Grants for Nonprofits - Recreation

This grant provides financial support to local not-for-profit organizations and government entities in Worcester County, Maryland, to help them initiate new arts projects or address urgent needs in the community.

The Ellensburg Community Grant Program offers a water quality-focused grant to support community-based projects aimed at improving or protecting surface water quality. Funded by the Stormwater Utility, this grant aligns with the broader mission of fostering a healthy environment where water quality sustains diverse organisms and safeguards public health. The program provides funding for community groups to engage in outreach, education, assessments, planning, implementation, prevention, and control initiatives specifically targeting the city's surface water. The grant targets eligible volunteer groups, including youth, seniors, non-profit organizations, and educational organizations. While business and governmental partners are encouraged to participate, they cannot be the primary applicants. The overarching impact goal is to improve stormwater quality within Ellensburg city limits. Projects are expected to demonstrate tangible improvements in surface water quality, educate a significant and diverse portion of Ellensburg's population about water quality and protective actions, and promote best practices to reduce or eliminate adverse impacts on water quality. The program prioritizes projects that demonstrably improve surface water quality, educate residents on water quality and actions to protect it, and teach best practices to minimize water quality impacts. Examples of eligible projects include public outreach and education, yard care initiatives, and litter pickup, all aimed at benefiting stormwater quality within the city. Projects must be situated within city limits, and if on publicly owned property, an agreement addressing various terms, including the use of minors as volunteers and hold harmless clauses, will be required. A total of $10,000 is available for this grant cycle. Expected outcomes include a more informed community regarding water quality issues, a reduction in pollutants impacting surface waters, and a greater adoption of environmentally sound practices. The program’s theory of change is that by empowering and funding community groups to engage in direct action and education, Ellensburg can achieve measurable improvements in its surface water quality, thereby enhancing ecological health and public well-being. Grant funds explicitly prohibit projects that involve or promote the use of alcohol.

The Cleveland Foundation is accepting applications for the second round of grants from the Cleveland Neighborhood Safety Fund (CNSF). This fund aims to enhance the safety of all Clevelanders through community-centered violence intervention and prevention strategies, aligning with the Foundation's mission to establish, manage, and implement the NSF. The CNSF is guided by a nine-person advisory committee, including representatives from Cleveland City Council, Cleveland Administration, community leaders, and community members impacted by violence, ensuring a community-driven approach. The Request for Proposals (RFP) seeks to appropriate up to $1 million to community violence intervention and prevention partners (CVIP) for programs focused on the summer months of June, July, and August 2024, leading into the school year. Target beneficiaries include individuals involved in or at high risk of violence, youth within the justice system, and individuals experiencing violence. The impact goals are to reduce gun violence, divert youth from the justice system, and disrupt the cycle of violence in Cleveland's most affected neighborhoods. Proposals should support organizational capacity building through additional staff, program expansion, and increased outreach. The CNSF prioritizes a data-driven approach to creating safe and healthy neighborhoods, starting with people at the center of serious violence and extending outwards. The fund's strategic priorities include building the capacity of organizations and fostering a network of community providers and system partners. This network relies on skilled workers with a personal understanding of trauma who meet people where they are and form strong relationships. The theory of change involves a mutual commitment from partners of all sizes to engage in a violence prevention ecosystem that honors the interdependency of interventions and organizations to reduce violence. Expected outcomes include a reduction in gun violence through proactive strategies and meaningful relationships, successful diversion of youth from deeper involvement in violence and the juvenile justice system, and a disruption of the cycle of violence through direct interventions. Successful applicants are expected to participate in coordinated efforts with other funded agencies, engage in training and technical assistance for capacity building and fidelity to best practice service models, and participate in evaluation activities to inform continuous improvement and learning within the network. This comprehensive approach aims to achieve measurable results in community safety and well-being.

Leveraging the popularity and penetration of video games in Eastern Europe, the implementer will develop an eSports program at American Spaces in Ukraine. eSports athletes will need professional training to form a talent pipeline to professional teams in Ukraine. In tandem with traditional eSports training, these athletes will receive counter disinformation/conflict resolution training to confront foreign propaganda and disinformation in competitive online gaming spaces. The project will culminate with an eSports tournament and coalition-building event on the sidelines of the tournament.

