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Find recreation grants for nonprofits supporting youth sports, community activities, parks, and inclusive play.
1,000+
Available grants
$126.3M
Total funding
$6.5K
Median grant
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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 Grayson County - Fall Football
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 may cover all or a portion of registration fees and/or sports equipment. 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.
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 Grayson 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 may cover all or a portion of registration fees and/or sports equipment. 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.
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 - Fall Sports
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 may cover all or a portion of registration fees and/or sports equipment. 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.
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 - Spring Sports
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 may cover all or a portion of registration fees and/or sports equipment. 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.
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 - Gymnastics
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 may cover program fees only. Scholarships will be paid directly to the sports league/organization, not to the individual participants. Funding is limited, and scholarships are not guaranteed to all applicants.
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 Grayson County - Fall Football
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.
Oakland Human Services Department
The Oakland Human Services Department exists to make our city a place that works for all. We offer free programs and provide public resources to community organizations that make sure all of our residents can access what they need to be safe, healthy and realize their full potential.
Oakland Fund for Children and Youth
The Oakland Fund for Children and Youth (OFCY) is a cornerstone initiative of the City of Oakland, operating within the Children and Youth Services Division of the Human Services Department. As the city’s largest grantmaking program, OFCY plays a vital role in supporting the well-being and success of Oakland’s children, youth, and families.
Through strategic funding of community-based organizations, OFCY invests in programs that uplift, empower, and protect Oakland’s most vulnerable populations, ensuring access to critical resources, enriching opportunities, and brighter futures for the next generation.
Mission Statement: We provide strategic funding to support Oakland's children and youth from birth to 21 years of age to become healthy, happy, educated, engaged, powerful and loved community members.
OFCY Request for Proposals (RFP) for Children, Youth, & Family Services
Scope of Services
The City releases the Request for Proposals (RFP) to solicit program proposals from non-profit organizations and public agencies to provide services to children, youth, and their families in Oakland. OFCY will fund programs that are prevention and early intervention oriented.
Programs should be culturally responsive, age-appropriate, and child, youth, and family-centered. Investments are designed to support all children in Oakland, particularly those who experience the greatest disparities in the city.
The OFCY Three-Year Strategic Investment Plan (SIP) outlines how funds should be distributed to meet the four OFCY foundational goals:
Eight Funding Strategies were identified to support the four OFCY foundation goals: Strategy 1: Family Resource Centers & Parent Engagement; Strategy 2: Elementary School-Based Expanded Learning; Strategy 3: Middle School-Based Expanded Learning; Strategy 4: Youth Development & Leadership; Strategy 5: Career Access & Employment; Strategy 6: Youth Summer Jobs/Mayor’s Summer Youth Employment Program; Strategy 7: Independent Living; Strategy 8: Placed-Based Innovations for Safety
Strategy 2: Elementary School-Based Expanded Learning
The Elementary School-Based Expanded Learning strategy aims to support student success in elementary school. Under this strategy, school-based afterschool and summer programming will be provided at OUSD elementary schools where most students qualify for a free/reduced lunch. OFCY and OUSD have a longstanding Oakland Expanded Learning partnership that has created access to free school-based afterschool and summer programs for families whose children attend Title 1 schools. This strategy funds programs providing extended learning days for elementary school students that offer a variety of diverse academic and enrichment programs.
Oakland Human Services Department
The Oakland Human Services Department exists to make our city a place that works for all. We offer free programs and provide public resources to community organizations that make sure all of our residents can access what they need to be safe, healthy and realize their full potential.
Oakland Fund for Children and Youth
The Oakland Fund for Children and Youth (OFCY) is a cornerstone initiative of the City of Oakland, operating within the Children and Youth Services Division of the Human Services Department. As the city’s largest grantmaking program, OFCY plays a vital role in supporting the well-being and success of Oakland’s children, youth, and families.
Through strategic funding of community-based organizations, OFCY invests in programs that uplift, empower, and protect Oakland’s most vulnerable populations, ensuring access to critical resources, enriching opportunities, and brighter futures for the next generation.
