Best Recreation Grants for Nonprofits

The Toledo Mud Hens Baseball Club's Helping Hens Fund, administered by the Toledo Community Foundation, supports nonprofit organizations in Northwest Ohio and Southeast Michigan. The fund prioritizes projects focused on children's fitness, warm-weather activities, and capital improvements for sporting venues. Grants range from $1,500 to $10,000, with larger capital requests considered. Eligible organizations must hold 501(c)(3) status and demonstrate how their projects enhance youth engagement in sports and wellness.

Pennsylvania Environmental Council's Mini Grant Programs: Capacity Building for Trail Organizations

PEC was awarded funding from DCNR to administer the Capacity Building for Trail Organizations Mini Grant Program. 

This grant program is designed to strengthen the long-term sustainability and effectiveness of local partners. Through this program, organizations will have access to resources that help build organizational capacity, improve trail management practices, enhance user experiences, and foster greater community engagement. 

Applicants can request $2,000 to $10,000. Projects require a 20% match of the total project cost, up to the maximum grant award of $10,000. Total project cost cannot exceed $50,000. 

The Rum River Community Foundation Grant, a philanthropic initiative by the Initiative Foundation, aims to enhance community livability through funding for parks, recreation, and youth engagement in the cities of Bock, Foreston, Milaca, and Pease. Grants are awarded to eligible nonprofit organizations, school districts, and local governments, focusing on proposals that foster community involvement and pride. The maximum grant size is $1,000, not exceeding 50% of total project costs.

The Watauga County Community Foundation offers the High Country Recreation Endowment Grant to support local parks and recreational activities. Established in 1993, this foundation operates through a volunteer advisory board to enhance community resources. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, local governments, and fire departments serving the area, while grants are not provided for political purposes or general operating support for religious entities. This initiative fosters community engagement and recreational opportunities in Watauga County.

CNYCF: Community Grants Program- Spring Cycle

We support the following types of projects that promote community impact, capacity building and diversity:

Capital Projects: including large scale capital campaigns, repairs and replacements, technology upgrades, and equipment/furnishing purchases.

Capital and programmatic grants $10,000-$150,000 are available through the Dr. Robert J. Vitkus Fund to organizations in Onondaga, Madison, Cortland, Cayuga and Oswego counties that support outdoor parks and recreation areas. Preferences are for parks and recreation areas that provide access for hunting and fishing, naming opportunities, programs that involve youth, and conservation efforts to improve wildlife habitat and forest health. 

Program: support for new and innovative programs, or the expansion of proven existing programs that address our community’s most pressing needs.

Focus Areas

• Arts & culture, environment, animals, civic engagement, education

Impact Grants Clinton County

This opportunity invites you to pursue a bold, high-impact initiative that could significantly strengthen outcomes for our communities. 

The Clinton County Community Foundation is pleased to announce the release of its Impact Grant Opportunity. This one-time, competitive funding opportunity is designed to support nonprofit organizations delivering impactful projects and services within Clinton County, Indiana. Funding may support new or existing initiatives that strengthen the community and address a broad range of local priorities.

Clinton County Community Foundation is committed to improving the quality of life for all residents of Clinton County. This grant program reflects our belief that community challenges are best addressed through strategic investment in nonprofit partners who understand the needs of local residents and have the operational capacity to implement meaningful, sustainable solutions. We invite those nonprofit partners to submit proposals through this opportunity for impact. Proposals should describe how the project will address priority areas, serve Clinton County residents, be implemented effectively, and sustain long-term impact when possible. We also encourage multi-agency partnerships that tackle complex challenges through shared resources, leadership, and vision.

The CCCF Simple Grant supports innovative projects under $3,000 that enhance the quality of life in Clay County, Iowa. The Clay County Community Foundation seeks to connect donors with impactful causes, focusing on economic development, health services, and community activities. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) non-profits and local government units. Grants prioritize projects that foster community engagement and address local needs, ensuring sustainable benefits for the county's residents.

The Clay County Community Foundation (CCCF) offers Standard Grants ranging from $3,001 to $10,000 for non-profit organizations and local governments in Clay County, Iowa. These grants aim to enhance the quality of life through projects in areas such as economic development, cultural activities, and health services. The foundation prioritizes initiatives that connect donors with impactful causes, ensuring that funds are used effectively to address community needs and support innovative programs.

Academy Sports + Outdoors, a leading sporting goods retailer, supports community initiatives by providing donations to registered 501(c)(3) organizations. Their focus is on promoting safety and responsibility in sports and outdoor activities. Proposals must foster community engagement and must not be affiliated with religious or political groups. Events should take place in areas with Academy stores, ensuring a positive local impact while encouraging active lifestyles and connection among community members.

