Best Recreation Grants for Nonprofits

The Community Impact Grants (CIG) by the Community Foundation of Mason County support the development of new services and programs to meet community needs. These grants prioritize projects in various fields, including arts, education, and health, with a focus on expanding existing services and reaching new audiences. Organizations applying must be located in Mason County, WV, and meet specific eligibility criteria. Grants typically do not exceed $10,000, ensuring impactful initiatives for local communities.

The Bainbridge Community Foundation's Community Grants Cycle annually supports local nonprofits through grants ranging from $1,000 to $11,000. Established in 2005, this initiative emphasizes community-driven grant-making, ensuring funds are allocated to projects that directly benefit Bainbridge Island residents. Eligible applicants must have 501(c)(3) status and demonstrate a measurable impact on underserved populations. Areas of focus include arts, education, health, and environmental initiatives, fostering community engagement and collaboration.

About Us

Mission & Values

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.

Human Services Fund in honor of Bob Drewel

The Human Services Endowment Fund, established in 2003, honors the legacy and unwavering commitment of Bob Drewel to advancing human service causes throughout Snohomish County. Managed by the Community Foundation of Snohomish County, this fund provides long-term support for organizations working to meet the critical human service needs of our community.

This is a two-year grant with the first installment received upon approval of the grant and the second received after submission of a report following the first year of the grant.

The Grand Haven Area Community Foundation's grants enhance the quality of life in Northwest Ottawa County by supporting projects in arts, diversity, economic development, education, environment, and health. They prioritize initiatives that foster inclusion, cultural experiences, community betterment, and sustainability. Eligible organizations include 501(c)(3) entities, government units, and educational institutions that demonstrate alignment with these goals. The foundation aims to empower local communities and ensure equitable access to resources for all residents.

The Roy J. Carver Charitable Trust provides grants primarily to 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organizations in Iowa and parts of Illinois. Focused on enhancing educational opportunities, the Trust supports projects in elementary and secondary education, higher education, medical research, youth services, and recreation. By funding innovative initiatives, it aims to improve access to educational resources and foster scientific advancement, while also addressing the recreational needs of youth and supporting community development.

The Black Belt Community Foundation is launching its 2025 Arts and Community Grants Cycle on January 7, 2025, offering grants to support arts organizations and community-based nonprofits in Alabama’s Black Belt region. Grants range from $500 to $3,500 for arts initiatives and $500 to $5,000 for community projects. Organizations from 12 counties are encouraged to apply, and attendance at virtual workshops is recommended for first-time applicants.

The RHI Legacy Foundation Grant aims to enhance health and wellness in Rutherford County, NC, through funding community-focused programs. It prioritizes initiatives addressing chronic diseases, healthy eating, and active living, ensuring measurable impacts on the local population. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) non-profits and demonstrate alignment with the Foundation's mission. The grant supports sustainable projects that improve overall community health and quality of life.

Community Foundation of Osceola County

The Community Foundation of Osceola County is committed to improving the quality of life throughout Osceola County by investing in area nonprofits through our grant programs and by providing individuals, families and area businesses who love our communities with a way to give back.

The CFOC is affiliated with the Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines, a nonprofit, providing financial management, strategic development and educational services to communities, organizations and donors throughout Osceola County.

High Impact Grant

• Grants are available in the following areas: arts and culture, community and economic well-being, environment, health, human services, recreation, and technology.
• Only one high impact grant will be awarded annually to a project with a large positive community impact.
• Grantees have 2 years to complete the project. During this period the grantee is prohibited from applying for additional Community Foundation grant funding.
• Once the project has been completed the organization is eligible for further Community Foundation funding through community grants or high impact grants.
• Applicants are highly encouraged to meet with Osceola County Economic Development Director before applying to ensure applications are filled out correctly.
• The CFOC board looks for projects that address significant community issues; present innovative, creative, and practical proposals which build on community strengths; develop the leadership potential of the community; involve people served in the planning and implementation of the program; provide a plan for sustainability beyond the funding period; capital projects that impact a significant number of Osceola County residents

Greene County Community Foundation

The Greene County Community Foundation (GCCF) was established on January 31, 2005 to serve and enhance the quality of life in Greene County.

The mission of the Greene County Community Foundation (the “Foundation”) is to foster private giving, strengthen service providers and improve the overall well-being of the county’s residents. The Foundation works to build its endowment fund which in turn provides grants to accomplish its goals. 

