Best Recreation Grants for Nonprofits

The Community Foundation of Northern Rosebud County Grant supports nonprofit projects enhancing community welfare in Forsyth, Angela, Ingomar, and Rosebud. It prioritizes areas like youth education, healthcare, and emergency services. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations or government entities. Projects must demonstrate local support and sustainability, while the foundation does not fund conferences, planning, or routine operational costs. This competitive grant aims to improve quality of life and foster community development.

The George Waters Grant Program, established by the Minnesota Section PGA, aims to support PGA Professionals and related golf programs focusing on player development, especially for juniors and athletes with disabilities. This initiative honors George Waters, a dedicated PGA member, and helps fulfill his vision of growing the game. Grants cover teaching costs, infrastructure, and special assistance, encouraging wider participation in golf across Minnesota and North Dakota.

The Mequon-Thiensville Community Foundation (MTCF) aims to enhance community quality of life by funding nonprofit initiatives with a lasting impact. Grants prioritize defined funding priorities, measurable outcomes, and projects benefiting seniors or children. Eligible applicants include tax-exempt organizations and government entities. MTCF avoids funding individuals, ongoing expenses, or projects outside its communities. Preference is given to projects that offer significant community benefits and long-term impact, enriching the lives of Mequon and Thiensville residents.

The Rec for All Support, Engagement, and Events (See) Grant offers a $10,000 funding opportunity aimed at promoting inclusive recreational activities for youth. This grant, provided by the DC Department of Parks and Recreation, supports events, tournaments, and travel for athletic competitions, ensuring accessibility for all participants, regardless of their background or ability. The initiative reflects a commitment to enhancing community wellness and fostering engagement through diverse recreational opportunities.

The Rec for All Support, Engagement, and Events Grant, provided by the DC Department of Parks and Recreation, offers $10,000 to support inclusive recreational opportunities for youth. This initiative aims to enhance physical, social, and emotional wellness, fostering a diverse community that promotes lifelong learning and personal growth. Organizations are encouraged to apply for funding that facilitates field trips and engagement activities, ensuring accessibility for all youth regardless of their backgrounds.

The Joan and Tim Fenton Foundation Grant supports a range of philanthropic interests, focusing on enhancing the quality of life for families and children, assisting the disenfranchised, promoting medical research, and fostering the arts. Located in Salt Lake City, Utah, the foundation prioritizes community development, environmental preservation, and educational advancements. It aims to unite diverse groups through understanding while ensuring compliance with IRS 501(c)(3) requirements for all grant applications.

The Rec for All Support, Engagement, and Events Grant, offered by the DC Department of Parks and Recreation, aims to enhance community wellness by funding organizations that provide inclusive recreational opportunities for all youth. With a total funding of $5,000, this grant supports programs focused on sports, cultural arts, and youth development, ensuring equitable access and fostering a sense of belonging among participants, regardless of their background or abilities.

The Bargain Box of Hilton Head Grant, established in 1965, supports Beaufort County non-profits with cash grants derived from store sales. Operating as a 501(c)(3), it has contributed over $15.3 million to local charities, aiding in community activities related to education, health, and safety. Organizations must meet eligibility criteria, including having an active Board of Directors and a community focus. The grant fosters local engagement and supports a diverse array of charitable efforts.

The Community Grant: Operating Support Grant by the Greater Worcester Community Foundation aims to enhance the vibrancy of Worcester County by funding organizations aligned with focus areas such as Health & Wellbeing, Arts & Creativity, Youth & Families, and Basic Needs. This initiative encourages nonprofits to adopt equitable practices and engage community voices, while offering flexible funding options based on organizational budgets. The grant seeks transformative partnerships that address systemic barriers and foster community-driven solutions.

The Lāna‘i Community Benefit Fund Grant provides vital financial support for nonprofit organizations enhancing the lifestyle of Lāna‘i residents. This funding encourages educational, cultural, and recreational activities, specifically targeting youth, young adults, and seniors. Organizations eligible for this grant must align with the priorities of various community funds overseen by the Hawai‘i Community Foundation. Grants typically do not exceed $10,000 and are awarded for one year, promoting impactful community projects.

The PHSA Community Foundation offers Community and Youth Grants to enhance life in Emmet County. With two application cycles each year, the foundation has distributed over $300,000 per cycle, averaging $7,800 per grant. They welcome requests of all sizes and offer support from various funds. This initiative is designed to meet diverse local needs, ensuring that community projects receive the necessary funding to thrive.

The Grand River Dam Authority (GRDA) is dedicated to enhancing community development through its Event Sponsorship program. This initiative fosters collaboration among various organizations, including economic development and tourism groups, to drive positive change within local communities. GRDA actively supports projects that align with its commitment to environmental sustainability and educational outreach, ensuring that community needs are met while promoting a vibrant and engaged public. Applications should be submitted at least 45 days before the event.

