Best Recreation Grants for Nonprofits in Indiana

About Us

Indiana State Parks traces its history back to 1916. Colonel Richard Lieber, an Indianapolis businessman and German immigrant, recommended that a state park system be created as part of Indiana’s celebration of its centennial. Lieber became a national leader in the state parks movement and assisted other states in forming their own systems as well. He became the first Director of the Indiana Department of Conservation, serving for more than a decade.

Indiana Trails Program

The Indiana Trails Program (ITP) is a grant program to support the development of trails throughout the state. The program uses state funds to help connect Hoosiers to outdoor recreation opportunities and natural environments without needing to rely on the use of a vehicle.

How much grant funding is available to applicants?

• The Indiana Trails Program will provide a maximum of 80% reimbursement for eligible projects, up to the maximum grant award amount. The applicant must have at least 20% of the total project cost available at the point of application.
• The grant request minimum is $100,000, and the maximum is $400,000.

Indiana Department of Health

The Indiana State Department of Health became the Indiana Department of Health (IDOH) in July 2021 after the Governor signed legislation updating the agency's statute. That same year the Department was also awarded accreditation by the Public Health Accreditation Board, joining the ranks of 36 other states and territories.

Mission: To promote, protect, and improve the health and safety of all Hoosiers.

Tactical Urbanism Demonstration Projects Supporting Active Transportation

The Indiana Department of Health (IDOH) is providing funding for Indiana communities to assist in the design and implementation of low-cost pop-up, tactical urbanism demonstration projects that support active living in Indiana. This funding will assist grantees in the planning, preparation, and implementation of one or more tactical urbanism demonstration projects in their communities. Eligible applicants include cities, towns, counties, regional planning agencies (such as MPOs), school corporations, and not-for-profit groups. This grant is managed by the Division of Nutrition and Physical Activity.

The Ball Brothers Foundation's BBF Rapid Grants program offers immediate funding to organizations in Indiana, particularly in East Central Indiana and Muncie/Delaware County. The foundation prioritizes capacity-building initiatives, innovative community solutions, specific projects, and general operating support. This program is designed to address urgent needs, such as professional development, equipment purchases, and project initiation, ensuring that organizations can quickly respond to community challenges and enhance their impact.

The NRA Foundation: Indiana Grants supports projects and organizations focused on firearms education and safety. Grants are available for both 501(c)(3) and non-501(c)(3) entities, provided they serve a charitable purpose. The foundation emphasizes promoting safe firearms use and hunting, educating the public about firearms history, and conducting research to enhance safety techniques. Eligible entities must be recognized as nonprofits by their state or the IRS, while certain organizations, like labor groups and private enterprises, are ineligible.

Indiana nonprofits offering recreation, outdoor activities, education, human services, or community development can seek US $5,000 - US $100,000 for programs and capacity-building projects. Ball Brothers Foundation focuses on organizations in Muncie and East Central Indiana, funding parks and public spaces, outdoor recreation, youth programs, health, safety, and basic human needs initiatives.

The Republic Bank Grants program supports non-profit organizations in Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Tennessee, and Florida that enhance community welfare through various initiatives such as education, healthcare, and civic projects. By providing financial and in-kind donations, Republic Bank aims to strengthen community ties and foster impactful change. Eligible organizations must have IRS 501(c) status and submit grant requests in writing at least two months in advance, ensuring timely support for their initiatives.