orlando is offering a matching grant program, ranging from $1,000 to $10,000, for schools and non-profit organizations to fund youth programs that enhance academic achievement, reduce crime, and promote safe communities, with funds being used for educational, athletic, civic engagement, or mentoring opportunities, excluding certain expenses like computers, office equipment, and in-school programs.

The Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina Foundation is offering a grant program aimed at expanding access to mental and behavioral health services and resources for youth. This initiative aligns with the foundation's mission to improve the health and well-being of North Carolinians by focusing on critical health needs. The program seeks to support models that are effective in the short term (1-3 years) and leverage a trained workforce beyond traditional specialty-trained clinical roles. This strategic approach emphasizes immediate impact and sustainable community engagement, reflecting a theory of change that posits empowering a broader range of professionals will lead to more accessible and responsive mental health support for young people. The primary target beneficiaries of this grant are youth in North Carolina, particularly those in communities facing significant barriers to accessing care. The program aims to address the critical need for mental and behavioral health support by increasing the availability of resources and services. Impact goals include fostering early identification of distress, trauma, mental health changes, or substance use among youth, and facilitating their connection to appropriate resources. The foundation prioritizes approaches that engage diverse communities and can operate in various settings, such as communities, schools, health systems, and faith-based organizations. The program's priorities include strengthening organizational capacity and infrastructure, connecting care across different settings, increasing access to training opportunities for a diverse workforce, and enhancing the availability of culturally and linguistically relevant resources and materials. The focus is on a trained workforce that can identify, understand, and respond to signs and symptoms of mental health challenges, providing initial support and resource connection. This strategy aims to create a more integrated and accessible support system for youth mental and behavioral health. Expected outcomes include a measurable increase in the number of youth accessing mental and behavioral health services, improved early intervention for mental health concerns, and a more robust network of trained professionals capable of supporting youth. The grant allows for proposals ranging from $75,000 to $500,000 per year for up to three years, indicating a commitment to significant, multi-year projects. Eligible organizations include nonprofits, fiscally sponsored programs, government entities (including schools and tribal governments), and coalitions, fostering a broad and inclusive approach to addressing youth mental health needs across all counties in North Carolina.

This program provides funding to organizations in Kansas to improve digital literacy and skills training, particularly for low-income individuals, veterans, seniors, and rural residents in economically distressed areas.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations in West Alabama to address critical community needs in areas such as arts, education, health, and social welfare through innovative and collaborative projects.

California voters passed the Control, Regulate and Tax Adult Use of Marijuana Act (Proposition 64) on November 8, 2016, which legalized the recreational sale and use of cannabis to people over the age of 21 and levied new excise taxes on the cultivation and retail sale of all state-regulated cannabis. Proposition 64 created the Youth Education, Prevention, Early Intervention and Treatment Account (YEPEITA) into which the State Controller deposits 60 percent (60%) of the tax revenues from marijuana sales for youth programs designed to educate about and prevent substance use disorders and to prevent harm from substance use. Programs shall emphasize accurate education, effective prevention, early intervention, school retention, and timely treatment services for youth, their families, and caregivers. Funds appropriated to the California Natural Resources Agency (the State) are for competitive grants to support youth access to natural or cultural resources with a focus on low-income and disadvantaged communities.  This includes, but is not limited to, community education and recreational amenities to support youth substance use prevention and early intervention. The Youth Community Access Grant Program is a competitive program and will award to communities disproportionately affected by past federal and state drug policies, also known as the War on Drugs, as well as other underserved communities. The War on Drugs disproportionately impacted communities of color, particularly low-income communities. Harsh federal and state drug policies enacted during the War on Drugs led to mass incarceration of people of color, decreased access to social services, loss of educational attainment due to diminished federal financial aid eligibility, prohibitions on the use of public assistance, and the separation of families. The Youth Community Access Grant Program aims to be a resource to address and repair the multi-generational community impacts of the War on Drugs.

The LGBTQ Grant Program, managed by the LGBTQ Fund of Mississippi and held at the Community Foundation for Mississippi, aims to support the LGBTQ Mississippian community. Its core mission is to provide resources for planning, research, and general operations that address the critical needs of LGBTQ individuals, enabling them to live safely, openly, and free from alienation, isolation, prejudice, and discrimination. This aligns with the vision, mission, and beliefs defined by the Advisory Board of The LGBTQ Fund of Mississippi, demonstrating a commitment to fostering a more inclusive and accepting environment within the state. The program primarily targets LGBTQ Mississippians across all counties. Special attention is given to communities that have been historically underserved, including but not limited to communities of color, youth, seniors, and persons in rural communities. The program also focuses on intersectional programs that address faith and acceptance, as well as efforts specifically serving transgender and gender non-conforming persons. The overarching impact goal is to create a positive direct impact on Mississippi’s LGBTQ population, ensuring their safety, well-being, and freedom from discrimination. The program prioritizes proposals that demonstrate a clear commitment to addressing the needs of these underserved LGBTQ communities. This includes initiatives that promote acceptance and understanding, particularly at the intersection of faith and LGBTQ identities. Furthermore, a significant focus is placed on supporting programs and services that cater to transgender and gender non-conforming individuals, acknowledging their unique needs and challenges. Expected outcomes and measurable results are implicitly tied to the program's objectives: reducing alienation, isolation, prejudice, and discrimination among LGBTQ Mississippians, and fostering an environment where they can live safely and openly. While specific quantitative metrics are not detailed, the program's success will likely be measured by the positive direct impact on the LGBTQ population, as demonstrated through the reach and effectiveness of the funded projects in addressing their priority needs. The foundation's strategic priorities are centered on supporting initiatives that resonate with the LGBTQ Fund of Mississippi's vision, mission, and beliefs, essentially advocating for the fundamental rights and well-being of the LGBTQ community in Mississippi.