Best Recreation Grants for Nonprofits in New Mexico

New Mexico recreation and outdoor organizations promoting firearms safety, shooting sports, or hunting education can access funding through The NRA Foundation for charitable, educational, or sports competition programs. Eligible applicants include 501(c) entities, government agencies, and state-recognized nonprofits, with typical awards ranging from US $3,000 - US $5,000 for program-related equipment and activities.

Outdoor recreation and trail-focused organizations in New Mexico can seek funding to plan, develop, or improve regional trails and related infrastructure, with awards of US $500,000 - US $1,000,000. New Mexico Outdoor Recreation Division provides this Tier 3 Trails+ grant for projects that deliver regional economic impact and expand public recreation access, including on Tribal lands.

New Mexico nonprofits and public entities planning or improving regional outdoor recreation trails and related infrastructure in New Mexico can apply for US $100,000 - US $499,999, requiring matching funds. New Mexico Outdoor Recreation Division’s Tier 2 Trails+ grants prioritize projects with regional economic impact, public recreation access, and strong multi-partner collaboration, including on Tribal and rural lands.

Nonprofits and local entities planning or improving outdoor recreation trails in New Mexico can seek US $25,000 - US $99,999 to enhance publicly accessible trail infrastructure and related amenities. Grants from New Mexico Outdoor Recreation Division support projects that boost local economies, expand recreation access, and promote equitable, nature-based recreation opportunities.

Nonprofit and community organizations providing youth outdoor recreation programs in New Mexico can receive US $5,000 - US $40,000 to deliver transformative outdoor experiences. The Outdoor Recreation Division’s Outdoor Equity Fund supports activities that increase equitable access to nature, build stewardship of lands and waters, and connect youth to outdoor recreation career pathways.

Nonprofit and public entities developing outdoor recreation areas and facilities in New Mexico can seek reimbursement grants up to US $500,000 for acquisition, development, and expansion projects. The New Mexico Energy Minerals and Natural Resources Department administers the Land and Water Conservation Fund to support recreation, education, resource protection, and wetland acquisition across the state.

Eligible New Mexico state agencies, public educational institutions, political subdivisions, and tribes or pueblos can seek funding for conservation easements and land restoration projects that support recreation, wildlife habitat, and working lands. Focused on protecting the state’s natural heritage, the New Mexico Energy Minerals and Natural Resources Department invites projects that enhance forests, watersheds, outdoor recreation, and trails.

Nonprofits, tribes, and public agencies in New Mexico can fund short-term youth conservation and recreation projects with up to US $225,000, including park access, greenways, and community facility improvements. With a mission to support recreation and outdoor conservation, New Mexico Energy Minerals and Natural Resources Department provides reimbursement-based grants requiring a 10% match and hiring local youth corps members.

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.

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.

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.

The Make a SPLASH! Grant Contest, co-hosted by Inside Edge Safety Surfaces, offers two all-expenses-paid awards for Life Floor safety surfaces, aimed at enhancing community splash pads. The Need-Based Award targets municipalities and non-profits demonstrating financial need, with design options including planks, bubbles, and geometric shapes. Grant values range from $50,000 to $65,000, depending on project size, ensuring safety and accessibility for all users.

Municipal entities, JCCs, YMCAs, and other nonprofit organizations with existing splash pads in New Mexico can receive in-kind safety surfacing and installation for inclusive, accessible outdoor recreation areas. MNY Group’s Make a SPLASH! Inclusive Design Award provides Life Floor tiles and installation, with grant values of US $50,000 - US $65,000 for qualifying U.S. projects.

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. 

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations partnering with public land agencies can receive up to US $10,000 for nature-based recreation projects that support veterans’ physical and mental health, including in New Mexico. Grants from National Environmental Education Foundation help fund services, materials, administrative costs, and billed labor for outdoor activities on accessible public lands.

New Mexico outdoor recreation and conservation organizations can seek funding for ecosystem-improving projects, habitat restoration, and nature-based access and education programs. Focused on ecosystem health, hunting-related mentorship, and collaborative stewardship, W.L. Gore supports U.S. and Canadian projects with US $3,000 - US $20,000 grants, by invitation following a brief initial inquiry.

Conservation districts, state and territory conservation associations and agencies, Resource Conservation & Development Councils, and Tribal organizations in New Mexico can apply for National Association of Conservation Districts technical assistance grants; awards Approximately US $18,000,000 to hire staff for conservation outreach, education, and technical assistance. Projects may support outdoor recreation, environmental justice, and community resilience.

Nonprofits and public agencies planning large-scale park or outdoor recreation acquisitions or facility development in underserved communities, including New Mexico, can apply for matching support through the Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership Program. Focused on parks and outdoor recreation, Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection offers US $300,000 - US $15,000,000 for eligible projects nationwide.

State, commonwealth, and territory agencies in New Mexico seeking to acquire, develop, or renovate parks and outdoor recreation areas in urban, underserved communities can apply for this funding; awards range from US $300,000 - US $15,000,000. With a mission to expand outdoor recreation access, the National Park Service provides subgrants to local governments, Tribes, and community organizations through the Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership Program.

Individuals and small teams planning U.S. climbing or outdoor recreation objectives, including those from New Mexico, can receive US $250 - US $2,000 to advance inclusive climbing goals. New Mexico recreation groups supporting historically underrepresented climbers may be eligible for American Alpine Club’s Catalyst Grant, especially projects that build skills, create programs, and engage the broader community.

U.S.-based 501(c)(3) public charities or fiscally sponsored groups that connect historically excluded communities to the outdoors can seek support for outdoor equity and recreation initiatives, including in New Mexico. With a mission to advance nature-based well-being, REI Cooperative Action Fund provides grants for programs that connect people outside, create outdoor spaces, or center health outside.

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.

Nonprofit organizations and public institutions in New Mexico running outdoor recreation or conservation projects can receive up to US $5,000 for specific programs, events, or improvements. Bass Pro Shops & Cabelas Outdoor Fund supports efforts that conserve wildlife and habitat or connect new audiences to the outdoors, such as youth clinics, adaptive access, gear libraries, or trail work.

Nonprofits, municipalities, and public institutions in New Mexico hosting recreation or outdoor-focused fundraisers can receive in-kind merchandise or gift cards up to US $2,500. Grants from Bass Pro Shops & Cabelas Outdoor Fund help conservation and military-focused organizations boost events like banquets, raffles, and giveaways near their retail store locations.

New Mexico 501(c)(3) nonprofits or fiscally sponsored groups seeking general operating support for outdoor recreation, inclusive outdoor access, or parks and public spaces can apply for the Clif Family Foundation Open Call, with awards of US $5,000 - US $50,000. Focused on community-centered, grassroots work, the foundation prioritizes U.S.-based organizations advancing healthy, just, and sustainable environments.

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.