Best Recreation Grants for Nonprofits in North Carolina

With a mission to inspire conservation, education, and recreation, North Carolina Division of Parks and Recreation provides North Carolina recreation and outdoor recreation nonprofits and government agencies with reimbursement funding for trail-related safety and education. Eligible projects include instructor and speaker fees, displays, signage, and similar safety and education efforts on recreational trails.

North Carolina schools and educators can seek funding for outdoor education and recreation field trips and programs in North Carolina, including visits to parks, outdoor centers, and historical sites. The North Carolina Youth Outdoor Engagement Commission’s Go Outside (GO) Grants offer up to US $5,000 for single-day or overnight trips with outdoor learning components.

North Carolina counties, municipalities, and eligible public authorities can seek matching grants up to US $500,000 to acquire park land, build or renovate recreational facilities, and improve public beach access on a single site. Grants from North Carolina State Parks help North Carolina outdoor recreation projects that enhance community quality of life and protect natural and scenic resources.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, fiscally sponsored groups, local governments, schools, and fire and rescue departments in North Carolina can apply for the High Country Recreation Endowment Grant, awarding US $500 - US $5,000 for parks and recreational activities in Watauga County. This North Carolina Community Foundation program supports local recreation and public space projects.

North Carolina 501(c)(3) organizations that promote safe, responsible sports or outdoor recreation, or support first responder programs, can receive in-kind donations for group-based activities and events. Academy Sports + Outdoors provides recreation-focused nonprofits in communities near its stores with gear or support to empower, encourage, and connect people through active lifestyles.

Nonprofits and public agencies planning large-scale parks or outdoor recreation facilities can seek matching funds for projects serving underserved communities, including those in North Carolina. Focused on outdoor recreation, the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection invites applicants to pursue US $300,000 - US $15,000,000 for acquisition or development of recreational spaces through the ORLP Program.

Conservation districts, state or territory associations and agencies, Resource Conservation & Development Councils, and Tribal organizations in North Carolina and other eligible U.S. locations can apply for National Association of Conservation Districts’ technical assistance grants; awards approximately US $18,000,000 total to hire staff for conservation outreach, education, and land stewardship, including outdoor and recreation-related conservation efforts.

Community-based 501(c)(3) organizations and K–12 schools in North Carolina’s eligible counties can apply for Local Initiatives Support Corporation’s Game On funding, awarding US $50,000 - US $100,000 for capital improvements to multi-use youth sports and recreation spaces. Projects must serve low- and moderate-income neighborhoods, provide broad community access, and secure 1:1 matching funds.

Outdoor recreation and conservation nonprofits in North Carolina can seek funding for ecosystem restoration, wildlife habitat, and hunting access and education projects. Focused on ecosystem health and collaborative stewardship, W.L. Gore & Associates’ SITKA Ecosystem Grants offer US $3,000 - US $20,000, with preference for experienced researchers, universities, nonprofits, and related groups in the U.S. and Canada.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations partnering with public land agencies can receive up to US $10,000 to run nature-based recreation projects that support veterans’ physical and mental health, including in North Carolina. Grants from National Environmental Education Foundation help expand outdoor activities, education, and community connection for veteran communities on accessible public lands.

Municipal entities, JCCs, YMCAs, and other nonprofits with existing splash pads in North Carolina can receive in-kind safety surfacing upgrades supporting outdoor recreation and inclusion. MNY Group and partners provide US $50,000 - US $65,000 in Life Floor tiles and installation for facilities demonstrating strong commitments to accessibility and inclusive design.

North Carolina municipal entities, JCCs, YMCAs, and other nonprofit organizations with existing splash pads can receive in-kind safety surfacing for outdoor recreation facilities, valued at US $50,000 - US $65,000. The Make a SPLASH! Need-Based Award from MNY Group and partners supports U.S. sites in lower-income areas with limited parks and recreation capital budgets.

Nonprofit organizations, government entities, sportsmen’s groups, and educational institutions in North Carolina can apply for Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation hunting heritage grants to support outdoor recreation and conservation education programs. With a mission to advance habitat stewardship, land conservation, wildlife management, and outdoor traditions, RMEF provides funding for mentored hunts, outreach events, and similar activities; individuals are not eligible.

North Carolina recreation and outdoor nonprofits can access funding through Cell Signaling Technology’s Environmental Grants to support clearly defined environmental projects, events, or specific purchases. U.S.-based 501(c)(3) organizations may receive US $500 - US $10,000 for ecosystem protection, wildlife research, pollution and waste reduction, environmental education, and conservation initiatives, with priority for action-oriented projects.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations supporting parks, outdoor recreation, youth programs, animal welfare, conservation, or veterans’ services can seek funding for recreation-related work, including in North Carolina. With a mission to strengthen those in need, Von Voigtlander Family Foundation prioritizes Michigan-based charities but may fund national projects when comparable local services are unavailable.

The Yamaha Outdoor Access Initiative supports outdoor enthusiasts and promotes responsible use of off-highway vehicles (OHVs). Its mission includes educating the public on land use and wildlife conservation while protecting access to public lands. Applications are accepted quarterly from nonprofit organizations and community groups focused on land stewardship and access improvements, ensuring a safe and sustainable outdoor experience for all.

The J.W. Couch Foundation Grant focuses on supporting Wildlife Conservation nonprofit organizations that align with their mission of community betterment and environmental protection. The foundation seeks partnerships with organizations that promote animal wellbeing, early childhood education, teacher support, and outdoor activities. Eligible applicants must be registered 501(c)3 nonprofits or for-profit entities aligned with their charitable programs. This grant emphasizes collaboration and community engagement to create lasting impacts.