The GOCO: Pathways Program, initiated by Great Outdoors Colorado, aims to enhance Colorado's public spaces through innovative planning and capacity-building grants. Since 1992, GOCO has allocated over $1.3 billion in lottery proceeds towards preserving parks, trails, and wildlife habitats across the state. This program addresses critical issues and opportunities by supporting research, data analysis, and the development of tools to strengthen local governments and conservation organizations.

The CCCF Impact Grant provides funding between $10,001 and $25,000 for projects that enhance quality of life in Clay County, Iowa. The grant prioritizes economic development, cultural activities, parks, and health services. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) non-profits and local government units. This initiative aims to support impactful community projects, fostering collaboration and growth within the county. For more details, contact the Clay County Community Foundation.

BlueCross Healthy Places aims to enhance community health by creating accessible spaces for physical activity. This initiative focuses on developing features like community gathering spots, fitness areas, and playgrounds tailored to local needs. The program encourages collaboration with both government and non-profit organizations to ensure projects are community-driven and inclusive. By prioritizing public access and community input, BlueCross Healthy Places seeks to foster healthier lifestyles and stronger community bonds.

The Ohio Coastal Management Assistance Grants provide funding for projects that improve water quality, enhance coastal habitats, and promote public access to Lake Erie. Eligible recipients, including local governments and non-profits, can apply for grants with a required 1:1 non-federal match. Since 1998, over $8 million has been awarded for 155 projects, with total investments exceeding $13 million. These grants support vital coastal planning, education, and habitat restoration efforts.

Recreational Corridor Greenways and Trails Planning

State funding for intergovernmental agreements and grant agreements that support specific projects identified as high priority a Recreational Corridor for repurposing the abandoned railroads. These are non-competitive grants that fund the specific miscellaneous purposes to manage, conserve and protect Illinois' natural, recreational and cultural resources, further the public's understanding and appreciation of those resources, and promote the education, science and public safety of Illinois' natural resources for present and future generations.

This is the third phase of the DNR-assisted program.

• Phase 1 covered Northeastern Illinois.
• Phase 2 covered 10 downstate metro-areas.
• Phase 3 covers non-metro communities and counties, including: Communities greater than 10,000 population that have not already participated in DNR-assisted northeastern Illinois or downstate metro-area greenway and trail planning. Counties that have not already participated in DNR-assisted Northeastern Illinois or downstate metro-area greenway and trail planning.

These counties may participate in the program individually, or in cooperation with one or more other eligible counties. Two or more northeastern Illinois and downstate metro-area coalitions that have

• completed regional plans (under earlier Phases and 
• demonstrated significant progress in implementing portions of their plans.

The goal for this planning is to connect metro-area networks. Interstate coalitions. The goal for this planning is to connect greenways and trails within Illinois to greenways and trails within adjacent states.

The Oregon Conservation & Recreation Fund Grant aims to safeguard Oregon's fish and wildlife habitats through funding of up to $100,000 for drought-related projects, totaling $800,000 available. Additionally, $250,000 is allocated for other conservation and recreation initiatives with a maximum of $50,000 per project. The grant prioritizes support for smaller organizations, especially those from underserved communities, ensuring long-term ecological benefits and recreational opportunities for future generations.

About

By supporting the preservation of Palm Beach, the activities of young people, community sports programs, the arts in the greater Palm Beach area, education, health care, and underserved communities. Grants are awarded to non-profit organizations addressing the issues of concern to the Walter and Adi Blum Foundation, Inc.

Walter & Adi Blum Foundation Grant

Our Commitment Area

The Foundation remains deeply committed to the activities and causes supported by Adi and Walter Blum. Since its inception, The Foundation has achieved a standard of unique and innovative grant making that has had a sizable impact on the disadvantaged and underserved. It is The Foundation's goal to ensure that this philosophy of caring for the community continues to thrive.

Geographic Funding Area

The Foundation's principal geographic area of concern is primarily dedicated to Palm Beach County and the state of Florida.

What We Fund

The Foundation encourages thoughtful projects that address community needs and have clearly defined objectives with measurable impact.

• Funding Categories
• Community sports programs
• Activities for young people
• Preservation of Palm Beach
• The arts
• Underserved communities
• Education
• Health care Issues
• Homeless, housing and food programs
• Programs for adults and children with special needs

Grants may be awarded for capital needs; start up costs; and administrative costs. Grant awards range from $500 to in excess of $50,000 with the typical award being in the $10,000 to $25,000 range. The Foundation welcomes and encourages matching grants and looks for projects that have multiple sources of funding along with strong support from an organization's board of directors.

