Best Recreation Grants for Nonprofits

The Iowa-Grant Educational Foundation Fund (IGEF) supports the Iowa-Grant School District by providing grants for innovative educational programming and scholarships for graduating seniors. Established in 1999 and affiliated with the Community Foundation of Southern Wisconsin, IGEF relies on community donations to enhance educational opportunities beyond the standard budget. Their volunteer board oversees fundraising and grant allocation, ensuring a lasting impact on students and the community in Southern Wisconsin.

The Monticello Excellence in Education Fund, managed by the Community Foundation of Southern Wisconsin, supports the Monticello School District through grants awarded annually. This endowment fund enhances educational opportunities by providing resources for programs not typically covered by public funding. Donations are welcome year-round and are tax-deductible, making them a meaningful way to invest in the future of education in Southern Wisconsin.

The New Glarus Excellence in Education Fund, managed by the Community Foundation of Southern Wisconsin, supports the New Glarus School District with private resources. This endowment fund enhances educational opportunities beyond the standard budget, ensuring quality education for current and future students. Donations are welcome year-round and are tax-deductible, making a meaningful impact on the community. Grants are awarded annually for special projects that enrich the learning environment.

The Robert G. Campbell Community Fund, managed by the Community Foundation of Southern Wisconsin, is an unrestricted endowment dedicated to enhancing the quality of life in Iowa County, WI. Focused on supporting seniors, it funds projects that provide recreational opportunities, quality of life improvements, and community events honoring senior contributions. Annually, a portion of the fund's earnings is allocated to grants for the elderly, historic preservation, the arts, the environment, and education, fostering community enrichment.

The Community Foundation of Muncie and Delaware County offers Community Grants aimed at enhancing the quality of life in Muncie and Delaware County, Indiana. This program supports initiatives in arts, culture, education, and community betterment, encouraging nonprofits to provide compelling cases for funding. Grants are awarded on a rolling basis to 501(c)(3) organizations and other public charities, focusing on projects that yield substantial benefits and foster long-term change for the community.

The Hoke County Community Foundation Grant Program, part of the North Carolina Community Foundation, supports charitable organizations across 67 counties. It offers funding for diverse purposes, including education, health, and arts. Eligible applicants must be tax-exempt public charities or local government units, ensuring programs are accessible without discrimination. The program also includes the Mary Archie McNeill Endowment, specifically for music and cultural arts in Hoke County, with $12,650 available for grants.

About Us

Leadership. Collaboration. Impact.

The Community Foundation of the Mahoning Valley helps philanthropists support the causes closest to their heart while connecting local residents to the resources they need for a better quality of life.

Our Mission

To serve as a leader and advocate for strategic philanthropy, partnering with donors to anchor a permanent and growing endowment and making investments in the Mahoning Valley that improve the quality of life for all residents.

Scholarship Opportunities

Your Community, Your Support System

Our community members support hundreds of local students every year through various scholarships facilitated by the Community Foundation of the Mahoning Valley.

Established in memory of Melinda “Mindy” Henning.

The Harnett County Community Foundation provides support to charitable organizations in North Carolina, particularly those addressing COVID-19 challenges. By forgoing the traditional grant cycle, the foundation aims to assist nonprofits in various sectors, including education, health, and the arts. This initiative aligns with its mission to enhance community welfare through philanthropy and direct action. Organizations eligible for funding must be tax-exempt public charities or local government units, ensuring broad support for local needs.

Community Reinvestment Fund

The Community Reinvestment Fund, a capital grant program, shall be used for community redevelopment, revitalization and investment capital projects which will improve the economic, culture, historical, and recreational health of Delaware communities.

Eligible applicants include county and local governments, community-based nonprofit organizations, and private sector nonprofit organizations. All nonprofit organizations must hold a 501(c)3 designation at the time of application submission in order to be considered eligible. State agencies, school districts, charter schools, private schools, institutions of higher education, childcare facilities, churches, fire companies, fiscal agents, and for-profit organizations are not eligible for funds from the Community Reinvestment Fund.