Greene County Community Foundation Grant

If you can help us with these goals, we encourage you to submit a grant application that does one of the following:

• Supports strong, stable families and provides solid beginnings for children and youth.
• Serves as a catalyst for youth and recreational activities.
• Helps to promote elder care, support services and an active senior population.
• Promotes the health, education and vitality of the community.
• Addresses community needs for police, fire and emergency services.
• Assists in developing quality jobs, tourism and economic development.
• Helps make our community more attractive, livable and cohesive.

Grant awards are generally made once per year in April. Representatives will be encouraged to attend the Greene County Community Foundation Awards Night and must acknowledge the Foundation in project publicity & marketing related to the project for which they receive funds.

Grant recipients are required to complete a Project Completion Form by January 31st of the year following the year of the award. If they fail to do this, the recipients will not be eligible to receive additional grants from the Foundation.

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. 

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.

Enhance Hamilton County Foundation

The mission of the Enhance Hamilton County Foundation is to foster private giving, strengthen service providers and improve the quality of life for citizens in Hamilton County. To these ends, the Foundation will promote endowment collaboration, and public leadership for the benefit of the designated area.

The Enhance Hamilton County Foundation was formed in 2005 as an affiliate of the Greater Des Moines Foundation. The founding members of the organization had a vision to ensure that our communities’ charitable programs were supported now and in the future.

EHCF Annual Grant Program - Human Services

The Enhance Hamilton County Foundation will provide grants to improve the quality of life throughout Hamilton County, Iowa. We want to help develop all our communities into places where people want to live, as well as, to benefit rural areas of the county.

The Foundation supports the spirit of giving throughout Hamilton County by providing outstanding support and services to our donors, volunteers, other charitable-focused agencies, grant seekers, and the community. We achieve this by:

• Helping people realize their dreams of making a difference and finding the best vehicle to achieve that, by designing and implementing their charitable giving plans.
• Facilitating and supporting the works of charitable-focused organizations in Hamilton County through strategic grant making.
• Acting as stewards for the community by managing donor funds.
• Bringing diverse groups together for the common good.

Competitive grants are made available yearly from unrestricted funds, one of which is: 

Human Services – Public protection/safety, recreation, youth development, social support, general human services

Warren County Philanthropic Partnership

Warren County Philanthropic Partnership was formed as a community foundation to distribute Iowa’s County Endowment Fund money and support charitable giving in Warren County, Iowa.

For more than a decade, the foundation has responsibly distributed charitable dollars through grants to community nonprofit organizations. Since our inception, we have awarded more than $1 million into the community for beneficial projects.  As we move into the future, our goal is to continue grantmaking, but also to assist citizens in their charitable giving plans, work closely with city leaders and other organizations for organizational collaboration, and improve the quality of life in Warren County.

WCPP is an Affiliate of the Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines and is governed by a Board of Directors under the direction of Warren County Economic Development Corporation, made up of passionate individuals invested in making decisions to improve Warren County.

WCPP Grants

Program Area of Focus

Applications should fall under one of these focus areas: 

• Arts/Culture/Humanities: Museums, historic preservation, exhibits, art and music
• Education: Schools (all ages) and adult learning programs
• Environment/Animals: Environmental protection, beautification, animal-related issues
• Health: General public health, rehabilitation, mental health
• Human Services: Public protection and safety, recreation, youth development (other than education), food insecurity, general human services
• Community and Economic Development: Community improvement and development, capacity-building, tourism, civil rights

Project Type

Projects should fall under one of two types:

• Capital-Based: request refers to the building of or physical improvement or a project that helps maintain or improve an asset, such as equipment, new construction, renovation or replacement.
• Program-Based: request refers to activities or general programmatic support, such as purchase of educational materials or items needed to support a program or service.

Grant Type

Warren County Philanthropic Partnership currently offers three grant options: Community Grant; Trails Grant; and High Impact Grant.

Community Grant

For Community Grants, we are looking for applications which:

• Are for small to large projects which benefit a single community, smaller percentage of the citizenship or for the entire county.
• Address a community need in a community within Warren County or for the entire county.
• Successfully shows the need and how funds will cover equipment, capital and program items necessary to support the community need.

Fall Grant Cycle Pilot 

The 2026 Fall Grant Cycle Pilot is the second cycle in the SouthCoast Community Foundation’s new biannual grantmaking approach. Building on the Spring pilot and feedback from nonprofits, community partners, and reviewers, the Fall cycle offers a streamlined application for funding opportunities supporting a range of community needs across the SouthCoast. 

In 2026, the SouthCoast Community Foundation began piloting a biannual grant cycle, with funding opportunities offered in the spring and fall. The new approach is intended to provide greater predictability and a more accessible application process for nonprofits, while helping the Foundation gather information about community needs and the reach of its funding.  

