Best Recreation Grants for Nonprofits

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.

High Impact Grant

For High Impact Grants, we are looking for applications which:

• Are for larger investment projects that benefit multiple communities and a larger percentage of the citizenship of the entire county.
• Address a significant community issue or need, especially a need effecting the entire county.
• Demonstrates considerable impact on the county, such as a project that could increase the marketability of the county, has an effect on tourism or on economic development for the entire county.
• Presents an innovative or creative way to strengthen the county with vision toward future growth and development.
• Encourages cooperation and partnerships, and reduces duplication of services among organizations.

Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines

The Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines improves quality of life for all by promoting charitable giving, connecting donors with causes they care about and providing leadership on important community issues…we’re simply better together. 

Greater Carlisle Community Foundation

Mission of the Greater Carlisle Community Foundation:

The mission of the Greater Carlisle Community Foundation is to educate citizens about opportunities for philanthropy and create partnerships to provide a better quality of life for individuals and families.

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

Greater Carlisle Community Foundation Grants

The Greater Carlisle Community Foundation makes grants to IRS section 501(c)(3) ‘tax exempt’ organizations and IRS section 170(b) ‘unit of government’ organizations to assist in fulfilling the foundation’s mission to foster private giving, strengthen service providers and improve the conditions of the Greater Carlisle School Area. 

Project Area of Focus

• Arts/Culture/Humanities – Museums, Historic Preservation, Exhibits, etc.
• Education – Schools (all ages), Adult Learning Programs, etc.
• Environment/Animals – Environmental Protection, Beautification, Animal-Related Issues
• Health – General, Rehabilitative, Mental, etc.
• Human Services – Public Protection/Safety, Recreation, Youth Development, Social Support, General Human Services
• Public/Society Benefit – Community Improvement/Development, Philanthropy/Volunteerism, Capacity Building, Civil Rights, etc.

Project Type

• A capital-based request refers to the building of or the physical improvement of something.
• A program-based request refers to activity or general programmatic support.

Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines

The Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines improves quality of life for all by promoting charitable giving, connecting donors with causes they care about and providing leadership on important community issues…we’re simply better together. 

Monroe County Iowa Community Foundation

The Monroe County, Iowa Community Foundation was formed in 1994 to coordinate and provide philanthropic support for community betterment projects in Monroe County. The foundation is made up of community minded individuals who have the ability to assess community needs, implement asset development, evaluate area grant applications, encourage partnerships and initiate activities to enhance Monroe County and its communities. Beginning in 2006, the Foundation has granted awards to worthwhile projects located in the county that are identified through a community grants application process. Our foundation’s areas of emphasis include:

• Arts & Culture
• Community Betterment
• Education
• Health & Human Services
• Recreation & Environment
• Youth Development

The Monroe County Fund is an affiliate of the Iowa Community Affiliate Network, a collaboration of the Greater Des Moines Community Foundation (GDMCF) and the Iowa Area Development Group Community Foundation, who have recognized the need for new avenues to encourage philanthropy throughout Iowa. The Iowa Community Affiliate Network currently serves 31 counties throughout Iowa, including an “umbrella” or “Family” of related funds benefiting specific communities and projects. Each Affiliate advises on a geographically focused collection of funds. They are components of the GDMCF sharing in its tax-exempt status and developed to increase the philanthropic base for Monroe County.

Monroe County Iowa Community Foundation Grants

The Monroe County, Iowa Community Foundation makes grants to tax exempt organizations including units of government to assist in fulfilling the Foundation’s mission to foster private giving, strengthen service providers and improve the conditions of our County and its communities. Our foundation promotes endowment building, community grantmaking, organizational collaboration, and public leadership for the benefit of the Monroe County area.

Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines

The Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines improves quality of life for all by promoting charitable giving, connecting donors with causes they care about and providing leadership on important community issues…we’re simply better together. 

