Best Recreation Grants for Nonprofits in Wisconsin

Nonprofit and other charitable organizations supporting recreation, youth activities, or community wellness in Wisconsin can seek grants to create tangible benefits in local IRONMAN race communities. With a mission to make a positive and lasting impact, The Ironman Foundation provides funding for programs in athletics, community, health, and public benefit that show measurable results.

Public charities, government entities, tribal communities, and accredited schools in Wisconsin can receive US $100 - US $1,500 to connect pre-K–12 youth with outdoor, nature-based learning and recreation. The Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin’s Go Outside Fund supports field supplies, transportation, and educator costs for projects that get students learning outside.

Wisconsin 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(4) friends groups and nonprofit conservation organizations can receive up to US $20,000 to improve nature-based outdoor recreation facilities and restore habitat on state properties. Focused on outdoor recreation, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources invites eligible nonprofits to enhance trails, access, and related infrastructure through capital improvements and durable equipment projects.

Wisconsin local governments and eligible organizations improving parks, trails, and outdoor recreation in Wisconsin can access funding through the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. These programs support land acquisition, park development, urban green space and river projects, recreational trails, and other public outdoor recreation facilities that expand high-quality, accessible recreation opportunities statewide.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations offering recreation or outdoor recreation programs in Wisconsin communities served by Union Pacific can seek US $5,000 - US $30,000 for local projects. With a mission to strengthen community vitality, Union Pacific Foundation provides small and medium-sized grants for safety, recreation, youth development, environmental sustainability, and related community services.

Local governments, tribes, and school districts in Wisconsin can use this program to fund outdoor recreation facilities and activities. With a mission to expand outdoor recreation, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources provides eligible entities with Land and Water Conservation Fund grants in partnership with the National Park Service for parks, trails, and related projects.

Wisconsin friends groups and conservation nonprofits can access funding for nature-based outdoor recreation facilities and habitat restoration on state properties, with awards from US $20,000 - US $60,000. Wisconsin outdoor recreation organizations can access funding through Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources to build or improve trails, access roads, shelters, signage, and other long-term capital improvements that enhance public use.

Eligible 501(c) organizations, government entities, and state-recognized nonprofits in Wisconsin can receive US $3,000 - US $5,000 to support firearms safety, shooting sports, hunting education, and related research. The NRA Foundation provides recreation and outdoor recreation groups with funding for safety training, youth education, marksmanship, and charitable shooting sports programs.

Friends groups and eligible 501(c)(3)/(4) nonprofit conservation organizations in Wisconsin can apply for Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources grants up to US $20,000 per state property to improve nature-based outdoor recreation facilities and restore habitat. Funding covers up to 50% of project costs for long-term capital improvements on state properties, including trails, access, support facilities, and accessible features.

Eligible Wisconsin cities, villages, towns, counties, tribes, and state or federal agencies can apply for Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Off-highway Motorcycle Trail Grants to develop, maintain, or rehabilitate OHM trails and facilities. This funding may benefit outdoor recreation projects that expand or improve motorized trail access and related infrastructure across the state.

Local governments, tribes, and school districts in Wisconsin can receive reimbursement grants covering up to 50% of eligible costs to create or enhance outdoor recreation facilities and opportunities. Focused on outdoor recreation and equity, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources requires reasonable public access for any property purchased or developed with these funds.

Focused on recreation and wellness, Schoen Family Charitable Trust invites Wisconsin 501(c)(3) nonprofits to seek support for programs that enhance mental and physical well-being through fitness and recreation. Organizations may also be funded for related education, health, and family services work benefiting Midwestern communities, including Wisconsin and Iowa.

Cities, counties, tribal governments, and other Wisconsin public entities can apply for Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources shooting range grants to build or improve indoor and outdoor ranges and related essential facilities. Recreation-focused agencies and educational institutions may benefit when planning range construction, safety upgrades, or restroom, storage, and classroom improvements on their properties.

