Recreation Grants

The Santa Fe Community Foundation's Community Grants Program aims to support nonprofits in Mora, Rio Arriba, San Miguel, and Santa Fe counties, aligning with the Foundation's mission to foster a thriving community through strategic investments. This program is designed to strengthen various sectors, including Arts & Culture, Animal Welfare, Civic & Economic Opportunities, Education, and Environment, by addressing critical needs and promoting sustainable development within the region. The Foundation's approach emphasizes direct service, policy advocacy, and collaborative efforts to achieve meaningful and lasting change. The program targets a broad range of beneficiaries, including residents feeling disconnected from their communities, animals in need of welfare support, individuals seeking economic advancement, students requiring educational assistance, and communities affected by environmental challenges. The overarching impact goals are to enhance community well-being, promote social and economic justice, improve educational outcomes, protect the environment, and preserve cultural heritage. The Foundation seeks to create a more equitable and resilient New Mexico by empowering local organizations to address these issues effectively. Key priorities and focuses of the grant program are multifaceted. In Arts & Culture, the emphasis is on improving community connection, promoting diversity, preserving heritage, and strengthening the creative economy. For Animal Welfare, priorities include population control, cruelty prevention, and animal well-being. Civic & Economic Opportunities focus on workforce development, open government, and social and economic justice. Education aims to improve school readiness, academic proficiency, graduation rates, and youth engagement. Environmental efforts are directed towards addressing climate change through watershed protection, open space preservation, land remediation, renewable energy, environmental justice, and sustainable food systems. The expected outcomes and measurable results are tied to the specific field of interest. For example, in Arts & Culture, outcomes include increased participation in cultural programs and a stronger creative economy. In Animal Welfare, reduced animal overpopulation and improved well-being are anticipated. Civic & Economic Opportunities aim for increased access to employment and economic advancement, along with greater community involvement in public policy. Education seeks to close academic achievement gaps and improve student success, while Environment strives for cleaner water, preserved open spaces, and increased use of renewable energy. The Foundation’s strategic priorities and theory of change are rooted in the belief that by supporting local nonprofits, they can foster positive systemic change, build community capacity, and ultimately improve the quality of life for all residents in the targeted counties.

The Arts Enrichment Program for Youth (AEPY) is a new grant program created through a collaboration between the Alexandria Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities’ Office of the Arts and the Recreation Services Division. Funded by the American Rescue Fund Program for Alexandria, the program aims to provide financial support to nonprofit organizations and teaching artists. Its core mission is to facilitate the development and implementation of high-quality out-of-school arts programs for youth within the City's Recreation Centers. This initiative aligns with a broader strategic priority to enrich the lives of young people through creative engagement and educational opportunities in the arts. The primary beneficiaries of the AEPY are youth aged 5-12, residing in Alexandria, Virginia. The program targets these young individuals to provide them with interactive arts experiences that extend beyond traditional school settings, including during Teacher Workdays or Holiday breaks. The impact goals are centered on fostering skill-building, active participation, and the potential for public showcasing of artistic accomplishments. By engaging youth in diverse artistic disciplines, from STEM-integrated arts to traditional and non-traditional creative projects, the program seeks to cultivate creativity, self-expression, and a deeper appreciation for the arts among the city's young population. The AEPY prioritizes programs that take place in dedicated neighborhood recreation centers, which are designed to be inspiring and welcoming spaces. A key focus is on hands-on skill building using art supplies, ensuring that youth are actively involved in the creation process. The program explicitly excludes concerts and performances, emphasizing interactive programming to maximize youth engagement. Furthermore, it seeks to avoid duplication by not funding arts programs, projects, and activities previously awarded by other City grant programs. This strategic focus ensures that new and innovative programs are supported, reaching a wider array of participants and experiences. Expected outcomes for the AEPY include an increase in youth participation in out-of-school arts programs and the successful development of new, high-quality artistic residencies. Measurable results will likely involve tracking the number of youth served, the types of programs offered, and the locations utilized. Grant awards are set at $5,000 per residency, per location, providing a clear funding structure. The program's theory of change posits that by investing in accessible, interactive arts education within community recreation centers, it will empower youth, develop their creative talents, and contribute to their overall well-being and community engagement.

