Best Recreation Grants for Nonprofits in Colorado

Colorado municipalities, counties, special districts, political subdivisions, and 501(c)(3) land conservation nonprofits can obtain funding for planning, research, and capacity-building that advance outdoor recreation priorities. Great Outdoors Colorado’s Pathways Program offers US $100,000–$300,000 for data, tools, staffing, and knowledge-building that strengthen parks, trails, and open space systems statewide.

Nonprofits, for-profits, schools, local governments, and tribes in Colorado can receive up to US $100,000 to expand outdoor recreation access and nature-based education for underserved youth and families. Colorado Parks & Wildlife supports projects that reduce barriers, provide culturally responsive outdoor programs, and develop outdoor-related career pathways for historically excluded communities.

Colorado municipalities, counties, eligible special districts, land trusts, and Colorado Parks and Wildlife can apply for Great Outdoors Colorado’s Community Impact Grant, awarding US $100,000 - US $2,000,000 for outdoor projects. Funding can support planning, land acquisition, and development of parks, trails, schoolyards, fairgrounds, and environmental education or other recreation-focused facilities.

Colorado 501(c)(3) nonprofits, fiscally sponsored projects, and public entities providing human and social services can seek US $5,000 - US $10,000 for general operating or program support. Anschutz Family Foundation provides Colorado organizations with funding for youth development, outdoor and recreation programs, self-sufficiency, housing, food, crisis intervention, and related community development efforts.

Focused on outdoor recreation planning and conservation, Colorado Parks & Wildlife invites Colorado coalitions and nonprofits to seek funding for regional collaboration and capacity-building. Eligible applicants can receive US $50,000 - US $150,000 for one- to two-year projects that develop or strengthen regional partnerships, engage stakeholders, and advance sustainable recreation and conservation goals.

Nonprofits and local, county, federal, or Tribal agencies in Colorado can apply for Colorado Parks & Wildlife’s Non-Motorized Trails Grant Program, with awards up to US $250,000 for trail construction and maintenance. Funding can cover staff, contractors, tools, materials, youth programs, land acquisition for trail development, and related project management costs.

Colorado recreation and outdoor nonprofits, 501(c)(3) charities, and local, county, federal, or Tribal agencies can seek funding for non-motorized trail planning and support projects in Colorado. Colorado Parks & Wildlife’s program offers up to US $45,000 for trail layout and design, feasibility studies, volunteer capacity-building, training, education, and related eligible project costs.

With a mission to support outdoor recreation and conservation planning, Colorado Parks & Wildlife provides Colorado nonprofits and government entities with US $50,000 - US $350,000 to build or strengthen regional coalitions. Funding supports capacity, collaborative plan development, public involvement, research, and early-win projects that advance regional outdoor recreation and conservation goals.

Colorado nonprofits, schools, colleges, government entities, and other 501(c) organizations can seek US $3,000 - US $5,000 to support firearms safety, shooting sports, hunting safety, and marksmanship education. Focused on outdoor recreation, the NRA Foundation invites eligible groups to fund safety training, youth education, and related public benefit programs.

Nonprofit organizations and government entities in Colorado can apply for Colorado Parks & Wildlife’s Partners in the Outdoors grants, awarding up to US $10,000 for collaborative outdoor recreation and conservation projects. Eligible projects advance sustainable access, stewardship, land, water and wildlife conservation, or future funding for outdoor recreation, and must submit a final grant report.

Nonprofit organizations in western Colorado can seek funding for conservation, outdoor recreation, and environmental projects that benefit local people and places. With a mission to promote charitable giving and community good, Western Colorado Community Foundation provides Colorado recreation and environment groups with support for high-impact programs such as outdoor education, river flows, and air quality initiatives.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and eligible public entities in Colorado planning capital projects for recreation, education, arts, community facilities, or land and trail improvements can apply for Gates Family Foundation’s capital grants. With a mission to strengthen communities, the foundation supports comprehensive campaigns for construction, renovation, expansion, or land acquisition, including parks and recreation infrastructure benefiting Colorado residents.

Colorado Parks and Wildlife staff with innovative parks, recreation, or wildlife projects can apply for Great Outdoors Colorado’s Director’s Innovation Fund, with awards up to US $25,000. Projects must be new, align with Colorado's Outdoors Strategy goals, include at least a 10% match, and are intended for ideas not typically funded through other sources.

Nonprofits, government agencies, and public schools serving Golden residents can seek program funding for recreation, outdoor activities, and other community needs in Colorado. Grants from Golden Civic Foundation help organizations address basic needs, enhance culture and heritage, or support outdoor and recreational projects that improve quality of life for Golden citizens. Awards range from US $500 - US $5,000.

Nonprofits, local government agencies, and public schools in Golden, Colorado can seek capacity-building support to strengthen leadership, planning, systems, and sustainability. Grants from Golden Civic Foundation help organizations serving Golden residents enhance their effectiveness while working in areas such as outdoor recreation, community improvement, social services, arts, education, and environmental stewardship. Awards range from US $500 - US $5,000.

