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Better Beaches Grant Program
Since 2008, Save the Harbor/Save the Bay has partnered with the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) to award small grants to local organizations and artists to activate the region’s public beaches through free events and programs on DCR beaches in Nahant, Lynn, Revere, Winthrop, East Boston, South Boston, Dorchester, Quincy, and Hull.
The goal of the Better Beaches Grant Program is to give decision-making power directly to community members over community spaces. We do this by allocating state funds to organizations and individuals to host free events and programs on public beaches. It creates opportunities for people who may not already be visiting the beach, or who face barriers to accessing the beach, to enjoy these shared waterfront spaces.
Whether you are part of an organization, collective, or are a creative individual with a vision for a more diverse and activated waterfront, the Better Beaches Grant Program may be for you! Grant applicants can come from any community, so long as their proposed event takes place on one of our region’s public DCR beaches from Nahant down to Hull.
For the 2026 beach season, we will be allocating over $300,000 in small grants ranging from $2,500 – $8,500 per grantee.
What we fund?
The Better Beaches Grant Program supports a diverse range of public events and programs that celebrate and engage communities on Boston Harbor beaches.
Grant funds must go toward events and programs that:
Better Beaches grant funds can support a wide variety of events, including: youth and family fun days, cultural festivals, science and learning programs, music and dance events, kayaking, swimming, fishing, book groups and literacy programs, community resources, art classes and markets, self-care and wellness events, fitness and sports classes, and more. Get creative! Projects may be one-time events, a series, or recurring gatherings.
Enhance your organization’s capacity with AmeriCorps Maryland funding opportunities
AmeriCorps is the largest funder of national service in the United States, connecting organizations, public agencies, and institutions of higher education with individuals willing to dedicate their time and efforts to addressing critical needs across the state. AmeriCorps Maryland offers funding to support the development and operation of programs that engage individuals in direct service.
To qualify for funding through an operational grant, AmeriCorps Maryland programs must support the equivalent of 20 full-time AmeriCorps Members in their first year of operation. The amount of the grant award is based on the number of AmeriCorps Members serving with the organization. Organizations launching new programs may apply for planning grant opportunities. These grants do not include AmeriCorps Members but enable organizations to lay the foundation for a successful AmeriCorps operational program.
AmeriCorps Maryland Workforce Development Planning Grants
Planning Grants provide up to $240,000 in funding for the 6-month planning period beginning July 15, 2026. Applicants will propose developing a new AmeriCorps program that includes a defined, Member-focused career pathway that intentionally embeds workforce attributes into a service term.
Planning Grants support program development and capacity-building activities. They do not fund AmeriCorps member positions during the planning year.
AmeriCorps is a national service program that engages individuals in meaningful service to strengthen communities. Through AmeriCorps Maryland Formula Operational Grants, organizations may place full- or part-time AmeriCorps members in communities across Maryland to address critical local needs.
Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services supports and promotes Florida agriculture, protects the environment, safeguards consumers, and ensures the safety and wholesomeness of food. Our programs and activities are so varied and extensive, they touch the life of just about every Floridian.
T. Mark Schmidt Off-Highway Vehicle Grant Program
The purpose of the T. Mark Schmidt Off-Highway Vehicle Grant Program (hereinafter referred to as the OHV Grant Program) is to provide financial assistance to Applicants as further defined below, to provide or improve off-highway vehicle recreational areas or trails for public use on Public Lands. Through the Off-Highway Vehicle Tilting Program, the state of Florida has been allocated funds for implementing this program. The primary purpose of the OHV Grant Program is to provide and/or improve off-highway riding opportunities on Public Lands by establishing and/or maintaining existing or new riding areas; provide enforcement of applicable regulations to the System and off-highway vehicle activities; provide safety, training and rider education in the operation of off-highway vehicles and if funds are available, acquire lands to be included in the System and manage and rehabilitate such lands. Grant awards are recommended by the Off-Highway Vehicle Recreation Advisory Committee annually, with final approval by the Commissioner of Agriculture, and appropriated by the Florida Legislature.
Grant Categories
There are five grant categories:
About the DNR
Preserving and enhancing the natural resources of Wisconsin
In keeping with our mission, the DNR is dedicated to working with Wisconsinites while preserving and enhancing the natural resources of Wisconsin. In partnership with individuals and organizations, DNR staff manage fish, wildlife, forests, parks, air and water resources while promoting a healthy, sustainable environment and a full range of outdoor opportunities.
Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) Program
This is a federal program administered in all states that encourages the creation and interpretation of high-quality outdoor recreational opportunities. Funds received by the DNR for this program are split between DNR projects and grants to local governments for outdoor recreation activities. Grants cover up to 50% of eligible project costs. LWCF grants provide local units of governments, tribes, and school districts opportunities to receive grants for outdoor recreation activities. Payment of grant funds is on a reimbursement basis.
Public access is fundamental to this grant program. Reasonable public access is required for any property purchased or developed with grant funds. The DNR can help determine what constitutes appropriate and reasonable public access for grant-funded properties.
About DEP
A national leader. A balanced approach. A commitment to be guided by science. That is the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection.
For over 50 years, DEP has made New Jersey a stronger and fairer state by protecting our environment and public health. With hard work, exceptional knowledge and expertise, the DEP’s staff has made the agency an unfailing guardian of New Jersey’s precious natural and historic resources.
The DEP was established on April 22, 1970 – America’s first official Earth Day. Today, DEP employees in dozens of programs continue to advance innovative strategies to safeguard and enhance New Jersey’s air, water and land, and the health of its residents.
Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership Grants
ORLP funds the acquisition or development of new parks, or substantial renovation of parks, in low-income communities of at least 25,000 people. ORLP focuses on providing new or significantly improved nature-based parks in urban, disadvantaged communities lacking adequate access to walkable outdoor recreation (a.k.a. park deserts).
The program priorities described below are established by the Expanding Public Lands Outdoor Recreation Experiences (EXPLORE) Act (Public Law 118-234), which represents a historic bipartisan commitment to expanding outdoor recreation on public lands and waters for all Americans.
Anticipated Award Amounts:
ORLP is a dollar-for-dollar matching grant program, with a minimum award of $300,000 and maximum award of $15M. ORLP is a reimbursement program. Grant recipients must use their own resources to pay for all project costs.
Cost Share Requirements:
The required 50% grant match must come from eligible (typically non-federal) sources, such as Green Acres park development or acquisition grants, county and municipal open space funding, and philanthropic organizations, among others.
Land & Water Conservation Fund (LWCF)
Introduction
The Land and Water Conservation Fund Act of 1965 (P.L. 85-578) created a matching grant program to stimulate, encourage, and assist states with the acquisition, development, and expansion of quality outdoor recreation areas and facilities. The Land and Water Conservation Fund Program (LWCF) is a reimbursement grant program funded by revenues generated from outer continental shelf oil and gas drilling. New Mexico is eligible to receive funding allocations from the United States Department of the Interior (DOI) whenever Congress appropriates LWCF funds for this purpose. The Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department (EMNRD), State Parks Division (Division) serves as the agency responsible for the LWCF and the Division is assigned administrative responsibility. The DOI manages the LWCF program through the National Park Service (NPS).
In 2024, New Mexico was allocated approximately $3.51 million by the NPS for local assistance grants to support outdoor recreation and education, education, resource protection, and wetland acquisition across the state.
The Department of Natural Resources
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources leads the state toward a resilient future by using data, partnerships, and an innovative spirit to improve ecological, social, and economic outcomes for all communities.
Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership Program
The Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership (ORLP) is a nationally competitive grant program that provides funding to enhance recreation opportunities in rural and urban communities. ORLP’s funding helps communities to create new outdoor recreation spaces, reinvigorate existing parks, and form connections between people and the outdoors.
Recreation is core to the American experience. ORLP is making recreation attainable for more Americans funding an array of projects from sports fields and playgrounds to walking trails, and community gardens. Land acquisition, site development, or renovation of existing facilities are all possible ORLP projects. Projects are locally led and designed to meet pressing community needs.
The Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership Program (ORLP) provides 50/50 matching grants for park projects in urban areas with a population of 25,000 or more, with a preference for projects in low-income communities. You can use this map to determine if your park is in an eligible location. The minimum grant amount is $300,000 ($600,000 project) and the maximum grant amount is $15,000,000 ($30,000,000 project).
The Youth Participation Initiative Program was established in 2009 to provide funding for the purpose of educating children in the areas of hunting, fishing, conservation, and safety. The Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks (MDWFP) encourages applicants to focus on the education, recruitment, or retention of youth in the areas listed above or in any safety issues arising from the areas of hunting, fishing, or conservation.