Taylor County Endowment Foundation

Mission of the  Taylor County Endowment Foundation:

It is the mission of the Taylor County Endowment Foundation to distribute funds for educational, cultural, civic and charitable purposes for the benefit of the greater community of Taylor County, Iowa. Principles have been established to assure equitable and effective grant making of these funds, thus enhancing the quality of life for citizens of Taylor County, Iowa.

The Taylor County Endowment Foundation is committed to improving the quality of life throughout Taylor 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.

Taylor County Endowment Foundation Grants

What we Support

The Taylor County Endowment Foundation will provide grants to build community strengths and develop leadership potential. Areas of Foundation giving are health and human services, recreation and environment, arts and culture, community betterment, education, and youth development. The Foundation will fund special projects, but will not fund ongoing operational expenses. 

Mission of the West Des Moines Community Foundation:

Our mission is to preserve and improve the quality of life in West Des Moines by engaging others in philanthropic support and services.

Giving in West Des Moines

The West Des Moines Community Foundation is an all-volunteer board of citizens committed to improving the quality of life in our city. When you donate to the WDMCF, you can be confident that your dollars go to support proven local programs in a thoughtful and diligent manner. All Community Foundation grants are overseen by our independent Board of volunteers, in close consultation with City leadership, and as an affiliate of the Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines.

Grants are available to 501(c)(3) organizations and government entities serving the West Des Moines community. Grant selections are made in an effort to create a better quality of life for people in West Des Moines. The local governing committee reviews the applications from charitable organizations serving their community. 

About Us

The Clive Community Foundation (CCF) is a conduit for residents, businesses and other stakeholders to donate funds for the betterment of our community.

Along with providing the depth of expertise and guidance for establishing the CCF, the Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines provides cost-efficient access to world-class investment managers and alternative investment strategies only available to large institutional investors.

As a Foundation, we raise funds for distribution to local nonprofit organizations and special projects that enhance opportunities and community appeal for current and future residents, businesses and visitors alike.

Grant Guidelines

The Clive Community Foundation was established in 2007 by a group of citizens to improve the quality of life for Clive residents and businesses by promoting charitable giving and connecting donors with causes they value and desire to support.

Mission:

Strengthening our community through philanthropy and partnerships.

Grants will be awarded on a competitive basis to qualifying organizations. 

In July of 1991 Martin County Board of County Commissioners entered into a planned unit development (PUD) agreement for the development of the Indiantown Cogeneration Project. A condition of the PUD agreement required the establishment of the Indiantown Community Trust Fund with the interest from the trust fund used for projects which benefit the Indiantown community and have a general synergy with the Indiantown Cogeneration Project. The trust fund has been accruing interest since October 21, 1992. The committee annually reviews applications for proposed projects and makes recommendations for funding for the projects from the accrued interest of the trust fund subject to final approval by the Village Council.The trust income shall be used solely for projects benefiting Indiantown. Examples of such projects include, but are not limited to:

• General training programs for local residents;
• Day care facilities;
• Recreation facilities;
• Community center;
• General community beautification projects; and
• ‘Seed money’ for use in community programs for matching fund programs.

The Community Trust Foundation Inc.

The inception of a Western Maryland community foundation for building economic prosperity and for enhancing the quality of life for its people came from caring community leaders of The Greater Cumberland Committee. The primary question was whether the dream for this foundation could be realized. Together, they worked with Casper R. Taylor Jr., Maryland Speaker of the House, 1994-2003 and promoted the benefits of a community foundation for “ leaving behind a legacy to solve local problems by people who know and care about local problems” to the Cumberland Chamber of Commerce & Rotary of Cumberland, MD.

CTF was fortunate to operate with dedicated board members and a small part-time staff in a rent-free office space. Working tirelessly, the board worked to grow funds, secured operating capital, and submitted a 500-page policy and procedure manual to earn accreditation from the Council of Foundations. They also established advisory councils for each county (Allegany, Garrett, and Mineral), sponsored an annual Humanitarian Award Banquet for community outreach, and gained respect from community members and organizations seeking their leadership.

