Recreation Grants

The RTP is a federal assistance program that provides funds to states for the development and maintenance of recreational trails and related facilities for both motorized and nonmotorized recreational trail uses. Funded through the Fixing America's Surface Transportation (FAST) Act for Federal fiscal years 2016 through 2020, the program supports a broad spectrum of trail activities such as maintenance, restoration, construction, and acquisition of land for recreational trails. The State of Maine participates in the RTP and has designated the Bureau of Parks and Lands to administer the program, focusing on projects that enhance public access, connectivity, and utilization of trails.

The Greater Worcester Community Foundation is inviting applications for its 2024 Community Grant Program, focusing on projects in Arts & Creativity, Basic Needs, and Economic Opportunity. This program is designed to be responsive and flexible, incorporating trust-based philanthropic principles to streamline the application process, encourage more interactive engagement, and offer diverse methods for storytelling. The foundation's mission aligns with this grant by seeking to build a diverse arts and culture ecosystem, ensure access to food and shelter, and promote economic opportunity through English Language Learning and Job Training & Financial Literacy programs within Worcester County. The grant program targets residents of Worcester County as its primary beneficiaries, with a strong emphasis on access and barrier reduction. Organizations based in or having a meaningful physical presence in Worcester County, or those providing unduplicated services with authentic local partnerships, are eligible. The impact goals revolve around addressing pressing community needs through creative and innovative solutions, fostering equity, amplifying community voice, and disrupting existing systems. The program prioritizes three key focus areas. Arts & Creativity aims to build and support a diverse and strong arts and culture ecosystem where all individuals feel they belong. Basic Needs concentrates on ensuring all community residents have access to food and shelter. Economic Opportunity focuses on English Language Learning programs and Job Training & Financial Literacy programs to empower individuals and enhance their financial well-being. Projects will be assessed based on several selection criteria, which inherently define the expected outcomes and measurable results. These include the feasibility of the proposed work and budget within the grant range ($2,500 - $25,000), the level of access and barrier reduction created for Worcester County residents, and the degree of creative or innovative solutions provided for community needs. Furthermore, projects must demonstrate measurable and manageable goals and outcomes aligned with one or more of the specified focus areas, along with an organizational commitment to equity, community voice, and systems disruption, backed by sound financial and governance functions.

The Conservancy may fund activities within or benefitting the Delta and Suisun Marsh as defined in Public Resources Code section 85058 (a map can be found at this link: https://www.deltacouncil.ca.gov/pdf/delta-plan/figure-1-1-delta-boundaries.pdf). The Conservancy may fund an action outside the Delta and Suisun Marsh if the Board makes all the findings described in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta Reform Act of 2009 (CWC, div. 35, §§ 85000 – 85350). The Conservancy will fund planning projects, which include pilot projects. Allowable activities for planning projects include, but are not limited to, project scoping (partnership development, outreach to impacted parties, stakeholder coordination, negotiation of site access or land tenure); planning and design (engineering design, identifying appropriate best management practices); and environmental compliance (permitting, California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) activities, Delta Plan consistency). The Conservancy will fund implementation projects, which include acquisition projects. Implementation projects are specific, on-the-ground projects that result in the construction, improvement, or acquisition of a capital asset that will be maintained for a minimum of 15 years. Implementation projects are "shovel-ready" projects. Applicants must submit a concept proposal, as found on the Conservancy’s website, before submitting a full proposal. Partnerships are encouraged but not required. There are no limitations on number of submissions by organizations. Applications are received via email for concept proposals and by uploading files to a designated site for full proposals. Awards are announced at a Board Meeting and applicants are informed with a letter.

This program provides matching grants to local businesses in Libertyville to support growth and sustainability through various improvements, excluding general operational costs.

This grant provides funding to public agencies for the development and improvement of boat launching facilities, including ramps and parking areas, to enhance access for both motorized and non-motorized watercraft.

