Grants for Nonprofits - Recreation

The Los Angeles County Regional Park and Open Space District is offering a grant of $100,000 to $500,000 for public agencies and nonprofit organizations to acquire land for the creation or expansion of parks, wildlife corridors, trails, and access facilities, with a focus on high-need, rural, and regional areas.

The Sheboygan County Planning & Conservation Department is currently accepting applications for the Sheboygan County Stewardship Fund Grant. This grant aims to foster recreational opportunities and conserve valuable natural resources within Sheboygan County. Applicants can submit projects under three main categories: project development, land acquisition, or discretionary, all subject to case-by-case review. Projects may include land and easement acquisition, development or restoration of parks and trails, protection of water resources, and habitat restoration, among others. Funds awarded by the Stewardship Grant cannot exceed 50% of the total cost of the project or acquisition. The deadline for application submission is May 3, 2024. A matching requirement of 1:1 is necessary for grant consideration.

The Redford Center Grants program is open for 2024 applications from April 4 to May 10, focusing on environmental nonfiction films or docuseries at any stage of development. Eligible projects can be in development, production, or post-production stages but must not be picture locked. Successful applicants will receive a $25,000 grant for the first year to support production and impact campaign expenses, with an opportunity for further funding in the second year. The program includes participation in a Grantee Summit, virtual film showcase, and comprehensive support including learning sessions, networking, promotional backing, and community building focused on environmental issues and innovative storytelling.

The IPromise Jeffrey M. Glabicki Memorial Giving Fund, supported by Volpe Koenig, is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life in the Greater Philadelphia area. This mission aligns with the foundation's goal of supporting programs that positively impact the community. The fund specifically targets organizations involved in Arts, Culture and Humanities; Community Development; Education and Research; Environment and Animals; Health, Human Services & Youth Development; and Veteran Services. By focusing on these broad categories, the fund aims to address a diverse range of community needs and contribute to a healthier, more vibrant Philadelphia Metro area. The primary beneficiaries of this grant program are 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organizations that are at least two years old, have an annual operating budget of less than $10 million, and are headquartered in and serve the population of the Philadelphia Metro area. This includes specific counties in Pennsylvania (Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, Philadelphia) and New Jersey (Burlington, Camden, Gloucester). The impact goals are to support and empower these qualifying organizations to continue their vital work in the specified focus areas, ultimately leading to improved quality of life for the residents of the Greater Philadelphia region. The program's priorities and focuses are clearly outlined by the eligible categories for application. These include areas that promote cultural enrichment, strengthen local communities, advance knowledge and learning, protect the environment and animals, improve health and well-being for individuals and youth, and provide support for veterans. The foundation's strategic priorities are to make a significant impact by awarding a single $40,000 grant to a deserving organization, thereby concentrating resources to achieve meaningful outcomes within one of these critical sectors. The expected outcomes of this grant are to enable the selected organization to expand its reach, enhance its programs, or develop innovative solutions within its focus area. While specific measurable results are not explicitly detailed in the provided information, the implicit theory of change is that by investing in established, impactful non-profits within these key sectors, the fund can foster positive social change and contribute to a thriving community. The eligibility criteria, such as the requirement for a 501(c)(3) status and a two-year operational history, suggest a focus on supporting organizations with a proven track record and capacity for effective program delivery. Ineligible organizations include those promoting religious or political activities, programs accessible only to paying members, scholarship or tuition assistance programs, endowments, government agencies, individuals, grant-making organizations, and past recipients within the last five years. These exclusions further refine the fund's strategic approach, ensuring that grants are directed towards direct charitable operations that serve the broader public and avoid duplication of previous efforts. This focused approach allows the fund to maximize its impact by supporting direct service providers in alignment with its mission.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to municipalities, state and federal agencies, non-profits, and tribal governments for the development and maintenance of recreational trails and related facilities in Utah.

