Pennsylvania Recreation Grants

The Centre Foundation's Field-of-Interest grant program, open to qualified 501(c)(3) nonprofits and governmental units in Centre County, Pennsylvania, offers $162,914 in funding for projects focusing on education, health, social services, arts, and youth development, to be used within a year starting from December 2024.

The Community Fund is an annual grant opportunity hosted by the Philadelphia City Fund in which community organizations are invited to submit proposals for charitable projects that address Philadelphia’s greatest areas of need and align with the City of Philadelphia’s goals to improve the quality of life for all residents. Donor Name: The Philadelphia City Fund State: Pennsylvania City: Philadelphia Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 08/26/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: This grant opportunity is made possible through the Philadelphia City Fund’s partnership with the Philadelphia Marathon Weekend, which allocates a portion of its annual revenues to the Community Fund. For the 2024 Community Fund grant cycle, the Fund and its partners at the Philadelphia Marathon Weekend seek to support programming that takes a holistic approach to youth wellness and inspires lifelong healthy activity. This year’s theme will focus on “Nurturing healthy minds, bodies, and spirits through out of school time programming.” The Fund will accept proposals from charitable nonprofit organizations that provide out of school time (“OST”) programming that promotes the healthy physical, social, educational, and emotional development of youth, ages pre-K thru 12th grade, in Philadelphia. Funding Information The total funding allocated for the 2024 cycle is $250,000. Grantees will receive awards of $25,000 in unrestricted funds to be used however they see fit, which can include general operations, programmatic activities, or other costs that support the organization’s mission. Eligibility Criteria In order to be considered for funding, applications must be submitted according to the deadlines, eligibility, and format as set forth in these guidelines and on the online submission form. Applicants must demonstrate their charitable organization’s 501(c)(3) status. If the applicant organization will be sponsored by a charitable fiscal sponsor, the applicant must demonstrate its sponsor’s charitable 501(c)(3) status. The Fund seeks to support small nonprofit organizations. Only organizations with annual operating budgets which do not exceed $5 million are eligible. Only organizations that provide out-of-school time (“OST”) programming to youth in Philadelphia will be considered eligible. OST programming is defined as programs and activities designed for youth enrolled in pre-K through 12th grade to contribute to the overall well-being and safety of youth through access to services that promote their healthy, physical, social, educational, and emotional development. In order to increase equitable access to OST programming across the city, preference will be given to requests from organizations that provide programming in the following Priority ZIP Codes: 19120, 19124, 19132, 19134, 19138, 19139, 19141, and 19144. Priority ZIP Codes were identified through an analysis conducted by the City of Philadelphia’s Office of Children and Families, Performance Management and Technology Team. This analysis used metrics related to quality of life (i.e. poverty rates, number of shootings, and percentage of youth involved with the City’s Department of Human Services (DHS)), the distribution of OST slots across the city, and the utilization of slots funded by DHS. Grant awards will be unrestricted, with a one-year grant term expected to begin in February 2025. Funding may be used as the grantee sees fit, which can include general operating support, programmatic activities, or other expenses that support the organization’s mission. Applicants will be expected to address the grant cycle theme “Nurturing healthy minds, bodies, and spirits through out-of-school time programming” in their application, either by connecting the theme with their organization’s mission and/or programming, or, if you intend to use this funding to support specific programming, by explaining how the proposed activities meet the theme. Grant funds may be used to supplement (but not replace or redirect) any federal, state, and/or local funding currently provided. Grant funds will be awarded on a one-time basis, with no obligation for future funding from the Philadelphia City Fund. If awarded funding through this opportunity, grantees will be expected to meet the requirements of the Pennsylvania childcare regulations throughout the grant term. In accordance with the Child Protective Services Laws, 24 P.S. § 1-111, as amended, and 23 Pa. C.S.A. §§ 6354-6358, it is required that all employees, officers, agents, servants, volunteers, or subcontractors of the grantee who will have direct contact with children must have: Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Clearance (Act 33) Pennsylvania State Police Criminal History Clearance (Act 34) Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) Criminal History Clearance Mandated reporter trainings For those sites operating in PA DHS Certified childcare sites, the National Sex Offender Registry verification is also required. If awarded funding through this opportunity, grantees will be expected to carry and maintain all insurance coverage reasonably necessary and appropriate under State and Federal laws during the grant term. Upon request, grantees must be able to provide the Philadelphia City Fund with a certificate of insurance evidencing its coverage. For more information, visit The Philadelphia City Fund.