The Snohomish County Conservation Futures Program (SCCFP) Grants, established in 1988, serves as a vital mechanism for distributing Conservation Futures Property Tax Funds. The core mission of this program is to preserve open space land, farm and agricultural land, and timberland within Snohomish County. This directly aligns with the broader goal of safeguarding natural resources, supporting local agriculture, and maintaining the ecological integrity of the region. The target beneficiaries of the SCCFP are the natural landscapes and agricultural areas of Snohomish County, as well as the public who benefit from preserved open spaces. The primary impact goal is the perpetual acquisition of interests or rights in real property to protect, preserve, maintain, improve, restore, or conserve these critical land types. This ensures that these valuable assets are protected for current and future generations, contributing to environmental health and community well-being. The program's priorities and focuses are clearly defined by its funding criteria. Funding is specifically allocated for the acquisition of real property, easements, covenants, or other contractual rights. Eligible projects must conform to the definitions of open space, farm and agricultural land, or timberland as defined in RCW 84.34.020. Additionally, projects in urban areas must be at least 1 acre, retained in their natural state, and open to the public. The program strictly limits improvements to those that align with RCW 84.34.200-220, allowing for features like trails, interpretive centers, viewpoints, and restrooms, while prohibiting recreational improvements such as ball fields or swimming pools. Expected outcomes include the permanent protection of significant tracts of open space, agricultural lands, and timberlands, contributing to biodiversity, water quality, and scenic beauty. Measurable results are tied to the number of acres conserved, the types of properties acquired, and the legal instruments used for their protection. The program requires that the sponsoring agency has a guaranteed plan for managing and maintaining the property to preserve its eligible characteristics, and that proposed projects secure property rights in perpetuity. This strategic approach ensures the long-term effectiveness and sustainability of the conservation efforts.

This grant provides funding to public agencies in California for the development and improvement of boat launching facilities to enhance recreational water access and support community development.

The California Tahoe Conservancy (Conservancy) leads California's efforts to restore and enhance the extraordinary natural and recreational resources of the Lake Tahoe Basin. The principal goal of the Conservancy's Science and Lake Improvement Account program (SB 630, 2013) is to support near-shore environmental improvement program activities and projects, particularly projects that manage aquatic invasive species or improve public access to sovereign land in Lake Tahoe.More specifically, such projects manage aquatic invasive species, or improve public access to sovereign land in Lake Tahoe, including planning and site improvement or reconstruction projects on public land, and land acquisitions from willing sellers. SB 630 (2013) allocates the Conservancy approximately $350,000 annually. Please contact staff at [email protected] and 916.402.7508 for more information.

This grant provides funding to improve and create affordable coastal accommodations for Californians, especially those from low and middle-income households and underserved communities, to enhance their access to the coast.

This funding furthers the purposes of the Conservancy’s mission, enabling legislation Public Resources Code, Division 22.9, Sections 32630 et al. (“the San Diego River Conservancy Act”), the Conservancy’s Strategic Plan Update 2018-2023, and other state approved priorities and plans.

This program provides funding to public and private operators for the construction and improvement of transient moorage facilities for recreational motorboats 26 feet or longer, ensuring they are accessible for short-term stays.

The Pumpout Grant Program provides funding to both public and private boating facilities for up to 75% of the costs to build, renovate, and maintain sewage pumpout and dump stations, with the goal of reducing pollution from boat sewage.

This program provides matching funds to municipalities for community-driven projects that enhance public spaces and promote accessibility.

The Summer Meals Capacity-Building Mini-Grants program, funded by the Rochester Area Community Foundation, aims to significantly increase the number of children and youth in the City of Rochester who receive summer meals, as well as extend the duration of meal service. This program directly aligns with the foundation's mission by addressing critical community needs, specifically food insecurity among youth in a designated high-need area. The federally funded Summer Meals program (Summer Food Service Program) ensures that children 18 and under, particularly those near schools with high free and reduced meal eligibility rates, continue to receive nutritious food when school is not in session. The primary beneficiaries of this grant are children and youth aged 18 and under within the City of Rochester, a city designated as a high-need area. The program specifically targets those who would otherwise lack access to consistent meals during the summer months. The impact goals are to enhance the capacity of Summer Meals sites to serve more children and to offer meals for a greater number of days. By providing essential nourishment, the program contributes to the overall well-being and health of Rochester's youth, helping to mitigate the "summer slide" in nutrition and academic readiness. The program prioritizes several key areas to achieve its goals. This includes supporting the hiring of a Summer Meals Volunteer Coordinator or supplemental staff to boost site capacity. It also focuses on one-time capital purchases such as tables, chairs, coolers, and other refrigeration/dining equipment to expand service capabilities. Furthermore, the grant encourages one-time capital purchases of equipment or supplies that promote physical activity and fun, thereby enticing more youth to participate and increasing the overall reach of the program. The expected outcomes and measurable results include an increase in the total number of children and youth served by the Summer Meals program and an expansion in the number of days meals are provided. While specific quantitative targets are not detailed, the grant's focus on capacity building inherently aims for a measurable increase in program reach and service duration. The funding information indicates grants of up to $15,000, which will facilitate these capacity-building efforts. The eligibility criteria emphasize partnerships with existing Summer Meals sponsors (City of Rochester, Rochester City School District, or Foodlink) or organizations with LEA status, ensuring alignment with established food service networks. The foundation's strategic priorities are evident in its commitment to addressing equity and supporting youth in the community, with a clear theory of change that by strengthening the infrastructure and staffing of summer meal programs, more children will have access to vital food resources.

