Grants for Nonprofits - Recreation

This grant provides financial support to nonprofit organizations in Western North Carolina that serve underserved populations, including youth, the elderly, and individuals facing physical or mental challenges.

This funding opportunity supports nonprofit organizations in New York City to enhance commercial district public spaces through projects like lighting, murals, and wayfinding tools, fostering vibrant and safe environments for local businesses.

This grant provides funding to neighborhoods in Surprise, Arizona, for community-driven projects and events that foster engagement, improvement, and collaboration among residents.

The City of Redmond's 2025 Tourism Grants program is designed to foster tourism development and promotion within the city. This initiative aligns with the city's mission to attract visitors from outside a 50-mile radius, specifically prioritizing overnight guests. Funding for these grants is derived from a 1% lodging tax collected on hotel rooms in Redmond, ensuring that the program directly reinvests in local tourism efforts. The program aims to enhance Redmond's appeal as a destination through various events, tournaments, and promotions. The target beneficiaries for these grants include a wide array of public and private organizations with a demonstrated ability to execute proposed projects. This encompasses business, community, cultural, educational, entertainment, heritage, historical, and sports organizations, as well as galleries, museums, and visitor information bureaus. The primary impact goal is to increase the number of visitors to Redmond, thereby stimulating the local economy and enhancing the city's vibrant community. The program prioritizes projects that align with specific state statutes and city ordinances governing the use of Tourism Promotion Program funds. Key focus areas include tourism marketing, the marketing and operations of special events and festivals explicitly designed to attract tourists, and the operations of tourism-related facilities owned or operated by IRC 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(6) nonprofit organizations. Grants are competitive, evaluated by the Redmond Lodging Tax Advisory Committee (LTAC) using official funding criteria and weighted scoring, with recommendations subject to City Council approval. Expected outcomes include a measurable increase in tourism activity and overnight stays in Redmond. While the grant duration is not specified, projects must clearly define the services or initiatives to be implemented. The minimum awarded amount is $1,000, and grants cannot exceed 50% of the total project cost. The program's strategic priority is to leverage lodging tax revenues to sustainably grow Redmond's tourism sector, operating under the theory of change that targeted investments in tourism promotion and infrastructure will directly lead to an influx of visitors and associated economic benefits for the city.

The City of Philadelphia's Community Resilience and Environmental Justice (CREJ) Fund is offering $15,000 grants to 20 Philadelphia-based organizations working on long-term environmental justice projects, with the aim to support grassroots activism, community resilience, and the removal of environmental injustices.

The Gratiot County Community Foundation in Michigan is accepting grant applications for projects that improve the quality of life in Gratiot County, focusing on areas such as community development, arts and culture, education, and health, with preference given to innovative, sustainable projects with wide-reaching benefits and strong local support.

This funding opportunity provides up to $1 million over two years to local nonprofits in Summit County for collaborative projects that address housing, mental health, and public safety while promoting diversity and sustainable community impact.

This grant provides funding to Arizona-based nonprofit organizations for projects that promote youth development, sports, and educational programming within the community.

The Transportation Alternative and Recreational Use FY25 Grant, administered by the Maryland State Highway Administration, aims to fund transportation alternative and recreational use projects within the state. This federal grant offers 80% reimbursable funds, requiring a 20% match from project sponsors. Projects should enhance the intermodal transportation system or support recreational trails and amenities. Approximately 60% of the funds are allocated to projects within the jurisdictions of three Maryland Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs): The Baltimore Regional Transportation Board, National Capitol Region Transportation Planning Board, and Wilmington Area Planning Council. Eligible sponsors include local governments, regional transportation authorities, transit agencies, natural resource and public land agencies, school districts, tribal governments, and 501c(3) non-profit agencies. Project sponsors are responsible for all aspects of their project, including design, management, construction, and maintenance.

