Best Recreation Grants for Nonprofits in New Jersey

Nonprofits, government entities, and state-recognized charities in New Jersey can seek funding to support firearms safety, shooting sports, hunting safety, and marksmanship education programs. With a mission to promote safe and educational firearms activities, The NRA Foundation provides US $3,000 - US $5,000 for eligible recreational and outdoor shooting initiatives that offer clear public benefit.

With a mission to support recreation and conservation, the State of New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection provides New Jersey nonprofits with 50% matching grants to acquire open space and develop outdoor recreational facilities. Eligible charitable conservancies can also seek funding to steward natural resources on publicly accessible lands held for recreation and conservation purposes.

Municipalities, counties, state agencies, park commissions, special districts, Joint Powers Authorities, and federally recognized Tribes in New Jersey can access funding to acquire or develop urban parks and outdoor recreation areas in low-income communities. State of New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection provides $300,000 - $15,000,000 matching grants for nature-based parks, trails, playgrounds, and substantial park renovations in underserved urban areas.

Nonprofit summer camps accredited by the American Camp Association, New York and New Jersey can apply for the Scott Ralls Fund to support capital improvement projects that strengthen programs, expand accessibility, and boost long-term sustainability. New Jersey recreation and outdoor camps planning stand-alone projects completable within a year may benefit from this opportunity.

New Jersey schools, colleges, and universities implementing or expanding health, physical education, recreation, or dance programs can receive up to US $1,000 for equipment, software, or materials that enhance student learning. The New Jersey Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance requires applicants to be current members and to share outcomes via its newsletter or conferences.

New Jersey 501(c)(3) nonprofits with community welfare programs can seek US $2,000 - US $20,000 to support services such as poverty relief, improved living conditions, and care for vulnerable residents. George A Ohl Jr Trust also considers projects in recreation, education, health, and related activities that benefit New Jersey communities.

The Clif Family Foundation Open Call invites 501(c)(3) organizations to apply for grants supporting general operating costs or specific projects. With a focus on regenerative farming, food worker health, climate justice, and food access, the foundation aims to empower grassroots initiatives. Grants range from $5,000 to $50,000, with applications reviewed twice a year. Deadlines are March 1 and August 1, and announcements occur about four months post-deadline.

The Von Voigtlander Family Foundation Grant, though currently closed, aims to support 501(c)(3) charitable organizations, primarily in Michigan. The foundation emphasizes animal welfare, parks preservation, veteran support, and youth empowerment. Their mission is to enhance lives through community-focused initiatives that foster resilience, education, and well-being. They prioritize charities that promote responsible pet ownership, outdoor recreation, and provide resources for veterans and youth, ensuring a positive impact across multiple sectors.

Cell Signaling Technology’s Environmental Grants support initiatives aimed at ecosystem protection, wildlife research, and environmental education. Priority is given to action-oriented projects with at least 70% of funding allocated to those directly impacting the environment. Applications are accepted annually until May 1st, with a focus on organizations in Massachusetts, particularly the North Shore of Boston. Non-profit status is required, and discriminatory projects will not be funded.

The RMEF Grant Program lies at the core of advancing our mission.

RMEF established the program in 1986 to provide financial and logistical support to projects that align with our priorities and goals. Grant funds raised by RMEF members, volunteers and generous donors from across the country translate into significantly more conservation accomplishment when matched with partner funds. The RMEF Grant Program also aims to build recognition for RMEF’s work, grow engagement, and boost local fundraising efforts.

Governed by clear guidelines and criteria, the RMEF Grant Program seeks to foster meaningful collaborations and long-term impacts in the conservation of natural resources and outdoor traditions. Grant project partners include federal, state, local, and tribal wildlife and land management agencies, private landowners and local stakeholders, sportsmen and women, and conservation organizations, universities, foundations and the outdoor industry. Eligible projects primarily focus on habitat stewardship, land conservation and access, wildlife management, and hunting heritage.

We support organizations recognized by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) as a 501(c)3 entity, federal, state, local, or tribal government entities, sportsmen’s organizations, or educational institutions. All applicants must have a Federal Employer Identification Number (EIN) issued by the IRS. RMEF does not offer grants to individuals.

Hunting Heritage

Ensuring our hunting heritage is central to RMEF’s mission. Hunters—America’s first conservationists—remain the driving force behind wildlife conservation. RMEF funds hunting heritage and conservation education to help more people experience the outdoors, learn the skills of hunting, and carry forward the traditions that define big game country, including outdoor skills programs/events, hunter or conservation outreach, mentored hunts, and other similar activities.

About Levitt

The Levitt Family Foundation exists to strengthen the social fabric of America. We partner with communities to activate underused outdoor spaces, creating welcoming, inclusive destinations where the power of free, live music brings people together and invigorates community life.

Festival Grants

The Levitt Foundation is offering grants of up to $5,000 to U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofits presenting free outdoor music festivals in 2026. 

Municipal entities and nonprofit facilities with existing splash pads can receive in-kind outdoor recreation improvements through this contest, including New Jersey sites that meet income and budget criteria. The Make a SPLASH! Need-Based Award from MNY Group provides US $50,000 - US $65,000 in Life Floor safety surfacing and installation for qualifying U.S. splash pads.

