Best Recreation Grants for Nonprofits in Guam

Eligible state, commonwealth, and territorial agencies in Guam and other U.S. jurisdictions can apply for the Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership Program, which awards US $300,000 - US $15,000,000 for acquiring, developing, or renovating parks and outdoor recreation areas in urban, underserved communities. Community organizations and local governments participate as subrecipients through these designated agencies.

Nonprofits planning large-scale outdoor recreation or park projects in Guam and other eligible U.S. jurisdictions can seek matching funds for acquiring or developing recreational facilities in underserved communities. The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection administers this Land and Water Conservation Fund Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership opportunity, offering US $300,000 - US $15,000,000 for up to 50% of project costs.

Guam recreation and conservation agencies or partners seeking land acquisition for public outdoor recreation and compatible land use near military installations can access funding through the National Park Service. The Readiness and Recreation Initiative offers US $250,000 - US $3,000,000 for projects in REPI Partnership Opportunity Areas or Sentinel Landscapes that meet LWCF and national priority requirements.

Conservation districts, state and territory conservation partners, Resource Conservation & Development Councils, and Tribal organizations in Guam can access funding through the National Association of Conservation Districts to expand conservation-focused technical assistance and outreach. Grants support staffing to deliver conservation education, land stewardship, and outdoor recreation-related services that improve environmental resilience, food security, and community engagement.

Outdoor recreation nonprofits in Guam can apply for L.L. Bean’s charitable donations to support programs that get people outside and foster connection through nature-based activities. Eligible U.S.-based organizations focused on outdoor recreation or outdoor equity may benefit; product donation requests must be submitted at least eight weeks before the program or fundraiser.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving veterans with recreation, education, arts, environmental, family, or health initiatives in Guam and other U.S. territories can seek funding to launch or expand projects. Impact100 Global Veterans provides up to US $100,000 for veteran-focused programs that fit one focus area and can expend funds within two years.

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 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 Von Voigtlander Family Foundation Grant, though currently closed, aims to support 501(c)(3) charitable organizations, primarily in Michigan. The foundation emphasizes animal welfare, parks preservation, veteran support, and youth empowerment. Their mission is to enhance lives through community-focused initiatives that foster resilience, education, and well-being. They prioritize charities that promote responsible pet ownership, outdoor recreation, and provide resources for veterans and youth, ensuring a positive impact across multiple sectors.

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.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, government entities, sportsmen’s groups, and educational institutions in Guam working on outdoor recreation and wildlife projects can seek grants to support habitat stewardship, land conservation and access, wildlife management, and hunting heritage education. The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation funds programs like outdoor skills events, mentored hunts, and conservation outreach that connect people with nature.

Municipal entities and nonprofit recreation facilities with existing splash pads can receive US $50,000 - US $65,000 in in-kind safety surfacing for outdoor water play areas, including Guam, if they meet income and budget criteria. With a mission to enhance outdoor recreation safety, MNY Group provides Life Floor tiles and installation through its Make a SPLASH! Need-Based Award.

Municipal entities, JCCs, YMCAs, and other nonprofits with existing splash pads in Guam can apply for the Make a SPLASH! Inclusive Design Award, receiving US $50,000 - US $65,000 in in-kind safety surfacing. Grants from MNY Group help U.S. recreation organizations improve splash pad safety, accessibility, and inclusive outdoor play spaces.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations with partnerships on public lands that offer nature-based recreation for veterans can apply for National Environmental Education Foundation’s Veterans and Nature Grant, awarding up to US $10,000. With a mission to make the environment more accessible, NEEF supports U.S. projects, including those in Guam, that enhance veteran health and well-being through outdoor experiences.

Nonprofits, researchers, and other experienced conservation-focused applicants in Guam and across the U.S. and Canada can seek SITKA Ecosystem Grants to support outdoor recreation, habitat restoration, and collaborative conservation projects. W.L. Gore & Associates offers US $3,000 - US $20,000 for initiatives that improve ecosystem health and expand hunting-related access, education, and stewardship.

Individuals and small teams in Guam and across the U.S. who face barriers to climbing and identify with underrepresented groups can receive US $250 - US $2,000 to pursue climbing expeditions or community programs. Grants from American Alpine Club support all climbing disciplines and require U.S.-based objectives and citizen or green card holder status.

Guam recreation and outdoor nonprofits connecting historically excluded communities to nature can access funding through the REI Cooperative Action Fund, a U.S.-based grantmaker. Eligible 501(c)(3) public charities or fiscally sponsored projects must align with initiatives that connect people outside, create equitable outdoor spaces, or center health benefits of nature.

Nonprofits, municipalities, and public institutions in Guam planning recreation-focused fundraisers can receive up to US $2,500 in in-kind merchandise or gift cards to support events. Bass Pro Shops & Cabelas Outdoor Fund backs organizations that conserve wildlife and habitat, connect new audiences to the outdoors, or support military and veterans near its retail locations.

Municipalities, public institutions, and qualified nonprofits in Guam can apply for the Outdoor Fund - Local Impact Grant for specific outdoor recreation or conservation projects; awards up to US $5,000. Bass Pro Shops & Cabelas Outdoor Fund supports efforts like youth fishing clinics, adaptive access, gear libraries, and trail maintenance near its retail locations.

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.

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.

The AAD Shade Structure Grant Program provides funding up to $8,000 for non-profit organizations and public schools to install shade structures, promoting sun safety for children and teenagers. Applicants must demonstrate a commitment to sun safety, including a year-long awareness program, and submit a letter of recommendation from an AAD dermatologist. The program aims to enhance outdoor safety, supported by donations from members and organizations.

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.

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

Nonprofit day and overnight camps in Guam and across the U.S. can apply for American Camp Association’s Character at Camp Planning Grants, with awards up to US $50,000 to design or strengthen character development programs. Funding supports a year of planning, training, and capacity building for recreation and outdoor youth camps.