Bethany Legacy Foundation

For more than a century, the Bethany name has stood for compassion in action. Today, we carry that legacy forward by uniting the community around innovative, lasting solutions that strengthen well-being across Jefferson County, Indiana.

Bethany Legacy Foundation exists to build a healthier Jefferson County, IN. by listening first, collaborating widely, and investing wisely. Our mission is to bring people together to create sustainable change where it’s needed most.

Grants

Legacy 2030: Our Primary Focus Areas

Our six-year strategic plan aims to create a sustainable community where individuals of all ages can access the necessary resources and services to thrive. A strong workforce is the cornerstone, supported by ensuring youth, adults, and seniors have equitable access to transportation, mental health, and social services to promote well-being and independence. Our efforts and investments will focus on prevention, root causes, and initiatives that create a path to self-reliance.

The following outlines our Focus Areas, goals, and objectives for our Community and the People who live here:

Community

We aim for a Thriving Workforce that makes Jefferson County a desirable place to live and work and attracts and retains top talent.

To achieve this, we seek proposals, projects, and efforts that:

• Expand access and options for quality Childcare to improve outcomes for families and businesses
• Build stability through access to quality, safe and affordable Housing
• Expand Recreation options to promote health, connections, and a high quality of life
• Build skills and knowledge through Professional Development to enhance and advance careers

People

We aim for Strong Youth, Empowered Adults, and Stable Seniors in Jefferson County with the following outcomes if achieved:

• Kids that have a strong foundation and build resilience
• Adults that are healthy, educated, and productive citizens
• Seniors that are independent and Grow Old with Love and Dignity (GOLD)

To achieve this, we seek proposals, projects, and efforts that:

• Build Mental Health resilience and healing through holistic and preventative approaches
• Bridge distances by increasing options and access to Transportation
• Grow Social Services that strengthen and empower individuals and families

BLF uses an open application process to collect and review project ideas that align with BLF Focus Areas There are three types of applications: Long Application; Short Application; and Capacity Building Application.

BLF Grants: Short Application

• For requests of $50,000 or less in total funding, including multi-year requests
• Projects must support BLF Pillars and Focus Areas to be consider for funding
• Only one application form is submitted for review
• Approx 6-week process starting from application submission

The Lumpkin Family Foundation

The Lumpkin Family Foundation is a private, family foundation created in 1953 from the estate of Besse A. Lumpkin of Mattoon, Illinois.

We are a multi-generational organization whose programs reflect the collective aspirations of a diverse family living in communities across the country. We make grants and conduct programs that support people working together to build healthy, sustainable communities in East Central Illinois and beyond. After 70 years, members of the Lumpkin family continue to support the Foundation’s work, serving alongside members of the larger community on committees and the Board of Trustees.

Our Geographic Focus

Our grantmaking is deeply rooted in East Central Illinois, the original service area of Illinois Consolidated Telephone (ICTC), the company founded by the Lumpkin family in 1894. We also support organizations in Chicago and national organizations whose efforts align with our core focus on promoting health and wellness through sustainable food systems, mental health initiatives, and regenerative agriculture.

Land, Health, Community - Chicago Program

Grant Overview

The Land, Health, Community-Chicago (LHC-C) program has recently expanded its focus areas to reflect our commitment, as a Foundation, to supporting holistically healthy communities in the Chicagoland area. We believe that a community’s health is rooted in its ability to access and obtain life sustaining resources for all its residents without undue burden, systemic barriers, and inequitable opportunity. The Land, Health, Community-Chicago Program has one grant cycle in the fall.

Program Focus

We look to fund projects and organizations that support the following:

• Our communities are physically active, values healthy eating, and prioritizes overall wellbeing.
• All communities can thrive. Communities that have faced and continue to face inequitable and unjust policies, laws and practices will be equipped with the resources needed to realize their full potential.

