Private Recreation Grants

This initiative provides funding to Alabama K-12 schools to implement health, nutrition, and physical education programs that promote student well-being and healthy habits.

This grant provides over $1 million to local nonprofit organizations in specific Massachusetts counties to support a wide range of community-focused initiatives, including human services, social justice, education, healthcare, and environmental efforts.

The Cullen Foundation is currently accepting applications for its Responsive Grant – Education. Donor Name: Cullen Foundation State: New York County: Erie County (NY) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 07/26/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: 3 Years Details: In Education, they seek applications from organizations offering Supplemental Academic Programs (SAP). All programs should have direct academic outcomes, be evidence-based, and primarily serve economically disadvantaged students. Programs must support students from multiple schools. Types of Support Cullen Foundation has established the following types of support for responsive grants in the education focus area: Program/project support Capital/physical infrastructure Capacity building Funding Information An organization may apply for 1, 2 or 3 years of funding, ranging from $5,000 to $100,000 per year (for a $300,000 total maximum). Eligibility Criteria Cullen Foundation has the following eligibility criteria for all applicants: The organization is a 501(c)(3) The organization must submit audited or reviewed financials prepared by a CPA for its most recently completed fiscal year. This is Cullen’s requirement and is not related to NYS requirements Erie County is their primary geographic service area. Education applicants not located in Erie County must serve at least 80% Erie County residents No funding received will be used for partisan political activity No funding received will be used for expenses already incurred No funding will overlap with an existing grant from the Cullen Foundation The request must fit within Cullen Foundation’s education focus area (evidence-based programs with direct academic outcomes, serving economically disadvantaged students in grades pre-K through 12); and requests for the following will not be considered: Recreational camps or recreation-based programs Internship programs Education resource rooms and drop-in centers Museum exhibits Professional development programs and services Field trip funds and programs Skills and job training programs Transportation requests Arts education programs Requests from Individual schools Request for programs that serve students from only one school Individual scholarships will not be awarded other than those provided by the Cullen Scholars program. For more information, visit Cullen Foundation.

This grant provides funding to Colorado artists, activists, and organizations to implement projects that use the arts to promote social justice and improve community welfare.

The Greater Cincinnati Foundation (GCF) is pleased to announce the availability of grants for Environmental Sustainability Grant Program. Donor Name: Greater Cincinnati Foundation (GCF) State: Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio County: Boone County (KY), Butler County (OH), Campbell County (KY), Clermont County (OH), Dearborn County (IN), Hamilton County (OH), Kenton County (KY), Warren County (OH) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 07/19/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The Greater Cincinnati Foundation (GCF) aims to support and enhance the environmental sustainability of this region by increasing the accessibility and quality of greenspaces, conservation, horticulture and/or nature education that is inclusive of historically marginalized groups. Uses of Funds  Funding may be used to support, expand, or strengthen existing programs, enact capital improvements, launch a new program, or build organizational capacity. Collaboration between well-aligned organizations is highly favored. Funding will not be awarded for campaigns or special events. Funding Information For the 2024 Environmental Sustainability cycle, GCF has approximately $400,000 available and grants will be awarded for up to $25,000.” Eligibility Criteria  Applicants must be classified as tax-exempt by the IRS, typically 501(c)(3) status or government agency. If your organization is not a 501(c)(3), you may utilize a fiscal agent, however, the fiscal agent must be identified in the application. Grants will be made to organizations with efforts based in the Greater Cincinnati region, which includes the counties of Hamilton, Butler, Warren, and Clermont in Ohio; Boone, Kenton, and Campbell in Kentucky and Dearborn in Indiana. Organizations meeting the above criteria are welcome to apply, however, preference will be given to: Organizations that develop solutions with a racial equity lens. Requests that beautify, create, conserve, and/or restore greenspaces, with preference for spaces that benefit historically marginalized groups. Requests that connect historically marginalized groups to the benefits of nature, including but not limited to, increased fresh food access and nature education programming — particularly for children or youth. Proposals with clear and measurable outcomes. Organizations that have demonstrated partnerships, collaboration, and alignment with community-wide efforts. Organizations that have demonstrated insights from their past results. Organizations using an asset-based approach to the work. For more information, visit GCF.

