Best Recreation Grants for Nonprofits in Minnesota

The SHAPE America Major of the Year Award recognizes exemplary undergraduate students in health, physical education, recreation, and dance. This prestigious accolade aims to highlight nominees who demonstrate academic excellence and commitment to service within their communities. Faculty members from colleges and universities are encouraged to nominate one outstanding student per major, ensuring that the next generation of health educators is celebrated for their achievements and contributions to the field.

Waseca Area Foundation

The Waseca Area Foundation was created from the contributions of Waseca area residents, starting with the All School Reunion of 1988. Former classmates and current area residents shared an interest in the present and future of the Waseca community.

The Waseca Area Foundation is a Community Fund with a close affiliation with the St. Paul & Minnesota Community Foundation, which allows a broader investment opportunity with little cost to local funds. The Waseca Area Foundation is a 501(c)3 charitable non profit with tax exempt status under Minnesota and Federal Law.

Waseca Area Foundation’s mission is to provide an opportunity for groups or individuals to leave a legacy through contributions which build a permanent community fund committed to meeting the changing needs of the Waseca area.

Waseca Area Foundation Grant

Focus Area

• Provide grants for agencies that serve residents of Waseca County.
• Provide grants for community development projects and programs, which are responsive to the changing community needs in promoting quality education, cultural, wellness, recreational, social service, environmental and civic opportunities.

Pledges are made for one year at a time unless there are special circumstances.

The foundation in consultation with the Waseca Area Foundation Board reserves the right to shift its focus in response to the needs of the community.

All grants are made in accordance with current regulations of the Internal Revenue Code.

Worthington Area Community Foundation

A one-stop community organization for charitable contributions that benefit the place we call home. It is a permanent resource for the community that provides leadership and financial resources to meet community needs. It also offers a variety of giving options to help donors meet their unique philanthropic goals. It is managed by a volunteer board of directors, who are connected to the community and who understand local issues and opportunities that arise.

The Worthington Area Foundation (WAF) helps make the community an even better place to live and work by awarding grants to worthy organizations and projects through its own general endowment and related funds.

Mission Statement: The mission of Worthington Area Foundation is to promote charitable giving by assisting donors in the establishment of funds and memorials, which will provide lasting benefits to the Worthington, Minnesota area.

The WAF Endowment Fund:

• Was established in 1991
• Is a permanent community resource because the principal is permanently retained
• Enables the board to award grants annually to meet community needs

Foundation Grants

Foundation grants are made to non-profit and non-political groups. Priority areas include: arts & culture, environmental causes, youth development & education, recreational or civic activities essential to building and strengthening our community.

The Worthington Area Community Foundation is a tax-exempt, non-profit philanthropic organization funded by large and small donations from generous contributors. 

The SHAPE America: Joy of Effort Award recognizes dedicated individuals who exemplify the spirit of commitment and passion in health and physical education. Awardees are current SHAPE America members with at least three years of membership, demonstrating excellence in teaching, coaching, or leadership. This prestigious award celebrates those who have made significant contributions to the field, inspiring others to lead healthy, active lives through their efforts in education and advocacy.

The Adapted PE/Activity Program of the Year Award recognizes outstanding community-based initiatives aimed at enhancing the physical capabilities of individuals with disabilities. Organized by SHAPE America, this award highlights programs that provide inclusive physical education and recreational opportunities, ensuring that all participants can engage in healthy, active lifestyles. By showcasing best practices, the award promotes innovation and advocacy for individuals with disabilities, fostering an environment of inclusion and support in physical activity.

The State Recreational Boating Safety (RBS) Grant Program, administered by the US Department of Homeland Security's U.S. Coast Guard, aims to enhance safety and enjoyment on America's waterways. This federal program provides grants to designated state agencies to reduce boating accidents, injuries, and fatalities. Although not open to the public, it plays a critical role in ensuring safe recreational boating experiences by implementing effective safety measures, thereby promoting public welfare and environmental protection.

The Vineyard Family Foundation

The Vineyard Family Foundation is the product of decades of work across three generations and five states. Having enjoyed the benefits of our hard work and community patronage, the Vineyard family has chosen to provide to others what so many have graciously provided to us. 

What Sets Us Apart

The Vineyard family has always been committed to its communities. Whether supporting Boys & Girls Clubs, pediatric hospitals, the Ronald McDonald House, arts organizations, or youth recreation leagues, the family has taken a great interest in the care, health, and education of children and the families that nurture them. We take great pride in personally administering our Foundation’s charitable giving, resulting in fewer expenses and more funding for those organizations aligned with the Foundation’s purpose.

Grants

• Supporting Our Communities and Their Families
• Working Towards the Health, Education, and Overall Well-Being of Parents and Their Children

You are steps away from creating an opportunity to receive full or partial funding of your charitable organization. So that you use your time wisely, we offer the following advice for your efforts:

• As a family foundation, we are prohibited from funding individuals or any entity that is not an IRS-recognized Section 501(c)(3) tax-exempt entity or a Section 509(a)(1), (2), or (3) support organization. Thus, while we cannot award a scholarship to an individual, we can fund a 501(c)(3) charity that provides such scholarships.