Funding Priorities

• Opportunities for children in/out of school to engage physically with and to learn about the natural world, to eat well, and to care for the planet.
•  A community and/or multigenerational approach to addressing the mental health and wellness of youth.
• Efforts to increase access to healthy and sustainably produced food.
• Grassroots and community led initiatives centered on the pursuit of food justice.

The Granville County Community Foundation (GCCF) offers grants to nonprofits to support community enhancement. Established in 1997, GCCF allocates funds from its endowments, including the Martha Frances Pruitt Endowment Fund, to organizations meeting eligibility criteria such as being tax-exempt public charities or local government units. The foundation encourages diverse community programs while excluding funding for political purposes, loans, or general operating support for religious entities. This initiative aims to foster inclusive community development.

Goldberger Family Endowment Fund

Opening Doors for Every Jewish Child.

Every child deserves to feel a sense of belonging—to learn, grow, and experience the richness of Jewish life. The Goldberger Family Endowment Fund helps make that possible for families raising children with developmental disabilities, learning challenges, or special healthcare needs.

This fund offers compassionate financial support to Jewish families in Greater St. Paul with children ages 12 months to 18 years, ensuring that no child is left on the sidelines because of ability or circumstance.

What the Fund Supports:

• Jewish educational programs at local synagogues and Federation partner agencies
• Recreational programs that promote inclusion and joy
• Adaptive equipment that empowers independence
• Respite care to support family wellness

Inclusive specialty camps that build confidence, friendship, and Jewish identity. 

The Goldberger Family Endowment Fund is a powerful resource—created to meet families where they are, with compassion, dignity, and support.

The Goldberger Family Endowment Fund for Children with Special Needs is a beautiful reminder of how one family’s love can transform countless lives. Inspired by a deep belief that every Jewish child in Greater St. Paul deserves the chance to learn, grow, and feel supported, the Goldberger family created a gift that continues to shine year after year. Their generosity shows us what’s possible when we choose to turn compassion into action—a legacy that strengthens our community today and lights the way for tomorrow. By including the St. Paul Jewish Federation in your estate plans or establishing an endowment, you can ensure that the values closest to your heart become a source of comfort, opportunity, and hope for generations to come.

Monarch Mountain Impact Grant Program

The Chaffee County Community Foundation (CCCF) is proud to partner with Monarch Mountain for the new Impact Grant cycle. This funding supports projects that reflect Monarch Mountain's core values of environmental sustainability, recreation, humanitarian efforts and building a strong, supportive community.

Monarch Mountain Impact Grant process will award $15,000 to one or more applications for projects that align with Monarch Mountain’s core values of environmental sustainability, recreation, humanitarian, and fostering a supportive community across Chaffee County. Strong applications will clearly describe the needs being addressed, approach to addressing the needs, activities, outputs and outcomes of the project or program. Applicants can apply for an existing project or program, but should be able to clearly describe how the grant will increase the impact. Public/private partnerships are encouraged to apply, but the applicant must be a 501c3. 

• Applications that demonstrate the following factors will be most competitive: 
• Clearly defined activities that are meeting an identified community need
• Measurable outcomes, outputs, and impacts for proposed programs and projects
• Supporting data to help define the organization's impact and need
• Applications are encouraged to review the Application Questions and the Impact Grants Rubric prior to starting the application. 

The review committees will determine how many awards will be selected for each grant, but all applicants are eligible to request up to the maximum amount. 

Stronger Together Fund Grant

The mission of the Community Foundation of Greater Huntsville is to support donors in mobilizing generosity to improve the quality of life in our community. We know our community is stronger when everyone is given the opportunity to succeed. The focus of the Stronger Together Fund is to support programs that are creating and delivering opportunities for success in our community. 