The Manistee Community Foundation Grant Program aims to foster community growth and development in Manistee County. Established in 1987, the Foundation invites proposals that address local needs and inspire innovative solutions. By engaging donors and partners, the program seeks to create lasting impacts through strategic investments. Applicants are encouraged to submit a Grant Inquiry Form to determine eligibility for funding. The Foundation values community input and looks forward to supporting initiatives that enhance the quality of life for all residents.

The NRA Foundation offers financial support through its Grant Program, aimed at projects that promote firearms safety, shooting sports education, and research for improved marksmanship techniques. Eligible applicants include IRS-recognized entities and government bodies. The foundation does not fund commercial ventures, administrative costs, or projects requiring NRA membership. Grants support educational programs related to firearms and public safety, fostering community engagement in shooting sports and hunting safety.

The NRA Foundation offers grants in Missouri aimed at promoting charitable purposes under IRS regulations. Eligible applicants include IRS 501(c)(3) organizations, government entities, and recognized nonprofits. The funding supports initiatives in firearms education, safety, and marksmanship, fostering community engagement in these areas. However, labor organizations, private businesses, and individuals are ineligible. The foundation emphasizes compliance with its mission to advance the shooting sports and enhance public safety.

The NRA Foundation: Montana Grants provides funding for charitable purposes aligned with its mission, primarily focusing on promoting firearms safety, education, and marksmanship. Eligible organizations must hold a Federal Employer Identification Number and can include IRS 501(c)(3) entities, government bodies, or state-recognized nonprofits. Ineligible applicants include labor organizations, private enterprises, and individuals. The Foundation emphasizes public benefit in funded projects, ensuring they contribute positively to the community.

The NRA Foundation: Minnesota Grants aims to provide funding that aligns with its charitable mission under IRS regulations. Eligible organizations include IRS-recognized entities, government agencies, and state nonprofit organizations. The foundation supports projects that promote firearms safety, education, and research in shooting sports. However, labor organizations, private businesses, and individuals are not eligible for these grants. Proper documentation, such as IRS letters or state registrations, is required for application.

The NRA Foundation offers grants to support educational programs in shooting sports across communities. These grants aim to promote firearms safety, educate individuals about firearms and marksmanship, and conduct research for improved safety techniques. Eligible organizations must possess a Federal Employer Identification Number and can include government entities, recognized nonprofits, or educational institutions. The foundation emphasizes public benefit, ensuring that projects contribute positively to the community.

The NRA Foundation: Michigan Grants provides vital financial support for educational and public service programs related to shooting sports. The foundation focuses on promoting firearms safety, educating individuals about firearms history, and conducting research to enhance firearms safety techniques. Eligible organizations include government entities and recognized nonprofits, while discrimination based on protected characteristics is prohibited. This initiative aims to foster community engagement through grants that benefit youth and promote responsible firearm use.

The NRA Foundation offers grants in Massachusetts to support charitable purposes aligned with its mission. Eligible applicants include IRS-recognized nonprofits, government entities, and state-recognized organizations, while ineligible parties include labor organizations and individuals. The Foundation funds educational programs related to firearms safety and marksmanship, promoting responsible shooting sports and hunting safety. Grant requests must adhere to specific guidelines, ensuring support for activities that foster public well-being and community engagement.

The NRA Foundation: Maryland Grants support charitable purposes as defined by the IRS. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations, government entities, and state-recognized nonprofits. The Foundation promotes firearms safety, education, and research, while aiming to enhance public benefit through community engagement in shooting sports and hunting. Ineligible entities include private businesses and individuals. Grant requests must align with the Foundation's mission to foster educational and charitable initiatives related to firearms and safety.

The NRA Foundation offers grants in Maine to support charitable purposes in line with IRS 501(c)(3) regulations. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations, government entities, and educational institutions with a valid EIN. The foundation prioritizes projects that promote firearms safety, education, and research in marksmanship. However, labor organizations, private businesses, and individuals are ineligible for funding. Grant requests must align with the foundation's mission and the application process requires specific documentation.

The NRA Foundation offers grants to support educational and public service programs related to shooting sports. Annually, volunteer committees raise funds, which are awarded to eligible nonprofit organizations for projects that promote firearms safety, education, and marksmanship. While 501(c)(3) status is not required for applicants, all grants must serve a 501(c)(3) purpose. This initiative aims to enhance community involvement and awareness in shooting sports and hunting safety.