Mission Statement: We provide strategic funding to support Oakland's children and youth from birth to 21 years of age to become healthy, happy, educated, engaged, powerful and loved community members.
OFCY Request for Proposals (RFP) for Children, Youth, & Family Services
Scope of Services
The City releases the Request for Proposals (RFP) to solicit program proposals from non-profit organizations and public agencies to provide services to children, youth, and their families in Oakland. OFCY will fund programs that are prevention and early intervention oriented.
Programs should be culturally responsive, age-appropriate, and child, youth, and family-centered. Investments are designed to support all children in Oakland, particularly those who experience the greatest disparities in the city.
The OFCY Three-Year Strategic Investment Plan (SIP) outlines how funds should be distributed to meet the four OFCY foundational goals:
Eight Funding Strategies were identified to support the four OFCY foundation goals: Strategy 1: Family Resource Centers & Parent Engagement; Strategy 2: Elementary School-Based Expanded Learning; Strategy 3: Middle School-Based Expanded Learning; Strategy 4: Youth Development & Leadership; Strategy 5: Career Access & Employment; Strategy 6: Youth Summer Jobs/Mayor’s Summer Youth Employment Program; Strategy 7: Independent Living; Strategy 8: Placed-Based Innovations for Safety
Strategy 3: Middle School-Based Expanded Learning
The Middle School-Based Expanded Learning strategy aims to support student success in middle school. Under this strategy, school-based afterschool and summer programming will be provided at OUSD middle schools where most students qualify for a free/reduced lunch. OFCY and OUSD have a longstanding Oakland Expanded Learning partnership that has created access to free schoolbased afterschool and summer programs for families whose children attend Title 1 schools. This strategy funds programs providing extended learning days for middle school students that offer a variety of diverse academic and enrichment programs.
Oakland Human Services Department
The Oakland Human Services Department exists to make our city a place that works for all. We offer free programs and provide public resources to community organizations that make sure all of our residents can access what they need to be safe, healthy and realize their full potential.
Oakland Fund for Children and Youth
The Oakland Fund for Children and Youth (OFCY) is a cornerstone initiative of the City of Oakland, operating within the Children and Youth Services Division of the Human Services Department. As the city’s largest grantmaking program, OFCY plays a vital role in supporting the well-being and success of Oakland’s children, youth, and families.
Through strategic funding of community-based organizations, OFCY invests in programs that uplift, empower, and protect Oakland’s most vulnerable populations, ensuring access to critical resources, enriching opportunities, and brighter futures for the next generation.
Mission Statement: We provide strategic funding to support Oakland's children and youth from birth to 21 years of age to become healthy, happy, educated, engaged, powerful and loved community members.
OFCY Request for Proposals (RFP) for Children, Youth, & Family Services
Scope of Services
The City releases the Request for Proposals (RFP) to solicit program proposals from non-profit organizations and public agencies to provide services to children, youth, and their families in Oakland. OFCY will fund programs that are prevention and early intervention oriented.
Programs should be culturally responsive, age-appropriate, and child, youth, and family-centered. Investments are designed to support all children in Oakland, particularly those who experience the greatest disparities in the city.
The OFCY Three-Year Strategic Investment Plan (SIP) outlines how funds should be distributed to meet the four OFCY foundational goals:
Eight Funding Strategies were identified to support the four OFCY foundation goals: Strategy 1: Family Resource Centers & Parent Engagement; Strategy 2: Elementary School-Based Expanded Learning; Strategy 3: Middle School-Based Expanded Learning; Strategy 4: Youth Development & Leadership; Strategy 5: Career Access & Employment; Strategy 6: Youth Summer Jobs/Mayor’s Summer Youth Employment Program; Strategy 7: Independent Living; Strategy 8: Placed-Based Innovations for Safety
Strategy 4: Youth Development & Leadership
This strategy ensures access to free, community-based and culturally relevant enrichment, recreation and leadership development opportunities for middle and high school-aged youth. This strategy will support organizations that offer year-round or summer-specific programs in community-based settings. Funded programs can also host youth and family-friendly events that celebrate young people, foster spaces for joy and fun, and create a sense of belonging.
