Best Recreation Grants for Nonprofits

The Icicle Fund Community Grants support nonprofit organizations in North Central Washington that promote the arts, history, and environmental stewardship. These unrestricted grants allow organizations to address community needs flexibly and innovatively. With funding typically ranging from $3,000 to $35,000, the program prioritizes engaging local communities in appreciation and understanding of their unique cultural and natural heritage. Eligible organizations include public schools, governmental entities, and faith-based groups focusing on these core areas.

The Spokane Parks Foundation has been enhancing community well-being for over 72 years by supporting parks and recreational programs. This grant focuses on projects that improve services in underserved areas, promote inclusivity, and deliver long-term community benefits. The foundation prioritizes proposals from non-profit organizations and groups demonstrating community involvement and collaboration. By filling funding gaps, the foundation ensures that Spokane's parks remain beautiful, safe, and accessible for everyone.

The Green Acres Nonprofit Grant in New Jersey supports tax-exempt organizations aiming to enhance public access to open space for recreation and conservation. This grant fosters the development of outdoor recreational facilities and the stewardship of natural resources. Eligible nonprofits can receive matching funds to acquire land, develop parks, or manage conservation projects, thus ensuring a lasting impact on community well-being and environmental sustainability.

The Return to Dirt Program by the High Fives Foundation offers individuals with mobility limitations the chance to explore the outdoors through adaptive off-road vehicles. This initiative aims to break down barriers for athletes passionate about outdoor recreation but facing significant challenges. With expert instruction and specialized equipment, participants can experience adventure in areas that are typically inaccessible, fostering a sense of independence and enjoyment in nature.

The Outdoor Equity Fund (NM) promotes equitable access to the outdoors for underserved youth in New Mexico. Established in 2019, this initiative offers transformative outdoor experiences that foster a connection to nature while promoting stewardship of the state's lands and waters. Grants ranging from $5,000 to $40,000 support programs that encourage outdoor recreation and career pathways, ensuring that all young people can enjoy the physical and mental benefits of outdoor activities.

The New Mexico Outdoor Recreation Trails+ Grant supports local projects that enhance community well-being and boost local economies through improved outdoor infrastructure. This funding opportunity ranges from $25,000 to $99,999 and encourages projects that promote equitable access to recreation. It requires a match of 1:1 for urban projects and 2:1 for rural or Tribal communities, aiming to connect people with nature while fostering stewardship of New Mexico's landscapes.

The New Mexico Outdoor Recreation Trails+ Grant supports regional projects aimed at enhancing outdoor recreation and community well-being. With funding ranging from $100,000 to $499,999, it encourages projects that promote equitable access to nature and demonstrate economic benefits for the region. Applicants must show a commitment to public access and stewardship of natural landscapes. This grant plays a crucial role in maintaining healthy ecosystems while fostering economic growth and creating jobs for residents and visitors alike.

The New Mexico Outdoor Recreation Trails+ Grant aims to enhance local economies and community well-being through the development and improvement of trails and related infrastructure. This grant supports projects that connect people with nature, promote equitable access, and ensure long-term stewardship of New Mexico’s landscapes. With funding between $500,000 to $1,000,000, it requires a 1:1 match for urban projects and 2:1 for rural or Tribal projects, encouraging collaborative efforts for regional benefits.

The Friends of the Finns: Youth Hockey Scholarship, established by the Dallas Stars Foundation, aims to support young hockey players in the Dallas/Fort Worth area. With a focus on enhancing their sports experience, this scholarship provides financial assistance to those demonstrating a passion for hockey and a desire to continue playing. Applicants must submit an essay, a letter of recommendation, and parental comments on the scholarship's impact. The foundation's commitment ensures that despite limited resources, deserving candidates receive support.

The Scott Ralls Fund Grant, administered by the American Camping Association, NY and NJ, supports capital improvement projects for nonprofit accredited camps. Established in honor of Scott Ralls, a dedicated advocate for the camp industry, the fund has distributed over $372,000 to enhance the camp experience. Eligible applicants must be nonprofit accredited member camps, with a preference for projects that are standalone and can be completed within a year.