The Veridian Credit Union’s Successful Financial Future Grants, administered in partnership with the Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa, aim to support nonprofit organizations that are crucial in fostering successful financial futures within Veridian Credit Union’s service areas in Iowa and Nebraska. This initiative aligns with the foundation's broader mission of strengthening communities by addressing fundamental barriers to financial stability. These grants specifically target individuals in Iowa and selected Nebraska counties (Cass, Douglas, Lancaster, Sarpy, Saunders, and Washington) who face challenges to financial stability. The primary impact goal is to empower these individuals through enhanced financial literacy and/or employment readiness. The program seeks to support organizations that are fully engaged in this work, rather than funding individual projects or programs. Priority funding will be given to applicants demonstrating a proven track record of success in improving financial literacy and increasing employability. Organizations that utilize evidence-based approaches and data-driven decisions in their work are also favored, along with those demonstrating financial and organizational strength, a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and a collaborative approach. The expected outcomes include individuals achieving greater financial stability and increased employability within the communities served. While specific measurable results are not explicitly detailed beyond the general operating grant structure of up to $5,000, the emphasis on evidence-based approaches suggests a commitment to tracking the effectiveness of the funded organizations' work in these areas. The foundation's strategic priorities are clearly centered on supporting nonprofits that actively work to reduce barriers to financial stability. This grant program embodies a theory of change that posits by investing in organizations focused on financial literacy and employment readiness, individuals will be better equipped to achieve financial independence, thereby contributing to stronger, more stable communities.

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

This funding opportunity supports youth-led projects in Fairfax County aimed at reducing mental health stigma and promoting suicide prevention among peers.

Peacock Foundation, Inc. provides grant support to nonprofit organizations in Florida for specific projects and general operations in areas including children/youth, elderly, programs for people with disabilities, arts for educational purposes, environmental education, health/hospitals, medical research, and human services. However, the foundation does not fund capital campaigns, construction or renovation projects, deficit financing or debt reduction, conferences or festivals, fundraising events or advertising, special events or athletic events, individuals, lobbying to influence legislation, or religious organizations unless engaged in a significant project benefiting the entire community.

The Kahlert Foundation's grant program is designed to enhance the quality of life for individuals and communities, aligning with its mission to support vital sectors. The foundation's strategic priorities are primarily focused on health care, education, youth programs, veteran organizations, and human services. These areas represent the core of their philanthropic efforts, with a significant emphasis on health care, which accounts for approximately 50% of their grants. This strategic allocation reflects their theory of change: by investing heavily in health care, they aim to achieve the broadest possible positive impact on community well-being. Target beneficiaries for the Kahlert Foundation's grants include a wide array of individuals and groups within Maryland and surrounding areas, particularly Baltimore City, Baltimore County, Carroll County, Frederick County, and Howard County. In health care, beneficiaries include patients in hospitals, hospice and palliative care, and uninsured/under-insured individuals receiving free exams and medicine, as well as those benefiting from health care research in areas like cancer, urology, diabetes, and Alzheimer's. Youth programs target children and adolescents through education, after-school activities, mentorship, and health care initiatives, while education grants benefit K-12 public education, higher education students through scholarships (especially in STEM), and adults seeking degrees. Veterans and their families are also key beneficiaries, receiving support for medical care, TBI research, housing, scholarships, and financial assistance. The foundation's grant program has specific impact goals and expected outcomes, all centered on improving the quality of life with measurable results. For health care, the goal is to provide better access and quality of care, with expected outcomes including improved health outcomes for individuals and advancements in medical research. Youth programs aim to develop skills and values, leading to enhanced educational attainment and personal development. Education grants are expected to produce a generation of leaders, with outcomes such as increased degree attainment and stronger local communities and economies. For veterans, the anticipated outcomes include improved medical care, housing stability, and financial security, recognizing their sacrifices for the country. To ensure effectiveness and alignment with their strategic priorities, the Kahlert Foundation maintains strict eligibility criteria. Organizations must possess a 501(c)(3) status and are strongly encouraged to have at least a Silver Seal of Transparency from Guidestar, with a preference for Platinum-rated organizations. The foundation favors organizations that dedicate a high percentage of their funds to programs and services rather than administration. Grant requests must clearly demonstrate need, impact, and effectiveness, contributing to the measurable improvement of life quality. Organizations are also expected to exhibit strong leadership, financial stability, and a minimum of two years of operational history, ensuring that the grants are directed towards well-managed and impactful initiatives, whether for capital campaigns, special projects, or general operations, for one year or multi-year durations.