Worthington Area Community Foundation
A one-stop community organization for charitable contributions that benefit the place we call home. It is a permanent resource for the community that provides leadership and financial resources to meet community needs. It also offers a variety of giving options to help donors meet their unique philanthropic goals. It is managed by a volunteer board of directors, who are connected to the community and who understand local issues and opportunities that arise.
The Worthington Area Foundation (WAF) helps make the community an even better place to live and work by awarding grants to worthy organizations and projects through its own general endowment and related funds.
Mission Statement: The mission of Worthington Area Foundation is to promote charitable giving by assisting donors in the establishment of funds and memorials, which will provide lasting benefits to the Worthington, Minnesota area.
The WAF Endowment Fund:
Foundation Grants
Foundation grants are made to non-profit and non-political groups. Priority areas include: arts & culture, environmental causes, youth development & education, recreational or civic activities essential to building and strengthening our community.
The Worthington Area Community Foundation is a tax-exempt, non-profit philanthropic organization funded by large and small donations from generous contributors.
Waseca Area Foundation
The Waseca Area Foundation was created from the contributions of Waseca area residents, starting with the All School Reunion of 1988. Former classmates and current area residents shared an interest in the present and future of the Waseca community.
The Waseca Area Foundation is a Community Fund with a close affiliation with the St. Paul & Minnesota Community Foundation, which allows a broader investment opportunity with little cost to local funds. The Waseca Area Foundation is a 501(c)3 charitable non profit with tax exempt status under Minnesota and Federal Law.
Waseca Area Foundation’s mission is to provide an opportunity for groups or individuals to leave a legacy through contributions which build a permanent community fund committed to meeting the changing needs of the Waseca area.
Waseca Area Foundation Grant
Focus Area
Pledges are made for one year at a time unless there are special circumstances.
The foundation in consultation with the Waseca Area Foundation Board reserves the right to shift its focus in response to the needs of the community.
All grants are made in accordance with current regulations of the Internal Revenue Code.
Waseca Area Foundation
The Waseca Area Foundation was created from the contributions of Waseca area residents, starting with the All School Reunion of 1988. Former classmates and current area residents shared an interest in the present and future of the Waseca community.
The Waseca Area Foundation is a Community Fund with a close affiliation with the St. Paul & Minnesota Community Foundation, which allows a broader investment opportunity with little cost to local funds. The Waseca Area Foundation is a 501(c)3 charitable non profit with tax exempt status under Minnesota and Federal Law.
Waseca Area Foundation’s mission is to provide an opportunity for groups or individuals to leave a legacy through contributions which build a permanent community fund committed to meeting the changing needs of the Waseca area.
New Richland Area Foundation Grant
Focus Area
Waseca Area Foundation
The Waseca Area Foundation was created from the contributions of Waseca area residents, starting with the All School Reunion of 1988. Former classmates and current area residents shared an interest in the present and future of the Waseca community.
The Waseca Area Foundation is a Community Fund with a close affiliation with the St. Paul & Minnesota Community Foundation, which allows a broader investment opportunity with little cost to local funds. The Waseca Area Foundation is a 501(c)3 charitable non profit with tax exempt status under Minnesota and Federal Law.
Waseca Area Foundation’s mission is to provide an opportunity for groups or individuals to leave a legacy through contributions which build a permanent community fund committed to meeting the changing needs of the Waseca area.
Janesville Area Foundation Grant
Focus Area
All grants are made in accordance with current regulations of the Internal Revenue Code.
Pledges are made for one year at a time unless there are special circumstances.
The foundation in consultation with the Waseca Area Foundation Board reserves the right to shift its focus in response to the needs of the community.
Fremont Area Community Foundation
The mission of the Fremont Area Community Foundation is to improve the quality of life in the Fremont area by connecting donor interests with community needs and serving as a leader and catalyst in the development of solutions. Since 1980, generous donors in the Fremont and surrounding areas have invested their charitable dollars to be transformed, through careful stewardship and deep community knowledge, into positive local impact. Over $20 million in grants has been given through the Foundation.