The Community Trust Foundation Grant

CTF serves as a community leader in philanthropy by raising, managing and distributing funds to address identified needs in Allegany and Garrett Counties, Maryland and in Mineral County, West Virginia. We partner with area non-profits and donors to make effective grants and enable local citizens to generate local solutions in their communities. We make grants to non-profit 501(c)(3) organizations dedicated to building better, stronger, more vital communities in the region.

Since our inception in 2006, CTF has awarded over $7 million in grants, building stronger more vibrant communities. CTF grants support; the arts, education, historical preservation, health and wellness and building a thriving environment. We are committed to identifying high-priority needs and opportunities to make a significant positive impact on the community. CTF grants are typically used to provide start-up or short-term funding to innovative projects designed to meet emerging needs or with creative solutions to longer-term issues.

Suncadia Fund For Community Enhancement

The mission of the Fund is to provide a source of funding and organization for activities and investments that will create and enhance a dynamic and vital community experience. The Fund will have the ability to participate in a broad range of activities intended to improve the social, cultural, economic, and environmental conditions of Suncadia and its immediate environs, including the Town of Roslyn, the City of Cle Elum, and the City of South Cle Elum.

Grant Program

The intent of the Grant Program is to provide funding for projects that will benefit the quality of life and sense of community for people who live and work in Suncadia and the immediately surrounding communities (Communities).

Grants will only be considered for registered non-profit organizations, Suncadia Resort community functions, or local governmental agencies. Requests for grants associated with private residences, for personal financial gain, for-profit businesses or other for-profit ventures will not be considered. 

Grants are reviewed quarterly (Grant Month) January, April, July, and October. Grants should be submitted at least 15 days prior to the Grant Month. 

Mountain Lake Area Foundation

The Mountain Lake Area Foundation is the 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 in the form of grants to meet the needs of our community.

The Mountain Lake Area Foundation (MLAF) is organized as a component fund of the Southwest Initiative Foundation (SWIF).

The mission of the Mountain Lake Area Foundation is to promote charitable giving and facilitate the economic and social growth of the community.

Grants

Areas of Interest

• Arts, Culture, Humanities
• Community Improvement (celebrations, beautification, parks)
• Education
• Healthcare
• Recreation, Leisure, Sports, Athletics (camps, leagues, clubs, facilities)
• Youth Development (developmental assets, mentoring, service learning, scouting, centers/clubs)

Types of Support

• Conferences/seminars
• Curriculum development
• Exhibitions/trade shows
• Performances
• Program development
• Start-up funds

In reviewing grant proposals, the review team will look for evidence of the following:

• Proposals should avoid duplication of efforts.
• Proposals should have clearly-stated goals and measurable outcomes.
• Proposals should exhibit evidence of appropriate partnerships. Foundation prefers letters of support from involved agencies, organizations, and individuals clearly outlining both support and contributions to the success of the project.
• Proposals may include a cash match.
• The Foundation prefers evidence of one or more ways to continue the project beyond Foundation funding.

History & Mission

History

Founded in 2004, the Clay Center Community Improvement Foundation (CCCIF) was established to encourage local generosity and create lasting impact across Clay County. From its beginnings, the foundation has focused on connecting donors with meaningful causes, building charitable funds that provide steady support for local nonprofits, community projects, and future generations. Over the years, CCCIF has become a trusted partner in strengthening the community through grants, scholarships, and initiatives that enhance quality of life, promote education, and inspire a spirit of giving. With every gift, the foundation continues its work to ensure Clay County remains a thriving place to live, work, and grow.

Mission, Vision, & Core Values

To strengthen Clay County by fostering charitable giving, investing in community priorities, and inspiring a legacy of generosity.

To grow endowment resources and connect donors to the causes they care about, building a brighter, more sustainable future for all.

Stewardship, integrity, transparency, collaboration, and service.