Applicants are invited to apply for the 2025 Community Grants. Donor Name: Community Foundation for the CSRA State: Georgia, South Carolina County: Aiken County (SC), Burke County (GA), Columbia County (GA), Edgefield County (SC), McDuffie County (GA), Richmond County (GA) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 08/09/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The Community Foundation for the CSRA only considers applications from organizations providing programs and services directly benefiting individuals living in Aiken and Edgefield counties in South Carolina, and Burke, Columbia, Richmond and McDuffie counties in Georgia. Arts/Culture/History Recognizing the positive impact arts, cultural and historical organizations have on a community, they welcome innovative and high-quality applications in this area. Education/Youth Enrichment The foundation welcomes applications from organizations that provide enrichment and educational opportunities to disadvantaged children, youth and adults. Examples include: job skill training and/or placement, after school or summer programs, leadership, tutoring, GED and literacy programs. Health/Environmental Some examples of programs in this funding area include: environmental research or management, animal services, programs that support sustainable community and backyard gardens, medical clinics, drug rehabilitation programs, medical programs for persons with disabilities, and mental illness. People in Need This category is generally, but not exclusively for human service programs that work with people in need. Examples include feeding, housing, financial assistance, programs serving the homelessness, and programs for recently incarcerated individuals. Funding Information Requests not exceed $15,000.  Eligibility Criteria The foundation consider grant applications from organizations that: Are determined as charitable under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, public entities or other charitable, educational or cultural organizations. For more information, visit CFCSRA.

The Medica Foundation is seeking applications for its Rural Health Grants to fund nonprofit, community-led solutions that address health needs and social determinants of health in rural communities. Donor Name: Medica Foundation State: Minnesota County: Anoka County (MN), Carver County (MN), Dakota County (MN), Hennepin County (MN), Ramsey County (MN), Scott County (MN), Washington County (MN) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 09/06/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The Medica Foundation proposals address: Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) communities Children and youth Families Immigrants and refugees LGBTQ+ communities Seniors Survivors of domestic and/or sexual violence Veterans Funding Areas Behavioral Health Culturally-focused care Domestic violence and sexual assault services and prevention Early childhood health Oral health Primary care for underserved communities Senior care Sexual health Transportation  Funding Information Individual grants may be awarded up to $10,000. Eligibility Criteria Rural Health grant recipients are eligible to submit an application for funding in consecutive years. Funding is limited to organizations located and based outside of the seven-county Twin Cities metropolitan area in Minnesota, where fundraising is conducted on a solely local level and not supported by a main office elsewhere. Organizations seeking to do work within the service area but do not have a physical presence in Greater Minnesota are ineligible. Funding requests for events, camps, sponsorships and seminars are ineligible. For more information, visit Medica Foundation.

Applications are now being accepted for the Thomaston Savings Bank Phase II Grant Program to enhance the lives of the community members through its annual grant cycle in Litchfield County. Donor Name: Thomaston Savings Bank State: Connecticut County: Litchfield County (CT) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 07/31/2024 Size of the Grant: Not Available Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The Thomaston Savings Bank Foundation, Inc. remains committed to responding to the human and material needs of our community. The Foundation seeks to assist in improving the quality of life for neighbors through its dedicated grant programs and community outreach initiatives. Focus Areas An organization whose mission or services align with Thomaston Savings Bank’s in the following priority focus areas: Arts & Culture Community Development Education & Youth Services Health & Human Services Public Safety Geographic Areas Grant applications will be considered to assist local nonprofit and government agencies who are addressing community needs in the following towns: Bethlehem Harwinton Plymouth/Terryville Thomaston  Torrington Watertown/Oakville Eligibility Criteria  To be eligible for a Thomaston Savings Bank Foundation Grant, your organization must meet the following criteria: A registered 501(c) 3 organization or government agency that demonstrates significant local impact. Applications from religious organizations will be considered for grant purposes that support programming that assists in meeting the needs of the community and/or falls under the scope of the above priority focus areas. The Thomaston Savings Bank Foundation generally does not invest in the following causes: Individuals including those seeking scholarships, fellowships or sponsorships for a personal cause Endowment campaigns Organizations designed primarily for funding lobbying, political action committees or political candidates Activities for religious purposes Other Foundations Organizations which are discriminatory in their practices For more information, visit Thomaston Savings Bank.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations in Shelby County, Ohio, to support innovative projects that address community needs and benefit local residents.

