Best Recreation Grants for Nonprofits in Mississippi

Nonprofit organizations in Mississippi that educate youth about hunting, fishing, conservation, and related safety issues can apply for the Youth Participation Initiative Program. Focused on outdoor recreation and environmental conservation, the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks supports projects that recruit, educate, or retain young participants in these activities.

Mississippi nonprofits, schools, government entities, and state-recognized charities offering shooting sports or hunting safety programs can access funding through NRA Foundation for educational and public service projects. Grants of US $3,000 - US $5,000 support firearms safety, shooting sports education, hunting safety, and marksmanship training that align with the foundation’s charitable mission.

Mississippi 501(c)(3) organizations promoting safe, responsible sports or outdoor recreation, or supporting first responder programs, can receive in-kind donations for group activities and community events. Academy Sports + Outdoors provides Mississippi recreation nonprofits with gear and support for associations, leagues, school districts, and similar collective programs located near its store communities.

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.

Municipal entities and nonprofit facilities with existing splash pads in Mississippi can receive in-kind safety surfacing for outdoor recreation spaces. MNY Group supports recreation by providing U.S. sites with Life Floor tiles and installation, valued at US $50,000 - US $65,000, for splash pads in communities demonstrating financial need and meeting income and budget criteria.

Mississippi municipal entities, JCCs, YMCAs, and other nonprofits with existing splash pads can receive US $50,000 - US $65,000 in-kind surfacing upgrades that enhance outdoor recreation safety and accessibility. MNY Group and partners provide Life Floor tiles, design adaptation, and installation for U.S. facilities demonstrating strong commitments to inclusivity and accessibility.

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 Mississippi. Grants from National Environmental Education Foundation help fund services, materials, administrative costs, and labor for outdoor programs on federal, state, local, or nonprofit public lands.

Nonprofits, university researchers, and conservation groups in Mississippi and across North America 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 Mississippi can apply for National Association of Conservation Districts technical assistance grants; awards approximately US $18,000,000 nationwide to hire staff for conservation outreach, education, and technical assistance. Recreation and outdoor programs that advance land stewardship and environmental justice may be eligible.

Nonprofits and public agencies planning large-scale park or outdoor recreation acquisitions or facility development can seek matching funds through the Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership Program, including projects serving Mississippi communities. Focused on outdoor recreation, Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection invites applicants to improve recreational opportunities in underserved areas, with awards from US $300,000 - US $15,000,000.

Public agencies and eligible community partners seeking to acquire, develop, or renovate parks and outdoor recreation areas in urban, underserved communities, including Mississippi, can apply for the Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership Program. With a mission to expand outdoor recreation access, the National Park Service provides US $300,000 - US $15,000,000 for projects via designated state and territorial agencies.

Mississippi recreation and outdoor groups serving climbers from underrepresented communities can access funding through the American Alpine Club’s Catalyst Grant to support U.S.-based climbing trips or community programs. Grants of US $250 - US $2,000 help individuals or small teams facing barriers in bouldering, sport, trad, alpine, ski mountaineering, and related disciplines.

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 Mississippi. With a mission to advance outdoor equity, REI Cooperative Action Fund provides grants for connecting people outside, creating equitable outdoor spaces, and centering health outside.

Nonprofit organizations, municipalities, and public institutions in Mississippi can seek funding for outdoor recreation and conservation projects that engage communities near Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s retail locations. Bass Pro Shops & Cabelas Outdoor Fund offers up to US $5,000 for specific programs or events that conserve wildlife and habitat or connect new audiences to the outdoors.

Nonprofits, municipalities, and public institutions in Mississippi hosting recreation or outdoor-focused fundraisers can receive up to US $2,500 in in-kind merchandise or gift cards for events. Grants from Bass Pro Shops & Cabelas Outdoor Fund help organizations that conserve wildlife and habitat, connect new audiences to the outdoors, or support military and veterans near their retail stores.

U.S. 501(c)(3) nonprofits, typically with budgets under $5 million, can apply for FS Foundation’s Building for Better Belonging grants, awarding US $25,000 - US $100,000 for new projects that support people with profound functional limitations. Mississippi organizations offering adaptive recreation, outdoor activities, arts participation, or accessible career and health programs may be eligible.

Nonprofit organizations running outdoor recreation or outdoor equity programs in Mississippi 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.