Uehling Area Foundation
The Uehling community has always been proud of its alumni, community people and friends of Uehling. Our friendly small town atmosphere is something that can’t be found in a large city. The term “town pride” is what Uehling people have believed in and it shows in our support for our town and Logan View School.
To help ensure our town’s life style we have developed the Uehling Area Community Foundation in 2010. It’s purpose is to receive, administer and distribute funds for community improvements. These funds can only be used for community projects such as park and town improvements. Our Foundation can guarantee progress for town improvements for years to come: Working together for the best small town in Nebraska.
The local foundation is an affiliate fund of the Fremont Area Community Foundation, a tax exempt, 501(c)(3) non-profit organization whose funds must be utilized for charitable needs.
Uehling Area Foundation Grant
The Uehling Area Foundation's mission is to support activities, which provide civic, educational, health and recreation, or arts and culture benefits to the Uehling, Nebraska area. Requesting organizations must be tax-exempt; no grants are made to individuals, for ongoing operating expenses, or to religious organizations for religious purposes.
Fremont Area Community Foundation
The mission of the Fremont Area Community Foundation is to improve the quality of life in the Fremont area by connecting donor interests with community needs and serving as a leader and catalyst in the development of solutions. Since 1980, generous donors in the Fremont and surrounding areas have invested their charitable dollars to be transformed, through careful stewardship and deep community knowledge, into positive local impact. Over $20 million in grants has been given through the Foundation.
Hooper Area Community Foundation
The residents of the Hooper area enjoy a wonderful quality of life in a unique small town atmosphere. To ensure that quality of life continues well into the future, the Hooper Area Community Foundation was established in 2008. With the purpose of receiving, administering and disbursing funds for community improvement, the Hooper Area Community Foundation will have the ability to provide assistance in areas such as civic, arts and culture, health and recreation, social services and education.
The local foundation is a component fund of the Fremont Area Community Foundation (FACF), a tax exempt, 501(c)(3) non-profit organization whose funds must be utilized for charitable needs.
Hooper Area Community Foundation Grant
The Hooper Area Community Foundation’s mission is to support activities, which provide civic, educational, health and recreation, social services, or arts and culture benefits to Hooper, Nebraska, and its surrounding area. Requesting organizations must be tax-exempt; no grants are made to individuals, for ongoing operating expenses, or to religious organizations for religious purposes.
Iowa Economic Development Authority
Mission
Strengthen economic and community vitality by building partnerships and leveraging resources to make Iowa the choice for people and business. Through two main divisions – business development and community development – IEDA administers several state and federal programs to meet its goals of assisting individuals, communities and businesses. IEDA works to achieve its mission and goals to benefit Iowans while maintaining a high level of transparency.
Community Attraction and Tourism Grant
The Community Attraction and Tourism (CAT) program provides grant funds to assist projects that provide recreational, cultural, entertainment and educational attractions. The funds help communities create transformational projects that enhance the vitality of a region and the state overall. The CAT Grant Program is designed to assist communities in the development and creation of multiple-purpose attractions and tourism facilities. Funds must be primarily used for vertical infrastructure (land acquisition and construction, major renovation and major repair of buildings and recreational trails.)
Amounts or percentages from cities, counties, and private sources will vary by project, there is no minimum amount or percentage required.
Eligible projects must have 65% of financing/fundraising secured at time of the application.
No more than 50% of the project can be funded by state dollars, including the amount awarded with CAT Fund funding.
About SCF
What is SCF?
The Shoreview Community Foundation (SCF) was established in 2008 by community leaders who understood that the solutions to some community needs were more suited to citizen initiative than to governmental action. Since then, SCF has awarded financial support to trusted non-profit grantees, who have then provided valuable, targeted services in the Shoreview area.
Our Mission:
To maintain, enhance and enrich the quality of life in Shoreview by connecting the generosity of our residents with the community’s evolving needs.
Fulfilling the Mission facilitates Shoreview being a more just, prosperous, enjoyable, healthy, and attractive place to live. Grants provided bring to reality opportunities to accomplish many of the following community-focused goals:
Mission Statement
The mission of The Five Star Community Foundation is to:
Mini Grant Program
The Mini Grant program will annually award one or two grants to each of the Five Star communities, Lucan, Seaforth, Vesta, Wabasso, and Wanda, with a total award amount of up to $1,000 to each community.
