Best Recreation Grants for Nonprofits in South Carolina

Nonprofits, government entities, and state-recognized charities in South Carolina can seek funding for firearms safety, shooting sports, hunting safety, and related educational or research programs. With a mission to advance safe and educational firearms activities, The NRA Foundation provides US $3,000 - US $5,000 to support eligible 501(c)(3) and public-sector recreation initiatives.

Rural Development in South Carolina

Strong rural communities are essential to South Carolina's long-term economic success. The South Carolina Department of Commerce partners with local governments and regional organizations to support community-driven development that strengthens infrastructure, expands opportunity and prepares communities for future growth.

Through strategic investments and targeted programs, S.C. Commerce helps rural communities build on their unique strengths while enhancing quality of place and economic competitiveness.

Rural Development Initiative (RDI)

The South Carolina Department of Commerce is pleased to announce the opening of the Rural Development Initiative (RDI) annual competitive grant program. Eligible county and municipal governments are invited to submit implementation-ready projects through a competitive application process designed to strengthen South Carolina's rural communities through strategic public investment.

State agencies and local governments in South Carolina can seek matching funds to acquire or develop outdoor recreation areas and facilities, including parks and public spaces. The Land and Water Conservation Fund from South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation & Tourism offers US $50,000 - US $1,000,000 on a 50% reimbursable basis, prioritizing revitalization of existing LWCF properties.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in South Carolina that promote safe, responsible sports or outdoor recreation, or support first responder programs, can receive in-kind donations for group-based activities. Academy Sports + Outdoors provides South Carolina recreation groups with gear and support for events and programs located in communities served by its local stores.

The Conservation Alliance Grants program is currently under evaluation, leading to a pause in the member-directed grant cycle as the organization aligns its funding with its strategic plan launching in 2025. This initiative aims to harness the collective efforts of businesses and outdoor communities to protect North America's wild places through impactful and efficient grant-making. Future funding will focus on projects that enhance habitat, support Indigenous initiatives, and address climate change.

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 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.

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. 

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

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.

South Carolina municipal entities, JCCs, YMCAs, and other nonprofits with existing splash pads can receive in-kind safety surfacing for outdoor recreation facilities through the Make a SPLASH! Need-Based Award. Grants from MNY Group and partners provide US $50,000 - US $65,000 in Life Floor tiles and installation for qualifying U.S. sites meeting income and budget criteria.

Municipal entities, JCCs, YMCAs, and other nonprofits with existing splash pads in South Carolina can receive in-kind safety surfacing and installation to enhance outdoor recreation accessibility and inclusivity. MNY Group provides U.S. recreation organizations with the Make a SPLASH! Inclusive Design Award, offering US $50,000 - US $65,000 in Life Floor tiles and professional installation.

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.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations partnering with public land agencies can receive up to US $10,000 for nature-based recreation projects that support veterans’ physical and mental health. Grants from National Environmental Education Foundation help South Carolina outdoor recreation programs provide activities, education, materials, and administrative support on federal, state, local, or nonprofit public lands.

Nonprofits, university researchers, and other experienced conservation groups in South Carolina can seek US $3,000 - US $20,000 for ecosystem and outdoor recreation projects that enhance wildlife, stewardship, and conservation. Focused on habitat restoration, hunting access and education, and collaborative trail and land stewardship, W.L. Gore & Associates invites brief inquiries before full proposals.

South Carolina 501(c)(3) nonprofits presenting free outdoor music festivals can receive support for recreation and outdoor programming, including arts and culture access. Focused on live music in underused outdoor spaces, the Mortimer and Mimi Levitt Foundation offers up to US $5,000 to U.S.-based organizations planning 2026 festivals that build inclusive community life.

Conservation districts, state or territory conservation associations and agencies, Resource Conservation & Development Councils, and Tribal organizations in South Carolina can apply for National Association of Conservation Districts technical assistance grants; awards Approximately US $18,000,000 to hire staff for conservation outreach and support. Projects may include outdoor recreation, environmental stewardship, and community-focused land management.

Nonprofits and public entities seeking large-scale outdoor recreation or park projects can access matching funds for acquisition or development serving underserved communities, including South Carolina, through the Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership Program. Focused on parks and public spaces, the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection offers US $300,000 - US $15,000,000 for eligible projects nationwide.

Nonprofit community organizations, local governments, Tribes, and Native communities seeking to develop or improve outdoor recreation areas in South Carolina can apply for US $300,000 - US $15,000,000 through the Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership Program. With a mission to enhance urban, underserved parks, the National Park Service funds acquisition, development, and renovation of outdoor recreation and conservation spaces nationwide.

Individuals and small teams planning U.S.-based climbing or mountaineering objectives can receive US $250 - US $2,000 to advance skill-building trips or community-focused programs. South Carolina outdoor recreation advocates serving underrepresented climbers may be eligible if applicants are U.S. citizens or green card holders and trips occur between June 15, 2025 and June 30, 2026.

U.S.-based 501(c)(3) public charities or fiscally sponsored groups that connect historically excluded communities to the outdoors can seek support for recreation and outdoor access work, including in South Carolina. With a mission to expand joyful, equitable time outside, REI Cooperative Action Fund backs programs, spaces, and research advancing outdoor connection and health.

Nonprofit organizations running outdoor recreation or outdoor equity programs in South Carolina can seek product donations to support their activities. With a mission to connect people through the outdoors, L.L. Bean provides charitable donations to U.S.-based organizations, excluding individuals, schools, athletic teams, political or religious groups, and projects outside the country.

Nonprofits, municipalities, and public institutions in South Carolina can seek funding for specific outdoor recreation and conservation projects, such as youth fishing clinics or trail maintenance, up to US $5,000. Bass Pro Shops & Cabelas Outdoor Fund supports efforts that conserve wildlife and habitat or connect new audiences to the outdoors near its retail locations.

Nonprofit 501(c) organizations, municipalities, and public institutions in South Carolina hosting recreation or outdoor-focused fundraisers can receive in-kind merchandise or gift cards up to US $2,500. Grants from Bass Pro Shops & Cabelas Outdoor Fund help conservation, outdoor access, and military- or veteran-serving events near their retail stores in the U.S. and Canada.

Greenville Women Giving (GWG) is a philanthropic organization in Greenville County, SC, focused on funding impactful community projects. Grants are awarded annually based on member voting and emphasize areas such as Arts, Education, Environment, Health, and Human Services. Organizations must be tax-exempt and serve Greenville County. GWG prioritizes high-impact initiatives that foster collaboration and measurable outcomes, with a commitment to addressing community needs without discrimination. The application deadline is at the end of November each year.

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.

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.