The Georgia Council for the Arts (GCA) Cultural Facilities Grant Program aims to bolster the arts infrastructure across Georgia by offering financial support for the construction, renovation, acquisition, or equipment addition to arts facilities. This initiative directly aligns with the GCA's mission to foster a vibrant cultural landscape within the state, ensuring that arts organizations have the necessary physical spaces and tools to deliver their programming. The grant targets capital projects, recognizing that robust facilities are fundamental to the sustainability and growth of artistic endeavors. The primary beneficiaries of this program are non-profit arts organizations registered with the IRS (with arts as part of their mission and over 50% arts-related programming) and local government entities that own and manage arts facilities in Georgia. The impact goal is to enhance the capacity of these organizations to provide diverse arts-based programming, ranging from performing and visual arts to media, literary, folk & traditional, and multidisciplinary arts projects. By improving facilities, the grant seeks to create more accessible and high-quality spaces for artistic expression and community engagement. The grant prioritizes projects that directly support arts-based programming. While a broad spectrum of artistic disciplines is supported, the program explicitly excludes activities such as humanities, social sciences, sciences, culinary arts, fashion, martial arts, sports, magic shows, circus arts, non-arts recreation, topiary, landscape art, and interior design. This clear focus ensures that funds are directed towards initiatives that genuinely advance the arts as defined by the GCA. The funding for FY25 ranges from $10,000 to $75,000, and the project period is set between November 1, 2024, and June 30, 2025. Expected outcomes include improved and expanded arts facilities, leading to an increase in the quantity and quality of arts programs available to Georgia residents. Measurable results could include the number of facilities renovated or acquired, the amount of new equipment purchased, and potentially an increase in program attendance or participation reported by grant recipients. The GCA's strategic priority, as evidenced by this grant, is to strengthen the foundational elements of the arts community, operating under the theory of change that by investing in physical infrastructure, they can create a more stable and fertile environment for artistic creation, education, and public access. The inclusion of additional ARP funds in 2024, allowing previous Cultural Facilities Grant recipients to reapply, further underscores a strategic commitment to sustained investment and recovery within the arts sector.

The City of Flint has launched a new Youth Climate Action Fund, a microgrant program designed to empower youth-led climate initiatives. This program aims to support projects that advance critical community goals related to climate resilience, environmental sustainability, and community engagement. The fund's mission aligns with the broader objective of fostering a more sustainable and resilient Flint by investing in its younger generation as agents of change. The primary beneficiaries of this grant are youth aged 15-24 residing in Flint, who will collaborate with local groups, organizations, nonprofits, and schools to implement their projects. The impact goals are far-reaching, intending to cultivate youth leadership, increase community participation in climate action, and produce tangible environmental improvements within the city. This approach recognizes that youth are not only vulnerable to climate change impacts but also possess unique perspectives and innovative solutions. The fund prioritizes a diverse range of youth-led projects, including awareness, education, research, and development initiatives such as climate education programs, hackathons, surveys, and public art campaigns. It also supports youth-driven climate mitigation and adaptation projects like community gardening, tree planting, reforestation, urban farming, recycling, waste reduction, and disaster preparedness programs. Additionally, the fund encourages co-governed youth climate action plans, fostering partnerships between city leaders and youth groups to inform climate-related policy and the formation of youth climate ambassadors or advisory boards. Expected outcomes include a more informed and engaged youth population, a reduction in environmental waste and an increase in green spaces, improved community resilience to climate-related challenges, and the development of new climate-related policies influenced by youth perspectives. Measurable results will likely involve the number of youth engaged, the types and scale of projects implemented, the amount of waste diverted, the number of trees planted, and the development of new community programs or policies. The City of Flint's strategic priority through this fund is to build a foundation for long-term climate action by investing directly in its youth, thereby creating a sustainable future rooted in community-led solutions and a strong theory of change that empowers the next generation to tackle pressing environmental issues.

