Best Recreation Grants for Nonprofits in Tennessee

Local governments and nonprofit organizations in Tennessee can access funding to build free, public BlueCross Healthy Places, including playgrounds, sports courts, walking paths, and other recreation amenities. Grants from BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee Community Trust help create community spaces that promote healthy activity, accessibility, and resident engagement on land owned by the applicant.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations offering recreation, outdoor activities, or community vitality programs in Tennessee communities served by Union Pacific can seek US $5,000 - US $30,000 for project-based support. Union Pacific Foundation supports safety, outdoor recreation, youth development, environmental sustainability, and related community services rather than general operating expenses.

Nonprofit organizations and government entities in Tennessee offering shooting sports, hunting safety, or firearms education programs can apply for The NRA Foundation’s grants, awarding US $3,000 - US $5,000 for 501(c)(3) purposes. Recreation and outdoor recreation groups may be eligible if their projects promote safety, education, or marksmanship in the shooting sports.

Nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3), 501(c)(4), or 501(c)(19) status in Tennessee and other Republic Bank service areas can seek funding for recreation, education, youth, health, and community welfare programs. Grants from Republic Bank Foundation support projects serving broad constituencies, and may benefit Tennessee nonprofits offering recreation or outdoor recreation activities within eligible communities.

Tennessee 501(c)(3) organizations promoting safe sports, outdoor recreation, or first responder programs can access funding through Academy Sports + Outdoors for events and initiatives serving collective groups. Eligible projects must occur in Tennessee counties where Academy stores operate, and proposals should be submitted at least 90 days before the event for consideration.

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.

The RMEF Grant Program lies at the core of advancing our mission.

RMEF established the program in 1986 to provide financial and logistical support to projects that align with our priorities and goals. Grant funds raised by RMEF members, volunteers and generous donors from across the country translate into significantly more conservation accomplishment when matched with partner funds. The RMEF Grant Program also aims to build recognition for RMEF’s work, grow engagement, and boost local fundraising efforts.

Governed by clear guidelines and criteria, the RMEF Grant Program seeks to foster meaningful collaborations and long-term impacts in the conservation of natural resources and outdoor traditions. Grant project partners include federal, state, local, and tribal wildlife and land management agencies, private landowners and local stakeholders, sportsmen and women, and conservation organizations, universities, foundations and the outdoor industry. Eligible projects primarily focus on habitat stewardship, land conservation and access, wildlife management, and hunting heritage.

We support organizations recognized by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) as a 501(c)3 entity, federal, state, local, or tribal government entities, sportsmen’s organizations, or educational institutions. All applicants must have a Federal Employer Identification Number (EIN) issued by the IRS. RMEF does not offer grants to individuals.

Hunting Heritage

Ensuring our hunting heritage is central to RMEF’s mission. Hunters—America’s first conservationists—remain the driving force behind wildlife conservation. RMEF funds hunting heritage and conservation education to help more people experience the outdoors, learn the skills of hunting, and carry forward the traditions that define big game country, including outdoor skills programs/events, hunter or conservation outreach, mentored hunts, and other similar activities.

Municipal entities and nonprofit facilities in Tennessee with existing splash pads can receive in-kind safety surfacing for outdoor recreation areas through the Make a SPLASH! Need-Based Award, valued at US $50,000 - US $65,000. MNY Group supports U.S. communities by providing Life Floor tiles and installation to financially constrained sites meeting specific income and budget criteria.

Municipal entities, JCCs, YMCAs, and other nonprofits in Tennessee with existing splash pads can apply for MNY Group’s Make a SPLASH! Inclusive Design Award, offering US $50,000 - US $65,000 in in-kind safety surfacing. Recreation and outdoor recreation facilities demonstrating strong inclusivity or accessibility commitments may receive all-expenses-paid Life Floor tiles and installation.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations partnering with public land agencies can receive up to US $10,000 to run nature-based recreation programs that support veterans’ physical and mental health, including in Tennessee. Grants from the National Environmental Education Foundation fund services, materials, administrative costs, and billed labor for projects on federal, state, local, or nonprofit public lands.

Nonprofits, university researchers, and conservation-focused groups in Tennessee working on outdoor recreation, habitat restoration, or ecosystem conservation can apply for SITKA Ecosystem Grants, awarding US $3,000 - US $20,000 for high-impact projects. Administered by W.L. Gore & Associates, this invitation-only program begins with a brief inquiry before full proposal submission.

Outdoor and conservation-focused organizations in Tennessee can seek funding to expand technical assistance, outreach, and education that support land stewardship and outdoor recreation. Focused on conservation and environmental justice, the National Association of Conservation Districts invites conservation districts, their associations, RC&D Councils, and Tribal organizations to hire staff who help producers and communities implement sustainable, recreation-supportive practices; awards Approximately US $18,000,000 nationwide.

With a mission to support charitable athletics and community programs, the Ironman Foundation provides Tennessee recreation nonprofits and other charitable organizations with funding for youth sports, wellness, and community-focused initiatives in select IRONMAN race communities. Eligible 501(c)(3)s and similar charitable entities in Davidson County may be especially suited for projects with measurable impact and local need.

Tennessee nonprofits and public entities planning large-scale outdoor recreation or park projects may be eligible for national Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership funding that supports acquisition or development of facilities in underserved communities. Tennessee recreation organizations can access funding through Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, which administers this federal Land and Water Conservation Fund program, offering US $300,000 - US $15,000,000 with up to 50% matching.

Tennessee nonprofits and local governments developing or improving parks and outdoor recreation areas can access funding through the National Park Service’s Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership Program. This competitive program, part of the Land and Water Conservation Fund, offers US $300,000 - US $15,000,000 for acquisition, development, or renovation of outdoor recreation spaces in urban, underserved communities.

Individuals and small teams from underrepresented climbing communities in Tennessee can apply for the American Alpine Club’s Catalyst Grant, awarding US $250 - US $2,000 for U.S.-based climbing objectives. Eligible applicants are U.S. citizens or green card holders planning outdoor recreation or climbing projects that demonstrate skill progression and community engagement.

U.S.-based 501(c)(3) public charities or fiscally sponsored groups that connect historically excluded communities to the outdoors, including those serving Tennessee, can apply for Rei Cooperative Action Fund support to advance outdoor recreation and equity. Funding can back programs that connect people outside, create equitable outdoor spaces, or highlight health benefits of nature.

Municipalities, public institutions, and qualified nonprofits in Tennessee can seek funding for outdoor recreation and conservation projects, including youth programs and community events. Bass Pro Shops & Cabelas Outdoor Fund supports initiatives near its retail locations that conserve wildlife and habitat or connect new audiences to the outdoors, with awards up to US $5,000.

Nonprofit 501(c) organizations, municipalities, and public institutions in Tennessee hosting fundraising or giveaway events can receive up to US $2,500 in in-kind merchandise or gift cards to support outdoor recreation and conservation efforts. Grants from Bass Pro Shops & Cabelas Outdoor Fund prioritize wildlife and habitat conservation, outdoor access, and military and veterans-focused programs 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. 

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.