The Lola Wright Foundation is a private, non-profit charitable foundation dedicated to supporting community-based organizations. Its overarching mission is to bolster entities that are granted tax exemption under the Internal Revenue Code, Section 501(c)(3), particularly those operating primarily within a 50-mile radius of Austin, Texas. This geographic focus ensures that the Foundation's efforts are concentrated on local community development and impact, aligning its grant-making activities directly with the needs of the Austin area. The Foundation targets a diverse range of beneficiaries, including children and youth, individuals in need of public health and human services, and groups benefiting from education and community development initiatives. It also extends its support to arts and culture organizations. Specific populations like minorities, the homeless, and the elderly are explicitly mentioned as funding emphases, indicating a strategic priority to reach vulnerable and underserved segments of the community. The impact goals revolve around fostering social well-being, promoting health, supporting educational advancement, and enriching cultural life within its defined geographic area. The Foundation's priorities and focuses are clearly delineated across several key fields of interest: Children and Youth, Public Health and Human Services, Education and Community Development, and Arts and Culture. These areas represent the strategic pillars of its grant-making. The Foundation generally does not provide funding for day-to-day operating costs or expenses, preferring to support projects and initiatives that align with its broader objectives. This suggests a focus on sustainable, project-based impact rather than routine operational support. While specific expected outcomes and measurable results are not explicitly detailed as quantitative metrics in the provided text, the Foundation's theory of change appears to be rooted in strengthening community infrastructure through strategic investment in key social, health, educational, and cultural sectors. By supporting 501(c)(3) organizations, it aims to empower local groups to address pressing community needs. The restriction on reapplying for a grant for at least twelve months after receiving one suggests a desire to allow funded projects sufficient time to demonstrate impact before further consideration, promoting a cycle of focused investment and evaluation.

This program provides funding to non-profit organizations in Pennsylvania to develop and promote tourism initiatives that encourage overnight stays through events, facility improvements, and marketing efforts.

The City of Newport News is offering a Gun Violence Intervention Grant to fund or enhance evidence-based strategies and projects that reduce gun violence within the city. This grant program aligns with the city's commitment to partner with community-based organizations (CBOs) to interrupt cycles of violence and support those at the highest risk. The program represents the third and final year of the GVIP cohort that began in FY 2023, with an allocation of $1,000,000 in the City Manager’s recommended operating budget for FY 2025. Organizations may be eligible for future funding through the annual City of Newport News Community Support Agency Grant program, which opens in October 2024. The primary beneficiaries of this grant are children, youth, young adults, and families residing in Newport News. The impact goal is to significantly reduce gun violence by implementing or enhancing effective, evidence-based strategies. Proposals are expected to demonstrate the utilization of such strategies and have a clear sustainability plan that includes sources of funding beyond the City of Newport News. Applicants for continuation funding must show progress and success from their FY 2024 projects. The grant prioritizes efforts around seven critical areas: Effective Conflict Resolution, Healthy Family Functioning, Economic Prosperity, Gun Control & Safety, A Caring Community, Mental Wellness & Healing, and Effective Deterrence & Adjudication. Projects eligible for continuation funding must address one or more of these critical areas, or focus on concentrated poverty, access to guns, desensitized communities, the judicial system, mental health/unaddressed trauma, family dysfunction, or poor conflict resolution. Additionally, projects relating to youth violence prevention or early intervention should align with CDC guidelines on individual, family, community, peer, and social risk factors. Collaboration among organizations is strongly encouraged. Expected outcomes include a reduction in gun violence within Newport News through community-based and evidence-based prevention and intervention projects. Measurable results will stem from addressing the identified critical areas and risk factors. The city's strategic priorities are to support CBOs in their violence reduction efforts using best practices. The theory of change is that by funding and partnering with these organizations to implement targeted, evidence-based interventions in critical areas, cycles of violence can be interrupted, and the well-being of those most at risk can be improved, leading to a safer community. The grant period is from July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2025.