The City of Powder Springs Neighborhood Beautification Grants aim to visually enhance neighborhoods, including entrances, common spaces, and building exteriors within the city limits. This initiative aligns with a broader mission to improve community aesthetics and foster civic pride. The grant program is designed to be accessible to various neighborhood-based organizations and multi-family residential property owners, encouraging widespread participation in community improvement efforts. The primary beneficiaries are single-family residential neighborhoods and multi-family residential properties within the City of Powder Springs. The impact goals are centered around creating more visually appealing, cohesive, and historically representative communities. By encouraging exterior improvements, the program seeks to uplift the overall appearance and character of the city's residential areas. The program prioritizes projects that are highly visible to the public, contribute significantly to improving community appearance, and promote the historic and/or unique character of the area. Eligible projects include, but are not limited to, installing neighborhood identification signage, organizing neighborhood cleanups, constructing playground equipment in public areas, and planting community gardens. Ineligible projects include roof repairs, security systems, general maintenance (except exterior painting), interior improvements, and the purchase of personal property. Expected outcomes include a noticeable improvement in the visual quality of neighborhoods, increased community engagement in beautification efforts, and a stronger sense of local identity. Measurable results could include the number of projects completed, the visibility of these projects, and positive feedback from residents regarding the enhanced appearance of their communities. The program's strategic priority is to empower residents and organizations to take an active role in shaping the physical environment of their neighborhoods, with a theory of change that posits that visible improvements lead to increased community pride and a better quality of life for residents. The funding is limited to a maximum of $4,000 per project, with a minimum grant of $500, and all projects must be completed by April 1, 2025. Eligibility is extended to homeowners associations, neighborhood organizations, and multi-family residential property owners, provided they meet specific criteria, including being current on all City taxes and not being in violation of any City codes. This structured approach ensures that the grants are effectively utilized for tangible and sustainable improvements across Powder Springs.

The Impact KC Grant Program, administered by the Greater Kansas City Community Foundation, is designed to make a substantive impact on the well-being of the Kansas City metropolitan area. This program aligns with the foundation's mission by fostering volunteerism, fundraising, and education to address community needs. Impact KC is funded through general membership and aims to award one-time grants annually to one to four eligible 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, with grant sizes ranging from $5,000 to $15,000. The program targets a wide range of beneficiaries across various areas of interest, including Aging, Arts and Culture, Community Development, Education/Youth services, Health and Life Sciences, and Social services/Families. The core impact goal is to provide funds that will have a substantive impact on a tangible project or defined purpose within these areas. This focus ensures that the grants contribute to concrete and measurable improvements in the well-being of the Kansas City community. Impact KC's priorities are broadly defined by the areas of interest, with an emphasis on projects that demonstrate a clear potential for significant positive change. While specific strategic priorities and a formal theory of change are not explicitly detailed, the program's structure implies a commitment to supporting local nonprofits that can effectively implement projects addressing critical community needs. The selection of organizations that can articulate a specific purpose for the funds reflects a results-oriented approach. Expected outcomes include the successful completion of tangible projects and the achievement of defined purposes within the grant recipient organizations. Although specific measurable results are not outlined in the provided text, the requirement for funds to be used for "specific purpose(s) as outlined in the original grant proposal" suggests an expectation of accountability and a focus on achieving the proposed objectives. The grant size, ranging from $5,000 to $15,000, indicates support for projects with a defined scope, enabling recipients to address specific challenges effectively.

The Greater Kansas City Community Foundation is offering the Eastland Giving Circle Grant Program, focusing on supporting organizations that provide mental health resources to children and youth in Eastern Jackson County, Missouri. This initiative aligns with the foundation's mission to make a substantive impact in the eastern Jackson County area through yearly donations from its Eastland Giving Circle, a group of philanthropic and civic-minded individuals. The grant specifically targets children and youth in Eastern Jackson County who require mental health resources. The impact goal is to improve access to and the quality of mental health support for this vulnerable population within the specified geographic area. The program's priority is to fund nonprofits with current 501(c)(3) status that have a presence or mailing address in eastern Jackson County, Missouri. Organizations requesting general operating funds, individuals, political parties or activities, primary and secondary educational institutions, and religious organizations for denominational programs are ineligible. While explicit expected outcomes and measurable results are not detailed, the implicit outcome is improved mental health and well-being for children and youth in Eastern Jackson County through the funded programs. The grant amount of $30,000 indicates a commitment to substantial support for chosen initiatives. The foundation's strategic priority is to address community needs through targeted philanthropic efforts, guided by the collective decision-making of the Eastland Giving Circle.