Nonprofit community organizations, local governments, Tribes, and Native communities seeking to acquire, develop, or renovate parks and outdoor recreation areas in urban, underserved communities can apply for the Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership Program, awarding US $300,000 - US $15,000,000. With a mission to expand outdoor recreation, the National Park Service provides support that may benefit North Carolina recreation projects through eligible state and territorial agencies.

Individuals and small teams from underrepresented groups planning U.S. climbing, mountaineering, or outdoor recreation objectives can receive US $250 - US $2,000 to advance their skills and goals. North Carolina recreation and outdoor enthusiasts may be eligible if they are U.S. citizens or green card holders and their trip occurs between June 15, 2025 and June 30, 2026.

U.S.-based 501(c)(3) public charities or fiscally sponsored nonprofits that connect historically excluded communities with outdoor recreation and nature-based wellbeing programs, including those in North Carolina, can apply for support. With a mission to advance outdoor equity, REI Cooperative Action Fund backs initiatives connecting people outside, creating equitable outdoor spaces, and centering health outside.

Nonprofit organizations, municipalities, and public institutions running outdoor recreation or conservation projects in North Carolina can receive up to US $5,000 for specific programs, projects, or community events. Bass Pro Shops & Cabelas Outdoor Fund supports efforts near its retail locations that conserve wildlife and habitat or connect new audiences to the outdoors.

Bass Pro Shops & Cabela's Outdoor Fund supports conservation-focused nonprofits through fundraising events and donation of merchandise or gift cards. Organizations eligible for funding must be registered 501(c)(3) entities in the U.S. or provincially registered nonprofits in Canada. This initiative aims to connect communities to outdoor activities while promoting wildlife conservation and support for military veterans. Grants of up to $1,000 are available to enhance local fundraising efforts.

L.L.Bean Charitable Donations supports outdoor initiatives that bring communities together. The program encourages partnerships with inspiring individuals and organizations. To apply, ensure requests are made at least eight weeks before the event. Please note that the program does not fund individuals, advertising, specific schools, or projects outside the U.S. For more information, visit their website to learn how to get involved.

About Levitt

The Levitt Family Foundation exists to strengthen the social fabric of America. We partner with communities to activate underused outdoor spaces, creating welcoming, inclusive destinations where the power of free, live music brings people together and invigorates community life.

Festival Grants

The Levitt Foundation is offering grants of up to $5,000 to U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofits presenting free outdoor music festivals in 2026. 

The Larson-Veneklasen Outdoor Education Scholarship, established by Ken Larson and Diane Veneklasen, supports Tri-Cities residents pursuing outdoor educational experiences. Inspired by the Outward Bound philosophy, it aims to foster character development and self-discovery through adventure. Applicants can access multiple foundation scholarships with a single application. Required documents include transcripts and any additional materials specified for specific scholarships. Notably, financial need is not a priority, and high school seniors are not restricted from applying.

American Camp Association

The American Camp Association is a community of camp professionals who, for over 100 years, have joined together to share our knowledge and experience and to ensure the quality of camp programs. Because of our diverse 10,000 plus membership and our exceptional programs, we’re uniquely able to unleash the life-changing power of camp. Our work gives more children and adults the opportunity to learn powerful lessons in community, character-building, skill development, and healthy living — lessons that can be learned nowhere else.

Character at Camp Grant Program

The purpose of this program is to provide financial support, training, and technical assistance for selected day and overnight camps in the U.S. who are interested in starting, enhancing, expanding, or celebrating character development programs or projects. By the end of the Character at Camp initiative, we anticipate camps in the US will represent one of the largest and most potent contexts for character development in the learning and development ecosystem.

Eligible organizations can apply for a Planning Grant, an Implementation Grant, or a Network Implementation Grant.

Planning Grants

Planning Grants are designed for organizations that need a year of planning, training, and capacity building before they can develop and implement a full character program or project.

American Camp Association

The American Camp Association is a community of camp professionals who, for over 100 years, have joined together to share our knowledge and experience and to ensure the quality of camp programs. Because of our diverse 10,000 plus membership and our exceptional programs, we’re uniquely able to unleash the life-changing power of camp. Our work gives more children and adults the opportunity to learn powerful lessons in community, character-building, skill development, and healthy living — lessons that can be learned nowhere else.

Character at Camp Grant Program

The purpose of this program is to provide financial support, training, and technical assistance for selected day and overnight camps in the U.S. who are interested in starting, enhancing, expanding, or celebrating character development programs or projects. By the end of the Character at Camp initiative, we anticipate camps in the US will represent one of the largest and most potent contexts for character development in the learning and development ecosystem.

Eligible organizations can apply for a Planning Grant, an Implementation Grant, or a Network Implementation Grant.

Implementation Grants

Implementation Grants are designed for organizations that have a specific character program or project in mind and sufficient capacity to successfully implement that program or project starting in 2027. 

We welcome both individual and joint applications to the Implementation Grant Program.

Individual Applications 

Individual applications are for programs and projects that will be implemented by and for a single organization. Single organizations can propose programs and projects to be implemented across multiple sites — this would be considered an individual application as there is a single coordinating entity, and the small number of sites (less than six) operate more or less the same within this organization.

Joint Applications

Joint applications are for programs and projects that will be implemented by up to five organizations that will receive one grant award to implement programs and projects across each of the organizations. In this case, the organizations are either distinct and functionally independent from each other or are sites that operate more or less independently or with different programmatic foci from one another. One organization will submit the application and serve as the primary point of contact. Applicants submitting a joint application will be asked to identify the additional organizations in the application and to reflect budgetary allocations to these organizations