The Vineyard Family Foundation

The Vineyard Family Foundation is the product of decades of work across three generations and five states. Having enjoyed the benefits of our hard work and community patronage, the Vineyard family has chosen to provide to others what so many have graciously provided to us. 

What Sets Us Apart

The Vineyard family has always been committed to its communities. Whether supporting Boys & Girls Clubs, pediatric hospitals, the Ronald McDonald House, arts organizations, or youth recreation leagues, the family has taken a great interest in the care, health, and education of children and the families that nurture them. We take great pride in personally administering our Foundation’s charitable giving, resulting in fewer expenses and more funding for those organizations aligned with the Foundation’s purpose.

Grants

• Supporting Our Communities and Their Families
• Working Towards the Health, Education, and Overall Well-Being of Parents and Their Children

You are steps away from creating an opportunity to receive full or partial funding of your charitable organization. So that you use your time wisely, we offer the following advice for your efforts:

• As a family foundation, we are prohibited from funding individuals or any entity that is not an IRS-recognized Section 501(c)(3) tax-exempt entity or a Section 509(a)(1), (2), or (3) support organization. Thus, while we cannot award a scholarship to an individual, we can fund a 501(c)(3) charity that provides such scholarships.

• If you qualify as a Section 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization or a support organization pursuant to Section 509(a)(1-3), we will need the IRS Determination Letter confirming as much, as well as a statement signed by your organization’s President or Chief Executive Officer verifying that your organization’s purposes, structure, and operations have not changed substantially since the date of the IRS’s Determination Letter.

• If you are a “supporting organization” under IRS Code section 509(a)(1-3), please provide a list of the public charities that you support. Please also advise whether you are a Type I, Type II, or Type III supporting organization. If you are a Type III supporting organization, please advise whether you are “functionally integrated” with your supported public charity and provide an explanation of that relationship.

Supported Charities

The Vineyard family has historically provided funding for family-related charities such as the Ronald McDonald House, the Boys & Girls Clubs of America, pediatric hospitals, autism-related organizations, and youth recreational leagues. The Foundation looks forward to continuing this support and extending itself to educational, research, and cultural experiences that focus on the needs of children and their parents.

The Sheboygan County Stewardship Fund Grant, established by voter support in 2000, aims to enhance recreational opportunities and conserve natural resources in Sheboygan County. The grant funds various projects including land acquisitions and restorations. Eligible applicants include government agencies and 501(c) non-profits. Applications are typically available in late winter/early spring, aligning with Knowles-Nelson State Stewardship funding. The program prioritizes projects that involve public access and environmental stewardship, ensuring sustainable growth and resource preservation.

The RMEF Grant Program lies at the core of advancing our mission.

RMEF established the program in 1986 to provide financial and logistical support to projects that align with our priorities and goals. Grant funds raised by RMEF members, volunteers and generous donors from across the country translate into significantly more conservation accomplishment when matched with partner funds. The RMEF Grant Program also aims to build recognition for RMEF’s work, grow engagement, and boost local fundraising efforts.

Governed by clear guidelines and criteria, the RMEF Grant Program seeks to foster meaningful collaborations and long-term impacts in the conservation of natural resources and outdoor traditions. Grant project partners include federal, state, local, and tribal wildlife and land management agencies, private landowners and local stakeholders, sportsmen and women, and conservation organizations, universities, foundations and the outdoor industry. Eligible projects primarily focus on habitat stewardship, land conservation and access, wildlife management, and hunting heritage.

We support organizations recognized by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) as a 501(c)3 entity, federal, state, local, or tribal government entities, sportsmen’s organizations, or educational institutions. All applicants must have a Federal Employer Identification Number (EIN) issued by the IRS. RMEF does not offer grants to individuals.

Hunting Heritage

Ensuring our hunting heritage is central to RMEF’s mission. Hunters—America’s first conservationists—remain the driving force behind wildlife conservation. RMEF funds hunting heritage and conservation education to help more people experience the outdoors, learn the skills of hunting, and carry forward the traditions that define big game country, including outdoor skills programs/events, hunter or conservation outreach, mentored hunts, and other similar activities.