Nonprofits, university researchers, and other experienced conservation partners in Colorado and beyond can seek US $3,000 - US $20,000 for ecosystem, outdoor recreation, and hunting-access projects. Focused on habitat restoration, biodiversity, trail work, and collaborative stewardship, W.L. Gore & Associates’ SITKA Ecosystem Grants invite proposals that measurably improve natural systems and the hunting experience.

Conservation districts, state and territory associations, Resource Conservation & Development Councils, Tribal organizations, and similar entities in Colorado can apply for National Association of Conservation Districts’ Technical Assistance Grants; awards approximately US $18,000,000 to expand staff capacity for conservation outreach, education, and technical assistance. Programs supporting outdoor recreation, land stewardship, and environmental justice may benefit.

2026 Veterans and Nature Grant

Supporting the health, well-being, and community connection of America's veterans

The National Environmental Education Foundation (NEEF) is pleased to announce grant funding supported by the American Medical Association (AMA) to expand access to nature-based experiences that support the health, well-being, and community connection of America's veterans. AMA has partnered with NEEF to bring an evidence-based health perspective to this effort, underscoring the growing body of research linking time in nature to improved physical and mental health outcomes.

Background

A Pew Research Center survey found that roughly one in four veterans say the transition back to civilian life was at least somewhat difficult. This is especially true for those who return home with stress or trauma. The National Alliance on Mental Illness estimates 11-20% of veterans are believed to experience post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) each year.

Nature offers profound restorative benefits for veterans navigating the challenges of post-service life. Time spent outdoors — whether hiking, fishing, camping, or simply sitting among trees — has been shown by numerous studies to reduce symptoms of PTSD, anxiety, and depression, conditions that affect veterans at disproportionately high rates.

Quieting hypervigilance, allowing space for reflection, fostering camaraderie, and reducing isolation are all mental and physical benefits that be found through outdoor recreation. Using America’s public lands to do so provides a powerful and accessible path forward.

Overview

Through the 2026 Veterans and Nature grant, NEEF aims to expand access to nature-based experiences that support veteran health, well-being, and community connection by

• Providing opportunities for outdoor activities on public land that improve the physical and mental health of veterans
• Increasing veterans’ understanding of the physical and mental health benefits of time in nature

The grant will provide up to $10,000 per grantee for projects on federal, state, local, or nonprofit public lands that address physical and mental health in veteran communities.

Examples of project types include outdoor activities, such as hiking, biking, climbing, or fishing; wellness activities, such as forest bathing or meditation; environmental education, such as community science; adaptive programming; and conservation volunteering. Projects are not limited to those listed here.

The Veterans and Nature Grant, offered by the National Environmental Education Foundation (NEEF) in partnership with the U.S. Forest Service, aims to engage veterans in outdoor activities that promote physical and mental health. With a funding pool of $100,000, grants of up to $10,000 are available for projects focused on outdoor recreation and wellness activities. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) entities partnered with public land organizations, fostering environmental awareness and community involvement.

The Make a SPLASH! Grant Contest invites municipal entities and non-profits in the U.S. to apply for the Inclusive Design Award. This award recognizes splash pads that prioritize inclusivity and accessibility. Winners will receive a customized Life Floor safety surface, valued at $50-65k, promoting community engagement and safety. With two opportunities to win, this initiative aims to enhance splash pad designs, ensuring they cater to all individuals. Join us in making splash pads safer and more accessible for everyone!

The Make a SPLASH! Grant Contest, co-hosted by Inside Edge Safety Surfaces, offers two all-expenses-paid awards for Life Floor safety surfaces, aimed at enhancing community splash pads. The Need-Based Award targets municipalities and non-profits demonstrating financial need, with design options including planks, bubbles, and geometric shapes. Grant values range from $50,000 to $65,000, depending on project size, ensuring safety and accessibility for all users.

The Golden Civic Foundation (GCF) offers Helping Hands Grants to support organizations facing unexpected expenses that hinder their mission. These grants aim to address unforeseen emergencies and seize unanticipated opportunities for enhancing community service in Golden. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) entities and local government agencies that operate within the city. GCF prioritizes projects that demonstrate immediate needs, sustainability, and community support, ensuring resources benefit Golden citizens effectively.

The Golden Civic Foundation's "For the Good of Golden" Grant Program supports the economic and cultural vitality of the Golden community. With over $7.62 million in funding since 1970, it prioritizes civic development, arts, education, and community improvement. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations, local governments, and public schools, focusing on projects that enhance community well-being and inclusivity while fostering collaborative partnerships for lasting impact.

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.

The Readiness and Recreation Initiative (RARI) by the National Park Service aims to enhance outdoor recreation and support compatible land uses near military installations. This program, funded through the Land and Water Conservation Fund, provides up to 50% of project costs, encouraging collaboration with the Department of War. Projects must involve land acquisition and align with national priorities to ensure public outdoor access in perpetuity, directly benefiting both military and civilian communities.

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.

Network Implementation Grants

Network Implentation Grants are designed for organizations that serve as the coordinating entity for 6+ camps that are eager to implement a character program or project with their on-site program teams.