The Empire State Trail Town Program, managed by Parks & Trails New York, aims to transform communities along the iconic Empire State Trail into vibrant, trail-friendly destinations. Through expert guidance, the program supports local initiatives to enhance outdoor recreation, promote tourism, and strengthen community identities as trail towns. Applications for the 2026 round are now open, inviting eligible cities, villages, and towns to unlock the economic potential of outdoor recreation along this renowned trail.

The Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) Program, established in 1964, aims to protect natural areas and provide recreational opportunities across the U.S. Funded by offshore oil and gas leasing revenues, the program supports state and local governments in acquisitions and developments for public outdoor recreation. Administered by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, the program has funded over 44,000 projects, enhancing parks, trails, and recreational facilities while ensuring sustainable use of natural resources.

The Lawson’s Finest Taproom was designed as a community gathering space to enjoy the best of local beer, food, people and music. In lieu of tips in our Taproom, we invite our guests to donate to the Sunshine Fund to benefit local nonprofits. Our staff receive generous wages and total compensation packages that don’t require tips to supplement their income, making hospitality included in your guest experience. The Sunshine Fund allows us to harness the generosity of guest donations with the goal of advancing thriving local communities.

The Sunshine Fund is the heart of the Lawson’s Finest Social Impact Program to assist local organizations that support the people and environment of the Mad River Valley, Washington County and the state of Vermont.

The Sunshine Awards prioritize funding for nonprofit organizations located in the Mad River Valley, Washington County, and across Vermont that focus on strengthening healthy communities, improving food and economic security, protecting natural resources, and promoting sustainable recreation. 

The Grand Foundation

Our Mission

The Grand Foundation is a philanthropic organization serving all of Grand County, Colorado. The Foundation seeks to improve the quality of life in Grand County by proactively addressing current and future needs in the areas of Health & Human Services, Arts & Culture, Education, Sports & Recreation, and Environment.

Ski and Ride School Scholarship Fund

The Ski and Ride School Scholarship Fund, administered by the Grand Foundation, was established through a donation from Winter Park Resort to support Grand County youth participating in programs offered by the Winter Park Resort. The Fund provides need-based support to youth to develop lifelong enjoyment of mountain sports.

• Total award will not exceed the cost of program fees.
• Any awarded funding is paid directly from the Fund to the organization providing the program. The Fund cannot pay individuals directly.
• If an applicant receives duplicate funding for a program, the Ski and Ride School Scholarship Fund monies must be returned.
• Requests for programs already completed will not be considered. (The Fund cannot reimburse individuals.)
• The committee looks for commitment from the athlete’s parent/guardian for a portion of the total cost of the program being supported. 

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. 

FWP's Mission

Steward the fish, wildlife, parks, and recreational resources for the public, now and into the future.

FWP Original Off-Highway Vehicle Grant Program

Program Specifics

The Off-Highway Vehicle Grant Program provides project funding with the goal of enhancing and maintaining OHV recreational opportunities for the benefit of OHV enthusiasts in Montana. It provides grant funding for safety, ethics and education, resource maintenance, protection and improvement projects.

Montana State Parks administers the OHV grant program with funds appropriated by the State Legislature, and is assisted in grant allocation by the Off-Highway Vehicle Advisory Committee (OHVAC). The OHVAC is comprised of citizens throughout Montana who have a vested interest in managing OHV opportunities as a valuable resource. 

The OHV Grant Program awards approximately $150,000 in grant funds annually. Applications for trail steward positions are limited to a $20,000 grant request. All other projects do not have a maximum award amount and will be subject to the review panel and OHVAC funding decisions. 

California Humanities

Founded in 1975, California Humanities is a nonprofit partner of the National Endowment for the Humanities dedicated to strengthening communities through the humanities. The organization supports public humanities programs across California that promote civic engagement, cultural understanding, and inclusive storytelling. Through grants, partnerships, and statewide initiatives, California Humanities funds projects that elevate diverse voices, preserve local histories, and foster dialogue around social issues. Its mission centers on connecting Californians to ideas and one another to inspire greater understanding and participation in public life.

Connecting California - Quick Grants

Connecting California supports publicly accessible activities and events that strengthen social connection and cohesion across California’s diverse communities. Funded projects help foster understanding, empathy, and trust by creating opportunities for people to come together across difference and discover shared values, experiences, and aspirations.