This grant provides financial support to organizations within a designated service area in Michigan to address various community needs and initiatives.

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.

The Skokie Community Foundation (SCF) seeks to invest in organizations and projects that are poised to make a difference in the lives of Skokie residents and strengthen the community beyond the grant period. Donor Name: Skokie Community Foundation State: County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 09/04/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Skokie Community Foundation (SCF) places particular priority on proposals that: Use a Collective Impact model, which is a network of community members, organizations, and institutions who advance equity by learning together, aligning, and integrating their actions to achieve population and systems level change.  Bring about unity in diversity and emphasize the importance of breaking down barriers, building relationships, and working toward a shared vision of unity and mutual respect and understanding in the Skokie community. Grant Period Grants will be made for one year for the period of January 1 through December 31, 2025. Type of Grant Program: Applications may be based upon new initiatives, pilot projects, or continuing improvements to projects that have shown long-term, positive impact. Funding: SCF typically funds grants in the amount of $5,000. Proposals may requestup to $10,000. Areas of Funding: Preference will be given to proposals that directly address how the project will benefit Skokie residents in areas of clearly identified needs. SCF fosters a supportive, engaged and dynamic community in Skokie through meaningful giving, collaboration and community programming. Eligibility Criteria  Each proposal must be submitted by at least two organizations working together to benefit Skokie residents. Each organization must submit a joint written statement (which can be brief) detailing that each organization jointly supports the project, and detailing their responsibilities or how they will support the proposed project. One of the co-applicants must be a 501(c)(3) organization, a school, or a government entity or must have a fiscal sponsor that qualifies as a tax-exempt organization under Sec. 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. All proposals must address issues, concerns and/or opportunities for Skokie and its residents. Proposals must primarily benefit Skokie residents and the majority of those benefiting must be Skokie residents. Applicants need not be based in Skokie. Evaluation Criteria SCF will evaluate proposals according to the following criteria: Does the proposal address a significant concern, need, or opportunity in Skokie? Can it be scaled? Does the proposal clearly show how the grant will be used to foster collaboration between organizations to make a positive change in Skokie that would not otherwise occur? Does the proposal address the role to be played by each co-applicant, the qualifications of each co-applicant, and the division of responsibilities between each co-applicant? If applicable, does the proposal address the recruitment of participants from Skokie? Is the project budget appropriate to the goals, objectives, and expected outcomes? Is the evaluation plan sufficient to track progress and determine success? How important is the funding to the project? Would the project move forward without it? For more information, visit Skokie Community Foundation.

The South Plains Foundation program grants is to encourage the development of programs for charitable purposes in Lubbock County, Texas. Donor Name: The Community Foundation of West Texas State: Texas County: Lubbock County (TX) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 08/01/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Funding Information Grants are typically limited to a maximum of $10,000. Eligibility Criteria  Grants are restricted to 501(c)3 nonprofit organizations, units of local government (i.e. School district, county, city, etc.) and faith-based organizations that serve the general community. Ineligibility  Annual appeals, endowment funds, membership contributions or fundraising events. Existing obligations, loans or debt retirement. Long-term operating support. Medical, scientific or academic research. Political campaigns or direct lobbying efforts. Operating and construction costs at schools or universities unless there is significant opportunity for community use or collaboration. Projects that focus on the promotion of specific religious beliefs or construction projects of churches and other religious institutions. Out of region travel for individuals, bands, sports teams, classes and similar groups. Grants to individuals or for-profit businesses. For more information, visit Community Foundation of West Texas.

This program provides funding to local organizations in Waterbury to support recreational activities and projects that engage the community.

