Best Recreation Grants for Nonprofits in Iowa

Radio Flyer is dedicated to supporting organizations that promote outdoor play and well-being for children. They focus on charitable giving to national organizations like The Starlight Children’s Foundation, which aids children’s health, and partner with KaBOOM! to build playgrounds for underprivileged kids. Local nonprofits in the Chicagoland area are also supported, emphasizing education and health for children up to eight years old. This mission aligns with their goal of creating smiles and lasting memories through play.

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.

Arnold Ventures is funding causal research to investigate the impacts of legalized sports betting, which has rapidly expanded since the 2018 Supreme Court decision. With over 38 states now participating, there is a pressing need to understand the financial, social, and behavioral effects on individuals and households. This initiative aims to produce actionable insights for policymakers and regulators, addressing key questions about consumer behavior, regulatory influences, and broader public-sector implications.

The BNSF Railway Foundation provides grants to enhance community quality of life across 28 states, focusing on educational, cultural, and social service initiatives. With over $150 million contributed since 2000, the foundation emphasizes projects with strong local engagement and BNSF employee involvement. Eligible organizations include public charities, local governments, and tribal governments, while ineligible entities encompass religious organizations and those with discriminatory practices. Priority is given to environmental, health, and cultural projects.

The CCLF Gold Grant, offered by the Cherokee County Legacy Foundation, supports non-profit organizations and local governmental entities with funding requests ranging from $10,001 to $25,000. Applicants must submit a Letter of Intent by November 15, detailing the organization, project description, funding sources, and community impact. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations or local governments, with a focus on enhancing quality of life in Cherokee County through innovative projects.

The CCLF Bronze Grant provides funding up to $3,000 for non-profit organizations and local governmental entities in Cherokee County to enhance quality of life through various projects. The Cherokee County Legacy Foundation prioritizes innovative economic development, cultural activities, and health services. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) non-profits or local governments, while ongoing operational expenses and religious activities are not funded. This grant aims to support impactful community initiatives.

The CCLF Silver Grant supports innovative projects in Cherokee County aimed at enhancing quality of life. With funding ranging from $3,001 to $10,000, eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) non-profits and local government entities. Priority is given to initiatives in economic development, cultural activities, outdoor recreation, and health services. The grant fosters community collaboration and addresses local needs, ensuring that resources effectively reach residents and improve community engagement.

The Iowa West Foundation Grant supports various community projects aimed at improving lives and strengthening communities in southwest Iowa. With an emphasis on creativity, collaboration, and inclusion, the foundation provides funding to 501(c)(3) public charities and government entities. Their open grants program aligns with community priorities identified through public input, ensuring that funding contributes to a vibrant and thriving environment for families and businesses alike.

The Community Foundation of Lyon County Grant aims to enhance the quality of life in Lyon County by addressing community needs through charitable grants. It supports nonprofit organizations and local governments in areas such as arts, education, health, and human services. The foundation prioritizes projects with long-term impact and sustainability. Grants are intended to connect donors with meaningful causes, ensuring that resources are mobilized effectively to benefit the community. This grant fosters collaboration and addresses pressing local issues.

The Ruth Abernathy Presidential Scholarship, established by SHAPE America, honors outstanding graduate students in health and physical education. Awarded annually since 1995, it recognizes two graduate recipients based on academic excellence and leadership. Along with financial support, winners receive a three-year SHAPE America membership, enhancing their professional network. This scholarship underscores the organization's commitment to advancing health education and supporting future leaders in the field.

The Ruth Abernathy Presidential Scholarship is awarded annually by SHAPE America to honor outstanding undergraduate and graduate students in health and physical education. Established in 1995, this scholarship supports three undergraduate and two graduate recipients. Candidates must be SHAPE America members, majoring in relevant fields, and demonstrate academic excellence and leadership. In addition to financial support, recipients receive a three-year membership to SHAPE America, fostering a commitment to health education and physical activity.

The Tommy Wilson Memorial Grant, established by Dr. George T. Wilson and his wife Irene, honors their son Tommy, who had cerebral palsy. This grant supports recreational programs for individuals with disabilities and aims to positively impact their lives. Applicants must be nonprofit organizations with a successful history of programming for individuals with disabilities. The grant prioritizes programs serving economically disadvantaged individuals and may only fund applicants once every five years.

Honda’s Community Event Sponsorship aims to support local, regional, and national events that enhance community engagement and celebrate diverse cultures. Organizations must be U.S.-based and tax-exempt, focusing on projects that serve communities where Honda associates are active. Eligible events include parades, festivals, and educational initiatives. Honda evaluates requests based on community needs and available funding, reinforcing its commitment to social responsibility and community enhancement.