The Advancing Westfield Foundation offers grants to support nonprofit partnerships in their efforts to provide vital services. This aligns with their mission to ensure sustainable support for a wide range of services benefiting youth, adults, seniors, veterans, and disabled community members within the Westfield community. The foundation's strategic priority is to strengthen the community by supporting organizations that directly serve these diverse populations. The primary beneficiaries of these grants are youth, adults, seniors, veterans, and disabled individuals residing in or served by organizations operating in the Westfield community. The impact goal is to enhance the well-being and quality of life for these community members by providing essential services. The foundation prioritizes organizations that can demonstrate a clear plan for addressing the needs of these groups. The grant program focuses on supporting 501c3 accredited organizations that operate in and/or serve the Westfield community. This eligibility criterion ensures that funding is directed towards established and legitimate entities with a direct connection to the community they aim to help. The maximum grant request per organization is $25,000, which is part of a larger grant size ranging from $10,000 to $100,000. Expected outcomes include the continued provision and expansion of vital services to the identified beneficiary groups. Measurable results would typically include the number of individuals served, the types of services provided, and the positive changes observed in the community. The foundation's theory of change posits that by investing in local nonprofit partnerships, it can create a ripple effect, leading to a stronger, more resilient community with improved access to essential support for all its members.

The Swim Safe Access Grant, spearheaded by Mayor Michelle Wu, the Office of Human Services (OHS), and the Boston Centers for Youth & Families, is a critical initiative aimed at enhancing water safety and increasing access to swimming lessons for Boston families. The program's core mission aligns with public health goals to address the threat of drowning, which is a leading cause of death among children in the U.S. The grant seeks to mitigate this risk by providing free and easily accessible swim lessons, directly supporting a strategy proven to reduce drowning risk by up to 90 percent. This directly reflects a strategic priority of improving community health and safety through preventative measures, particularly for vulnerable populations. The primary beneficiaries of the Swim Safe Access Grant are Boston residents, with a specific focus on low-income families and socially and economically disadvantaged, historically underrepresented, or underserved groups. The program's impact goals center on improving water safety knowledge and skills among these residents, ultimately reducing the incidence of drowning. By making beginner-level swim programs free and accessible, the grant aims to lower existing barriers to access, ensuring that a broader segment of the community can acquire essential water safety skills. The grant prioritizes beginner-level swim programs operating within the city of Boston, emphasizing foundational water safety skills over intermediate or advanced instruction. Funding is specifically available for ongoing programs, explicitly excluding one-time events, to ensure sustained impact and skill development. Eligibility criteria further specify that applicants must be non-profit 501(c)3 tax-exempt organizations, with Boston Public Schools-affiliated entities encouraged to apply. Programs must also demonstrate either direct operation of an aquatics facility or a partnership with one that can accommodate the proposed activities. This focused approach reflects a theory of change that by investing in foundational, accessible, and sustained beginner swim instruction, a significant and measurable improvement in public water safety can be achieved across the city. Expected outcomes include a substantial increase in the number of Boston residents, particularly children from underserved backgrounds, who possess basic water safety skills. Measurable results will be tracked through regular reports on program outcomes, which award recipients are required to submit. These reports will provide data on participation rates, skill acquisition, and potentially anecdotal evidence of increased water confidence and safety awareness among participants. The total available funding of $250,000, with individual awards up to $49,999 per organization, underscores the program's commitment to supporting multiple community-based initiatives to achieve its broad safety and access goals.