The Lola Wright Foundation is a private, non-profit charitable foundation dedicated to supporting community-based organizations. Its overarching mission is to bolster entities that are granted tax exemption under the Internal Revenue Code, Section 501(c)(3), particularly those operating primarily within a 50-mile radius of Austin, Texas. This geographic focus ensures that the Foundation's efforts are concentrated on local community development and impact, aligning its grant-making activities directly with the needs of the Austin area. The Foundation targets a diverse range of beneficiaries, including children and youth, individuals in need of public health and human services, and groups benefiting from education and community development initiatives. It also extends its support to arts and culture organizations. Specific populations like minorities, the homeless, and the elderly are explicitly mentioned as funding emphases, indicating a strategic priority to reach vulnerable and underserved segments of the community. The impact goals revolve around fostering social well-being, promoting health, supporting educational advancement, and enriching cultural life within its defined geographic area. The Foundation's priorities and focuses are clearly delineated across several key fields of interest: Children and Youth, Public Health and Human Services, Education and Community Development, and Arts and Culture. These areas represent the strategic pillars of its grant-making. The Foundation generally does not provide funding for day-to-day operating costs or expenses, preferring to support projects and initiatives that align with its broader objectives. This suggests a focus on sustainable, project-based impact rather than routine operational support. While specific expected outcomes and measurable results are not explicitly detailed as quantitative metrics in the provided text, the Foundation's theory of change appears to be rooted in strengthening community infrastructure through strategic investment in key social, health, educational, and cultural sectors. By supporting 501(c)(3) organizations, it aims to empower local groups to address pressing community needs. The restriction on reapplying for a grant for at least twelve months after receiving one suggests a desire to allow funded projects sufficient time to demonstrate impact before further consideration, promoting a cycle of focused investment and evaluation.

Grant Opportunity: Parcel Assessment and Strategy Development for Permanent Preservation in the South Branch Flint River - Description: This grant opportunity supports a deeper analysis of two parcels totaling 1200 acres in the upper Flint River Basin. The analysis includes on-the-ground ecosystem assessment, habitat delineation, mapping, valuation/appraisal, title search, and overall environmental evaluation. The goal is to prepare for making an offer and potential campaign to acquire the properties or a conservation easement. - Eligibility: Open to organizations of all types across the USA seeking grant opportunities. Grant Opportunity: Shiatown Park Improvement Readiness - Description: This grant opportunity supports various improvements at Shiatown Park along the Shiawassee River. Funding will be used for wetlands determination and assessment, installation of park boundary and trail markers, historic interpretive signage, floodplain determination, and enhancing community resilience. - Eligibility: Open to organizations of all types across the USA seeking grant opportunities. Grant Opportunity: Gladwin City Park FAA Site Invasive Species Eradication and Habitat Restoration - Description: This grant opportunity supports the restoration and revitalization of a 1.3 acre section of land near Gladwin City Park. Funding will be used for invasive species eradication, habitat restoration, benches, plantings along the trail, interpretive signage, and educational components. - Eligibility: Open to organizations of all types across the USA seeking grant opportunities. (Note: The breakdowns for other grant opportunities are not included due to character limitations.)

This funding opportunity provides financial support to nonprofit organizations that implement programs benefiting the communities of Dalton, Marshallville, and Orrville, Ohio, focusing on youth development, life skills, emergency assistance, and health services.

The Community Foundation's Impact Grant program offers broad support for various purposes, including field of interest and special purpose funds, as well as assistance for individuals served by nonprofits or government agencies. This program aligns with the foundation's mission to address diverse community needs within Frederick County, Maryland, by providing flexible funding to a wide array of organizations. The target beneficiaries for these grants are the residents of Frederick County, Maryland, who benefit directly from the programs and services offered by eligible organizations. The impact goals are to improve various sectors including health and human services, historic preservation, the arts, agriculture, civic causes, animal well-being, education, and youth programs. By supporting these areas, the foundation aims to foster a stronger, more vibrant, and healthier community. The program prioritizes organizations that demonstrate a direct benefit to Frederick County. Eligible applicants include existing 501c3 nonprofit organizations, government/quasi-governmental agencies seeking funding for extraordinary projects not covered by tax revenue, religious organizations requesting support for non-sectarian activities, and civic groups that are not 501c3s but are working on community causes. The minimum grant request is $500, with grants typically being less than $1000 and lasting for a one-year duration. Expected outcomes include enhanced service delivery in critical areas, preservation of cultural assets, promotion of civic engagement, and improved well-being for individuals and animals in Frederick County. The foundation's strategic priorities are to provide accessible funding that supports a broad spectrum of community needs, ensuring that a diverse range of organizations can access resources to implement impactful programs. This approach reflects a theory of change where strategic investments in key community areas, through diverse and capable organizations, lead to significant and lasting positive change for the residents of Frederick County. Grants must be used between January 1, 2025, and December 31, 2025.