The Andrew McMorris Foundation offers the Suffolk County Eagle & Gold Award Projects Grants to honor the legacy of Andrew McMorris. This initiative recognizes current Suffolk County Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts who have had their Eagle Scout or Gold Award Project approved. Applicants must demonstrate commitment to community service and scouting values, while exemplifying Andrew's spirit of kindness and leadership. The foundation encourages candidates who uplift others and pursue their passions with enthusiasm.

Smith Atwell Girls Recreational Grant Program

The Smith Atwell Girls Recreational Grant Program seeks to provide funding for programs that empower and encourage girls and young women to be involved in athletic and outdoor recreational opportunities. This grant supports a nonprofit agency located in Greene County, Missouri which provides programming to support athletic and outdoor recreational opportunities for girls and young women. Equipment, programming, or training to assist in supporting athletic and recreational opportunities for girls and young women are eligible for application.

This grant will provide $500 to one agency in the summer of 2026. 

In awarding grants, the CFO will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, ability, sexual orientation, gender identity or veteran status. Grantees must not, in the use of CFO grant funds, discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, ability, sexual orientation, gender identity or veteran status either in its employment practices or in its policies and procedures concerning access to services.

Parks & Trails New York

Founded in 1985 by a group of passionate park advocates who believed New York’s magnificent state park system merited its own advocacy group, PTNY’s purview quickly grew to include trails, outdoor recreation, active transportation, and bicycle and pedestrian issues.

Over its tenure, PTNY has successfully prevented the closure of over 100 sites during a critical budget crisis, championed the effort to close gaps in the Erie Canalway Trail, and developed the foundational concepts for the Empire State Trail (EST). Through grants and grassroots support, we’ve directed $10 million to community groups and engaged over one hundred thousand volunteers, ensuring cherished public spaces thrive. Today, these efforts contribute to the remarkable success of nearly 88 million park visits and nearly 10 million annual users on the nation-leading Empire State Trail.

Western New York Trail Town Grants

Background

Administered by Parks & Trails New York (PTNY), and with generous funding provided by the Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Foundation, PTNY will offer $60,000 in competitive grants to support a broader initiative aimed at boosting local economies by leveraging visitation to nearby public lands. The grants can be used to promote place-making efforts, improve safety for pedestrians and cyclists, and implement community-driven projects that prioritize active transportation alternatives for cyclists and pedestrians.

Matching Funds

Trail Town Grants require a local match of at least 10% of the total project budget (not the ask). The entire match may be from in-kind sources (volunteer labor, donated materials, etc.) or may be supplemented by cash. The amount funded through this project must be no more than 90% of the total project budget.

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.

AmeriCorps Nevada Formula Operational Grant

This is a funding opportunity for Institutions of higher education; local governments, school districts; nonprofit organizations; State Service Commissions; States and US Territories; Indian Tribes; and public health departments to apply for AmeriCorps members to strengthen communities through service.

AmeriCorps improves lives, strengthens communities, and fosters civic engagement through service and volunteering. AmeriCorps brings people together to tackle some of the country’s most pressing challenges through national service and volunteerism. AmeriCorps members serve with organizations dedicated to the improvement of communities and those serving.

AmeriCorps grants are awarded to eligible organizations that engage AmeriCorps members in evidence-based or evidence-informed interventions to strengthen communities. An AmeriCorps member is a person who does community service through AmeriCorps. Members may receive a living allowance and other benefits. After successful completion of their service, members earn a Segal AmeriCorps Education Award they can use to pay for higher education expenses or apply to qualified student loans.

NOFO Priorities

• Added a public safety, crime prevention, and partnerships priority
• Added an expanding outdoor recreation for future generations priority
• Added a strengthening families priority

AmeriCorps Focus Areas

Disaster Services

Helping individuals and communities prepare for, respond to, recover from, and mitigate the effects of disasters and increase community resiliency.

Economic Opportunity

Improving the economic well-being and security of underserved individuals.

Education

Improving educational outcomes for underserved people, especially children. AmeriCorps is particularly interested in program designs that support youth engagement and service learning as strategies to achieve high educational outcomes.

Environmental Stewardship

Supporting communities to become more resilient through measures that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, conserve land and water, increase renewable energy use and improve at-risk ecosystems, especially in underserved households and communities.