Focus Area:

The Stronger Together Fund will provide grant funding to address opportunity gaps in the following areas that affect quality of life:

• Art & culture
• Basic needs
• Economic opportunity 
• Education
• Environment
• Health & wellness
• Neighborhoods & communities
• Recreation

Grant Range:

• $5,000 - $15,000

Grantee Responsibilities:

• Successful grantees will be required to sign a Grant Agreement prior to receiving funding. The Grantee must also report back on the use of the grant funding and what measurable outcomes were achieved as a result of the funded project.

Freeman Community Foundation Grant

At the Freeman Community Foundation, we celebrate the spirit, generosity, and vision of our community. Here, you can learn who we are, what we do, and how your support can help shape Freeman’s future.

Mission Statement

The mission of the Freeman Community Foundation is to attract charitable donations and distribute grants for the purpose of benefiting the social and economic well-being of the community.

About Freeman Community Foundation

Freeman Community Foundation (FCF) is a charitable organization specifically designated for supporting non-profit entities within the Freeman community for recreation projects, cultural projects, youth projects, service projects, educational projects, etc. Five percent of the principal on the organization's endowment is available each year to be awarded as grants to these groups. As contributions to the fund continue and the principle on the endowment increases, the interest available to the community for granting continues to grow. This organization provides an opportunity for people to leave a lasting legacy to the community in their name or in the name of a loved one.

Freeman Community Foundation (FCF) will strive to support a broad spectrum of projects intended to improve and enhance the Freeman community. Determination of recommendation for approval will be based upon need, creativity in addressing community concerns, community volunteer support, and accountability. 

As a general guideline, no more than three years of sequential grant funding shall be awarded to any one grantee for the same purpose. If projects require substantial funding to accomplish objectives, applicants should indicate intent to request additional funding in subsequent grant cycles. No guarantee of continued funding will be committed until future grant applications are reviewed. Previously funded projects with good track records should be favorably considered in subsequent grant decisions. 

The Lake Fork Community Foundation supports the citizens of Hinsdale County through grants focused on educational assistance, care for the needy, and community beautification. Established in 1994, this private foundation encourages collaboration among organizations and seeks to maximize community impact. Eligible applicants must be IRS-recognized tax-exempt entities, ensuring funds reach those who can best serve the community's needs. Grants prioritize innovative projects that leverage additional resources and promote local engagement.

Target Range Grant Program

The Target Range Grant Program supports the development of safe, public, and accessible shooting facilities in Louisiana to provide and promote:

• Additional recreational shooting and archery opportunities to the citizens of Louisiana
• Safe and responsible firearms ownership and use
• Shooting sports participation
• Locations for recreational shooters, hunters, and archers to practice their skills within reasonable proximity to their homes.

This program is administered through the Wildlife Restoration Program Fund in Louisiana through the Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration Act. This federal program receives funding from federal excise tax generated by sales of certain firearms and archery equipment. 

Target Range Grant Program

The Target Range Grant Program supports the development of safe, public, and accessible shooting facilities in Louisiana to provide and promote:

• Additional recreational shooting and archery opportunities to the citizens of Louisiana
• Safe and responsible firearms ownership and use
• Shooting sports participation
• Locations for recreational shooters, hunters, and archers to practice their skills within reasonable proximity to their homes.

This program is administered through the Wildlife Restoration Program Fund in Louisiana through the Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration Act. This federal program receives funding from federal excise tax generated by sales of certain firearms and archery equipment. 

The Hamilton Company Charitable Foundation

 The Hamilton Company Charitable Foundation was formed in 2011 by Harold Brown. Its goal is to provide support for local 501c3 organizations which serve the community. Annual funding ranges between $250,000 and over $1,000,000. The chairman is Ronald Brown. Other board members: Jameson Brown, Maura Nolan Brown, Harley Brown, Fred Lebow & Andrea Kozinetz.

Grants

The Hamilton Company Charitable Foundation funds a wide variety of charities, including those that engage in medical and scientific research and deliver medical services and those that provide educational, artistic/musical, and recreational activities for underserved youths. The Foundation also finances scholarships for qualified applicants, aid to those experiencing homelessness, capital renovations or new construction, and animal hospitals and shelters.

