Grants for Public and State controlled institutions of higher education - Recreation

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.

The Go Outside Fund by the Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin offers grants between $100 and $500 to teachers and organizations in Wisconsin, aiming to facilitate outdoor, nature-based learning experiences for children aged pre-K to 12 by covering costs such as field supplies, transportation, and educator costs.

Applications are now being accepted for the 2024 Mardag Foundation Grant Program. Donor Name: Mardag Foundation State: Minnesota County: Dakota County (MN), Ramsey County (MN), Washington County (MN) Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) Details: Mardag Foundation believes that the community should not only benefit from the work, but inform and form it as well. Creating solutions to today’s issues requires a collaborative approach. The work is also rooted in a commitment to racial equity. Funding Priorities The Mardag Foundation has three focus areas and will consider proposals that address one or more of the following: Improving the lives of low-income Children, Youth and Families that lack access to critical opportunities and resources that they need Mardag Foundation seeks to support organizations focused on eliminating barriers and increasing access to equitable opportunities for children, youth and families.  Priority will be given to organizations working with marginalized communities (especially Black, Indigenous and communities of color) at the intersections of education, basic needs, mental health, access to healthcare, pathways to employment, and stable and affordable housing. Supporting older adults across Minnesota who lack access or have barriers to critical opportunities to thrive and create community connections Mardag Foundation supports organizations directly serving low-income older adults who may also be experiencing other forms of marginality (e.g., Black, Indigenous, and People of Color, people with disabilities, members of the LGBTQIA+ community, etc.). Priorities include meeting basic needs, improving the well-being and quality of caregiving, addressing isolation and mental health issues, services to help older Minnesotans age in place and/or in safe and stable housing, and intergenerational programming. Building capacity to improve community vitality through Arts & Culture Mardag Foundation shares Grantmakers in the Arts’ view that “all peoples, their cultures, and their art contribute to the meaning and understanding of the humanity and should be honored and celebrated.” Priority will be given to arts and culture organizations that seek to amplify narratives and voices across BIPOC communities and other communities experiencing marginalization (e.g., older adults, people with disabilities, low-income children/youth/families, members of the LGBTQIA+ community, etc.) through the arts. Types of Grants The Foundation will consider grant applications for: General Operating Support These grants provide flexible funding for nonprofits in which at least 50% of the organization’s services benefit residents in the East Metro and/or Greater Minnesota. Any organization meeting this threshold is eligible for general operating support (including organizations that have never previously received support from Mardag Foundation). Capital Projects Capital projects must be located in Greater Minnesota or the East Metro AND 50% or more of all services provided by the entire organization must benefit Greater Minnesota and/or East Metro (Washington, Dakota and Ramsey counties) residents. Grants are designed to support investment in buildings, facilities and equipment. Foundation investments are typically limited to buildings owned by nonprofits or held by long-term lease agreement. These grants are generally paid over multiple years. Geographic Areas  The Mardag Foundation makes grants to nonprofit organizations and public entities located within and serving residents of Minnesota. The geographic focus of our grantmaking is the East Metro area of Dakota, Ramsey and Washington counties, as well as Greater Minnesota. Eligibility Criteria  Grants can be made to 501(c)3 organizations, education or governmental units and religious institutions. While an organization may be eligible to apply, attention and preference will be given to organizations: Prioritizing people experiencing the most marginalization, especially due to race, ethnicity, gender identity or sexual orientation, age, ability, immigration status, etc. Where work is informed, formed and led by the people most impacted by it. Ineligibility The Foundation will not consider grant applications for: Organizations using fiscal sponsors Organizations exclusively serving Minneapolis and the surrounding West Metro area Scholarships and grants to individuals Sectarian religious programs or organizations Federated campaigns Events and conferences Capital campaigns of private secondary schools Capital and endowment campaigns of private colleges and universities Program/project specific requests For more information, visit Mardag Foundation.

This funding opportunity supports educational non-profits, public schools, and US Chess affiliates in creating initiatives that encourage participation and engagement of women and girls in chess through workshops and tournaments.

This grant supports public schools, youth organizations, and nonprofits in Wyoming to engage young people in wildlife conservation and natural resource projects through hands-on learning and community involvement.

This grant provides funding to municipalities and organizations in Chautauqua County to develop tourism initiatives that enhance marketing, events, and attractions, requiring a matching contribution from recipients.