The 2026 Fall Grant Cycle will help us identify what is working, gather feedback from applicants and grantees, and refine the process for the 2027 Spring Grant Cycle.   

Program Areas

Funding is available for organizations and requests addressing one or more of the following areas: 

Basic Human Needs and Family Stability – including food access and food security, housing stability, utilities and other essential household needs, and services that help individuals and families meet basic needs. 

Youth Development and Recreation – including positive youth development, enrichment activities, and recreation. 

Education – including programs and services that improve educational opportunities and outcomes for children, youth, and adults. 

Health and Wellness – including programs and services that improve physical, mental, or community health and well-being. 

Economic Self-Sufficiency – including services that help individuals and families increase financial stability, employment opportunities, or economic independence. 

Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment – including prevention, intervention, treatment, and support for children and families. 

Domestic Violence Services – including services and support for individuals and families affected by domestic violence. 

Arts and Culture – including arts and cultural programs that expand participation in the arts, strengthen community well-being, engage residents, and use arts and culture to respond to community needs. 

The Canaan Foundation, established in 2000, provides annual grants ranging from $20,000 to $30,000 to support nonprofit organizations in North Canaan. With over $540,000 distributed to date, the foundation focuses on community programs in education, environment, recreation, arts, health, and social services. Applications are reviewed annually, with funding decisions made by the Board in March, ensuring that grants are utilized within the same calendar year.

The Women’s Fund Grants Program, conducted by the Community Foundation Alliance, Inc., supports nonprofit organizations serving Vanderburgh County. This year's cycle includes two Impact Grants of $50,000 each for programs and projects, alongside four additional grants of $20,000 for finalists. Eligible organizations must demonstrate long-term planning, financial sustainability, and a commitment to gender equity. Applications will be accepted from 501(c)(3) tax-exempt entities and governmental agencies.

The Vanderburgh Community Good Grants Program provides funding for charitable organizations in Vanderburgh County to support new or ongoing programs addressing local needs. Annual funding requests are accepted, and proposals are reviewed by a committee of community volunteers. Supported areas include arts, education, health, and human services, while religious and political activities are excluded. The program aims to enhance community development through diverse initiatives.

New Mexico Youth Conservation Corps Grant

The New Mexico Youth Conservation Corps Commission invites tribes, local units of government, non-profits and units of state and federal agencies operating within New Mexico to submit proposals for YCC projects.

About

The New Mexico Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department was created in 1987 through a merger between the Natural Resources Department and the Energy and Minerals Department. The individual administrative pieces of the department have been around much longer than that, though.

The State Parks Commission was established in 1933, followed by the Oil Conservation Commission in 1935, and the Soil and Water Conservation Commission in 1937. The latter group was transferred in 1997 to the Department of Agriculture.

The Department of State Forestry was created in 1957. The Coal Surface Commission was formed in 1972.

Both the original Energy and Minerals Department and the Natural Resources Department came into being in 1977 and existed as separate agencies until the 1987 merger.

The New Mexico Youth Conservation Corps was established and administratively attached to EMNRD in 1992. The following year marked the creation of the Mining Commission.

The present-day Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department consists of seven divisions and employs approximately 415 people at 48 different work sites around the state.

Natural Heritage Conservation Act (NHCA) Program Grant

The State of New Mexico, Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department (EMNRD), Forestry Division (Forestry Division) is seeking applications from state agencies, public educational institutions, political subdivisions of the state, or, nation, tribe, or pueblo for conservation projects under the Natural Heritage Conservation Act (NHCA) Program. Applicants may partner with conservation entities that are a private nonprofit charitable corporation or trust.

The purpose of the Natural Heritage Conservation Act is to protect the state’s natural heritage, customs, and culture by funding conservation and agricultural easements and by funding land restoration to protect the land and water available for forests and watersheds, natural areas, wildlife and wildlife habitat, agricultural production on working farms and ranches, outdoor recreation and trails and land and habitat restoration and management.

The Pacific Power Foundation offers Community Enhancement and Environmental Respect Grants to support nonprofit organizations in the Pacific Power and Rocky Mountain Power service areas. Since 2019, the foundation has contributed over $13 million to promote community resilience, affordable housing, and environmental conservation. Eligible candidates include 501(c)(3) nonprofits and educational institutions. Grants aim to address local needs while ensuring responsible environmental stewardship, enhancing community vitality, and fostering sustainable development.