The Ida County Community Betterment Foundation Grant, administered by the Siouxland Community Foundation, aims to enhance the quality of life in Ida County, Iowa. The grant supports nonprofit organizations, local government units, and educational institutions addressing community needs in areas such as health, education, arts, and human services. Prioritizing sustainable projects, the grant encourages collaboration and innovative solutions while excluding requests for general operating expenses and political activities.

The Monona County Community Partners Foundation Grant, offered by the Siouxland Community Foundation, aims to enhance the quality of life in Monona County by supporting nonprofit organizations and public education institutions. Grants focus on vital areas such as arts, health, education, and human services, responding to community needs. Priority is given to projects with long-term impact and collaboration among local entities. The grant program will transition to biennial funding starting in 2024, emphasizing thoughtful and sustainable initiatives.

The O’Brien County Community Foundation Grant supports charitable purposes through grants to nonprofit organizations and local government units serving O’Brien County, Iowa. This fund aims to address community needs in areas such as arts, education, health, and human services. By fostering permanent charitable giving, the foundation enhances the quality of life for current and future generations, ensuring that diverse community programs receive necessary funding to thrive.

The National Forest Foundation’s Collaborative Capacity Program offers financial support to enhance collaboration among local communities and partners, focusing on improving wildfire resilience and forest health. Grants range from $10,001 to $75,000, with a 20% cash or in-kind match requirement. The program aims to foster long-term stewardship outcomes for National Forest System lands, ensuring benefits to both forests and local economies through collaborative efforts.

Theresa Alessandra Russo Foundation Inc

The Theresa Foundation honors the memory of Theresa Alessandra Russo by touching the lives of children with special needs and their families. The Foundation fosters each child’s unique abilities by supporting programs focusing on art, music, dance, drama, and recreation.

The Theresa Foundation has a vision of the world where artistic expression and physical recreation are just as important to adults as they are to children. We believe in a world where every child, regardless of ability or challenging conditions, is free to communicate through and participate in every art or recreational activity. A society without art is a society without soul. Art enables us to express our inner thoughts, fears, joys, and sadness.  

The Theresa Foundation Grant Program

The Theresa Foundation Grant Program is committed to providing financial support for programs in art, music, dance, drama, or recreation that are designed specifically for children with special needs in order to ensure that no one is excluded from these activities. 

We believe that every individual should have the opportunity to participate in art, music, dance, drama or recreation if they so choose. Our grant program works to provide direct funding for the success of these activities, while also promoting an environment of acceptance and inclusiveness where all can take part without judgment or fear. 

As of 2026, the Theresa Foundation has provided over $3,300,000 in grant funding for over 200 programs in 29 states throughout the country and 4 international grants. With your help we can continue to make a difference in the lives of those with special needs by providing them access to enriching experiences that would otherwise be out of reach. 

Greene County Community Foundation

The Greene County Community Foundation (GCCF) was established on January 31, 2005 to serve and enhance the quality of life in Greene County.

The mission of the Greene County Community Foundation (the “Foundation”) is to foster private giving, strengthen service providers and improve the overall well-being of the county’s residents. The Foundation works to build its endowment fund which in turn provides grants to accomplish its goals. 

Greene County Community Foundation Grant

If you can help us with these goals, we encourage you to submit a grant application that does one of the following:

• Supports strong, stable families and provides solid beginnings for children and youth.
• Serves as a catalyst for youth and recreational activities.
• Helps to promote elder care, support services and an active senior population.
• Promotes the health, education and vitality of the community.
• Addresses community needs for police, fire and emergency services.
• Assists in developing quality jobs, tourism and economic development.
• Helps make our community more attractive, livable and cohesive.

Grant awards are generally made once per year in April. Representatives will be encouraged to attend the Greene County Community Foundation Awards Night and must acknowledge the Foundation in project publicity & marketing related to the project for which they receive funds.

Grant recipients are required to complete a Project Completion Form by January 31st of the year following the year of the award. If they fail to do this, the recipients will not be eligible to receive additional grants from the Foundation.

Community Foundation of Osceola County

The Community Foundation of Osceola County is committed to improving the quality of life throughout Osceola County by investing in area nonprofits through our grant programs and by providing individuals, families and area businesses who love our communities with a way to give back.

The CFOC is affiliated with the Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines, a nonprofit, providing financial management, strategic development and educational services to communities, organizations and donors throughout Osceola County.