Healthy Futures

Support for health needs within communities, including mitigating the impacts of public health crises, access to care, aging in place, public health, and addressing childhood obesity, especially in underserved communities.

Veterans and Military Families

Improving the quality of life of veterans, military families, caregivers, and survivors

Better Beaches Grant Program

Since 2008, Save the Harbor/Save the Bay has partnered with the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) to award small grants to local organizations and artists to activate the region’s public beaches through free events and programs on DCR beaches in Nahant, Lynn, Revere, Winthrop, East Boston, South Boston, Dorchester, Quincy, and Hull. 

The goal of the Better Beaches Grant Program is to give decision-making power directly to community members over community spaces. We do this by allocating state funds to organizations and individuals to host free events and programs on public beaches. It creates opportunities for people who may not already be visiting the beach, or who face barriers to accessing the beach, to enjoy these shared waterfront spaces. 

Whether you are part of an organization, collective, or are a creative individual with a vision for a more diverse and activated waterfront, the Better Beaches Grant Program may be for you! Grant applicants can come from any community, so long as their proposed event takes place on one of our region’s public DCR beaches from Nahant down to Hull. 

For the 2026 beach season, we will be allocating over $300,000 in small grants ranging from $2,500 – $8,500 per grantee.

What we fund?

The Better Beaches Grant Program supports a diverse range of public events and programs that celebrate and engage communities on Boston Harbor beaches. 

Grant funds must go toward events and programs that: 

• Are FREE to the public
• Take place on DCR public beaches and beachfront parks. For a full list of which beaches and beach-front parks, see below. 
• Happen between June 1 – September 30, 2026

Better Beaches grant funds can support a wide variety of events, including: youth and family fun days, cultural festivals, science and learning programs, music and dance events, kayaking, swimming, fishing, book groups and literacy programs, community resources, art classes and markets, self-care and wellness events, fitness and sports classes, and more. Get creative! Projects may be one-time events, a series, or recurring gatherings.

Enhance your organization’s capacity with AmeriCorps Maryland funding opportunities

AmeriCorps is the largest funder of national service in the United States, connecting organizations, public agencies, and institutions of higher education with individuals willing to dedicate their time and efforts to addressing critical needs across the state. AmeriCorps Maryland offers funding to support the development and operation of programs that engage individuals in direct service.

To qualify for funding through an operational grant, AmeriCorps Maryland programs must support the equivalent of 20 full-time AmeriCorps Members in their first year of operation. The amount of the grant award is based on the number of AmeriCorps Members serving with the organization. Organizations launching new programs may apply for planning grant opportunities. These grants do not include AmeriCorps Members but enable organizations to lay the foundation for a successful AmeriCorps operational program.

AmeriCorps Maryland Workforce Development Planning Grants

Planning Grants provide up to $240,000 in funding for the 6-month planning period beginning July 15, 2026. Applicants will propose developing a new AmeriCorps program that includes a defined, Member-focused career pathway that intentionally embeds workforce attributes into a service term.  

Planning Grants support program development and capacity-building activities. They do not fund AmeriCorps member positions during the planning year.

AmeriCorps is a national service program that engages individuals in meaningful service to strengthen communities. Through AmeriCorps Maryland Formula Operational Grants, organizations may place full- or part-time AmeriCorps members in communities across Maryland to address critical local needs.

Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services

The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services supports and promotes Florida agriculture, protects the environment, safeguards consumers, and ensures the safety and wholesomeness of food. Our programs and activities are so varied and extensive, they touch the life of just about every Floridian.

T. Mark Schmidt Off-Highway Vehicle Grant Program

The purpose of the T. Mark Schmidt Off-Highway Vehicle Grant Program (hereinafter referred to as the OHV Grant Program) is to provide financial assistance to Applicants as further defined below, to provide or improve off-highway vehicle recreational areas or trails for public use on Public Lands. Through the Off-Highway Vehicle Tilting Program, the state of Florida has been allocated funds for implementing this program. The primary purpose of the OHV Grant Program is to provide and/or improve off-highway riding opportunities on Public Lands by establishing and/or maintaining existing or new riding areas; provide enforcement of applicable regulations to the System and off-highway vehicle activities; provide safety, training and rider education in the operation of off-highway vehicles and if funds are available, acquire lands to be included in the System and manage and rehabilitate such lands. Grant awards are recommended by the Off-Highway Vehicle Recreation Advisory Committee annually, with final approval by the Commissioner of Agriculture, and appropriated by the Florida Legislature.