Municipal entities, JCCs, YMCAs, and other nonprofits with existing splash pads in New Jersey can receive in-kind safety surfacing and installation for inclusive, accessible outdoor recreation spaces from MNY Group. This U.S.-wide Make a SPLASH! contest awards $50,000 - $65,000 in Life Floor tiles and installation for one qualifying splash pad.

New Jersey 501(c)(3) nonprofits partnering with public land entities can apply for up to US $10,000 to run nature-based recreation projects that support veterans’ physical and mental health. Grants from National Environmental Education Foundation help fund services, materials, administrative costs, and billed labor for outdoor activities on accessible public lands.

Nonprofits, university researchers, and conservation-focused groups in New Jersey can seek US $3,000 - US $20,000 for ecosystem restoration, outdoor recreation access, and collaborative conservation projects. Focused on habitat, biodiversity, and hunting-related education, W.L. Gore & Associates invites inquiries for high-impact work that advances wildlife stewardship and environmental outcomes.

Conservation districts, state or territory associations and agencies, RC&D Councils, and Tribal organizations in New Jersey can apply for National Association of Conservation Districts technical assistance grants, with approximately US $18,000,000 available nationally, to hire staff and expand conservation outreach, education, and land stewardship. Recreation and outdoor-focused programs that advance environmental conservation and community resilience may benefit.

L.L.Bean Charitable Donations supports outdoor initiatives that bring communities together. The program encourages partnerships with inspiring individuals and organizations. To apply, ensure requests are made at least eight weeks before the event. Please note that the program does not fund individuals, advertising, specific schools, or projects outside the U.S. For more information, visit their website to learn how to get involved.

Nonprofit and public entities planning large-scale outdoor recreation or park projects in underserved communities, including New Jersey, can apply for matching support for land acquisition or recreational facility development. Focused on parks and outdoor recreation, the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection offers US $300,000 - US $15,000,000 through the federal Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership Program.

Nonprofit community organizations, local governments, Tribes, and Native communities seeking to create or improve outdoor recreation spaces in urban, underserved areas can apply for the Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership Program, awarding US $300,000 - US $15,000,000. With a mission to expand parks and conservation areas, the National Park Service provides funding in New Jersey and other eligible U.S. jurisdictions.

U.S. 501(c)(3) nonprofits with budgets under $5 million can apply for FS Foundation’s Building for Better Belonging grants, awarding US $25,000 - US $100,000 for new projects serving people with profound functional limitations. Funding supports adaptive technology, inclusive arts, accessible career and technical education, and nature-based recreation, including programs benefiting New Jersey communities.

New Jersey recreation and outdoor climbing enthusiasts from historically underrepresented groups can access funding for U.S.-based climbing objectives through the Catalyst Grant, with awards of US $250 - US $2,000. Administered by the American Alpine Club, it supports individuals or small teams planning skill-progressing climbs or community-engaged program projects across all climbing disciplines.

U.S.-based 501(c)(3) public charities or fiscally sponsored groups that connect historically excluded communities to the outdoors can seek support for recreation and outdoor equity work, including in New Jersey. With a mission to advance initiatives that connect people outside, create equitable outdoor spaces, and center health outside, REI Cooperative Action Fund provides grants to aligned organizations.

Nonprofits, municipalities, and public institutions in New Jersey can seek funding for specific outdoor recreation and conservation projects or events, such as youth fishing clinics or trail maintenance. Bass Pro Shops & Cabelas Outdoor Fund offers up to US $5,000 for initiatives conserving wildlife and habitat or connecting new audiences to the outdoors near its retail locations.

Nonprofits, municipalities, and public institutions in New Jersey hosting recreation or outdoor-themed fundraisers can receive in-kind merchandise or gift cards up to US $2,500 to support their events. Grants from Bass Pro Shops & Cabelas Outdoor Fund help organizations focused on wildlife and habitat conservation, outdoor access, and military and veterans programs near their retail locations.

Individuals with cystic fibrosis in the U.S. can receive up to US $650 to support ongoing exercise and recreation activities. With a mission to promote wellness for people with CF, BreatheStrong CF provides funding for gym memberships, sports fees, lessons, outdoor recreation, and home exercise equipment, which may benefit New Jersey recreation-focused programs serving this population.

The Mazamas is committed to exploring and preserving mountain environments in the Pacific Northwest through research grants. These grants support nonprofit research that aligns with the Mazamas’ mission, encouraging proposals from graduate and undergraduate students. Successful applicants often conduct field studies that enhance understanding of the region's natural features. Notably, the Mazamas also welcome innovative research ideas that may fall outside traditional grant guidelines, promoting a diverse range of scientific inquiry.

The National Forest Foundation's Matching Awards Program connects communities to forests by funding stewardship activities that promote engagement with National Forests and nearby public lands. This program aims to create lasting impacts, ensuring that all communities can benefit from the rich resources of these natural areas. By supporting various projects, the program fosters a deeper relationship between people and the environment, ultimately enhancing conservation efforts and community well-being.