South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation & Tourism
SCPRT operates state parks, markets the state as a tourist destination and provides grants for parks, recreation and tourism development.
Land and Water Conservation Fund
The Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) is a Federal program that provides matching grants for the acquisition or development of outdoor recreation areas and facilities. This is a reimbursable grant program requiring a 50% match. Only state agencies and local governments may apply.
South Carolina has invested more than $67 million of Land & Water Conservation Funds in approximately 1,200 land acquisition and recreation facilities projects since the program began in 1965. The LWCF program has always required that any property acquired or developed with its funds be maintained in perpetuity as an active and viable outdoor recreation venue.
As in previous years, revitalizing existing LWCF properties will remain a topline priority; however, the 2026 round will also be open to new park projects, especially those that address capacity issues. For a new project to qualify for funding, the local government will have to prove, during an on-site inspection, that all of their existing LWCF properties are in good shape and are being used appropriately. If there are issues with any LWCF properties, we will request that you apply instead for LWCF to correct those problems.
2026 Veterans and Nature Grant
Supporting the health, well-being, and community connection of America's veterans
The National Environmental Education Foundation (NEEF) is pleased to announce grant funding supported by the American Medical Association (AMA) to expand access to nature-based experiences that support the health, well-being, and community connection of America's veterans. AMA has partnered with NEEF to bring an evidence-based health perspective to this effort, underscoring the growing body of research linking time in nature to improved physical and mental health outcomes.
Background
A Pew Research Center survey found that roughly one in four veterans say the transition back to civilian life was at least somewhat difficult. This is especially true for those who return home with stress or trauma. The National Alliance on Mental Illness estimates 11-20% of veterans are believed to experience post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) each year.
Nature offers profound restorative benefits for veterans navigating the challenges of post-service life. Time spent outdoors — whether hiking, fishing, camping, or simply sitting among trees — has been shown by numerous studies to reduce symptoms of PTSD, anxiety, and depression, conditions that affect veterans at disproportionately high rates.
Quieting hypervigilance, allowing space for reflection, fostering camaraderie, and reducing isolation are all mental and physical benefits that be found through outdoor recreation. Using America’s public lands to do so provides a powerful and accessible path forward.
Overview
Through the 2026 Veterans and Nature grant, NEEF aims to expand access to nature-based experiences that support veteran health, well-being, and community connection by
The grant will provide up to $10,000 per grantee for projects on federal, state, local, or nonprofit public lands that address physical and mental health in veteran communities.
Examples of project types include outdoor activities, such as hiking, biking, climbing, or fishing; wellness activities, such as forest bathing or meditation; environmental education, such as community science; adaptive programming; and conservation volunteering. Projects are not limited to those listed here.
The Illinois "Open Space Lands Acquisition and Development" (OSLAD) is offered annually through the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR). The OSLAD program is a grant program that provides up to 50% (90% for distressed communities) funding assistance to eligible, local units of government to acquire and/or develop public outdoor recreation areas.
New Leaf Fund - Summer Cycle
Community Foundation of Greenville administers grants to preserve parks, open spaces, and historical and cultural assets through the New Leaf Fund.
The New Leaf Fund was established in 2025 by a Greenville native with a passion for conservation.
The Foundation encourages grant requests that include the protection of land and waterfront areas, increased tree cover and access to green spaces, and the protection and restoration of historical properties, in the City of Greenville, in Greenville County, and, to a lesser degree, in the Upstate.
Additional Information
Environmental Stewardship: Community Grants
FAO, through its Environmental Stewardship Pillar of Prosperity Fund, offers funding opportunities to advance conservation, environmental stewardship and the greater well-being of Appalachian Ohio.
To support locally driven projects that preserve and enhance our natural environment.
Community grants empower local communities to preserve and enhance our natural environment.
We know relatively modest projects can make an outsized difference when they promote environmental stewardship and engage whole communities in conservation. More details about these grants and how to apply can be found on page 5. At least $50,000 is available to support community grants.
Algonquin Campership Award
The Algonquin Campership Fund is committed to providing financial support through campership awards to individuals, school groups, and organizations, enabling them to access canoe-tripping camps in Algonquin Park, Ontario, Canada.
Number and Size of Awards
Award amounts vary based on the program and will begin at $1,000 USD to support programs/projects that enhance camp and outdoor experiences for youth and families.