Cell Signaling Technology’s Environmental Grants support initiatives aimed at ecosystem protection, wildlife research, and environmental education. Priority is given to action-oriented projects with at least 70% of funding allocated to those directly impacting the environment. Applications are accepted annually until May 1st, with a focus on organizations in Massachusetts, particularly the North Shore of Boston. Non-profit status is required, and discriminatory projects will not be funded.

Municipal entities and nonprofit recreation facilities with existing splash pads can receive in-kind safety surfacing upgrades, valued at US $50,000 - US $65,000, across the U.S. With a mission to uplift communities, MNY Group provides Wisconsin and other U.S. recreation organizations with Life Floor tiles and professional installation for safer, more accessible outdoor splash pads.

Municipal entities, JCCs, YMCAs, and other nonprofits with existing splash pads can receive US $50,000 - US $65,000 in in-kind safety surfacing to enhance inclusive outdoor recreation. Grants from MNY Group help U.S. organizations upgrade splash pad safety and accessibility, which may benefit Wisconsin recreation-focused facilities committed to inclusivity.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations partnering with public land agencies can receive up to US $10,000 to run nature-based recreation projects that improve veterans’ physical and mental health. With a mission to make the environment more accessible, National Environmental Education Foundation provides U.S. outdoor recreation groups, including those in Wisconsin, with funding for services, materials, administration, and billed labor.

The Charlotte Peterson Outdoor Education Grants, offered by the Environmental Education Foundation, aim to preserve and enhance outdoor educational experiences for elementary and middle school students in the Geneva Lake area. Established over 25 years ago, these grants provide crucial financial support to schools facing budget cuts, ensuring that students can engage with the natural world and develop environmental awareness. By supporting these programs, the Foundation honors the legacy of Charlotte Peterson and impacts hundreds of children each year.

Nonprofits, researchers, and other experienced conservation partners in Wisconsin and across North America can seek US $3,000 - US $20,000 for ecosystem improvement, habitat restoration, and outdoor access projects. W.L. Gore & Associates provides SITKA Ecosystem Grants that may benefit recreation and outdoor recreation initiatives connected to wildlife, stewardship, hunting education, or collaborative conservation.

Conservation districts, state and territory associations, Resource Conservation & Development Councils, and Tribal organizations in Wisconsin can access funding through the National Association of Conservation Districts to hire staff for conservation technical assistance. This nationwide program supports outreach, education, and land stewardship, which may benefit outdoor recreation, environmental justice, food security, and community resilience efforts. Approximately US $18,000,000 is available overall.

Nonprofit and other charitable organizations offering recreation, sports, or wellness programs in Wisconsin race communities may be eligible for support to create lasting, measurable community impact. The Ironman Foundation provides Wisconsin recreation groups with community grants that prioritize youth swimming, biking, and running, address specific local needs, and can leverage or match additional funding.

The Land and Water Conservation Fund's Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership Program aims to enhance recreational opportunities in underserved communities through significant funding. Offering matching grants up to 50%, with awards ranging from $300,000 to $15,000,000, this program encourages applicants to connect with the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection early in the application process for guidance. This initiative supports large-scale projects that improve access to recreational facilities.

The Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership Program (ORLP) is a competitive grant initiative by the National Park Service, aimed at enhancing parks and recreational opportunities in urban, underserved communities. This program supports the acquisition, development, and renovation of outdoor recreation areas through federal funding, addressing the needs of community organizations, local governments, and recognized tribes. Applications are accepted twice a year, before June 1 and November 1.

The Catalyst Adventure Grant, offered by the American Alpine Club, supports individuals and teams from underrepresented communities in climbing. Awards range from $250 to $2,000, aiming to overcome barriers to access. The grant promotes skill progression in various climbing disciplines, emphasizing community engagement. Eligible applicants include U.S. citizens or green card holders of all experience levels, with expeditions required to occur between June 15, 2025, and June 30, 2026.