The Madison Area Sports Commission (MASC) Youth Grant Program provides financial assistance to connect underserved youth in Dane County, Wisconsin, aged 17 and under, to sports activities. The program aims to foster lifelong enjoyment and health benefits through sports, aligning with MASC's broader mission to promote healthy lifestyles and combat childhood obesity. Established with contributions from the Ironman Community Foundation, individuals, corporations, and annual fundraisers, the grant program is a key initiative of MASC to serve its community. The primary target beneficiaries are Dane County youth, aged 17 and under, who are from populations underserved by existing sports programs. The program's impact goals are to assist children in developing healthy lifestyles by introducing them to sports that match their interests and abilities. This includes combating childhood obesity, creating positive emotional connections, and instilling commitment and daily structure in their lives. Key priorities and focuses for grant consideration include ensuring the child or children served are Dane County residents, aged 17 and under, and from underserved populations. MASC also prioritizes a mutual commitment between the sports program and individuals, and considers a broad scope of sports, including "minor" and individual sports. The quality of the sports program and the alignment of individuals with a suitable sport are crucial. Consideration is also given to the number of people impacted, the non-duplication of efforts, and the potential for program growth and quality maintenance. Transportation requests and capital construction (under specific conditions) are also considered. Expected outcomes include increased participation of underserved youth in sports, leading to the development of healthy lifestyles, improved physical and emotional well-being, and enhanced commitment and daily structure. The program's success is measured by the reach of the grant application, the growth and quality of participating sports programs, and the ability of the programs to meet the interests and abilities of the youth. MASC's strategic priority is to create sustainable opportunities for youth development through sports, with a theory of change centered on the idea that access to appropriate sports activities directly contributes to healthier, more engaged youth in the community.

The Youth Climate Action Fund (YCAF) Micro-Grant Program, a collaboration between the City of New Orleans and the Greater New Orleans Foundation, is designed to empower young individuals aged 15-24 to address urgent climate challenges within their community. This initiative is part of a larger effort supported by Bloomberg Philanthropies, aiming to activate youth-led projects that align with the New Orleans Climate Action Plan. The program's core mission is to foster environmental stewardship and facilitate tangible climate solutions at a grassroots level, thereby directly contributing to the city's broader environmental goals. The primary beneficiaries of this micro-grant program are youth between the ages of 15-24 residing in Orleans Parish, whose projects are intended to directly benefit the City of New Orleans. The program seeks to engage and mobilize this demographic, providing them with the financial resources and support necessary to translate their innovative ideas into impactful climate action. The overarching impact goal is to cultivate a new generation of environmental leaders and to implement effective, youth-led initiatives that tackle critical climate issues within the community. Projects funded through the YCAF Micro-Grant Program must align with one or more of the New Orleans Climate Action Plan priorities. These key areas of focus include Energy Efficiency, Transportation, Nature-Based Solutions, Circular Economy & Waste Reduction, and Data, Research & Engagement. This ensures that all supported initiatives contribute to the city's established climate strategy, maximizing their collective impact. The program prioritizes projects that demonstrate clear objectives and a strong potential for achieving measurable results in these critical areas. Successful applicants will receive micro-grants ranging from $1,000 to $5,000, distributed through the Greater New Orleans Foundation in August/September 2024. These funds can be utilized for various project-related expenses, such as materials, equipment, and community outreach activities. The expected outcomes include the successful implementation of diverse youth-led climate projects, increased community engagement in climate action, and a measurable reduction in environmental impact across the specified priority areas. While the document does not explicitly detail the Greater New Orleans Foundation's strategic priorities or theory of change, its partnership in this program strongly indicates an alignment with community development, environmental sustainability, and youth empowerment.

The Conservancy may fund activities within or benefitting the Delta and Suisun Marsh as defined in Public Resources Code section 85058 (a map can be found at this link: https://www.deltacouncil.ca.gov/pdf/delta-plan/figure-1-1-delta-boundaries.pdf). The Conservancy may fund an action outside the Delta and Suisun Marsh if the Board makes all the findings described in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta Reform Act of 2009 (CWC, div. 35, §§ 85000 – 85350). The Conservancy will fund planning projects, which include pilot projects. Allowable activities for planning projects include, but are not limited to, project scoping (partnership development, outreach to impacted parties, stakeholder coordination, negotiation of site access or land tenure); planning and design (engineering design, identifying appropriate best management practices); and environmental compliance (permitting, California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) activities, Delta Plan consistency). The Conservancy will fund implementation projects, which include acquisition projects. Implementation projects are specific, on-the-ground projects that result in the construction, improvement, or acquisition of a capital asset that will be maintained for a minimum of 15 years. Implementation projects are "shovel-ready" projects. Applicants must submit a concept proposal, as found on the Conservancy’s website, before submitting a full proposal. Partnerships are encouraged but not required. There are no limitations on number of submissions by organizations. Applications are received via email for concept proposals and by uploading files to a designated site for full proposals. Awards are announced at a Board Meeting and applicants are informed with a letter.