The Washington Department of Commerce (COMMERCE) is seeking proposals for the Innovation Cluster Accelerator Program (ICAP), specifically focusing on Fusion Cluster development. This grant is designed to strengthen industry ecosystems and accelerate economic growth within Washington State by establishing it as a global leader in key industry sectors, supporting tech transfer and commercialization, accelerating new start-ups and scale-ups, growing businesses, and creating high-value jobs. The program also aims to increase export opportunities and promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in business ownership and the workforce. COMMERCE has budgeted up to $242,500 for this project, with a preference for awarding contracts under $150,000 to Small or Veteran-Owned Businesses. The primary beneficiaries of this grant are fusion-related industry-led clusters or consortia interested in participating in Fusion Cluster development. The overarching impact goal is to develop a robust Fusion Cluster and produce a legislative report with recommendations for promoting and developing fusion energy in Washington State. This initiative leverages Washington State's existing high concentration of fusion energy companies, fostering "co-opetition" to solve shared industry problems through a dedicated fusion working group. The program's priorities and focuses include establishing Washington as a global leader in fusion energy, supporting technological innovation and commercialization, and fostering business growth and job creation across the state. A significant focus is also placed on developing a legislative report, indicating a strategic approach to influence policy and create a supportive regulatory environment for the fusion energy sector. The grant emphasizes long-term economic development and aims to expand the program over the coming decade to achieve its ambitious goals. Expected outcomes include a stronger fusion industry ecosystem, an increase in tech transfer and commercialization activities, a rise in new start-ups and scale-ups, and the creation of high-value jobs throughout Washington. Measurable results will likely include the number of businesses grown, increased export opportunities, and progress in diversity, equity, and inclusion metrics within the business ownership and workforce. The overall theory of change is that by strategically investing in and fostering collaboration within the fusion energy sector, Washington State can solidify its position as a global leader, drive economic growth, and create sustainable, high-value employment opportunities.

This program provides funding to local governments, regional park districts, and eligible Tribal Entities in California to promote the use of recycled rubberized pavement in public roadways and pathways, helping to reduce tire waste and support sustainable practices.

The Maine Department of Labor (MDOL) is offering a grant program rooted in the belief that a career is essential for prosperity and economic stability for Mainers. This initiative aligns with the department's mission to help individuals chart their economic future. The grant aims to support tribal communities in connecting to employment, training opportunities, and retaining jobs. This Request for Applications (RFA) seeks to partner with tribal communities to address basic needs, engage individuals disengaged from the workforce, and support employment or training opportunities. The target beneficiaries for this grant are Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized), Native American tribal organizations (other than Federally recognized tribal governments), and non-profits with demonstrated experience and success in serving tribal communities. Applications demonstrating partnership with specific tribes—the Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians, the Mi’kmaq Nation, the Passamaquoddy Tribe, and the Penobscot Nation—are preferred. The impact goals are to address basic needs that hinder employment or job retention, and to connect disengaged individuals with workforce opportunities. The program's priorities and focuses include addressing basic needs not effectively met by existing programs like DINAP, WIOA Adult, Dislocated, Youth, or National Emergency Grants. This can encompass assistance with car repairs, childcare, housing issues, uniforms, broadband access, or other necessities for obtaining or retaining employment. Another key focus is to connect with individuals disengaged from the workforce who are not currently supported by existing DINAP, WIOA, or Department of Labor (DOL) programs. The expected outcomes include increased employment and job retention among tribal community members, and improved access to essential support services that remove barriers to workforce participation. The program anticipates making two to four awards, with a total funding of $500,000, and individual awards ranging from $75,000 to $250,000. The anticipated period of performance is September 2024 to September 2026. Measurable results will likely involve tracking the number of individuals assisted, job placements, job retention rates, and the types of basic needs addressed through the pilot projects.

The City of Bellingham's Tourism Promotion Grants program aims to bolster economic activity within the city by attracting tourists. This initiative aligns with a broader mission to stimulate local commerce and development by encouraging visitor stays and expenditures. The program is designed to provide "seed money" for new events or marketing funds for ongoing events, with the overarching goal of increasing hotel stays and drawing more tourists to Bellingham. The primary target beneficiaries of this grant program are organizations and individuals hosting events or activities that have the potential to attract tourists to Bellingham. The impact goals are centered on increasing economic activity through tourism, specifically by "putting heads in beds" (hotel stays) and encouraging visitor spending. The program prioritizes activities that directly contribute to drawing tourists to the city, making funding contingent on this core objective. The grant program offers two distinct types: the Start-Up Grant and the Standard Grant. The Start-Up Grant is for events or activities that are three years young or less, allowing funds to be used for marketing and eligible operating expenses such as venue rentals, equipment rentals, a portion of rent, and the purchase of goods/supplies with prior approval. The Standard Grant is for events or activities that have been running for over three years, with similar eligible operating expenses. Both grant types explicitly exclude payroll, travel, alcohol, and equipment expenses. Expected outcomes include a measurable increase in tourism-related economic activity, particularly in hotel occupancy and local spending. Measurable results would likely be tracked through metrics such as visitor numbers, hotel bookings, and event attendance, all contributing to the city's economic growth. The program's strategic priority is to maximize tourist attraction to Bellingham, and its theory of change is that by providing financial support for new and existing events that draw visitors, the city will experience a direct and positive economic impact from increased tourism.