This grant provides financial support to nonprofit organizations that create programs promoting health and wellness through physical activity for youth in northwest Ohio and southeast Michigan.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to Colorado nonprofit organizations and schools to create accessible arts education projects for historically marginalized youth, fostering collaboration with professional artists and addressing community needs.

The Greater New Orleans Foundation's Impact Special Funding Grant Program is designed to support organizations specifically engaged in health and youth development work within the Greater New Orleans region. This initiative aligns with the foundation's broader mission to foster the health and vibrancy of communities by investing in key areas that promote well-being and growth, particularly for underserved populations. The grant program seeks to empower non-profit organizations that are actively contributing to the community's overall health and the positive development of its youth. Target beneficiaries for this program include individuals and communities in high need within the Greater New Orleans region, particularly those benefiting from health and youth development services. The program aims to achieve significant impact by supporting organizations that demonstrate strong leadership, sound fiscal management, and a proven track record of success. Through these grants, the foundation intends to foster environments where equity is prioritized, community members are actively involved as leaders, and advocacy for underserved groups is robust. The program's priorities and focuses are clearly defined, emphasizing several key areas. Preference is given to organizations that exhibit strong leadership at both staff and board levels, coupled with good fiscal management practices. A growing track record of success is also a critical factor. Furthermore, the foundation prioritizes a commitment to equity for high-need communities, thoughtful involvement of community members as leaders, and significant contributions to community health and vibrancy. Advocacy on behalf of underserved communities at various levels (community, legislative, judicial, executive) is also a strong focus, as is the creative engagement of multiple stakeholders to generate new public support for non-profit work. Expected outcomes include enhanced health and youth development services, increased community well-being, and strengthened non-profit capacity within the Greater New Orleans area. While specific measurable results are not explicitly detailed in terms of quantitative targets, the emphasis on a "growing track record of success" and "key contributions to the health and vibrancy of the communities they serve" implies a focus on demonstrable positive change. The foundation's strategic priorities and theory of change appear to center on the belief that investing in organizations with strong internal capacities, community-driven approaches, and advocacy efforts will lead to sustainable improvements in health outcomes and youth development for the region's most vulnerable populations. The integration of individual, family, and community views into needs assessment and policy initiatives further underscores this holistic approach to creating lasting impact.

This grant provides funding to small organizations in Middlesex County, Connecticut, to support programs and events that promote racial equity, education, financial stability, housing, wellness, and youth development.

The FY2025 African American Community Development Grant, offered by the Executive Office of Mayor Muriel Bowser and the Mayor’s Office of African American Affairs (MOAAA), aims to support Community-Based Organizations (CBOs) serving the District of Columbia’s African American community. This grant is designed to foster community development and align with the broader mission of empowering District residents, protecting the middle class, and ensuring Washingtonians across all eight wards have access to opportunities to build a better life. The grant provides funding ranging from $1,000 to $10,000, with a duration of one year (October 1, 2024 – September 30, 2025). The primary beneficiaries of this grant are LGBTQIA+ residents and/or business owners in the District of Columbia, although the overarching goal is to support the African American community at large. The grant's impact goals are centered around creating significant, lasting change in the District. This includes reimagining a vibrant Downtown, enhancing public safety by reducing violence, and improving education to ensure every child has the opportunity to reach their full potential. Through these efforts, the grant seeks to improve the quality of life for residents and strengthen communities. The grant prioritizes three key areas: Downtown Comeback, Public Safety, and Education. "Downtown Comeback" focuses on revitalizing downtown D.C. as a dynamic center for living, working, and playing, and positioning the District as a global leader. "Public Safety" aims to reduce all forms of violence, including gun violence, through investments in education, housing, and economic development. "Education" emphasizes strengthening schools as community hubs and providing children with foundational skills in reading and math, as well as access to recreational activities like sports, arts, and civic engagement. Expected outcomes include a more vibrant and active Downtown, a significant reduction in violence, and improved educational outcomes for children, leading to enhanced health and well-being for residents and students. Measurable results will likely be tied to progress in these priority areas, reflecting the grant's contribution to community development and quality of life improvements within the District's African American and LGBTQIA+ communities. The grant's strategic priorities are deeply rooted in a theory of change that posits that by investing in these critical areas, the District can foster a more equitable, safe, and prosperous environment for all its residents.