Past and current charities supported include but are not limited to the West End House, Franciscan Children’s Hospital, the Coolidge Corner Theatre Foundation, and the Benjamin Franklin Cummings Institute of Technology.

Efficient use of administrative costs relative to benefits received by individuals is considered, and we fund specific projects, not operational costs. 

As of January 1, 2026, the Hamilton Company Charitable Foundation’s annual funding is in excess of $4 million per year. There is one application for requests over $1000. A very brief summary application is required for requests up to $1,000.

These grants may provide educational, recreational, and other services to urban and suburban youth. Funds are also available for arts and culture by way of museums, other learning opportunities. Funds may be directed as assistance to people in need such as supplying care for families, food.

NCF is pleased to offer grant funding for organizations serving Niskayuna town residents and/or the Niskayuna school district. To be eligible, the applicant organization must qualify as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization according to IRS guidelines; or operate under the fiscal sponsorship of a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization; or be sponsored by the town or school district.

Niskayuna Community Foundation Full Grant Program

The Niskayuna Community Foundation places the highest priority on projects that address significant community issues. Single grants will range from $2,000 to $10,000. Grants are awarded in the following fields:

• ​health and human services
• arts and culture
• community development
• conservation and historic preservation
• recreation
• capital projects including equipment purchases ​

NCF is pleased to offer grant funding for organizations serving Niskayuna town residents and/or the Niskayuna school district. To be eligible, the applicant organization must qualify as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization according to IRS guidelines; or operate under the fiscal sponsorship of a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization; or be sponsored by the town or school district.

Niskayuna Community Foundation Mini-Grant Program

The Niskayuna Community Foundation considers mini-grant applications for up to $2000 that meet the same qualifications for full grants. Mini-grant applications are welcome and awards can be made year round. 

Grants are awarded in the following fields:

• ​health and human services
• arts and culture
• community development
• conservation and historic preservation
• recreation
• capital projects including equipment purchases ​

The Adirondack Park Community Smart Growth Grant Program, managed by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, offers funding to enhance community livability and sustainable development in the Adirondack and Catskill Parks. With an anticipated budget of $1,050,000, the program supports projects that align with smart growth principles, fostering environmental protection, economic development, and community planning. Eligible initiatives include improving public spaces, enhancing transportation access, and promoting tourism while ensuring the preservation of natural resources.

The Stabile Family Foundation Grants support non-profit 501(c)(3) organizations and public agencies in New Hampshire, focusing on educational and recreational services. Minor requests up to $500 are reviewed periodically, while major requests over $500 are approved thrice a year. Priority is given to Nashua area organizations, and the foundation does not fund basic operating costs or individual scholarships. This commitment enhances community resources and fosters growth in local initiatives.

The Rec for All - SUPPORT, ENGAGEMENT, AND EVENTS (SEE) Grant, provided by the DC Department of Parks and Recreation, aims to enhance recreational opportunities for underserved youth aged 6 to 18. With funding up to $10,000, organizations can support community programs and events that promote skill development and physical wellness, fostering an inclusive environment for all participants. This initiative aligns with Mayor Bowser's commitment to engaging youth through quality recreation services.

The DC Department of Parks and Recreation's 'Rec for All - Extended Summer Programming' aims to engage underserved youth aged 10 to 13 through four weeks of enriching activities. This initiative promotes physical wellness, social-emotional growth, and community connections while providing equitable access to recreational opportunities. By offering diverse programs that include arts, technology, and career exploration, the aim is to foster skill development and ensure safe, affordable engagement in summer activities for all eligible participants.

The DC Department of Parks and Recreation is offering the Rec for All - Fort Dupont Ice Arena Grant to support inclusive recreational programming for youth. Organizations can request up to $235,000 for innovative programming that promotes physical and emotional wellness, with categories including leisure and competitive activities. This initiative aims to foster community engagement and personal growth while providing structured opportunities for youth at Fort Dupont Ice Arena.