The 2025 Juvenile Justice Community Agency Grants from Ingham County aim to provide financial support to community agencies, primarily non-profit organizations. This grant program is aligned with the Ingham County Board of Commissioners' mission to utilize a portion of the Juvenile Justice Millage proceeds to further the goals and objectives of the County’s Juvenile Justice Millage. The overarching goal is to increase the capacity of the county's juvenile justice system. The primary beneficiaries of this grant are delinquent and disturbed youth within Ingham County. The program's core impact goal is to reduce the involvement of these youth in the formal adjudication process. By supporting community agencies, the county seeks to offer effective treatment and intervention strategies that divert youth from deeper engagement with the justice system. The grant prioritizes proposals from qualified vendors that can demonstrate a clear ability to enhance the county's juvenile justice system. The focus is on increasing capacity for treatment and support services, ultimately leading to a reduction in formal adjudications. The program emphasizes community-based solutions and aims to leverage the expertise of local non-profit organizations. Expected outcomes include an increased availability of effective treatment programs for at-risk youth and a measurable decrease in the number of youth entering or progressing through the formal juvenile justice system. While specific measurable results are not detailed in terms of percentages or absolute numbers within the provided text, the intent is clear: to see a tangible reduction in youth involvement in formal adjudication. The funding cycle makes $240,000 available for these efforts, underscoring the county's strategic priority to invest in prevention and early intervention within its juvenile justice framework.

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife’s Office of Spill Prevention and Response (CDFW‐OSPR) is seeking grant applications to help fund projects that enhance, restore, or acquire habitat for wildlife, with available funding totaling $5,000,000. These grant funds come from CDFW-OSPR’s Environmental Enhancement Fund (EEF), which acquires funds from spill violations in accordance with California’s Lempert-Keene-Seastrand Oil Spill Prevention and Response Act. The EEF selection committee includes representatives from the California Coastal Conservancy, the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation and CDFW‐OSPR. The selection committee is seeking projects with a minimum requested grant award of $500,000. Projects must be completed by April 1, 2031. Multiple projects may be submitted for funding. Disbursement of money from the grant is contingent on the availability of funds in the EEF. To qualify, an environmental enhancement project must 1. Be located within or immediately adjacent to waters of the state, 2. Have measurable outcomes within a pre-determined timeframe 3. Be designed to acquire, restore, or improve habitat or restore ecosystem function, or both, to benefit fish and wildlife. Eligible Applicants include nonprofit organizations, cities, counties, cities and counties, districts, state agencies, and departments; and, to the extent permitted by federal law, to federal agencies. All eligible groups and projects are encouraged to apply. For more information, please go to www.wildlife.ca.gov/OSPR/Science/Environmental-Enhancement-Fund/About

The Anderson County Watershed Protection Council is offering grants ranging from $10,000 to $100,000 for projects that protect or restore water quality in the Savannah River watershed, increase citizen awareness, and empower communities to collect and share water quality data, with priority given to proposals closest to the spill site.

The Pennsylvania Environmental Council (PEC) is offering a grant of $2000 for projects that address urgent, unforeseen situations on designated water trails, with the aim of creating recreational opportunities, supporting sustainable use of natural resources, and improving access to Pennsylvania Water Trails.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations and community groups that support older adults and caregivers in the Japanese American and Japanese-speaking communities of Los Angeles, Orange, and Ventura counties.