The Portland Office of Violence Prevention is currently accepting applications for the 2024-2025 Safer Portland Grant, a community-based initiative designed to reduce gun violence. This grant program directly aligns with the mission of fostering safer communities by empowering local organizations to implement preventative measures. The overall objective is to mitigate gun violence through a variety of community-led efforts, focusing on proactive intervention and support. The grant targets a broad range of community members within Portland, with a particular emphasis on vulnerable neighborhoods known for high rates of gun violence. Specific prioritized areas include Cully, Hazelwood, Eliot, and Powellhurst-Gilbert, although organizations city-wide are encouraged to apply. The beneficiaries are individuals and families who will benefit from increased safety, access to supportive services, and participation in programs designed to deter violence. The impact goals are to reduce incidents of gun violence, provide support for victims' families, and build capacity within smaller contractors to deliver essential services. The Safer Portland Grant prioritizes several key areas to achieve its objectives. These include preventative programs, workshops, camps, and events aimed at addressing root causes of violence. Flexible funds are also provided for direct community assistance and services, ensuring immediate support where needed. Youth and adult mediation and mentoring programs are a core focus, aiming to foster positive relationships and conflict resolution skills. Furthermore, the grant supports arts and culture or recreational violence prevention programs, recognizing the role of creative and recreational outlets in community well-being. Aftercare support funds for families of victims and capacity building for small contractors providing services are also crucial priorities. Expected outcomes include a measurable reduction in gun violence rates within targeted neighborhoods and across Portland. Success will also be measured by the increased participation in preventative programs, the number of individuals receiving direct community assistance, and the enhanced capacity of local organizations to deliver effective violence prevention services. The grant's strategic priorities are to invest in community-led solutions, foster collaboration, and provide flexible funding that can adapt to the unique needs of different communities. This approach operates on the theory of change that by empowering and resourcing local efforts, sustainable reductions in gun violence can be achieved, leading to safer and more resilient communities for all Portland residents. A total of $500,000 is available, with individual grant awards ranging from $10,000 to $100,000.

The Access to Quality Child Care for Children with Disabilities Grant, issued by the Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE), aims to expand the availability of quality, accessible, and affordable child care for infants, toddlers, and school-age children with disabilities within the District of Columbia. This initiative directly aligns with OSSE's mission to improve educational outcomes and ensure equitable access to services for all children, particularly those with special needs. By focusing on increasing the supply of specialized child care options, the program supports the foundational goal of creating inclusive early learning and out-of-school time environments. The primary beneficiaries of this grant are infants, toddlers (6 weeks to under 3 years old), and school-age children (5 to under 19 years old, with exceptions for 3- and 4-year-olds in out-of-school programs) with disabilities residing in the District of Columbia. Eligibility for infants and toddlers is based on an active Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) or a diagnosis of specific medical conditions such as genetic, sensory, motor, neurologic, sociocommunicative, medically related, acquired trauma-related, or other OSSE-approved health impairments. For out-of-school time programs, children must have an active 504 Accommodation Plan or an Individualized Education Plan (IEP). The impact goal is to ensure that these children have access to child care slots specifically designed and equipped to meet their unique needs, thereby fostering their development in inclusive settings. The grant prioritizes providing resources to child development facilities and out-of-school time programs licensed by OSSE to create and operate ongoing child care slots. This includes supporting both individual organizations and consortia of multiple organizations. The focus is on expanding the capacity of these programs to cater to children with diverse disabilities within an inclusive framework. OSSE's strategic priority is to address the current gap in specialized child care options, ensuring that children with disabilities receive the comprehensive support necessary for their growth and development. Expected outcomes include a significant increase in the number of quality child care slots available for children with disabilities in DC. Measurable results will likely be tied to the number of new slots created, the number of children served, and the types of disabilities accommodated. The grant's three-year duration and substantial funding (totaling $6 million, with awards ranging from $200,000 to $4 million) reflect a theory of change that posits that by investing in the infrastructure and specialized resources of child care providers, OSSE can directly enhance the educational and developmental opportunities for children with disabilities, ultimately leading to improved long-term outcomes for this vulnerable population.

The Mississippi Council on Developmental Disabilities is accepting Innovative Quality of Life Grant applications for Fiscal Year 2025 (July 1, 2024 – June 30, 2025). Maximum funding amount for each grant is $25,000. MSCDD expects to fund five or more new grants. Deadline for the application is June 5, 2024 at noon. Eligibility and more details are stated in the application. Applications should address one or more of the following expected outcomes from the current state plan: Developing and Strengthening Self-Advocacy and Leadership Developing or Improving Approaches to Services and Systems Meeting Other Needs of People with Developmental Disabilities and Families Planning of the Future Care for Aging Adults with Developmental Disabilities