The Goldring Family and Woldenburg Foundation Grant supports non-profits in the Greater New Orleans area, funding initiatives in various fields including Arts, Education, Health, and Jewish Causes. Eligible organizations can apply for financial assistance to enhance community services and promote cultural enrichment. This grant represents an opportunity for local non-profits to secure funding for impactful projects that align with the foundation's mission to improve the quality of life in the region.

The Cavaliers Community Foundation (CCF) is a charitable organization established in 1993 that supports local non-profits focused on youth development in Northeast Ohio. With over $25 million granted, CCF prioritizes programs that enhance education, health, and wellness for at-risk youth. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) charities with a minimum of three years of operation. Grants typically average $10,000, aiming to foster community impact and support for young people.

The Adirondack Trust Community Fund's Lend-A-Hand Grants support local charities in Saratoga, Warren, and Washington counties. With grants up to $3,000, they prioritize projects addressing civil rights, community services, education, and more. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) organizations and demonstrate a clear community need. The fund aims to efficiently allocate resources to impactful initiatives, ensuring that local needs are met effectively and sustainably.

The Glen Ellyn Fund, established in 2017, is a collaborative initiative between the Village of Glen Ellyn and the DuPage Foundation. It aims to enhance the quality of life for residents through various projects focused on community arts, social programs, environmental sustainability, and infrastructure improvements. With a charitable endowment of $400,000, the fund has awarded over $55,000 in grants, supporting projects that benefit local residents and foster community engagement.

The Wilson Foundation's Empower Grant supports transformative projects in North Baton Rouge, particularly in ZIP codes 70802, 70805, 70806, 70807, 70811, and 70812. With a focus on housing, education, community wellness, and economic vitality, the foundation seeks to empower local residents through collaborative efforts. By prioritizing community engagement and sustainable change, the grant aims to address the underlying social and economic challenges faced by over 124,000 residents in the region.

The Schoen Family Charitable Trust Grant, established by John and Joan Schoen in 2005, is a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to supporting Midwestern communities. With a board comprised of the founders' family members, the trust emphasizes charitable giving, allocating over 98% of funds to various causes. Their mission focuses on education, health, wellness, and family support, aiming to empower individuals and improve lives through targeted assistance and community engagement.

The Achelis and Bodman Foundation, established in 2015, focuses on grantmaking in New York City and northern New Jersey, addressing critical issues in six program areas: Arts and Culture, Education, Employment, Health, Public Policy, and Youth and Families. Emphasizing support for nonprofit organizations that are tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3), the Foundation aims to improve local communities through impactful grants while prioritizing accountability and excellence in various sectors.

The Abell Foundation's Community Development Grants support initiatives in Baltimore City that enhance quality of life and address urban poverty. The foundation prioritizes funding for organizations tackling systemic issues in education, workforce development, health services, community development, criminal justice, environment, and the arts. Grants over $10,000 are awarded to nonprofits and government agencies that demonstrate measurable impact and innovation, focusing on underserved populations to foster community engagement and sustainable growth.

The Vandalia-Butler Foundation Grant supports local non-profit organizations that benefit the citizens of Vandalia and Butler Township. Established in 1985, the foundation focuses on funding projects in areas such as arts, community health, education, environment, recreation, and social services. To be eligible, organizations must be tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) and address unmet community needs. Grants aim to launch new initiatives or enhance existing efforts within the community.

Central Kentucky Community Foundation

Established in 1960 as North Central Education Foundation, Central Kentucky Community Foundation is one of more than 780 community foundations in the United States today. We serve the Lincoln Trail Region, offering our donors and partners a variety of ways to touch our community through philanthropic giving.

Youth Sports Fund of Hardin County

CKCF’s Youth Sports Funds encourage and support youth participation in recreational sports, making these opportunities available to any player, regardless of their financial situation. Our Youth Sports Funds offers scholarships for families who need financial assistance for children to play sports.

Scholarships will be paid directly to the sports league, not to the individual participants. Funding is limited, and scholarships are not guaranteed to all applicants.

The CKCF’s Youth Sports Fund of Grayson County provides scholarships for youth in Grayson County to participate in recreational Baseball, Soccer, and Softball, ensuring every child has the opportunity to engage in sports, regardless of financial circumstances. Applications are accepted for one season and are evaluated based on need. Scholarships cover registration fees and sports equipment, but do not include travel expenses or tournament fees. Funding is limited, and assistance is not guaranteed for all applicants.

Community Impact Grants (CIG) -

Community Impact Grants (CIG) are made in the fields of: Arts and Culture, Education, Health and Human Services, Recreation, Youth and Family Services, and Community and Economic Development.

The Foundation focuses on:

• Capital and Equipment Projects, Program Development, Capacity Building, and Operating Support.