The Lumpkin Family Foundation is currently accepting letters of inquiry for its Land, Health, Community (LHC) Grant Program. Donor Name: The Lumpkin Family Foundation State: Illinois County: Coles County (IL), Effingham County (IL) Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Land, Health, Community (LHC) is the Foundation’s primary and largest grantmaking program and reflects the Lumpkin family’s historic connection and commitment to the community. A minimum of 50 percent of its annual grantmaking budget is spent on projects in East Central Illinois. Through Land, Health, Community we work toward a long-term vision of holistically healthy communities. The Lumpkin Family Foundation makes grants in East Central Illinois that reflect the vision: The community has a strong local food system and agricultural economy, resilient businesses, and amenities that attract new businesses and retain local talent. They are prosperous. The community is physically active, values healthy eating, and prioritizes overall wellbeing. They are mentally well and physically fit. The community has strong leadership and the capacity for collaboration. They are socially engaged. The community works to conserve, protect and preserve the natural environment. They value the natural beauty of the area. Mental Health The Lumpkin Family Foundation has now expanded the program’s focus to include efforts that contribute to mental wellness through individual and community engagement with the natural environment. Researchers have posited that “contact with nature is associated with increases in happiness, subjective well-being, positive affect, positive social interactions and a sense of meaning and purpose in life, as well as decreases in mental distress.” Specifically, the foundation aims to fund programs that: Demonstrate and promote a connection between engagement with nature and positive mental health outcomes; Create opportunities for youth and young adults to disengage from technology and engage in outdoor programs and activities designed to improve their mental wellness; Support mental health practitioners by increasing opportunities for self-care or personal renewal; Provide opportunities for those impacted by trauma (i.e., foster youth) to engage in nature-based healing activities. Focus Areas  Successful proposals will represent a synergy of as many of the following aims as possible: Promote personal health through widespread availability and consumption of healthy, affordable food; Support mental wellness through individual and community engagement with the natural environment; Grow the local agricultural economy, sustaining and creating new viable farm and farm-related businesses; Develop, promote and scale innovative green practices that add productive value to farms while protecting the land for future generations; and, Encourage community engagement and collaboration, policy development and research around agriculture and rural development. Geographic Areas of Interest  The Foundation encourages applicants from organizations across East Central Illinois. The foundation gives preference to rural organizations and those operating in Coles and the surrounding counties. For more information, visit TLFF.

This funding opportunity supports community-based projects in Ellensburg that enhance and protect surface water quality through education, outreach, and implementation efforts, specifically targeting volunteer groups and non-profits.

This funding opportunity supports non-profit organizations, schools, and community groups in Hawaii to develop and sustain urban forestry projects that promote tree planting, care, and education while emphasizing equity and environmental justice.

The Humanities Montana’s Community Project Grants support public humanities programming that strengthens community and culture by promoting civic engagement, sparking thoughtful community dialogue, and reflecting on the human experience across the Big Sky State. Donor Name: Humanities Montana State: Montana County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline:  08/01/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details:   These grants are designed to support a vast array of bold and innovative projects that are meaningful to local communities and inspire timely community conversations, from film screenings and panel discussions to cultural festivals and youth literacy programs Focus Areas Festivals Literary Programs Lectures & Discussions Podcasts & Radio Shows New Ideas Funding Information Maximum Award: $2,000-$10,000 All Humanities Montana-funded projects must: Focus on clearly defined humanities theme(s) Build on sound humanities scholarship Deepen public understanding of significant humanities questions Approach a subject analytically, presenting a variety of perspectives Involve humanities scholars (academic, professional, or subject-expert) in all aspects of the project; all projects require at least one confirmed subject-expert Employ appealing and accessible formats that will actively engage the general public in learning Demonstrate support and involvement of communities and cultures represented in project content and activities or specifically address why they are not involved (e.g., projects that involve Native American communities or cultures must include letters of support from participating scholars, researchers, and/or program participants from that specific community outlining their involvement) Community Project formats & methods content (this list is not exhaustive): Storytelling Historical Analysis Public Writing Workshops Literacy Programs Ethical Inquiry Interpretation at Historic Sites Book Festivals Exhibits Lectures Speaker Series Panel Discussions Teacher Institutes & Workshops Humanities Program Planning Reading & Discussion Programs Humanities Events (conferences, symposia, Chautauqua, workshops, humanities labs) Eligibility Criteria To be eligible to apply, your organization must be established in the United States or its jurisdictions as one of the following organization types: A nonprofit organization recognized as tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code An accredited institution of higher education (public or nonprofit) A state or local government or one of their agencies A federally recognized Native American Tribal government A tribal organization Ineligibility Fiscal agents or fiscal sponsors may not apply on behalf of ineligible applicants. Only applicant organizations meeting some or all the requirements of substantive involvement listed below are eligible to apply. For more information, visit Humanities Montana.

