Best Recreation Grants for Nonprofits in Idaho

Nonprofits, government entities, and state-recognized nonprofits in Idaho can seek $3,000 - US $5,000 to support firearms safety, shooting sports, and hunting education programs. With a mission to promote safe firearms use and marksmanship, The NRA Foundation provides recreation and outdoor recreation groups with funding for education, safety training, and related research.

Nonprofit organizations and community projects in Idaho focused on recreation, basic needs, or environmental conservation can apply for Superfeet Foundation’s Local Grant Program, with awards of US $2,500 - US $10,000. With a mission to strengthen community well-being and the planet, it supports outdoor spaces, equitable access to recreation, and sustainability initiatives across the Pacific Northwest.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Idaho and the broader Pacific Northwest can apply for Foster Foundation grants supporting recreation, community engagement, and related services. Funding may cover cultural, artistic, and sports programs alongside basic human needs, education, and health initiatives that serve underserved children, women, seniors, and other disadvantaged residents.

The Polaris Trails Grants Program, launched in January 2006, supports off-road and snow clubs across the U.S. and Canada. This pioneering initiative funds projects that promote safe riding, trail preservation, and environmental protection. Organizations can receive up to $10,000 for trail development, safety initiatives, and maintaining land access. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(7) organizations, while funds are not available for politically or religiously affiliated programs.

The FS Foundation Grant: Building for Better Belonging supports 501(c)(3) nonprofits with budgets under $5 million, aiming to enhance the lives of individuals with profound functional limitations. This funding opportunity encourages innovative projects that foster community engagement through access to adaptive resources, artistic creations, career training, and health initiatives. Grants of $50,000 to $100,000 are available to cover up to half of total project costs, ensuring collaboration with other funding sources to maximize impact.

Radio Flyer is dedicated to supporting organizations that promote outdoor play and well-being for children. They focus on charitable giving to national organizations like The Starlight Children’s Foundation, which aids children’s health, and partner with KaBOOM! to build playgrounds for underprivileged kids. Local nonprofits in the Chicagoland area are also supported, emphasizing education and health for children up to eight years old. This mission aligns with their goal of creating smiles and lasting memories through play.

The Sustainable Slopes Grant Program, initiated by the National Ski Areas Association in 2009, supports NSAA member ski areas in their sustainability efforts. With over $890,000 awarded, the program facilitates projects that enhance energy efficiency, protect natural habitats, and promote recycling. This year, applicants can apply for Cash Grants, the Herman K. Dupré Sustainable Snowmaking Grant, or the new Recycling Grant, all aimed at reducing environmental footprints and achieving sustainability goals.

Idaho recreation and outdoor nonprofits focused on wildlife conservation storytelling can access funding through Jesse W Couch Charitable Foundation to share the impact of their work. This national Storytelling Grant supports 501(c)(3) and aligned for-profit organizations within the foundation’s preservation, education, or wellness pillars, with awards of more than US $50,000 for impact-focused storytelling projects.

Nonprofit or tax-exempt public land teams, riding areas, and outdoor or land conservation groups in Idaho can seek funding for OHV trail access, improvements, maintenance, mapping, and safety projects. With a mission to support safe, responsible off-highway vehicle use, Yamaha Motor provides quarterly grants for projects that protect and expand sustainable motorized recreation on public lands.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations supporting parks, trails, and outdoor recreation may be eligible for recreation funding in Idaho and nationwide. With a mission to strengthen those in need, Von Voigtlander Family Foundation provides grants for conservation of recreation areas, youth programs and camps, animal welfare and service animals, and services for military veterans and their families.

Idaho outdoor recreation and conservation nonprofits can access funding through Cell Signaling Technology for clearly defined environmental projects, events, or specific goods and services. U.S.-based 501(c)(3) organizations working on ecosystem protection, wildlife research, pollution and waste reduction, environmental education, and related stewardship projects may receive US $500 - US $10,000, with priority for action-oriented, direct-impact work.

Nonprofit organizations, government entities, sportsmen’s groups, and educational institutions in Idaho can apply for Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation hunting heritage and conservation education grants supporting outdoor recreation and wildlife programs. With a mission to conserve natural resources and outdoor traditions, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation provides funding for habitat stewardship, land conservation and access, wildlife management, and hunting heritage activities.

Municipal entities and nonprofit facilities with existing splash pads in Idaho can receive in-kind safety surfacing for outdoor recreation upgrades. MNY Group supports recreation in the U.S. by funding the Make a SPLASH! Need-Based Award, providing US $50,000 - US $65,000 in Life Floor tiles and installation for qualifying splash pads in lower-income communities.