This program provides funding to nonprofit organizations in Turlock to support services that assist low- to moderate-income individuals, such as food assistance, homeless services, and youth programs.

This funding opportunity is designed to support non-profit organizations that provide financial education and savings programs for youth in foster care aged 15-21 in the District of Columbia, helping them transition to independent living.

The Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office administers the Community Forests Program to help communities preserve working forest heritage while balancing economic, environmental, and recreational benefits. The program supports land acquisition and complementary restoration and recreation development to keep working forests intact. Typical projects acquire forestland and may include restoration of forest and habitat health and development of recreation facilities such as trails, trailheads, parking, restrooms, campgrounds, picnic and day use areas, challenge courses, and interpretive displays. Restoration activities may include removal of fish barriers and actions that restore forest health. Approximately 3,000,000 dollars is available for awards. Eligible applicants include cities, counties, and towns, Native American tribes, nonprofit nature conservancy organizations, special purpose districts and other political subdivisions, and state agencies in partnership with one or more of these groups. All projects must include acquisition; restoration and development cannot be stand alone activities. Applications are due May 1, 2024 through the state process. Grant size and duration beyond the available pool are not specified. Further information is provided by the Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office.

This grant provides funding to various organizations to expand career education and training in allied health occupations for adults from disadvantaged backgrounds and healthcare workers facing advancement barriers.

This program provides financial support and resources to community-driven environmental initiatives in underserved areas of New York, New Jersey, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and federally recognized Indian Nations.

This grant provides financial support to nonprofit organizations and government entities that enhance the welfare of residents in Fayette County, Iowa, through projects in areas such as arts, education, health, and community development.

The 2025 REC for All Support, Engagement, and Events (SEE) Grant, offered by the DC Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR), aims to support community organizations in delivering engaging recreational programming for underserved youth in the District of Columbia. This initiative aligns with Mayor Bowser’s vision of creating inclusive opportunities that enhance physical, social, and emotional well-being. Applications are due by January 8, 2025, at 4:00 PM EST, and must be submitted electronically via the DPR Grants Management System. Late or incomplete submissions will not be accepted. The SEE Grant provides funding in three categories. The Support Grant offers up to $5,000 for purchasing equipment, supplies, or materials to improve existing programs in areas such as sports, cultural arts, and youth development. The Engagement Grant provides up to $10,000 to fund field trips and other youth engagement activities. Finally, the Event and Travel Grant allocates up to $10,000 to support events, tournaments, or travel for youth athletic competitions. Applicants may choose one category and must clearly demonstrate how the funding will enhance their programming. Eligible applicants include nonprofit, community, and faith-based organizations, as well as public and private service providers with a demonstrated track record of effectively engaging youth. Proposals must address the program’s core values of equity, inclusion, empowerment, community, sustainability, and innovation. Applications should include a program description, participant demographics, and an itemized budget with a narrative detailing how the funds will be utilized. Personnel costs are generally disallowed, except for transitional needs. A pre-application meeting will take place on December 17, 2024, at 11:00 AM, offering applicants an opportunity to learn more about the grant requirements and application process. Interested organizations must register by emailing [email protected]. Grantees are required to maintain records for three years post-grant, comply with all reporting and audit requirements, and submit final deliverables no later than 30 days after the program ends. The SEE Grant program has a total funding pool of $550,000, with multiple awards anticipated. Funded programs must operate within the District of Columbia and provide proof of site ownership or occupancy. For additional information or assistance, applicants can contact LaShaun N. Basil at [email protected]. Detailed application instructions and resources are available on the DPR Grants webpage. This funding opportunity is an excellent chance for organizations to expand recreational offerings and create impactful experiences for youth across the city.

This program provides funding to organizations in Maryland that promote equitable access to outdoor recreation for underserved communities, addressing barriers like transportation and cost.