The Pennsylvania Environmental Council (PEC) is offering a grant of $2000 for projects that address urgent, unforeseen situations on designated water trails, with the aim of creating recreational opportunities, supporting sustainable use of natural resources, and improving access to Pennsylvania Water Trails.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to public entities and nonprofit organizations in Pennsylvania for projects that enhance public access to waterways, ensuring they remain open and free for community use for 25 years.

The Pennsylvania Shooting Range Improvement Grant Program is designed to provide financial support to Pennsylvania’s aging shooting range infrastructure. Donor Name: Pennsylvania Game Commission State: Pennsylvania County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 09/01/2024 Size of the Grant: $100,000 to $500,000 Grant Duration: 5-10 Years Details: The purpose of the SRIP grant is to bring life into aging infrastructure while creating opportunities for more access for new members. The PGC is proud of state’s hunting and shooting heritage and is here to work together to ensure the future is bright for the next generation. Many states have been leaders in the development of ranges on state-owned properties for several years. According to those states, agency range development has been beneficial in many ways including: Increased use of state lands. Decreased firearms-related vandalism in those areas with developed and accessible ranges. Local citizen support and appreciation. Increased generated funds. Enhanced user support of the hunting and shooting sports. Program Goals Increase public access to private and club-type facilities. Enhance shooting range facility availability or quality to the public. Enhance public safety and environmental stewardship. Enhance facilities available for the Pennsylvania Hunter-Trapper Education Program. Provide funding to shooting facilities that have not received grants previously. Program Tiers The Shooting Range Improvement Program will have a tier structure within the application for funding of projects after completion of the one-year pilot program. It will include three separate tiers based on the grant amount and useful life of the project for providing deliverables. Tier One Projects (Pilot year 2024, Max $30,000) will be a grant amount up to $50,000 with a useful life of five years. Deliverables for tier one: PGC signage of program funding  One youth field day per year or two hunter/shooter education classes 10 public days per calendar year (matches, tournaments, sight in days, open house event) Tier Two Projects will be a grant amount between $50,000 to $250,000 with a useful life of 10 years. Deliverables for tier two: PGC signage of program funding. One youth field day per year or two hunter/shooter education classes. 20 public days per calendar year (matches, tournaments, sight in days, open house event). Tier Three Projects will be a grant amount of $250,000 and up with a useful life of 15 years. Deliverables for tier three: PGC signage of program funding. One youth field day. Minimum 3 hunter/shooter education. 25 public days per calendar year (matches, tournaments, sight in days, open house event). Eligible Projects Projects for rifle, handgun, shotgun, skeet, and trap ranges should be designed to standards found in National Rifle Association (NRA) Range Source Book, a Guide to Planning and Construction or the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) website. For archery ranges, design information is available on websites for the Archery Trade Association, the National Field Archery Association, and other organizations. Design may also mirror PGC state game land ranges. Eligibility Criteria  Applicants who are eligible to apply for SRIP grants are existing shooting ranges, shooting clubs, recreational shooting organizations, archery clubs, and education groups. Applicants must demonstrate public use of current facilities. Examples of public use of facilities include public range times, educational outreach/trainings, or organized shooting competitions. Retail ranges are not eligible to apply for this program. For more information, visit Pennsylvania Game Commission.

The York County Community Foundation is offering a three-year grant of $100,000 to $500,000 for municipalities, county agencies, school districts, and non-profit organizations in York County, Pennsylvania, to preserve and protect open spaces, natural habitats, and waterways through land acquisition, planning studies, and ordinance assistance, with a focus on public access, recreational opportunities, and natural resource protection.