Allowed Use of Award
Funding Priorities Include:
Recreational Corridor Greenways and Trails Planning
State funding for intergovernmental agreements and grant agreements that support specific projects identified as high priority a Recreational Corridor for repurposing the abandoned railroads. These are non-competitive grants that fund the specific miscellaneous purposes to manage, conserve and protect Illinois' natural, recreational and cultural resources, further the public's understanding and appreciation of those resources, and promote the education, science and public safety of Illinois' natural resources for present and future generations.
This is the third phase of the DNR-assisted program.
Counties that have not already participated in DNR-assisted Northeastern Illinois or downstate metro-area greenway and trail planning. These counties may participate in the program individually, or in cooperation with one or more other eligible counties. Two or more northeastern Illinois and downstate metro-area coalitions that have (1) completed regional plans (under earlier Phases and (2) demonstrated significant progress in implementing portions of their plans. The goal for this planning is to connect metro-area networks. Interstate coalitions. The goal for this planning is to connect greenways and trails within Illinois to greenways and trails within adjacent states.
Community Foundation of Greater Huntsville
Established in 2008, the Community Foundation of Greater Huntsville launched with the generous donation of Founding Benefactors Joe and Pam Alexander. In the years since, the Community Foundation has become a valued community partner convening donors, nonprofit organizations, community groups, local government, and businesses to create new pathways of philanthropy that address our region’s most pressing challenges.
Think Outside Grant Fund
Fund Description
The Think Outside Grant Fund Powered by Polaris seeks to fund projects that expand outdoor recreation opportunities and advance environmental stewardship reflecting Polaris's longstanding commitment to innovation, adventure, and the outdoors. Rooted in the belief that time spent outdoors strengthens both people and communities, this fund invests in initiatives that expand access to outdoor experiences in North Alabama while protecting and enhancing natural environments that make those experiences possible.
Funding Priorities
The Think Outside Grant Fund will prioritize projects that:
Special Requirements
All applicants must incorporate National Get Outdoors Day 2027 (Saturday, June 12, 2027) into their proposal. This may include:
Geographic Focus: Greater Huntsville, Alabama (Jackson, Limestone, Madison, Marshall, and Morgan Counties)
Utah Division of Outdoor Recreation
Recognizing the growing importance of outdoor recreation to Utah’s economy and quality of life, the Utah State Legislature established the Utah Division of Outdoor Recreation in 2022. As part of the Utah Department of Natural Resources, the division unites the nation’s first Office of Outdoor Recreation with key state programs, including Utah’s Boating Program, Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) Program, and outdoor recreation grants and planning. We also work collaboratively with DNR's Division of Law Enforcement Rangers.
Dedicated to fostering a healthy and active lifestyle for all Utahns, the Utah Division of Outdoor Recreation focuses on four key areas: expanding recreational access, promoting safety and education, ensuring responsible stewardship and sustainable visitation, and driving economic growth through outdoor recreation.
Youth Engagement Grants
The Utah Children’s Outdoor Recreation and Education (UCORE), UCORE Educator, and Nature-Based Learning Infrastructure Grants provide outdoor recreation and learning experiences to youth in Utah. This funding aims to teach youth the physical skills that can make outdoor recreation part of a healthy and active lifestyle.
UCORE Educator
Utah Children’s Outdoor Recreation and Education Grant – For Educators
The UCORE Educator Grant was created to provide a more equitable opportunity for educators to apply. With teachers up against time restraints, funding shortages and limited resources, the UCORE Educator Grant is a streamlined application. The application, although streamlined, does provide educators plenty of opportunity to share the details of their programming, how they plan to work with school administrators, track student participation and progress, while demonstrating competency in program development.
Applicants must hold a current educator license or certification.
Age Range of Youth Served: 6-18 yo
Okoboji Foundation
The Okoboji Foundation was started in 1988, by a group of dedicated lovers of The Lakes Region who wished to improve the quality of life of those who call this area home.
Originally named the University of Okoboji Foundation, Berkley Bedell served as the first Board Chairman. In 2006, the foundation changed its name to the Okoboji Foundation to establish the organization as a Community Foundation. Over $5.24 million has been granted to more than 80 different nonprofit agencies located around The Lakes since its inception and preserving the stories that make Iowa Great Lakes a place of local legends.