Grant Guidelines

The Clay Center Community Improvement Foundation is committed to supporting programs and services that improve the community, for example, but not limited to; beautification efforts, recreational improvements and projects that address the safety and security of the community as a whole. Number of people impacted, amount of funding already received and turnaround time are all considerations when making grant decisions.

General Policy that guide the Foundation Board of Directors in making grants:

• Amounts to be awarded will be determined each year depending on the availability of funds.

The Beveridge Family Foundation Grant supports initiatives in youth development, health, education, religion, art, and the environment, primarily in Hampden and Hampshire counties, Massachusetts. With two funding cycles each year, applications are due by February 1 and August 1. The Foundation prioritizes organizations that enhance the quality of life and promote self-sufficiency among underserved populations, although it avoids supporting certain areas such as international affairs and awards.

The Marcia and Otto Koehler Foundation Grant supports 501(c)(3) public charities focused on medical research, arts promotion, and youth development in San Antonio. Eligible organizations must skip one grant cycle before reapplying. The foundation prioritizes projects that enhance the physical, mental, and moral well-being of local youth. Notably, it does not fund individuals or organizations involved in political lobbying. This grant offers a vital opportunity for community support in various essential sectors.

The Helen Irwin Littauer Educational Trust Grant supports charitable organizations in Tarrant County, focusing on education, arts, and human services. Established in 1969 by Mrs. Littauer, who was dedicated to community service and youth education, the Trust prioritizes scholarships for deserving students, especially in journalism, and alleviating human suffering. Organizations must skip one grant cycle before reapplying, ensuring fair access to funding for all eligible charities.

The Vineyard Family Foundation

The Vineyard Family Foundation is the product of decades of work across three generations and five states. Having enjoyed the benefits of our hard work and community patronage, the Vineyard family has chosen to provide to others what so many have graciously provided to us. 

What Sets Us Apart

The Vineyard family has always been committed to its communities. Whether supporting Boys & Girls Clubs, pediatric hospitals, the Ronald McDonald House, arts organizations, or youth recreation leagues, the family has taken a great interest in the care, health, and education of children and the families that nurture them. We take great pride in personally administering our Foundation’s charitable giving, resulting in fewer expenses and more funding for those organizations aligned with the Foundation’s purpose.

Grants

• Supporting Our Communities and Their Families
• Working Towards the Health, Education, and Overall Well-Being of Parents and Their Children

You are steps away from creating an opportunity to receive full or partial funding of your charitable organization. So that you use your time wisely, we offer the following advice for your efforts:

• As a family foundation, we are prohibited from funding individuals or any entity that is not an IRS-recognized Section 501(c)(3) tax-exempt entity or a Section 509(a)(1), (2), or (3) support organization. Thus, while we cannot award a scholarship to an individual, we can fund a 501(c)(3) charity that provides such scholarships.

• If you qualify as a Section 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization or a support organization pursuant to Section 509(a)(1-3), we will need the IRS Determination Letter confirming as much, as well as a statement signed by your organization’s President or Chief Executive Officer verifying that your organization’s purposes, structure, and operations have not changed substantially since the date of the IRS’s Determination Letter.

• If you are a “supporting organization” under IRS Code section 509(a)(1-3), please provide a list of the public charities that you support. Please also advise whether you are a Type I, Type II, or Type III supporting organization. If you are a Type III supporting organization, please advise whether you are “functionally integrated” with your supported public charity and provide an explanation of that relationship.

Supported Charities

The Vineyard family has historically provided funding for family-related charities such as the Ronald McDonald House, the Boys & Girls Clubs of America, pediatric hospitals, autism-related organizations, and youth recreational leagues. The Foundation looks forward to continuing this support and extending itself to educational, research, and cultural experiences that focus on the needs of children and their parents.

Gove County Community Foundation

Our Mission

The goal of the Gove County Community Foundation is to enhance the quality of life in Gove County through philanthropy, to increase economic and community development opportunities. We are driven by a mission to create a prosperous future for our community by supporting collaborative and innovative initiatives that address today’s needs while paving the way for a brighter tomorrow.

