New York Recreation Grants

This funding opportunity supports community-based programs that create safe, youth-led spaces for mental wellness and social connection for young people aged 12–24 in underserved areas of New York State.

This funding program provides financial support to municipalities in Albany County for improving parks and recreational facilities to enhance community well-being and accessibility.

This program provides funding to neighborhood associations, block clubs, and community organizations in Rochester to support locally driven projects that strengthen community ties and address local needs.

This fund provides financial support for community projects, conservation efforts, and educational scholarships to enhance the quality of life for residents in the Red Rock area of Columbia County, New York.

This funding opportunity supports rural communities in Maine, New Hampshire, New York, and Vermont by providing financial assistance for projects that stimulate economic growth, improve infrastructure, and enhance local services in areas with fewer than 5,000 residents.

This program provides funding to local governments in New York State for the development and improvement of public parks and recreational facilities that promote outdoor activities and enhance community well-being.

This funding opportunity is designed to support non-profits and community organizations in Livingston County, New York, in providing quality sports and educational programs for youth aged 6 to 17, promoting their physical health, educational success, and community engagement.

This grant provides financial support to nonprofit organizations in the northern Chautauqua region for projects that enhance community development and address local needs.

This funding program provides financial support to nonprofit organizations, municipalities, and local development groups in New York State to host community viewing events for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, promoting regional engagement and economic activity.

This program provides financial support to nonprofit organizations in Western New York to help children and families facing financial challenges participate in youth sports and educational activities.

This funding opportunity supports youth-led initiatives in Western New York that enhance out-of-school programs and youth sports by prioritizing youth voice and leadership in decision-making.

This grant provides funding to community groups in Syracuse for projects that enhance local parks and recreational areas through volunteer-led initiatives.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations in Southeast Michigan and Western New York that focus on community health, youth development, caregiver support, entrepreneurship, and nonprofit capacity building.

This grant provides funding to East Hampton Town departments, villages, nonprofits, and commercial entities for projects that improve local water quality through pollution reduction and habitat restoration initiatives.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to local governments and public agencies in New York State for projects that enhance bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure, promote active transportation, and improve community mobility.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to municipalities, non-profit organizations, and Indian Nations in New York State for purchasing land to protect natural resources, enhance outdoor recreation, and improve climate resilience.

This program provides funding for projects that improve water quality and enhance recreational opportunities in key lakes and streams of Chautauqua County, targeting collaborations among local governments, non-profits, schools, and landowners.

This grant provides financial support to private landowners, non-profits, and Indian Nations in rural New York to promote forest regeneration and health through sustainable management practices.

This program provides an 18-month fellowship for experienced leaders in health-related nonprofits and public agencies in western and central New York, focusing on collaboration and equity to address health challenges for young children and older adults.

The Summer Meals Capacity-Building Mini-Grants program, funded by the Rochester Area Community Foundation, aims to significantly increase the number of children and youth in the City of Rochester who receive summer meals, as well as extend the duration of meal service. This program directly aligns with the foundation's mission by addressing critical community needs, specifically food insecurity among youth in a designated high-need area. The federally funded Summer Meals program (Summer Food Service Program) ensures that children 18 and under, particularly those near schools with high free and reduced meal eligibility rates, continue to receive nutritious food when school is not in session. The primary beneficiaries of this grant are children and youth aged 18 and under within the City of Rochester, a city designated as a high-need area. The program specifically targets those who would otherwise lack access to consistent meals during the summer months. The impact goals are to enhance the capacity of Summer Meals sites to serve more children and to offer meals for a greater number of days. By providing essential nourishment, the program contributes to the overall well-being and health of Rochester's youth, helping to mitigate the "summer slide" in nutrition and academic readiness. The program prioritizes several key areas to achieve its goals. This includes supporting the hiring of a Summer Meals Volunteer Coordinator or supplemental staff to boost site capacity. It also focuses on one-time capital purchases such as tables, chairs, coolers, and other refrigeration/dining equipment to expand service capabilities. Furthermore, the grant encourages one-time capital purchases of equipment or supplies that promote physical activity and fun, thereby enticing more youth to participate and increasing the overall reach of the program. The expected outcomes and measurable results include an increase in the total number of children and youth served by the Summer Meals program and an expansion in the number of days meals are provided. While specific quantitative targets are not detailed, the grant's focus on capacity building inherently aims for a measurable increase in program reach and service duration. The funding information indicates grants of up to $15,000, which will facilitate these capacity-building efforts. The eligibility criteria emphasize partnerships with existing Summer Meals sponsors (City of Rochester, Rochester City School District, or Foodlink) or organizations with LEA status, ensuring alignment with established food service networks. The foundation's strategic priorities are evident in its commitment to addressing equity and supporting youth in the community, with a clear theory of change that by strengthening the infrastructure and staffing of summer meal programs, more children will have access to vital food resources.