• If you qualify as a Section 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization or a support organization pursuant to Section 509(a)(1-3), we will need the IRS Determination Letter confirming as much, as well as a statement signed by your organization’s President or Chief Executive Officer verifying that your organization’s purposes, structure, and operations have not changed substantially since the date of the IRS’s Determination Letter.

• If you are a “supporting organization” under IRS Code section 509(a)(1-3), please provide a list of the public charities that you support. Please also advise whether you are a Type I, Type II, or Type III supporting organization. If you are a Type III supporting organization, please advise whether you are “functionally integrated” with your supported public charity and provide an explanation of that relationship.

Supported Charities

The Vineyard family has historically provided funding for family-related charities such as the Ronald McDonald House, the Boys & Girls Clubs of America, pediatric hospitals, autism-related organizations, and youth recreational leagues. The Foundation looks forward to continuing this support and extending itself to educational, research, and cultural experiences that focus on the needs of children and their parents.

Mountain Lake Area Foundation

The Mountain Lake Area Foundation is the one-stop community organization for charitable contributions that benefit the place we call home. It is a permanent resource for the community that provides leadership and financial resources in the form of grants to meet the needs of our community.

The Mountain Lake Area Foundation (MLAF) is organized as a component fund of the Southwest Initiative Foundation (SWIF).

The mission of the Mountain Lake Area Foundation is to promote charitable giving and facilitate the economic and social growth of the community.

Grants

Areas of Interest

• Arts, Culture, Humanities
• Community Improvement (celebrations, beautification, parks)
• Education
• Healthcare
• Recreation, Leisure, Sports, Athletics (camps, leagues, clubs, facilities)
• Youth Development (developmental assets, mentoring, service learning, scouting, centers/clubs)

Types of Support

• Conferences/seminars
• Curriculum development
• Exhibitions/trade shows
• Performances
• Program development
• Start-up funds

In reviewing grant proposals, the review team will look for evidence of the following:

• Proposals should avoid duplication of efforts.
• Proposals should have clearly-stated goals and measurable outcomes.
• Proposals should exhibit evidence of appropriate partnerships. Foundation prefers letters of support from involved agencies, organizations, and individuals clearly outlining both support and contributions to the success of the project.
• Proposals may include a cash match.
• The Foundation prefers evidence of one or more ways to continue the project beyond Foundation funding.

The Carol Aulabaugh Excellence in Education Fund, established by Carol Aulabaugh, is dedicated to enhancing educational opportunities for the Parkview School District in Orfordville, Wisconsin. This endowment fund supports grants ranging from $500 to $1,500 for innovative educational programming not covered by tax dollars. Donations are welcomed year-round and are tax-deductible, making it a meaningful way to invest in the future of education for local students.

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.

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.

May Family Foundation

Eleanor Jean May established the May Family Foundation in 2000, as a gesture of gratitude to the communities that shaped her life. The May Family Foundation is dedicated to identifying programs that strongly resonate with our mission and values as we work together to empower and uplift lives within our communities.

Our foundation provides resources and opportunities that empower young individuals to thrive and reach their full potential. Our goal is to create a brighter future for under-resourced youth in our local communities.

May Family Foundation Mentoring Grant

Our foundation strives to be engaged in our local communities beyond grant funding. We support select programs that align with our goals and form a connection through potential volunteering opportunities, site visits, and recognition of successes.

We welcome grant applications for financial support in mentoring:

• Programs that pair students with adult mentors who provide guidance and support to help students succeed academically and develop important life skills.
• These can go beyond the classroom, such as sports and recreation enrichment programs.

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. 

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.

Goldberger Family Endowment Fund

Opening Doors for Every Jewish Child.

Every child deserves to feel a sense of belonging—to learn, grow, and experience the richness of Jewish life. The Goldberger Family Endowment Fund helps make that possible for families raising children with developmental disabilities, learning challenges, or special healthcare needs.

This fund offers compassionate financial support to Jewish families in Greater St. Paul with children ages 12 months to 18 years, ensuring that no child is left on the sidelines because of ability or circumstance.

What the Fund Supports:

• Jewish educational programs at local synagogues and Federation partner agencies
• Recreational programs that promote inclusion and joy
• Adaptive equipment that empowers independence
• Respite care to support family wellness

Inclusive specialty camps that build confidence, friendship, and Jewish identity. 

The Goldberger Family Endowment Fund is a powerful resource—created to meet families where they are, with compassion, dignity, and support.