Through grants, scholarships, and community programs, we support a wide range of initiatives that contribute to the economic, social, and cultural vitality of Gove County. Whether it's enhancing educational opportunities, supporting local businesses, or preserving our rich heritage, we are here to help our community grow and prosper.

GCCF Community Grant

Providing charitable funding is at the heart of our mission. Thanks to the generosity of our donors, the Gove County Community Foundation awards grants to organizations across Gove County, supporting initiatives in arts and culture, community development, education, environment, health, human services, recreation, and youth development. Through these grants, we help strengthen our community today and build a brighter future for tomorrow. 

Grantmaking Criteria

Grants can address:

• Education: Enhances the learning environment and expands opportunities for students in Northwest Kansas. Provides increased self-reliance on personal life skills and workforce capability.
• Health Care: Ensure access to quality health care services and promotes healthy life practices.
• Economic Development: Development of a robust and sustainable economy includes a diversity of businesses and quality job opportunities.
• Community Social Services & Security: Enhance access to social services needed for individuals of special needs and supports systems to provide community disaster relief and general community emergencies.
• Conservation & Environment: Support efforts to improve and maintain high air and water quality, appreciation for our natural environment and enhance economic and social benefits of outdoor resources.
• Arts & Culture: Provide cultural and artistic opportunities to enhance the quality of life for local residents and to encourage tourism and the exchange of ideas.
• Community Beautification: Support efforts to improve and maintain public spaces to enhance community pride and encourage socialization among residents.

The Dane G. Hansen Community Grant for Wallace County, initiated in March 2015, aims to support charitable activities across Northwest Kansas. It prioritizes educational enhancements, healthcare access, economic development, and community services. Grants are available to 501(c)(3) nonprofits and governmental institutions, while individual applications are not eligible. Preference is given to projects that engage community involvement and utilize strategic planning processes. This initiative fosters sustainable growth and improves quality of life for local residents.

Our Purpose is to improve the quality of life in the Ashland Area. This is accomplished through the promotion, encouragement, and support of education; the strengthening of the health and wellbeing of families and individuals; the beautification and preservation of nature; the preservation of history; and the promotion of recreational and cultural programs and activities.The unrestricted funds of the foundation are awarded in a process to non-profit organizations in the community.

Tustin Community Foundation

The Tustin Community Foundation coordinates community resources to create positive change and support the area’s actual and most pressing needs.

Providing grants for local nonprofit organizations and schools is the primary way the Foundation makes an impact. Since 2008, 88 local nonprofit organizations, schools and community wide programs have received grants to help them deal with the ever-changing critical issues facing the community. The Foundation conducts annual Community Needs Assessments to direct grant funds where they are most needed and will make the largest impact.

Tustin Community Support Grant

The Tustin Community Support Grant is administered by the Tustin Community Foundation (“TCF”) in partnership with the City of Tustin.

The purpose of the Tustin Community Support Grant is to support nonprofit organizations and accredited public or private schools that provide programs and services benefiting residents of the greater Tustin area. The program seeks to enhance the quality of life in the Tustin community by funding initiatives that address specific community needs and foster community enrichment.

Use of Grant Funds

Grant funds may be used to support current or planned projects, including the purchase of equipment, supplies, materials, or clearly defined services that advance the applicant organization’s mission and programs.

Funding may be applied to programmatic needs that are identified but not yet funded at the time of application.

All expenditure must be documented with invoices, receipts, or equivalent vendor documentation to ensure transparency and accountability.