This grant provides funding for community projects in Hawaii that promote the benefits of trees and engage residents in tree care and conservation activities.

The North Dakota Council on the Arts is accepting applications for its Special Projects (SP) to support art events in all disciplines and forms for North Dakota groups and individual artists. Donor Name: North Dakota Council on the Arts State: North Dakota County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 09/17/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: 1 Year Details: The goal of the program is to provide art experiences for diverse populations in North Dakota. Funding Information  Special Projects that provides up to $1,500  Project Period NDCA Fiscal Year 2025 (July 1, 2024 – June 30, 2025). This Program Funds Initiating art events in all disciplines and forms (in person or online) including, but not limited to, exhibitions, performances, and festivals (e.g., an annual art festival requesting funds for a new music performance series for youth).  Murals, sculptures, the installation of public art pieces, or publications that include community input and participation.  Annual events for up to two (2) consecutive years if demonstrable adjustments are made to increase audience participation. This includes organizational and individual applicants Eligibility Criteria  Applicants must be one of the following:  Individual artist  North Dakota state tax-exempt nonprofit arts organization  Federally tax-exempt nonprofit arts organization Federally tax-exempt non-arts organizations and community education units – Arts budgets must be isolated from the larger entity’s budget.  Public entity such as a unit of state, local, or tribal government  An affiliate arts-presenting or arts-producing organization – A distinct program or division hosted within an in-state 501(c)(3) tax-exempt institution or public institution (such as an arts division of a city or tribal government, a public or nonprofit college or university, or a community service nonprofit organization) that provides arts programming or services for the general public. Arts budgets must be isolated from the larger entity’s budget.  Fiscally sponsored groups with arts projects must be comprised of at least three (3) people and have an advisory committee of at least three (3) people that is responsible for the oversight of project and grant funds. Fiscal sponsors must be a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organization, unit of state or local government, or federally recognized tribal community or tribe. Eligibility for Individual Artists  Be a United States citizen or have attained permanent resident status  Be 18 years of age or older on the application’s due date  Be a North Dakota resident and continue to reside in North Dakota throughout the contract period  Cannot be enrolled as a full-time student Eligibility for Organizations  Organizations must be physically located in North Dakota  The majority of arts programming, services, or activities must take place in North Dakota and primarily serve and engage North Dakota audiences and participants This Program Does NOT Fund Activities or programs that do not intentionally engage an audience.  Activities or programs where teaching and/or learning is the sole outcome. Educational activities as part of a broader community event, performance, or exhibit are acceptable.  Activities or programs that take place as part of the K-16 school day curriculum and activities in public, private, alternative, charter, and home schools. This includes costs to subsidize school participation (tickets, bussing, etc.) For more information, visit North Dakota Council on the Arts.

The Ellensburg Community Grant Program offers a water quality focused grant to encourage community-based projects that improve or protect the quality of surface waters. Donor Name: City of Ellensburg State: Washington City: Ellensburg Type of Grant: Grant Deadline:  08/30/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Funded by the Stormwater Utility, the water quality grant provides funding for community groups to provide outreach, education, assessments, planning, implementation, prevention and control focused on city’s surface water. Water quality is commonly defined by its physical, chemical, biological, and aesthetic (appearance and smell) characteristics. A healthy environment is one in which the water quality supports a rich and varied community of organisms and protects public health. Grant funds are invested in projects that include one or more of the following priorities: Required: Demonstrate improvements in quality of surface waters. Educate a large and/or varied segments of Ellensburg’s population on what water quality is, and what actions they can take to improve or protect it. Educate best practices to reduce/eliminate adverse impacts to water quality. Funding Information A total of $10,000 is available for this grant cycle. Eligibility Criteria Eligible volunteer groups such as youth, seniors, non-profit organizations, educational organizations may apply for funding. Business and governmental partners are encouraged but may not be the applicant. Projects must benefit stormwater quality within the City limits, (i.e., public outreach and education, yard care, litter pick up, etc.). Projects must be within the city limits; if the project is on publicly owned property, an agreement will need to be signed between both parties addressing use of minors as volunteers, hold harmless, etc. Grant funds may not be used for projects that involve or promote the use of alcohol. For more information, visit City of Ellensburg.