Grant requests will be considered based on the applicant’s service area and on grant funds available. Grants typically range from $1,000 – $10,000.

Capital and Equipment Grants

Support the renovation or construction of facilities, purchase of major equipment, major repairs to facilities.

The Central Pennsylvania Community Foundation offers unrestricted funds to support various projects aimed at enhancing the community's welfare. Eligible organizations include 501(c)(3) charities that serve Blair County and meet specific criteria, such as promoting education, arts, or health services. This grant process encourages impactful proposals, ensuring that resources are allocated to initiatives that genuinely benefit the region. Applications are accepted annually, with a focus on sustainable community development.

Community Foundation of Mason County

The Community Foundation of Mason County – MCCF, Inc. is a county wide community foundation serving Mason County, WV. 

With support from our donors, the Foundation is happy to support community projects and programs that create opportunities for Mason County, its citizens and its communities.

Community Impact Grants

Community Impact Grants (CIG) are made in the fields of: Arts and Culture, Education, Health and Human Services, Recreation, Youth and Family Services, and Community and Economic Development. The Foundation focuses on: Capital and Equipment Projects, Program Development, Capacity Building, and Operating Support. 

Community Impact Grants: Capacity Building

Capacity Building Grants support projects that provide an organization with technical assistance and/or training to be able to more effectively meet their mission and/or provide services

Priority is given to projects that:  

• have significant impact on the people and communities served by the applicant organization;
• reach new audiences, expand existing programs or services, or respond to emerging needs;
• strengthen the organization’s capacity to deliver its services and meet community needs;
• are well-planned and can reasonably be achieved; 
• have a matching grant opportunity or seek a matching grant to leverage more funding;  
• have limited access to other sources of support; 
• serve the Mason County community.

Important Information for Grant Seekers

• Organizations may submit only one application per grant cycle. The only exception may be for organizations that have more than one physical site, with each site having its own board or governance structure. Such organizations must contact the Foundation before submitting more than one application to discuss eligibility.

• The total amount of funds requested generally may not exceed $10,000. Requests for more than $10,000 may be considered for projects that are highly collaborative or for projects that will have a significant impact on the community at large. As noted above, applicants must contact the Foundation prior to submitting a request in excess of $10,000.

• Organizations receiving a Community Grant in any grant cycle from the Foundation are not eligible for funding in the immediate next cycle.

• When the Foundation declines to support an application, the applicant may call the Foundation to discuss their proposal and to inquire about reapplying. After an application is declined once, the organization may re-submit the application one more time; if an application has been declined twice, then the organization may not submit another request for funding of the same project. 

Grant requests will be considered based on the applicant’s service area and on grant funds available.

Community Foundation of Snohomish County

The Community Foundation works in many roles including that of a funder, partner, and catalyst for change in Snohomish County. Our board and staff have been on a dedicated journey to dismantle racism and oppressive policies in our organization, in our teams and in ourselves.

Mission: Strengthen community and thoughtfully change lives.

Youth Initiative Grant

The Community Foundation of Snohomish County is pleased to announce the opening of the Youth Initiative Grant program. Grant amount will be between $5000-$10,000 depending on the number of qualified grants received.. These grants are intended to support youth programming in Snohomish County, and the grants are not renewable for a second year.

As funding is limited, priority will be given to specific types of programs. 

Funding Priorities

Priority will be given to:

• Organizations with budgets of $1 million or less.
• Grants written by youth. Currently running programs that provide support without requiring increased outcomes or expanded services. The goal is to sustain and strengthen existing efforts without the pressure to scale.
• Programs that are tailored to the unique experiences and serve youth who are intersectionally marginalized, such as LGBTQ+ BIPOC youth, immigrant and refugee youth with disabilities, youth living in rural communities etc. Programs of these groups.
• Organizations offering mental health support, including trauma-informed care, peer support networks, or youth-led mental health initiatives that help youth build resilience and coping strategies for dealing with significant stressors.
• Youth-led healing circles or restorative justice programs that focus on community building, cultural resilience, and healing for youth from marginalized backgrounds.
• Organizations that actively involve youth in all aspects of their programming and leadership, including but not limited to policy and program development, advocacy, having youth on committees and/or boards etc.
• Programs that focus on digital literacy, technology access, and online skills development, especially for rural and low-income youth who may have limited access to digital resources.
• Organizations offering arts-based programs, such as music, visual arts, theater, or cultural projects, that allow youth to explore their identities, share their stories, and engage in community-based creative expression.
• Programs that focus on career development, workforce readiness, and entrepreneurship opportunities for youth, particularly those from low-income or marginalized communities, to help create sustainable pathways for future success.
• Youth-led projects, including community organizing, advocacy, and social impact initiatives that empower youth to drive social change within their communities.
• Programs that pair youth with older adults to promote mutual learning, cultural exchange, and community solidarity.