High Impact Grant

• Grants are available in the following areas: arts and culture, community and economic well-being, environment, health, human services, recreation, and technology.
• Only one high impact grant will be awarded annually to a project with a large positive community impact.
• Grantees have 2 years to complete the project. During this period the grantee is prohibited from applying for additional Community Foundation grant funding.
• Once the project has been completed the organization is eligible for further Community Foundation funding through community grants or high impact grants.
• Applicants are highly encouraged to meet with Osceola County Economic Development Director before applying to ensure applications are filled out correctly.
• The CFOC board looks for projects that address significant community issues; present innovative, creative, and practical proposals which build on community strengths; develop the leadership potential of the community; involve people served in the planning and implementation of the program; provide a plan for sustainability beyond the funding period; capital projects that impact a significant number of Osceola County residents

The Roy J. Carver Charitable Trust provides grants primarily to 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organizations in Iowa and parts of Illinois. Focused on enhancing educational opportunities, the Trust supports projects in elementary and secondary education, higher education, medical research, youth services, and recreation. By funding innovative initiatives, it aims to improve access to educational resources and foster scientific advancement, while also addressing the recreational needs of youth and supporting community development.

The Community Foundation of Fort Dodge and United Way offer Special Project Grants aimed at enhancing community life through charitable projects. Focused on economic growth, education, and well-being, these grants support 501(c)(3) organizations dedicated to public service. Priority areas include youth development, health, and community betterment. By investing in local nonprofits, the foundation aims to uplift the Fort Dodge area, ensuring a vibrant and sustainable community for all residents.

About

The Advancing Communities grant program helps communities across Nebraska and southwest Iowa develop or enhance spaces that are inviting to all citizens, enabling connection through social, recreational, historical and civic engagement. By supporting capital projects that make great community assets — from libraries and youth rec centers to parks, trails, museums and more — we encourage our neighbors to get out and explore.

Advancing Communities Grant

Projects for consideration should align with the following themes:

• Shared spaces such as libraries, parks, trails and community centers — that encourage engagement and make towns more vibrant places to live, work and gather.
• Innovative ideas and forward-thinking approaches that engage multiple generations, introduce new ideas or bring fresh energy into existing community spaces.
• Community-led efforts, including partnerships among public, private and nonprofit sectors, with priority given to initiatives that demonstrate collaboration, local investment and community-driven vision.
• Sustainable, ready-to-launch projects that have secured at least 60% of their total funding and show clear plans for long-term maintenance, sustainability and measurable community benefit.

Grant amounts:

Applicants may request up to $250,000 for one time capital support.

Deadlines:

Applications for this program can be submitted at any time.

About Us

Leadership. Collaboration. Impact.

The Community Foundation of the Mahoning Valley helps philanthropists support the causes closest to their heart while connecting local residents to the resources they need for a better quality of life.

Our Mission

To serve as a leader and advocate for strategic philanthropy, partnering with donors to anchor a permanent and growing endowment and making investments in the Mahoning Valley that improve the quality of life for all residents.

Scholarship Opportunities

Your Community, Your Support System

Our community members support hundreds of local students every year through various scholarships facilitated by the Community Foundation of the Mahoning Valley.

Established in memory of Melinda “Mindy” Henning.

About

Created by the community for the good of the community, the GLCCF is here to turn problems into opportunities through strategic grant making and initiatives created to address our region’s most pressing needs. We work with you to identify your charitable goals, and we ensure that they are carried out efficiently.

Work with us to make the kind of impact you want to see in your community. Let us take on the financial complexities and paperwork, while you focus on the important things like fostering good works throughout our community.

When you give to the Greater Lake City Community Foundation, you are making an investment that will benefit the community, now and in the future.

GLCCF Schreck Family Soccer Scholarship

To award annually a scholarship to a qualified applicant who intends to pursue education toward a 4-year college degree.

The Instant Impact Grant, offered by the Greater Poweshiek Community Foundation, provides up to $1,000 to nonprofit organizations and public entities serving Poweshiek County. This program prioritizes innovative and collaborative projects that enhance community wellbeing through cultural, educational, recreational, and health initiatives. Eligible applicants can apply at any time, fostering support for impactful local endeavors.

The J.M. Heberlig/B.J. Helterbran Scholarship Fund, established by dedicated educators, supports Pennsylvania residents pursuing degrees in Art Education or Recreation & Parks. This scholarship aims to alleviate the financial burden on students entering their second, third, or fourth year at a 4-year institution. With a focus on academic achievement, a minimum GPA of 2.8 overall and 3.0 in the major is required, alongside a demonstrated commitment to education and community service.