About Us

Wyoming Game and Fish Department currently has ten fish hatcheries, eight fisheries management crews, and six aquatic habitat biologists taking care of Wyoming waters and the fish that live in them. New positions have also been developed such as instream flow biologists who help assure that water flows remain at a level suitable for fish, fish passage habitat biologists who help fish navigate man-made hazards like dams, canals and diversions. Other positions to study nongame fish and native species of interest and concern have also been developed to meet changing needs.

Shooting Range Grants

The shooting range grants program is intended to encourage the development and improvement of Wyoming ranges.

Goals

The shooting range grants program is intended to encourage the development and improvement of Wyoming ranges in order to: 

• Support safe and accessible access to ranges for those who participate in hunting and shooting sports
• Support hunter education by providing spaces for live-fire education activities and encourage hunters to become more proficient with their hunting equipment
• Provide opportunities to recruit, retain, or reactivate a diverse audience of people into hunting and shooting sports

Grant funding amount: Up to $25,000 in shooting range grants will be awarded each year through a competitive application process, as funds are available. Organizations may only apply for and receive one grant per grant cycle. All grant requests, no matter the amount, must be approved by the WGFD director’s office. 

The Ed Stegner Natural Resource Scholarship offers $1,000 to undergraduate students in Missouri pursuing degrees in Fisheries, Forestry, Wildlife, Parks and Recreation, or Soil and Water conservation. Established by Ed Stegner, a key advocate for conservation in Missouri, this scholarship aims to support students with demonstrated financial need. Applicants must be Missouri residents attending a college or university in the state, fostering the next generation of conservation leaders.

The Carl Morrow Graduate Scholarships in Natural Resources offer significant financial assistance to Missouri graduate students pursuing studies in Fisheries, Forestry, Wildlife, Parks and Recreation, and Soil and Water Conservation. Established in honor of Carl Morrow, a dedicated conservationist, these scholarships are awarded through a collaboration with relevant professional societies. Eligible applicants must be Missouri residents enrolled in a graduate program at a Missouri institution, contributing to sustainable management of natural resources.

The Lily Auchincloss Foundation, established in 1997, aims to enhance the quality of life in New York City through grants focused on human services, arts, and environmental initiatives. The foundation supports small to mid-sized organizations across the five boroughs, providing both general operating and program-specific funding. Its Human Services cycle prioritizes organizations dedicated to social change and education, ensuring a positive impact on all residents' lives.

The Midland Area Community Foundation offers Community Investment Grants to support initiatives aligned with Midland County’s Four Focus Areas: economic development, talent development, human services, and community enrichment. These grants, which can be up to $60,000, are designed to foster community growth and address local needs, enhancing the wellbeing of residents through targeted projects and programs.

New Leaf Fund - Spring Cycle

The New Leaf Fund was established in 2025 by a Greenville native with a passion for conservation.

The Foundation encourages grant requests that include the protection of land and waterfront areas, increased tree cover and access to green spaces, and the protection and restoration of historical properties, in the City of Greenville, in Greenville County, and, to a lesser degree, in the Upstate.

Additional Information

• Awards typically range from $20,000 to $100,000
• Applicants may apply for more than one grant annually

Funding opportunities may include

Funding opportunities may include

• Projects including acquisition, development, preservation, or restoration of land
• Projects including acquisition, development, preservation, or restoration of historical and cultural assets
• Planning, survey, appraisal or design fees for implementing such projects

About Us

Since 1991, area residents have been turning to the Community Foundation of Whitley County, Indiana to make their philanthropic giving as impactful as possible. We are a public charity serving Whitley County citizens who share a common concern—improving the quality of life in Whitley County. To do this, individuals, families, businesses, and organizations have made donations to the Greater Good Fund of Whitley County and instructed the Foundation to direct their gifts wherever the need is the greatest. These funds are invested and twice a year the Foundation’s volunteer Grants Committee reviews applications and makes funding recommendations to the Board of Directors.

Giving is the heart of what we do here at the Community Foundation. Every year, we give over $1 million dollars to non-profits, community entities, and college-bound students here in Whitley County. We fund a variety of causes that promote sustainable impact towards the betterment of Whitley County. Your project may be next!

What We Grant

The Community Foundation’s Greater Good Fund responds to the ever-changing issues facing Whitley County.

Twice a year (April 1 and November 1) the Foundation’s volunteer Grants Committee reviews applications and makes funding recommendations to the Board of Directors. Grants are made possible by donors who have instructed the Foundation to direct their gifts wherever the need is the greatest.

Categories of support include:

• Arts & Culture,
• Health,
• Human Services,
• Recreation,
• Community Development,
• animal welfare, and
• Education.