Municipal entities, JCCs, YMCAs, and other nonprofits with existing splash pads in Idaho can receive in-kind safety surfacing and installation to enhance accessibility and inclusivity. MNY Group offers the Make a SPLASH! Inclusive Design Award nationally, providing US $50,000 - US $65,000 in Life Floor tiles and installation for qualifying U.S. facilities.

Individuals of any age with cystic fibrosis in Idaho can receive funding for recreation and physical fitness expenses through BreatheStrong CF’s Exercise Grants, with awards up to US $650. Eligible U.S. applicants may cover gym memberships, lessons, sports fees, outdoor activities, or home exercise equipment to support regular, health-promoting activity.

Nonprofits, municipalities, and public institutions in Idaho hosting recreation-related fundraisers or banquets can receive up to US $2,500 in in-kind merchandise or gift cards for event giveaways. Grants from Bass Pro Shops & Cabelas Outdoor Fund help organizations focused on conserving wildlife and habitat, outdoor access, and supporting military and veterans near their retail stores.

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 Idaho. Grants from National Environmental Education Foundation help outdoor and recreation programs cover services, materials, administrative costs, and billed labor on eligible public lands.

Nonprofits, municipalities, and public institutions in Idaho can seek funding for specific outdoor recreation and conservation projects, such as youth fishing clinics, adaptive kayak launches, gear libraries, or trail maintenance. Bass Pro Shops & Cabelas Outdoor Fund offers up to US $5,000 for initiatives that conserve wildlife and habitat or connect new audiences to the outdoors.

Nonprofits, university researchers, and other experienced conservation partners in Idaho and beyond can seek US $3,000 - US $20,000 for ecosystem and outdoor recreation projects that enhance wildlife, access, and stewardship. Focused on habitat restoration, hunting access and education, and collaborative conservation, W.L. Gore & Associates’ SITKA Ecosystem Grants are invitation-only and begin with a brief inquiry.

Conservation districts, state or territory conservation associations and agencies, Resource Conservation & Development Councils, and Tribal organizations in Idaho can apply for National Association of Conservation Districts technical assistance grants; awards Approximately US $18,000,000 to expand conservation staffing. Funding supports outreach, education, and technical assistance that enhance land stewardship, outdoor recreation access, and environmental justice nationwide.

Nonprofit and public entities planning large-scale outdoor recreation or park projects can seek funding for acquisition or development serving underserved communities, including Idaho, through the Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership Program. Focused on outdoor recreation, Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection offers US $300,000 - US $15,000,000 in 50% matching funds for eligible projects nationwide.

Nonprofit partners, local governments, Tribes, and community organizations in Idaho and other eligible areas can seek funding to acquire, develop, or renovate parks and outdoor recreation spaces. With a mission to expand outdoor recreation access, National Park Service provides recreation projects with US $300,000 - US $15,000,000 through the Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership Program.

U.S.-based 501(c)(3) public charities or fiscally sponsored groups connecting historically excluded communities to the outdoors can seek funding for outdoor recreation and nature-based health initiatives, including those in Idaho. With a mission to advance outdoor equity, REI Cooperative Action Fund supports programs that connect people outside, create equitable outdoor spaces, or center health outside.

Individuals and small teams in Idaho planning U.S.-based climbing or mountaineering objectives can receive US $250 - US $2,000 to overcome barriers to accessing the climbing community. Idaho outdoor recreation groups serving historically underrepresented climbers may be eligible for American Alpine Club’s Catalyst Grant, including support for expeditions or community-focused program creation projects.

The Clif Family Foundation Open Call invites 501(c)(3) organizations to apply for grants supporting general operating costs or specific projects. With a focus on regenerative farming, food worker health, climate justice, and food access, the foundation aims to empower grassroots initiatives. Grants range from $5,000 to $50,000, with applications reviewed twice a year. Deadlines are March 1 and August 1, and announcements occur about four months post-deadline.

The Mazamas is committed to exploring and preserving mountain environments in the Pacific Northwest through research grants. These grants support nonprofit research that aligns with the Mazamas’ mission, encouraging proposals from graduate and undergraduate students. Successful applicants often conduct field studies that enhance understanding of the region's natural features. Notably, the Mazamas also welcome innovative research ideas that may fall outside traditional grant guidelines, promoting a diverse range of scientific inquiry.

The National Forest Foundation's Matching Awards Program connects communities to forests by funding stewardship activities that promote engagement with National Forests and nearby public lands. This program aims to create lasting impacts, ensuring that all communities can benefit from the rich resources of these natural areas. By supporting various projects, the program fosters a deeper relationship between people and the environment, ultimately enhancing conservation efforts and community well-being.