Love Your Block is a City of Pittsburgh program that brings neighbors together to improve communities by combating blight, creating assets, and building resilience, block by block. Donor Name: The City of Pittsburgh State: County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant | Reimbursement Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 06/28/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Projects may include but are not limited to community garden maintenance, neighborhood clean-ups, or tree and flower planting. Successful projects will build strong partnerships, leverage donations, and most importantly, engage neighbors. In planning for strong and successful projects, consider the following priorities: Build strong partnerships Consider having local businesses come out and lend a hand or donate food or materials. Recruit volunteers from a local VFW post or have a service-learning component for youth. Leverage donations Consider having residents donate plants, compost material, or food for your volunteer event day. Make sure it’s feasible City loves creative ideas– but don’t bite off more than you can chew! If you have a huge idea, make Love Your Block a first step in the right direction and secure some other partners that can assist with your plans. Engage neighbors While your volunteers can come from anywhere, they’ve found that the most impactful projects utilize volunteers within proximity to the project. People like to be a part of what’s happening next door and are more likely to maintain and sustain the project afterward if they helped plan and implement it. Funding Information Love Your Block is a City of Pittsburgh program with a maximum award of $2,500. Funding is provided through reimbursement after project implementation. Eligibility Criteria Funding must be awarded through a nonprofit. If your organization is not a nonprofit, you can ask one to be your sponsor. Nonprofits are welcome to sponsor multiple projects. Projects must benefit the public. Projects on private property must have the written permission of the owner. All projects are subject to City of Pittsburgh Zoning and Permit guidelines. Project-related events must follow COVID-19 guidelines that are in place at the time of the events. For more information, visit The City of Pittsburgh.

POISE Foundation is accepting Letters of Intent for its Community Impact Grants to assist the Black community in achieving self-sustaining practices through strategic leadership, collective giving, grantmaking, and advocacy. Donor Name: Poise Foundation State: County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 07/15/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Through the Community Impact Grants, the Foundation provides small grants to nonprofit organizations located in the Pittsburgh Region that provide services, and seeks to bring change to the Black community which leads to empowerment and self-sufficiency.  In general, grants are one year in duration. POISE typically provides grants to Black-led, Black serving nonprofit organizations offering programs and services that fit within one or more of their Priority Areas: Community & Economic Development Programming that helps community leaders, residents and their communities build capacity to engage in civic participation, to collaborate, to make decisions and to advocate for the well-being of Black communities and the residents that live there.  These types of programs also seek to  engage community members in learning about and understanding community issues, and the economic, social, environmental, political, psychological, and other impacts on their way of life.  In addition, these programs should aim to foster pathways from poverty to prosperity for individuals and families in Black communities.  They also look for programming that encourages diverse and robust neighborhood and community economies. Education Programming that supports and advances the Educational achievement of Black youth in the Pittsburgh Region. They also invest in programming that offers innovative approaches to learning experiences that engage families and communities in the academic and social success of Black youth. Entrepreneurial Activities Programming that advances the creation and development of Black businesses and cooperatives in the Pittsburgh Region. Young Ladies Programming that supports and advances the well-being of young ladies in preparation for future endeavors in the Pittsburgh Region. Strengthening Black Families Through Strengthening Black Families, they can envision a region where the Black Family is restored a core institution that is actively thriving and engaged in the re-development and transformation of Pittsburgh’s Black community.  The Foundation will invest in programs and activities that build, strengthen, and support Black families. Priority will be given to programs and projects that focus on: being family-driven; building, strengthening, and supporting family development; increasing family time, interaction, engagement and communication; being culturally and contextually responsive in approach; assisting families with building authentic support networks with other families; providing families with tools and opportunities to build the skills necessary to advocate for their needs; and promoting and supporting family healing and wellness. Funding Information Grants are typically between $1,000-$5,000. Eligibility Criteria Only organizations classified as one of the following are eligible for grants from the Foundation: A 501(c)(3) tax-exempt public charity Organizations/Groups with a Fiscal Sponsor that is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt public charity Churches seeking support for non-religious activities (i.e. food banks, after school programs, etc.) They do not give grants to individuals or for-profit organizations. Preference will be given to organizations that are Black-led meeting two of the three following criteria: Executive Director is Black and/or African American 50% of Board is Black and/or African American 75% of community served is Black and/or African American For more information, visit POISE Foundation.