The Goldberger Family Endowment Fund for Children with Special Needs is a beautiful reminder of how one family’s love can transform countless lives. Inspired by a deep belief that every Jewish child in Greater St. Paul deserves the chance to learn, grow, and feel supported, the Goldberger family created a gift that continues to shine year after year. Their generosity shows us what’s possible when we choose to turn compassion into action—a legacy that strengthens our community today and lights the way for tomorrow. By including the St. Paul Jewish Federation in your estate plans or establishing an endowment, you can ensure that the values closest to your heart become a source of comfort, opportunity, and hope for generations to come.

The FSCF Community Development Grant, established in 1996, supports nonprofit organizations, schools, and government agencies serving the Five Star communities (Lucan, Seaforth, Vesta, Wabasso, and Wanda). The program focuses on projects that address community needs, enhancing education, wellness, and civic opportunities. Grants may be awarded annually, contingent on compliance with stipulations. Preference is given to projects that demonstrate long-term community benefits and promote volunteer involvement.

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 Alex Stern Family Foundation Grant provides funding to nonprofits in the Fargo-Moorhead area, focusing on arts, education, social welfare, youth recreation, civic projects, and health issues. Established by Alex Stern, a notable community figure, the foundation aims to support initiatives that enhance the local quality of life. Organizations seeking assistance should confirm their eligibility with the Program Manager before applying, ensuring alignment with the foundation's mission.

DICK'S Sporting Goods offers a Sponsorships & Donations Program aimed at supporting youth sports leagues and organizations. They prioritize requests that promote community engagement and character development through sports. Eligible organizations must operate in areas with a DICK'S store and adhere to anti-discrimination policies. The program evaluates requests monthly, with sponsorships up to $25,000 and donations up to $250. Support may include gift certificates or coupons for teams and events, fostering an inclusive sports culture.

The La Crescent Community Foundation, established in 1995, aims to enhance the quality of life in the La Crescent area through targeted grants. It supports various community projects, including park improvements and educational initiatives, while prioritizing organizations that uphold non-discrimination policies. The Foundation's grants focus on local needs, with a preference for applications from schools and local government agencies. Recent efforts include funding for a new event center, demonstrating a commitment to community development.

The Bernick's Beverages and Vending Fund Grants aim to support organizations that align with the Bernick family's values, offering up to $150,000 in funding for 8-10 eligible groups. Focus areas include youth education and fitness initiatives, with grants ranging from $5,000 to $40,000. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofits, schools, and government entities within Bernick's operational regions. The foundation seeks innovative programs that foster community engagement and promote healthy lifestyles.

The Paynesville Area Community Foundation Grant aims to foster positive change in the Paynesville area through targeted funding in education, social services, arts and culture, civic initiatives, recreation, and health. Grants ranging from $2,500 to $20,000 will support eligible 501(c)(3) nonprofits, schools, or government entities. The foundation emphasizes sustainability, collaboration, and projects that enhance quality of life and promote diversity, inclusion, and equity within the community.

The Virginia Community Foundation supports charitable projects that positively impact the greater Virginia area. Eligible organizations include 501c3 charities and public entities, with a focus on measurable results and community collaboration. Grant criteria emphasize sustainability and addressing community needs. The foundation does not fund individuals, political campaigns, or religious activities. Projects must be completed within 12 months of receiving funding, ensuring timely benefits for the community.

The Eden Prairie Community Foundation Grants support local organizations aligned with their mission of community enrichment. Since 1981, they have awarded over $2 million to nonprofits in Eden Prairie. The foundation focuses on Arts & Culture, Education, Recreation & Environment, and Social Services. Eligible applicants are charitable organizations serving Eden Prairie residents. Grants are not available for debt retirement, endowments, or individuals. Priority is given to projects addressing diversity, equity, inclusion, food insecurity, and affordable housing.

The WACF Community Impact Grant aims to empower local organizations in Kandiyohi County, Minnesota, by providing funding between $5,000 and $20,000 for initiatives that address community needs. This grant supports projects focusing on youth development, enhancing community connections, and promoting productive aging. Organizations that demonstrate a commitment to diversity, innovation, and sustainable community impact are encouraged to apply. The foundation prioritizes grants that foster collaboration and improve the quality of life for residents.

The Sauk Centre Area Community Foundation (SCACF) provides grants aimed at fostering positive change in the Sauk Centre area. With a focus on youth, health, civic engagement, culture, and productive aging, the foundation supports initiatives that connect community resources and inspire collaboration. Eligible organizations include nonprofits and schools within the Sauk Centre School District. Grants range from $3,000 to $20,000, with a preference for projects that promote innovation and inclusivity, while not funding political campaigns or religious purposes.

The Roseau Area Community Fund Grant offers up to $8,100 for projects enhancing the quality of life for residents and visitors in the Roseau School District area. Funded by the Northwest Minnesota Foundation, it supports nonprofits and public entities in diverse areas such as leisure, arts, and education. Applications are encouraged for inclusive projects that serve a broad range of participants, fostering community empowerment and growth. This initiative aims to connect people with opportunities in Northwest Minnesota.