Today, the Okoboji Foundation is the center point of giving for vital capital projects. Current funding priorities focus on arts & culture, economic development, lake quality & environment, and outdoor experiences & recreation. It’s through the generosity of donors that the Okoboji Foundation continues to make a positive, lasting impact in the Lakes community.
Areas of Focus
We fund projects in the Iowa Great Lakes Region that align with one or more of the following:
What We Fund
We fund VITAL CAPITAL PROJECTS, such as buildings, equipment, or physical property that will be available for many years of use in our Lakes communities. We want to help develop communities where people want to live, work, visit, and play
Projects should be visible, available to a large portion of the public, and have a long lasting impact in the Iowa Great Lakes region.
Professional signage must be included on structures or property funded by Foundation grants. The Okoboji Foundation will provide official logos and style guidelines for signage.
Funding Levels
There are two categories of funding: Leadership Grants and Community Needs Grants.
Leadership Grants
Grant requests of $25,000 or more will be reviewed by the Okoboji Foundation grants committee. The committee may request an in person follow-up presentation by the nonprofit. Projects should be completed and request reimbursement with receipts totaling amount of grant award within three years of the award notification.
Okoboji Foundation
The Okoboji Foundation was started in 1988, by a group of dedicated lovers of The Lakes Region who wished to improve the quality of life of those who call this area home.
Originally named the University of Okoboji Foundation, Berkley Bedell served as the first Board Chairman. In 2006, the foundation changed its name to the Okoboji Foundation to establish the organization as a Community Foundation. Over $5.24 million has been granted to more than 80 different nonprofit agencies located around The Lakes since its inception and preserving the stories that make Iowa Great Lakes a place of local legends.
Today, the Okoboji Foundation is the center point of giving for vital capital projects. Current funding priorities focus on arts & culture, economic development, lake quality & environment, and outdoor experiences & recreation. It’s through the generosity of donors that the Okoboji Foundation continues to make a positive, lasting impact in the Lakes community.
Areas of Focus
We fund projects in the Iowa Great Lakes Region that align with one or more of the following:
What We Fund
We fund VITAL CAPITAL PROJECTS, such as buildings, equipment, or physical property that will be available for many years of use in our Lakes communities. We want to help develop communities where people want to live, work, visit, and play
Projects should be visible, available to a large portion of the public, and have a long lasting impact in the Iowa Great Lakes region.
Professional signage must be included on structures or property funded by Foundation grants. The Okoboji Foundation will provide official logos and style guidelines for signage.
Funding Levels
There are two categories of funding: Leadership Grants and Community Needs Grants.
Community Needs Grants
Grant requests under $25,000 will be considered by the Youth In Philanthropy student led committee. Any unfunded grants in this category will then be reviewed by the Okoboji Foundation grant committee. Projects should be completed and request reimbursement with receipts totaling amount of grant award within one year of the award notification.
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:
Project Type
Projects should fall under one of two types:
Grant Type
Warren County Philanthropic Partnership currently offers three grant options: Community Grant; Trails Grant; and High Impact Grant.
Trails Grant
Awarded to a project specifically benefitting a recreational walking or cycling trail or the entire trail system located within Warren County. For Trails Grants, preference will be given to:
Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation
The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation oversees more than 250 parks, historic sites, trails, golf courses, boat launches, and campgrounds across more than 360,000 acres and welcomes more than 88 million people annually.
The mission of the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation is to provide safe and enjoyable recreational and interpretive opportunities for all New York State residents and visitors and to be responsible stewards of our valuable natural, historic and cultural resources.
Parks and Trails Partnership Program
Parks & Trails New York (PTNY), the New York State (NYS) Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (OPRHP), and the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) with support from Governor Hochul and the NYS Legislature, are pleased to announce the twelfth round of competitive grants through the Park and Trail Partnership Grant program. The program is administered by PTNY, in partnership with OPRHP and DEC.
The Park and Trail Partnership Grant program is a $2.65 million capacity-building matching grants program funded through the NYS Environmental Protection Fund. The program is designed to:
Eligible applicants must be registered nonprofits who have a formal memorandum or agreement with OPRHP or DEC.
Award Categories
There are four types of capacity-building grants available to eligible organizations through the Park and Trail Partnership Grant program: Stewardship and Public Access Capacity Grants; Capacity and Organizational Effectiveness Grants; Professional Development Grants; and Step-Up Grants.