Grant Categories

There are five grant categories:

Pre-Construction – Planning, Design, and Permitting of New OHV Areas, Trails and/or Facilities, or expansion of existing OHV Areas.

Construction – Construction of New OHV Areas, Trails and/or Facilities, or expansion of existing riding areas.

Maintenance and Monitoring: A) Repair, Maintenance, Rehabilitation of Existing OHV Areas, Trails, or Facilities. B) Monitoring and Protection of Existing OHV Areas, Trails, or Facilities.

Education: A) Rider Education, Safety, and Training Program. B) Education Outreach.

Acquisition – Acquisition of lands to be included in the System.

About the DNR

Preserving and enhancing the natural resources of Wisconsin

In keeping with our mission, the DNR is dedicated to working with Wisconsinites while preserving and enhancing the natural resources of Wisconsin. In partnership with individuals and organizations, DNR staff manage fish, wildlife, forests, parks, air and water resources while promoting a healthy, sustainable environment and a full range of outdoor opportunities.

Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) Program

This is a federal program administered in all states that encourages the creation and interpretation of high-quality outdoor recreational opportunities. Funds received by the DNR for this program are split between DNR projects and grants to local governments for outdoor recreation activities. Grants cover up to 50% of eligible project costs. LWCF grants provide local units of governments, tribes, and school districts opportunities to receive grants for outdoor recreation activities. Payment of grant funds is on a reimbursement basis.

Public access is fundamental to this grant program. Reasonable public access is required for any property purchased or developed with grant funds. The DNR can help determine what constitutes appropriate and reasonable public access for grant-funded properties. 

Preserving and enhancing the natural resources of Wisconsin

In keeping with our mission, the DNR is dedicated to working with Wisconsinites while preserving and enhancing the natural resources of Wisconsin. In partnership with individuals and organizations, DNR staff manage fish, wildlife, forests, parks, air and water resources while promoting a healthy, sustainable environment and a full range of outdoor opportunities.

Off-highway Motorcycle (OHM) Trail Grants

Revenue collected from off-highway motorcycle (OHM) registrations is available for development, rehabilitation and maintenance of OHM trails in Wisconsin.

Ranking priorities

Trail funds are distributed according to the following ranked purposes (NR 65.11 [exit DNR]). Priority will be given to funding projects in which OHMs are the only designated motorized equipment.

• Maintenance of existing off-highway motorcycle trails.
• Maintenance of existing off-highway motorcycle facilities.
• Major rehabilitation of existing OHM trails and facilities.
• Development of new OHM trails and facilities on publicly owned land.
• Development of trails and facilities on privately-owned land using a lease or easement.
• Acquisition of land for OHM trails and facilities.
• Signage of off-highway motorcycle routes which provide access to OHM trails.
• Other eligible OHM projects.

Eligible items and funding levels include:

• Maintenance of OHM-only Trail: Funded at $53/mile with a $1K surplus for use on rehab that is more than basic maintenance. Requires minimum of 2x maintenance passes per year (includes brushing, spot maintenance related to the treadway and environmental concerns, sign maintenance and the like)
• Maintenance of Motorized Recreation Parks: For OHM only trails within the park, funded at $53/mile with no $1k surplus.
• Maintenance of Shared-use OHM Trails: No set rate, applicants can request an amount based on their evaluation of need. If the trail is shared with ATVs/UTVs, it is presumed that the use by those machines will far exceed that of OHM, but additional expenses may be incurred for signage, etc. Amount of maintenance award will not exceed $50/mile.
• Development of OHM trails and areas reimburseable up to 100 percent of eligible costs;
• Traditional grooming of OHM trails is not a routine component of trail maintenance. In the event there are section of trail that eventually need to be graded, this action will be considered as a separate trail rehabilitation request for each specific section. Grading can only be done by proper and authorized equipment.
• Major rehabilitation of bridge structures reimbursable up to 100% of eligible costs;