The City of Victoria offers grant funding to local non-profit organizations for programs focused on child safety, child abuse intervention/prevention, and drug and alcohol abuse intervention/prevention for children. This initiative directly aligns with the city's mission to enhance the welfare and safety of its youngest residents. Funding is generated from a $1.50 child safety fee assessed during vehicle registration in Victoria County, specifically designated for child safety and welfare services as defined by state law. This funding mechanism demonstrates a clear strategic priority to leverage local resources for community benefit, with a direct link between vehicle registration fees and child welfare programs. The primary beneficiaries of this grant program are children within Victoria County, particularly those in vulnerable situations such as foster care, at-risk youth, or those coping with the effects of abuse. The program targets specific needs, aiming to bridge gaps in services, provide essential after-school support, and offer critical training for caregivers and mentors. The impact goals are broad, encompassing physical and mental health, safety education, and the prevention of substance abuse among children. The City of Victoria's strategic priorities are evident in its focus on prevention, intervention, and support services for children. In fiscal year 2024, the City of Victoria prioritized various programs. These included "Bridging the Gap" for foster children (A World for Children), after-school programs for different age groups (Boys & Girls Club of Victoria, Mid-Coast Family Services), supplies and training for CPR/first aid and mental health (Girl Scouts of Greater South Texas), staff funding and occupancy expenses (Golden Crescent CASA, The Gabriel Project of the Golden Crescent), and part-time therapy for abused children and families (Hope of South Texas). These examples highlight a multi-faceted approach, addressing both immediate needs and long-term developmental support. The expected outcomes of these programs include improved child safety, reduced instances of child abuse, increased access to supportive after-school environments, enhanced mental and physical health for children, and decreased rates of drug and alcohol abuse among the youth. Measurable results could include the number of children served, participation rates in after-school programs, the number of individuals receiving training, and indicators of improved well-being among program participants. The City of Victoria's theory of change appears to be that by investing in local non-profits and their specialized programs, they can create a safer, healthier, and more supportive environment for the children of Victoria.

The City of Kemah's Hotel Occupancy Tax (HOT) Sponsorship Program offers funding to organizations for events that directly enhance and promote tourism, as well as the convention and hotel industry within the city. This initiative is designed to align with the city's mission to stimulate economic growth through increased visitor traffic, ensuring that the local hospitality sector benefits from funded activities. The program's core objective is to utilize Hotel/Motel Tax funds to support endeavors that bring tangible advantages to Kemah's tourism landscape. To be eligible for funding, applications must satisfy a two-part criterion. Firstly, the "heads in beds" test requires that every funded project or event must demonstrably attract overnight tourists to Kemah's hotels and motels, thereby directly bolstering the city's lodging industry. This ensures that the grant funds are utilized in a manner that directly contributes to the program's primary goal of promoting the city's hotel industry. The target beneficiaries are primarily the hotels, motels, and businesses within the tourism sector in Kemah, with the ultimate impact goal of increasing their revenue and overall economic vitality. Secondly, the project or event must fall into one of nine statutorily authorized categories. These categories include convention and visitor centers/registration, advertising the city, promotion of the arts, historical restoration and preservation, sporting events in counties under one million in population, enhancing or upgrading existing sports facilities or fields (in certain cities), tourist transportation systems, and signage directing the public to frequently visited sights and attractions. These categories represent the key priorities and focuses of the grant program, ensuring that diverse aspects of tourism and community enrichment are supported. The expected outcomes and measurable results of the program include a measurable increase in hotel occupancy rates, a rise in the number of overnight tourists, and an enhancement of Kemah's reputation as a tourist destination. By funding projects aligned with these categories, the city aims to create a vibrant tourism ecosystem that benefits both visitors and local businesses. The City of Kemah's strategic priority is to maximize the economic benefits derived from the Hotel/Motel Tax through targeted investments in tourism promotion and infrastructure. The theory of change behind this program is that by providing financial support to events and projects that directly attract overnight visitors and enhance tourist experiences, the city will foster sustainable growth in its tourism and hotel industries.

This grant provides funding and sports equipment to athletic programs in Southwest Florida, ensuring young athletes have the necessary resources for safe and effective participation in their sports.

This grant provides funding for projects that enhance community and economic growth in Huron County by supporting workforce development, vibrant community initiatives, and business development, among other areas of interest.