Professional Development Grants
Professional Development Grants support the hiring of permanent staff to advance organizations to a higher and sustainable level of professionalism, fiscal and administrative stability, and community outreach that in the future they will be able to sustain on their own. Professional Development Grants may be used to support:
Professional Development Grants are meant to support permanent increases in staffing capacity. If an organization is interested in hiring temporary contractors or staff to support the organization’s work, this request would fall under a Capacity and Organizational Effectiveness Grant or a Stewardship and Public Access Capacity grant.
A 20 percent cash match of the total project budget is required. Fifty percent of award will be disbursed at contract signing; remainder will be disbursed after submission of satisfactory one-year progress report.
Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation
The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation oversees more than 250 parks, historic sites, trails, golf courses, boat launches, and campgrounds across more than 360,000 acres and welcomes more than 88 million people annually.
The mission of the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation is to provide safe and enjoyable recreational and interpretive opportunities for all New York State residents and visitors and to be responsible stewards of our valuable natural, historic and cultural resources.
Parks and Trails Partnership Program
Parks & Trails New York (PTNY), the New York State (NYS) Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (OPRHP), and the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) with support from Governor Hochul and the NYS Legislature, are pleased to announce the twelfth round of competitive grants through the Park and Trail Partnership Grant program. The program is administered by PTNY, in partnership with OPRHP and DEC.
The Park and Trail Partnership Grant program is a $2.65 million capacity-building matching grants program funded through the NYS Environmental Protection Fund. The program is designed to:
Eligible applicants must be registered nonprofits who have a formal memorandum or agreement with OPRHP or DEC.
Award Categories
There are four types of capacity-building grants available to eligible organizations through the Park and Trail Partnership Grant program: Stewardship and Public Access Capacity Grants; Capacity and Organizational Effectiveness Grants; Professional Development Grants; and Step-Up Grants.
Step-Up Grants
Step-up Grants assist organizations with the administrative and legal fees needed to secure 501(c)(3) status, along with the costs associated with completing a consultant-facilitated organizational assessment and resulting plan(s).
A $500 match is required, cash or in-kind. Award disbursed at contract signing.
Division of Outdoor Recreation
We help Utahns live healthy and active lifestyles through outdoor recreation.
Land and Water Conservation Fund
The Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) provides funding for the acquisition and development of outdoor recreation spaces. Through LWCF grants, communities can protect public lands, create parks, and improve recreational facilities in order to expand access to outdoor recreation, preserve natural landscapes, and ensure that these resources are available for future generations. Project sites must remain publicly accessible in perpetuity*
Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs
The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs works every day to positively impact Alabama communities through partnerships, grant programs, and services to spur community and economic development and enhance quality of life.
ADECA is a state agency that partners with leaders at the local level to positively impact and enhance the quality of life in Alabama communities through dozens of federal and state grant programs, surplus property, and water resource management.
ADECA’s grant programs support and fund local initiatives that communities often would not be able to afford on their own and improve many facets of life through community and economic development. Our programs help address critical infrastructure needs like water, sewer, and broadband; provide law enforcement equipment and support for victims of crime; build new trails and recreational features; and assist with energy efficiency that lowers energy costs.
Land and Water Conservation Fund
The Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) State Assistance Program was established by the LWCF Act of 1965 to stimulate a nationwide action program to assist in preserving, developing, and assuring to all citizens of the United States of present and future generations such quality and quantity of outdoor recreation resources as may be available and are necessary and desirable for individual active participation. The Program provides matching grants to States and through States to local units of government, for the acquisition and development of public outdoor recreation sites and facilities.
Matching Percentage: 50/50
An entity may not apply for both Recreational Trails Program (RTP) and LWCF assistance.
NY PLAYS: Places for Learning, Activity, and Youth Socialization
Recognizing that Playgrounds promote physical activity, exercise, and building friendships – and that research shows outdoor play supports emotional well-being – Governor Hochul announced the New York Places for Learning, Activity, and Youth Socialization (NY PLAYS) Initiative. This new competitive grant program will support the design, construction, and renovation of Playgrounds that are open to the public in Communities across the State.
NY PLAYS is overseen by the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (“NYS OPRHP”) and administered by the Dormitory Authority of the State of New York (“DASNY”).
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 200+ funding opportunities for recreation programs, with $24M 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.
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 42.8% 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 Q2.
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 $131,339 (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.