The Mini Grant application is to be brief and require only that information necessary to inform the foundation of the purpose and goal of the funded project.
Mini Grant Applications will be accepted during an application period designated by the Advisory Committee in the fall of each year. If the $1,000 grant allocation to a community is not awarded as a result of the fall application process, applications may be submitted at any time throughout the year with awards made in a timely manner. Any allocation to a community that is not awarded prior to the beginning of the subsequent year application period is cancelled.
The Five Star Community Foundation Advisory Committee shall approve any necessary additional criteria and rules for implementation of this grant program
Our Mission
Founded in 1987, the Foundation has a mission to provide resources to deliver the benefits of parks and recreation to all.
Our Vision
To build a better Iowa through parks and recreation.
Slattery / Trueblood Professional Award
The highest professional award in IPRA, the Slattery/Trueblood Professional encompasses many traits. To be considered for this award, the nominee should be a person who has given of themselves as they work with their clientele. Their everyday life should exemplify outstanding, dedicated, and unselfish service to the profession, community, and to IPRA.
Any IPRA member in good standing may nominate candidates for each award. The nominees may be endorsed by other members of the IPRA with the exception of Awards Committee members. Awards Committee members may not nominate, sponsor, or write letters of support for nominees.
The nomination should be typewritten or legibly printed and include the appropriate information as stated for each award. Nominations should include any supporting data, such as letters of support, copies of news releases, etc. Each nomination must include the nomination cover sheet, as well as all applicable nomination criteria listed in this brochure.
Recreation grants for nonprofits provide funding to support parks, sports programs, and community activities. The following grants empower organizations to create inclusive spaces and programs that encourage physical activity, well-being, and community engagement.
Explore 245 funding opportunities for recreation programs, with $23.1M in resources. Instrumentl connects nonprofits with funding sources, deadline tracking tools, and funder insights to foster healthy and active communities.
How common are grants in this category?
Common — grants in this category appear regularly across funding sources.
Over the past year, when are grant deadlines typically due for Recreation grants for Nonprofits?
Most grants are due in the fourth quarter.
What's the typical grant amount funded for Recreation Grants for Nonprofits?
Grants are most commonly $9,000.
Nonprofits offering community recreation programs, sports, outdoor activities, or inclusive play areas are eligible for recreation grants. Organizations promoting fitness, well-being, and youth involvement through recreational programs can also apply.
Grants in recreation typically have the highest concentration of deadlines in Q4, with 41.9% of grant deadlines falling in this period. If you're planning to apply, consider prioritizing your applications around this time to maximize opportunities. Conversely, the least active period for grants in this category is Q3.
The main goal of recreation grants is to increase access to recreational activities, boost community health, and encourage active lifestyles. Funders want to support programs that create safe, welcoming, and inclusive spaces for sports and outdoor fun. By providing funding for recreational facilities, programs, or events, these grants aim to enhance the overall well-being of communities and make certain that everyone, regardless of background or ability, has the opportunity to enjoy them.
On average, grants in recreation provide funding between $250 and $7,650,000, with typical awards falling around $9,000 (median) and $127,385 (average). These insights can help nonprofits align their funding requests with what grantmakers typically offer in this space.
Recreation grants are funded by government agencies, private foundations, and corporate sponsors committed to health and wellness. For example, the National Park Service may fund projects that develop or improve outdoor recreational areas. Private foundations focused on health and wellness and corporate sponsors in the outdoor gear industry or sports organizations may also offer grants.
To improve the chances of being awarded recreation grants, applicants should:
Want to improve your grant prospecting strategy? Master the process with our detailed guide to grant prospect research.
Instrumentl simplifies the process of applying for recreation grants by offering an intuitive platform that helps nonprofits discover relevant funding opportunities, track deadlines, and analyze funder-giving patterns. The platform's automated alerts ensure users never miss a deadline, while detailed funder insights help organizations tailor their applications to align with grantor priorities.
To learn more about how our platform is different, compare Instrumentl to other grant tools.