L.L. Bean is committed to fostering connections through outdoor experiences. They seek partnerships with individuals and organizations that inspire and motivate, believing in the power of the outdoors to unite people. If you have a cause that aligns with this vision, L.L. Bean encourages you to reach out and share your story. Together, we can create meaningful experiences and lasting memories.

Mississippi 501(c)(3) nonprofits presenting free outdoor music festivals can receive support for recreation and outdoor arts programming, including up to US $5,000 for 2026 events. Focused on community-building through live music in underused outdoor spaces, the Mortimer and Mimi Levitt Foundation helps create inclusive, engaging recreation experiences for local residents.

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. 

The Readiness and Recreation Initiative (RARI) by the National Park Service aims to enhance outdoor recreation and support compatible land uses near military installations. This program, funded through the Land and Water Conservation Fund, provides up to 50% of project costs, encouraging collaboration with the Department of War. Projects must involve land acquisition and align with national priorities to ensure public outdoor access in perpetuity, directly benefiting both military and civilian communities.

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.

About Us

We endeavor to help individuals reach their full potential, families to thrive and communities to flourish through grants to a range of charitable organizations. To these ends, our grantmaking is framed by two potentially contrasting convictions: that tradition is an important resource and that fundamental rethinking often is necessary to respond effectively to new challenges and circumstances. These convictions arise from the encouragement J.K. Lilly, Sr. gave to his sons to be conservatively progressive. That philosophy was evident in their leadership of their company and the establishment and administration of the Endowment.

LE Serving Neighbors Through Congregational Collaborations Initiative

Lilly Endowment is pleased to announce its Serving Neighbors Through Congregational Collaborations Initiative (Serving Neighbors). This initiative has two complementary aims: 1) to enhance the quality of life of individuals and families by encouraging stronger collaborations in local communities between Christian congregations and charitable organizations (e.g., human and social service agencies, youth-serving organizations, arts and cultural organizations, neighborhood associations, and parks and outdoor recreational organizations, among others) that utilize their respective strengths to jointly undertake efforts that address community needs and priorities and 2) to deepen the faith of individuals and enhance the vitality of congregations by providing opportunities for Christians to practice their faith through acts of love and care for their neighbors.

Through Serving Neighbors, the Endowment anticipates awarding grants of up to $5 million each to approximately 60 charitable organizations to develop and implement programs that advance the aims stated above and the following four objectives:

Helping Christian congregations identify and explore compelling human and social needs and priorities in their neighborhoods and local communities (e.g., hunger relief, after-school and educational enrichments programs, violence reduction, homelessness, outdoor recreational opportunities, community building festivals).

Assisting these congregations in building relationships with community organizations and, when appropriate, other faith-based organizations focused on those needs and priorities.

Guiding leaders from these congregations and charitable organizations in their local communities through a planning process to help them develop new and/or strengthen current collaborative joint endeavors that address the identified community needs or priorities.

Providing support and resources to help these congregations and charitable organizations in their local communities launch and, if successful, sustain these collaborations into the future.

Funding Opportunities 

Lilly Endowment will conduct Serving Neighbors through a two-stage process.

Concept Papers: In the first stage, interested charitable organizations may submit concept papers that explain their interest in the initiative and provide initial descriptions of potential Serving Neighbors programs that would advance the initiative’s aims and objectives.

The Endowment will review the concept papers and anticipates providing planning grants of up to $50,000 each to approximately 60 organizations that submit the most promising descriptions of potential collaborative programs. Selected organizations may use their planning grants to develop their concepts and prepare proposals for implementation grants.

Concept papers must be submitted through the Serving Neighbors Concept Paper Submission Form on the Endowment’s website. Concept papers are due by January 19, 2027. The Endowment anticipates notifying organizations of planning grant awards by the end of March 2027.

Implementation Grant Proposals: In the second stage, selected charitable organizations that receive planning grants may submit proposals for implementation grants of up to $5 million each that may be used for up to a four-year period to execute their plans.

Implementation grant proposals must be submitted through the Serving Neighbors Implementation Grant Proposal Submission Form on the Endowment’s website. Implementation grant proposals are due by July 19, 2027. The Endowment anticipates announcing implementation grant awards by the end of November 2027. Guidelines for preparing an implementation grant proposal will be provided with notice of approval of a planning grant.

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.