Evaluation Criteria

Applications will be evaluated based on:

• Demonstrated benefit to Tustin residents
• Evidence of past service and impact in the Tustin community
• Responsible financial management and oversight
• Ability to address social issues or provide community enrichment

Grant Categories and Funding

The Tustin Community Support Grant program allocates funding across the following categories: Business Assistance Nonprofits; Historical / Veteran Assistance Nonprofits; and Youth / Family Assistance Services & Recreation Nonprofits

Youth / Family Assistance Services & Recreation Nonprofits

Total Allocated Amount: $20,000

The amount listed represent the total funding available within this category, not individual grant awards.

Funds within this category may be distributed among one or more nonprofit organizations. Individual grant awards will represent a portion of the total category allocation and will be determined at the discretion of the TCF Grants Committee and Board of Directors to maximize overall community impact.

Grant recipients may receive less than the amount requested, and partial funding may be awarded.

About

Created by the community for the good of the community, the GLCCF is here to turn problems into opportunities through strategic grant making and initiatives created to address our region’s most pressing needs. We work with you to identify your charitable goals, and we ensure that they are carried out efficiently.

Work with us to make the kind of impact you want to see in your community. Let us take on the financial complexities and paperwork, while you focus on the important things like fostering good works throughout our community.

When you give to the Greater Lake City Community Foundation, you are making an investment that will benefit the community, now and in the future.

GLCCF Schreck Family Soccer Scholarship

To award annually a scholarship to a qualified applicant who intends to pursue education toward a 4-year college degree.

The Community Foundation of the Rappahannock River Region

The Community Foundation of the Rappahannock River Region works with individuals and families to create permanent gifts for our community. We are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that manages and distributes charitable giving in the counties of Stafford, Spotsylvania, King George, and Caroline, and the City of Fredericksburg.

For more than 25 years, The Community Foundation has been a devoted advocate for the vitality and well-being of the Rappahannock River region. Our vision is to be a trusted leader in engaged charitable giving and provide accessible, inclusive and sustainable philanthropy. 

The Togie Fund

The Togie Fund honors Charles "Togie" Wayne Payne Sr. Established by his children; Charlie, Frank and Julia, in memory of their dad's passion to provide opportunity to youth in the area he loved.

This fund will provide grants that open opportunities for students in our community. The Togie Fund firmly believes in providing equal opportunities for every student to access necessary equipment and participate in recreational programs, regardless of their financial circumstances. 

As part of our efforts to address this issue, we are offering grant funding through the Togie Fund to high schools and Parks and Recreation Departments in City of Fredericksburg, Caroline, King George, Stafford and Spotsylvania counties to enhance the educational experiences and recreational opportunities for low-income students. This initiative aims to bridge the opportunity gap and ensure that all students have an equal chance to thrive academically and personally.

Monarch Mountain Community Outreach Community Grants

Focus:

Aligns with Monarch Mountain’s core values of environmental sustainability, recreation, humanitarian efforts, and fostering a supportive community

At Raley’s, we believe that giving back is one of the most important things we do. We have re-aligned our giving strategy to ensure our community giving reflects our company’s vision of changing the way the world eats, one plate at a time.

Through our two corporate giving programs, Raley’s Purposeful Giving and Raley’s Extra Credit Grants, we are able to support thousands of organizations throughout our company footprint.

Raley's Extra Credit Grants

Raley’s proudly supports causes that make significant impacts in our schools and align with one or more of our Extra Credit pillars:

• Nutrition Education
• Food Literacy
• Play

Through Extra Credit Grants, we also support:

• School Shopping Days: Store fundraiser where 20% of store sales (up to $5,000) on a mutually agreed upon date will go back to the school.
• Store Tours: Opportunities for students to learn how to shop healthy, read nutrition labels, and more!

Raley's offers 3 primary forms of support:

• Monetary support for programs
• Healthy Food and Snack Items
• Raley's Gift Cards

Dallas Community Foundation

It all started with an idea – a charitable fund that would benefit the present and future needs of the Dallas community. In 1995, that idea was transformed into reality with the establishment of the Dallas Community Foundation. The Foundation helps people put their charitable dollars into their own community, giving a hand up to those in need. With over $2 million in assets under management, the Foundation gives back to the Dallas community through an annual grant and scholarship distribution.