The Bothin Foundation Grant Program is designed to support direct service organizations in San Francisco, Marin, Sonoma, and San Mateo counties. The foundation's mission, as evidenced by its grant priorities and eligibility criteria, is to enhance the well-being of disadvantaged children and youth, low-income families with children, and people with disabilities. The program focuses on capital projects, aligning with a strategic priority to make durable, long-lasting investments that directly benefit program participants and improve the infrastructure of critical direct service organizations. The grant program targets organizations serving a significant number of residents in the specified counties, with a particular emphasis on those serving at least 50% disadvantaged children and youth, low-income families, and/or people with disabilities. The foundation's theory of change appears to be that by funding capital projects—such as building renovations, equipment purchases, technology upgrades, and vehicle acquisitions—it can enhance the capacity of direct service organizations to deliver effective services, thereby achieving a positive and lasting impact on their beneficiaries. Key priorities for funding include building construction and renovation (for contracted labor directly associated with the project), equipment and furnishing (especially items used by or benefiting program participants), technology, and vehicles that transport participants. The foundation explicitly states what it does not fund, such as planning for capital projects, staff time for project management, insurance for vehicles, or general operating expenses, which further refines its strategic focus on tangible capital improvements. Successful applications are those that propose capital projects that can be completed within 12 months, represent durable capital investments, and are submitted by direct service organizations meeting the beneficiary criteria. The grants range from $5,000 to $50,000, with a maximum grant size of $50,000. Expected outcomes include improved facilities, enhanced program delivery through new equipment and technology, and better access to services through reliable transportation, all contributing to the foundation’s overarching goal of supporting vulnerable populations in its target regions. The foundation’s strategic priorities are clearly centered on strengthening the physical and operational assets of organizations directly serving those in need.

The Jackson National Life Insurance Company (Jackson) offers Community grants aimed at strengthening families and increasing economic opportunities. These grants align with Jackson's mission to support non-profits that positively impact individual trajectories and provide stability for families. The program has two main focus areas: Economic Opportunities and Strong Families, reflecting the foundation's strategic priorities to build on stability and help break cycles of poverty and trauma. Under the Economic Opportunities focus, Jackson supports non-profits that provide access to finance, employment, and education. This includes initiatives related to Career Pathways and Job Skills, Financial Education and Coaching, and Homeownership and Wealth Building. The expected outcome is to change individual trajectories by providing the tools and resources necessary for financial independence and stability. While specific measurable results are not explicitly stated, the focus on tangible areas like job skills and homeownership implies a theory of change where targeted interventions lead to improved economic well-being. The Strong Families focus is dedicated to supporting non-profits that help families overcome generational poverty and trauma by addressing their most critical needs. This encompasses programs providing Emergency Shelter, Access to Food, Intervention and care after crisis, Resilient Parenting and accessible Childcare, and Youth Mentoring. The goal is to provide stability and support, leading to a break in cycles of poverty and trauma. The foundation's theory of change here is that by providing foundational support and care, families can achieve greater resilience and well-being. Jackson awards funding to local nonprofits in specific geographic areas, including Lansing, MI, Nashville, TN, and Chicago, IL, through a competitive grant process. The eligibility criteria emphasize support for 501(c)3 tax-exempt organizations, with specific restrictions against funding individuals, private foundations, certain health and disease-specific organizations, religious organizations (unless broadly accessible and free from religious orientation), and schools or school-affiliated sports teams/clubs. This highlights Jackson's commitment to partnering with established non-profits that align with their community-focused mission and strategic priorities.