The James E. Dutton Foundation is a charitable foundation providing financial support to organizations working on projects which benefit wildlife, animal causes, environmental preservation, and outdoors education. Donor Name: James E. Dutton Foundation State: Wisconsin County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 07/17/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: All of the grants they make seek to positively impact the environment, domestic animals, wildlife, human life, or all. We measure our success as an organization on how well our grants: Positively impact the environment, wildlife, and animal life, or Enhance human life through nature-related activities and education. Focus Areas  Care of Animals  Environment Health Land Management Research Education, Public Awareness, Recreational Funding Information  The Dutton Foundation be made for grants exceeding $15,000. Geographic Areas Although the Foundation has no geographic boundaries for it awards, the Foundation has primarily supported organizations located in, or benefiting, Wisconsin and the local Midwest area.  It is a rare exception for the Foundation to award a grant outside of Wisconsin. For more information, visit James E. Dutton Foundation.

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.

The Water-Right Charitable Fund, managed by the Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region, offers grants between $1000 to $10,000 to 501(c)(3) public charities in Wisconsin, particularly those serving the Fox Valley Region, to support projects addressing basic needs, environmental needs, and education.

This funding opportunity supports Boy Scout Councils in Massachusetts for significant capital improvements to summer and training camps, focusing on projects that enhance usability, reduce maintenance costs, or address urgent needs.

The Community Foundation for Kettering, funded by The Dayton Foundation, offers grants ranging from $1,000 to $10,000 to tax-exempt organizations under Section 501(c)(3) for the initiation of unique, self-sufficient projects that benefit the Greater Kettering area and promote community resource efficiency, but does not support endowment funds, travel, individual funding, specific research, religious activities, fundraising drives, award ceremonies, principal financial support, or deficit reduction.

Humanities Texas awards grants to nonprofit organizations and governmental entities to support a wide range of public programs: lectures, panel discussions, and conferences; teacher institutes; reading- and film-discussion groups; interpretive exhibits; television and radio programming; film production; and interactive multimedia programming. Donor Name: Humanities Texas State: Texas Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 08/15/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: 1 Year Details: All funded programs are firmly grounded in the humanities and are directed to the general public, both adults and young people, outside of the regular school or college classroom. Programs targeting special audiences such as K–12 teachers, ethnic and community groups, or professional groups are also welcome. Funding Information Mini-grants Mini-grants fund up to $2,000 of the costs associated with public humanities programs. These small grants—which are easy to apply for and administer, and are available on a rolling basis throughout the year—are particularly appropriate for funding a speaker and/or the rental of a traveling exhibition, including those provided by Humanities Texas. Major grants for community projects Major grants for community projects fund up to $20,000 of the costs for comprehensive public programs such as lectures, seminars, and conferences; book and film discussions; interpretive exhibitions and materials; town forums and civic discussions; and teacher workshops. Programs should reflect substantial participation by both humanities scholars and members of the target audience(s). Major grants for media projects Major grants for media projects fund up to $20,000 of the costs for film, radio, television, or interactive programming related to the humanities. Applicants may request funds for any phase of the project, including scripting, development, production, post-production, and in some cases, distribution and free public screenings. Humanities scholars should play an integral role in determining the content and approach of the project. Grant Period The grant period must range from two to twelve months. Eligible Projects  Funded projects take many different forms—lectures, panel discussions, and conferences; teacher institutes and workshops; reading and film discussion groups; site interpretations; the development and fabrication of interpretive exhibits; and the production of films, television and radio programming, and interactive media. However, all funded programs have the following characteristics in common. They are firmly grounded in the humanities Humanities scholars play an active role in their conception, design, and execution They are conducted in a spirit of open and informed inquiry They are directed primarily to the general public, both adults and young people, outside of the regular school or college classroom. Programs targeting special audiences such asK-12 teachers, community college faculty, ethnic and community groups, or professional groups are also welcome They are a single program (or single series of programs) for which there is a clear, coherent, and reportable outcome. Eligibility Criteria Nonprofit organizations and state and local governmental entities are eligible to receive Humanities Texas support. For more information, visit Humanities Texas.