Applications are now being accepted for the Martin M. Sacks Memorial Fund. Donor Name: Martin M. Sacks Memorial Fund State: Pennsylvania County: Cumberland County (PA), Dauphin County (PA), Perry County (PA) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 09/01/2024 Size of the Grant: Less than $1000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The Martin M. Sacks Memorial Fund, a fund of The Foundation for Enhancing Communities, was established in 1984 in memory of Martin M. Sacks, a well-known accountant and handball devotee. Mr. Sacks was committed to supporting nonprofit organizations that provide programs and services for the disadvantaged and underserved, particularly youth. The Martin M. Sacks Memorial Fund invites established 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations to submit proposals to support youth and family oriented programs and services that are consistent with the mission of your agency. Grants are awarded to eligible nonprofit organizations serving the south central PA counties of Cumberland, Dauphin, and/or Perry Counties. Preference will be given to programs and/or services that are provided to or within Harrisburg and the immediate surrounding areas. The committee seeks to support innovative activities that directly benefit at-risk children, youth, and their families. Funding Information Up to $1,000. Eligible Activities  Eligible activities may include (but are not limited to): Services for homeless women and their children Therapeutic counseling services Domestic violence and abuse services Support groups for individuals or families Physical, emotional, or behavioral health services Sports and recreation programs After-school programs Services for children/youth with special needs. Eligibility Criteria  This opportunity is available to nonprofit organizations serving the south central PA counties of Cumberland, Dauphin, and/or Perry Counties. Preference will be given to programs and/or services that are provided to or within Harrisburg and the immediate surrounding areas. Proposals should: Be innovative and not duplicate existing programs and services Empower the disadvantaged and underserved Be collaborative in nature Demonstrate measurable and achievable outcomes. For more information, visit TFEC.

The Trans Resilience Fund is a grant program of Gender Justice Fund to support regional trans communities. Donor Name: Gender Justice Fund State: Pennsylvania County: Bucks County (PA), Chester County (PA), Delaware County (PA), Montgomery County (PA) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 06/21/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The Fund uses a participatory grantmaking process in which a committee of trans and non-binary community members sets guidelines and makes funding decisions. The Trans Resilience Fund is a pooled fund supported external funding partners. The 2024 funding partners are: the Claneil Foundation, the Collective Future Fund, the Homeless Assistance Fund, the Patricia Kind Family Foundation, and the Valentine Foundation. Priorities  The grantmaking committee will prioritize: Groups working in Philadelphia Groups serving BIPOC trans communities. Groups with trans and/or BIPOC leadership. Groups serving trans youth and/or disabled and/or elderly trans individuals. Funding Information Applicants may apply for grants of $5,000 or $10,000. Uses of funds  Organizations/ groups may use funds for different purposes, depending on their size and who they serve. Organizations with budgets of under $250,000, who also exclusively serve trans communities can apply to use funds for the following: Direct financial support for trans individuals via food, cash or transportation assistance; covering medical, housing, or utility costs; or payment of other expenses related to health and safety. Providing services to trans individuals. Organizing and advocacy for the trans community. General operating support. Organizations with budgets of under $250,000, who do not exclusively serve trans communities can apply to use funds for the following: Direct financial support for trans individuals via food, cash or transportation assistance; covering medical, housing, or utility costs; or payment of other expenses related to health and safety. Providing services to trans individuals. Organizing and advocacy for the trans community. Organizations with budgets of over $250,000, can ONLY apply for funds to be used for the following: Direct financial support for trans individuals via food, cash or transportation assistance; covering medical, housing, or utility costs; or payment of other expenses related to health and safety. Organizations applying in this category may use 10% of their grant to cover the cost of administering funds. Eligibility Criteria  Applicants must be non-profit groups/organizations (two or more individuals working collectively to provide services to the broader community), not individuals or for-profit entities. Applicants do not have to be incorporated as a 501 (c) (3) organization but must certify that their work meets IRS criteria for funding. Applicants must be located in and serving Philadelphia and/or Chester, Bucks, Montgomery, or Delaware Counties. Both new and established groups/organizations are welcome to apply. Traditional nonprofit organizations as well as grassroots groups, including those with non-hierarchical leadership structures can apply. Applicants who received funding in 2023 are eligible to reapply but MUST complete a report on their previous grant in order to be considered. For more information, visit Gender Justice Fund.