This grant provides funding to support BIPOC+ communities in the U.S. working to improve food systems and secure contracts with large institutions for sustainable food procurement.

The Monmouth County Municipal Park Improvement Grant Program is designed to assist municipalities by providing additional funding for park improvements in municipal parks and open spaces. This program aligns with the broader mission of enhancing community well-being and access to recreational opportunities. Previously, the Municipal Open Space Grant Program was limited to $2 million annually and up to $250,000 per project. The new and expanded grant program is now funded at $6 million a year, with up to $500,000 available per project, significantly increasing its reach and potential impact. The program's scope has also expanded to include dredging projects for parks and recreation purposes, and the application process has been simplified and streamlined to encourage broader participation. The target beneficiaries of this program are Monmouth County municipalities, which are the only eligible applicants. While municipalities are the direct recipients, the ultimate beneficiaries are the residents and communities who will gain access to improved park facilities and recreational areas. The impact goals are centered around improving land for parks and recreation purposes. This includes the development of new recreational facilities, the expansion or enhancement of existing recreational opportunities, the preservation of historic resources within parks, and the implementation of new or innovative approaches to provide local access to open spaces and recreational activities. The program prioritizes projects that focus on these key areas. Additional priority is given to State-designated Urban Aid Communities and Overburdened Communities, ensuring that resources are directed to areas with the greatest need. The program’s strategic approach includes setting limits on the number of applications and the dollars awarded to ensure that funding can support a larger number of municipalities rather than a few large projects. This also encourages a cooperative project model, with a required local contribution and local funding of ineligible expenses serving as a tangible demonstration of local commitment. Expected outcomes and measurable results include an increase in the number and quality of recreational facilities, expanded access to open spaces, and better preservation of historic resources within parks. The allowance for dredging projects directly contributes to improving and expanding access to recreational bodies of water. All projects must be for park, recreation, open space, and historic preservation purposes, with a deed of open space easement or other covenant restricting the use of the project site to these purposes required as a condition of the award. This ensures the long-term dedication of these sites to public benefit, reflecting a theory of change that by investing in local park infrastructure, communities will see improved quality of life, increased public health through active recreation, and enhanced environmental and cultural stewardship.

City of Chandler Diversity Education Mini-Grants are available for teachers, schools, nonprofit organizations, and community groups in Chandler or serving Chandler residents or students. The grants, up to $1,000 each, aim to support programs promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion for youth aged 5-18. Proposals must address dimensions of diversity such as age, culture, disability, ethnicity, gender, race, religion, or sexual orientation. Priority is given to K-12 education projects. Applications will be reviewed by the HRC Diversity Mini-Grant Committee based on their alignment with the city's DEI mission and clear budget proposals.

Neighborhood Grants: The Neighborhood Improvement Grant program offered by the city of Aurora provides funding opportunities for residents and neighborhood groups to improve the appearance of Aurora neighborhoods and strengthen community connections. The program offers competitive grants with a maximum award of $5,000 per project. Eligible projects include those that enhance a neighborhood's physical condition, increase pride and identity, improve neighborhood communication, and bring new assets to the community. Neighborhood organizations and residents are encouraged to apply, with eligible projects needing to be within Aurora city limits and involve at least three neighborhood households. Know Your Neighbor Mini-Grant: The Know Your Neighbor Mini-Grant provides resources to support connections among neighbors through small neighborhood block parties or clean-up events. Grant recipients receive a $100 gift card for either King Soopers or Home Depot, depending on the type of event. Funding is awarded on a first-come, first-served basis until allocated funds are used. Eligible expenses may include food and supplies for the event, but religious, political, or personal/private events will not be funded. Printing Assistance Mini-Grant: The Printing Assistance Mini-Grant offers in-house printing assistance for flyers and posters to publicize neighborhood events. This grant is available to participants registered in the Aurora Neighborhood Registration Program. Grant recipients can receive up to 25 color or 500 black and white flyers, or 10 color or 20 black and white posters. Materials must be picked up at the Aurora Municipal Center. Small Neighborhood Mini-Grant: The Small Neighborhood Activity Mini-Grant provides up to $250 for developing sustainable neighborhood groups and organizing larger-scale neighborhood events. Examples of eligible expenses include entertainment for festivals, neighborhood t-shirts, sports tournaments, or supplies for social gatherings with neighbors. Grants are awarded on a reimbursement basis and require completion of an application form and budget estimates. Please note that specific application dates for each grant opportunity are not provided in the information given.

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.

This grant provides financial support to individuals and organizations working on innovative projects that promote architecture and engage diverse audiences in meaningful discussions about the designed environment.

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.