This grant provides financial support for underprivileged youth in Chelan and Douglas counties to access skating lessons, shows, and related activities, promoting enrichment and skill development.

This funding opportunity supports nonprofit organizations, schools, churches, and government entities that provide youth programs in Berrien County, particularly at designated Howard facilities in St. Joseph and the Maud Preston Palenske Memorial Library.

This grant provides funding to individuals or organizations across the U.S. for environmental projects that promote sustainability and community engagement.

The Caplan Foundation for Early Childhood offers grants to fund innovative projects in the United States that aim to improve the welfare, education, and play of children from infancy through 7 years, and provide parenting education, with a focus on creating nurturing environments and improving child rearing practices.

This grant provides funding to nonprofits, schools, and civic organizations in Columbia County, New York, to develop programs that help young people transition from education to the workforce through internships, skill-building, and entrepreneurial opportunities.

The LGBTQ Grant Program award grants to support planning, research, and general operations that address priority needs of LGBTQ Mississippians as they strive to live safely, openly and without alienation, isolation, prejudice and/or discrimination. Donor Name: LGBTQ Fund of Mississippi State: Mississippi County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 06/28/2024 Size of the Grant: Not Available Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The LGBTQ Grant Program, which receives resources from a Fund held at the Community Foundation for Mississippi, provides resources that align with and support the vision, mission, and beliefs defined by the Advisory Board of The LGBTQ Fund of Mississippi. Special attention will be paid to the following:  proposals that demonstrate a commitment to addressing the needs of LGBTQ communities that have been most demonstrably underserved, including but not limited to, communities of color, youth, seniors, and persons in rural communities;  intersectional programs addressing faith and acceptance; and  efforts serving transgender and gender non-conforming persons.  Geographic Area Applicants must be in Mississippi or provide services that have a positive direct impact on Mississippi’s LGBTQ population. Eligibility Criteria Applicants for grants from the LGBTQ Fund of Mississippi include the following:  nonprofit organizations with current tax-exempt status under Section 501c3 of the IRS code that are in compliance with the Mississippi Secretary of State’s charity registration, fee payment, audit (if required), and reporting requirements; units of local government (including schools school districts, public-private partnerships, and quasi-governmental entities);  research centers (independent and those associated with universities);  public and private institutions of higher learning; and  federally recognized Indian tribes. For more information, visit LGBTQ Fund of Mississippi.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina Foundation is seeking applications to expand access to mental and behavioral health services and resources for youth through models that are effective in the short term (1-3 years), and which leverage a trained workforce that goes beyond specialty trained behavioral health care clinical and professional roles. Donor Name: Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina Foundation State: North Carolina County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 07/09/2024 Size of the Grant: $100,000 to $500,000 Grant Duration: 3 Years Details: The trained workforce may include a variety of health and other professionals who regularly work with or on behalf of youth and are trained to identify, understand, and respond to the signs/symptoms of distress, trauma, mental health changes, or substance use and provide initial support and connection to resources for youth. Approaches should be effective at engaging communities that have significant barriers in access to care and may operate in communities, schools, health systems, faith-based settings, or other settings. Funding may support, among other things, strengthening organizational capacity or infrastructure, connecting care across settings, increasing access to training opportunities, and/or increasing access to culturally and linguistically relevant resources and materials for youth mental and behavioral health. Funding Information To support a variety of approaches, proposals can range from $75,000 to $500,000 per year, for up to three years. Grant Period Grant start date By November 1, 2024. Grant end date By November 30, 2027. Eligibility Criteria  Organization Size There are no limitations or minimum requirements with regard to an entities’ operating budget. Organizations of all sizes are eligible to apply. Organization Type Nonprofit: An organization that is exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code and is classified as “not a private foundation” under Section 509(a). Fiscally sponsored program: A group or project with a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization acting as a fiscal sponsor. Please note that the fiscal sponsor is considered the grantee and is responsible for all legal aspects of the project including reporting and financial management. Government entity or public instrumentality: This can include schools, tribal governments, etc. Coalitions: Applications involving more than one group or organization are welcome; however, one organization will be the recipient of the grant and must meet any of the criteria above. If a coalition applicant is invited for a finalist conversation, all coalition partners are expected to participate in the interview. Letters of support are not required for application submission. Organizations and coalitions of any size are eligible to apply if the other eligibility criteria have been met. For more information, visit BCBSNCF.