Grants

Through its annual grant distribution, the Dallas Community Foundation gives back, investing in solutions to address local needs. The Foundation funds a wide variety of programs and projects, reflecting the diverse needs and opportunities in the Dallas community, benefiting residents of all ages. Preference is given to proposals that serve urgent needs and/or have a broad and meaningful impact on the community. The Foundation grant funds are intended to assist those in need and improve quality of life to make Dallas a better, more vibrant place, in every corner of the community.

Funding Priorities

The Foundation will prioritize funding requests for the following project types and funding categories:

• Project types: new or existing projects/programs, equipment purchases, general operations. The Foundation may consider, but does not encourage, applications for capital projects or capacity building.
• Funding categories: educational, charitable, civic, recreational, cultural, youth, seniors, health and safety, general welfare.

For the 2026 grant distribution, the Foundation will focus particularly on the following funding priorities:

• Health and Wellbeing of Vulnerable Populations
• Opportunities for Youth and Seniors
• Community Livability

The Columbus Foundation

In 1943, during the darkness of World War II, a group of passionate citizens, led by Columbus businessman Harrison M. Sayre, envisioned a way to improve the well-being of the community and the quality of life in central Ohio. With little more than this sound idea and faith, The Columbus Foundation was established.

Our Mission

To assist donors and others in strengthening and improving our community for the benefit of all its residents.

Opportunity Youth Grants

Funds recreational programs benefiting youth and ensure that all young people enter adulthood prepared to pursue opportunities to live well.

In 2015, The Columbus Foundation commissioned a research report from Jobs for the Future to better understand the challenges youth and young adults in Franklin County ages 18 to 24 were facing. At that time, it was found that 20,500 young people, referred to as opportunity youth, were not on track to graduate and/or were disconnected from society. This presented an opportunity for our community to reach out to them, intensify our efforts to reconnect, and facilitate pathways to success and self-sufficiency.

A cross-sector group of community stakeholders, including The Columbus Foundation, worked in collaboration to arrive at the theory of change that all youth should be able to enter adulthood prepared to pursue opportunities to live well. Six focus areas were identified: Civic Engagement, Education, Health and Wellness, Housing, Support Systems, and Workforce.

This Opportunity Youth coalition continues to work together to create a continuum of support that both engages youth who are currently disconnected while working upstream to ensure all youth enter adulthood prepared to pursue opportunities to live well.

The MI Natural Resources Trust Fund Grants support projects aimed at protecting natural resources and enhancing outdoor recreation in Michigan. A minimum of 25% of the fund is allocated for public land acquisition and development of recreational facilities. Eligible projects include land acquisitions, fishing and hunting facilities, and various recreational developments. Grants range from $15,000 to $400,000 for development projects, with no limits for land acquisition. Applications are assessed based on established criteria.

Jaws Youth Playbook

Jaws Youth Playbook (JYP) - formerly Jaws Youth Fund - is the foundation of Former Eagles QB and NFL Analyst, Ron Jaworski and his wife, Liz Jaworski. Our 501(c)(3) non-profit has been working hard to improve the overall health and wellness of at-risk youth in the Greater Philadelphia Region for 40+ years! We invest in our youth and their future through the building of playgrounds and ballfields, providing much needed sports equipment, supporting Summer Meals programs and healthy nutrition in underserved communities AND MORE!

Grants

Together as a Community, we can spread joy & change the lives of at-risk youth throughout our shared spirit of giving. Children do not have the choice of their zip code. We take great pride in providing underprivileged youth in the Greater Philadelphia area with access to much needed safe places to play, access to healthy food and programs to keep them on the right track. We strive to make our community healthier & happier for all.

What is the Grant?

A one-time grant between $500 – $25,000 for PROJECT-BASED resources (such as playgrounds, ball-fields, and community gardens) that enrich at-risk youths’ lives, giving them access to safe places to play and thrive!