This program provides funding to public and private operators for the construction and improvement of transient moorage facilities for recreational motorboats 26 feet or longer, ensuring they are accessible for short-term stays.

The Pumpout Grant Program provides funding to both public and private boating facilities for up to 75% of the costs to build, renovate, and maintain sewage pumpout and dump stations, with the goal of reducing pollution from boat sewage.

This program provides funding to non-profit organizations in Pennsylvania to develop and promote tourism initiatives that encourage overnight stays through events, facility improvements, and marketing efforts.

The Adams County Community Foundation focuses its Adams County Grants program to encourage bigger thinking around strengthening vulnerable people on a systemic level through three primary focus areas. Donor Name: Adams County Community Foundation State: Pennsylvania County: Adams County (PA) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 07/06/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Focus Areas Capacity Building Grants intended to help nonprofits become more effective at addressing the needs of vulnerable residents. (Up to $25,000) Program Grants to help nonprofits make a meaningful and sustained difference in people’s lives, by helping low-income residents move toward self-sufficiency. (Up to $25,000) Collaboration Grants to support significant collaborative projects that advance affordable housing, transportation and economic development. (Up to $30,000) Eligibility Criteria  Nonprofits with tax-exempt status under IRS Section 501(c)(3) serving Adams County residents, whose nondiscrimination policies are consistent with the Adams County Community Foundation Nondiscrimination Policy on Employment and Grantmaking. Ineligibility  Adams County Grants Will Not Fund: Organizations that are not tax exempt under section 501(c)(3) Public Charity of the Internal Revenue Code Organizations based outside Adams County, unless it can be clearly demonstrated that Adams County residents will benefit from the grant requested Grants to individuals Private foundations Projects aimed at promoting a particular religion or construction project for religious institutions Programs at private schools that benefit only their students Political campaigns or direct lobbying efforts Debt retirement or funding for projects already completed Fundraising events and galas Core curriculum for schools Travel for bands, sports teams, classes and similar groups. For more information, visit ACCF.

The Adams County Community Foundation seeks applications from young people ages 14-24, to the Shirley Smith Youth Service Fund. Donor Name: Adams County Community Foundation State: Pennsylvania County: Adams County (PA) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 06/30/2024 Size of the Grant: Not Available Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Objective To help young people cover up to 75% of the cost to do service projects or mission work. Eligibility Criteria  Individual young people in the greater Adams County region, ages 14-24, participating in local, national or international service projects overseen by churches, schools or nonprofits. Projects may be associated with a wide variety of organizations including Youth Groups, Scouting, 4-H, High School or Colleges. These projects may be done in hospitals, nursing homes, veterinarian facilities, homeless shelters, or any community space. Service projects should help people, animals or an entire community. They could provide disaster relief and include serving on church mission teams and doing humanitarian outreach. Grants may also be awarded for training seminars or conferences for youth to be equipped to serve. Eligible youth must submit a completed application to the Community Foundation to include: The sponsoring nonprofit or organization A project description Applicant’s motivation for participating in or creating the project. The applicant’s total project cost, or participation fee, and plans to raise the amount for which the applicant is responsible. For more information, visit ACCF.

This program provides funding to public entities and nonprofit organizations in Pennsylvania for the design, construction, or improvement of public access facilities for non-motorized waterway recreation.

This funding opportunity assists communities in developing a portfolio of ready sites to attract and support growing businesses, with loans available specifically for private developers.

This program provides competitive funding for community organizations and local governments to build or improve public facilities that support work, education, and health monitoring in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

This funding is designed to help attract and support high-quality amateur and professional sports and e-sports events in Pennsylvania, boosting tourism and economic growth throughout the state.

This program provides funding to municipalities, nonprofits, educational institutions, and other organizations in Pennsylvania for the development and improvement of parks, trails, and recreational spaces to enhance community livability and promote conservation.