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 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.

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.

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, 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.

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.

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.

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, 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.

L.L.Bean Charitable Donations supports outdoor initiatives that bring communities together. The program encourages partnerships with inspiring individuals and organizations. To apply, ensure requests are made at least eight weeks before the event. Please note that the program does not fund individuals, advertising, specific schools, or projects outside the U.S. For more information, visit their website to learn how to get involved.

About Levitt

The Levitt Family Foundation exists to strengthen the social fabric of America. We partner with communities to activate underused outdoor spaces, creating welcoming, inclusive destinations where the power of free, live music brings people together and invigorates community life.

Festival Grants

The Levitt Foundation is offering grants of up to $5,000 to U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofits presenting free outdoor music festivals in 2026. 

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.

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.

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.

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.