Recreation Grants

The Pennsylvania Water Trails Program Mini Grant, overseen by the Pennsylvania Environmental Council (PEC) in partnership with the Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission, Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, and the National Park Service, aims to address urgent issues on designated water trails that compromise safety or access. With a total of $2000 available, this grant supports projects that can quickly resolve situations like storm-induced damage, navigational obstructions, or critical sign destruction that impedes safe water trail access. Eligible projects must match the grant 1:1 with cash or in-kind services. The grant serves as a last-resort funding source for unforeseen issues affecting Pennsylvania's 28 designated water trails, emphasizing safety and accessibility while fostering recreational opportunities and sustainable natural resource use. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until September 30, 2024, with awards based on urgency and committee discretion.

This grant provides funding to support the maintenance, safety, and enhancement of recreational walking and cycling trails in Warren County.

This program provides funding to nonprofit organizations and government entities in four West Michigan counties to support youth-focused initiatives in education, health, and development for children and teens up to 18 years old.

The Juneau Arts and Humanities Council, with support from the Juneau Community Foundation, offers Individual Artist Grants to assist experienced artists of exceptional talent in producing original work or advancing their careers. The program invests in local artists across disciplines to strengthen the cultural vitality of Juneau, Alaska. Eligible disciplines include visual arts, creative writing, music, dance, theater, design, and other creative fields. Grants may not exceed 1,000 dollars and support projects taking place from July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2025. Funds may be used for project costs, materials, professional development, or other expenses directly tied to creating new work or career advancement. Applicants must submit original work samples demonstrating exceptional talent and professional commitment, have been a Juneau resident for the past year, plan to remain in Juneau for the duration of the project, and be current on reporting for any prior awards. Artists who received an Individual Artist Grant in the previous cycle are not eligible in the current cycle. Applications are due May 1, 2024. Additional information is available from the Juneau Arts and Humanities Council.

The Local Parks Grant Program offers five individual grants to assist local government units in Texas with the acquisition and/or development of public recreation areas and facilities. This program aims to enhance public access to recreational opportunities, dedicating all grant-assisted sites to parkland in perpetuity. Funded by a portion of the state sales tax on sporting goods and federal off-shore gas royalties, the program supports projects that ensure sites are properly maintained and open to the public.

This grant provides financial support to tax-exempt organizations to engage under-served populations in outdoor recreation, conservation, and environmental education across Texas.

The Accion Opportunity Fund, in partnership with LegalZoom, the NBA, WNBA, and NBA G-League, has launched a grant program designed to support small business owners and emerging entrepreneurs across the United States. This initiative provides grants ranging from $1,000 to $10,000, along with free LegalZoom services valued up to $500. Administered by the nonprofit Accion Opportunity Fund, the program's core mission aligns with empowering business owners by offering essential tools and resources for starting and growing their ventures. This collaboration reflects a shared commitment to fostering entrepreneurship and investing in the success of small businesses nationwide. The program targets two primary beneficiary groups: existing small businesses and emerging entrepreneurs. Existing small businesses applying for the $10,000 grant and LegalZoom services must be U.S.-based, have been in operation for at least 3 months, have an annual revenue under $1 million, possess an active business bank account, and not be in an ineligible industry. Those in business for 12 months or more need to provide their most recent business tax return, while those in business for 3 to 12 months require specific formation documents or licenses. Emerging entrepreneurs, seeking LegalZoom services, must also be U.S.-based and either be in operation for less than 3 months or provide a business idea summary. The program's priorities and focuses revolve around encouraging entrepreneurship and providing tangible support to small business owners. This includes offering direct financial assistance through grants, as well as crucial legal and business formation resources via LegalZoom. The initiative aims to provide a "perfect play" for businesses, signifying a holistic approach to support that addresses both financial needs and structural requirements for growth. By focusing on both established and nascent ventures, the program seeks to create a robust entrepreneurial ecosystem. Expected outcomes and measurable results include the successful establishment and growth of small businesses, increased access to legal services for entrepreneurs, and a reduction in the barriers faced by new and existing ventures. While specific quantitative metrics for success beyond the grant distribution are not explicitly detailed, the underlying theory of change suggests that by providing financial capital and legal support, businesses will be better equipped to sustain operations, expand, and contribute to local economies. The program's design, with its clear eligibility criteria, is structured to ensure that resources are directed to businesses poised for positive impact and growth.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to organizations that assist individuals facing life challenges, particularly those who are blind or visually impaired, with requests up to $5,000.

The NatureWorks grant program, managed by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, supports the development or acquisition of public outdoor recreation areas. Eligible entities include Ohio's political subdivisions, such as municipalities, townships, counties, and park districts. The program offers up to 75% funding for eligible projects, requiring a minimum of 25% match from non-state and non-federal sources. Applications are due by June 1, 2024, emphasizing ADA compliance, long-term maintenance, and public accessibility.

This program provides funding to local governments and nonprofit snowmobile clubs in Michigan for maintaining and improving the state's snowmobile trail system.

The Grants Committee of the Marshall County Community Foundation seeks to enhance the quality of life in Marshall County by providing funds through a grant making process for humanitarian, cultural, educational, recreational and environmental activities. The general policy of the Marshall County Community Foundation is to make Community Fund Grants for innovative and creative projects serving Marshall County, and to programs which are responsive to changing community needs. Grant Applications Community Funds Typically, the Foundation makes grants two times per year. Applications are due on February 1 and August 1. Recipients are announced in April (following the February due date) and October (following the August due date). New in 2023: Preference will be given to Community Fund requests of $5,000 or more. For project requests less than $5,000, please consider applications to United Way R4 Grant, or Marshall County REMC Operation Round Up.

The Ralph C. Vonnegut, Jr. Fund, offered by the MCCF (Marshall County Community Foundation), is an annual grant opportunity available on February 1st. The fund aims to support environmental, educational, or recreational projects that are directly linked to Lake Maxinkuckee. Eligible applicants must have 501(c)(3) IRS status or be organizations with 501(c) IRS status whose request is charitable in nature. For further information, interested parties can contact the MCCF directly.

The Grants Committee of the Marshall County Community Foundation seeks to enhance the quality of life in Marshall County by providing funds through a grant making process for humanitarian, cultural, educational, recreational and environmental activities. The general policy of the Marshall County Community Foundation is to make Community Fund Grants for innovative and creative projects serving Marshall County, and to programs which are responsive to changing community needs. Grant Applications Community Funds Typically, the Foundation makes grants two times per year. Applications are due on February 1 and August 1. Recipients are announced in April (following the February due date) and October (following the August due date). New in 2023: Preference will be given to Community Fund requests of $5,000 or more. For project requests less than $5,000, please consider applications to United Way R4 Grant, or Marshall County REMC Operation Round Up.

This program provides funding to businesses and organizations for projects and events that improve tourism and community experiences in the Plover Area, with a focus on attracting overnight visitors.

The Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) State and Local Assistance (SLA) Program provides grants to the States, and through them to local units of government and federallyrecognized Indian tribes, for projects that will provide outdoor recreation opportunities to the public. This is accomplished through the acquisition of lands and waters for parks and other outdoor recreation areas, as well as through the development of new, or the renovation of existing, outdoor recreation facilities. The Program is operated by the National Park Service (NPS) in partnership with designated State Lead Agencies in each of the 50 States as well as American Samoa, the District of Columbia, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands. Congress allocates money from the LWCF for this program, which is then apportioned to the States based on a legislative formula. To be eligible for LWCF grants, States must maintain an approved Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP), which is used to assess the supply and demand for outdoor recreation resources and set priorities for the use of LWCF funds. Since 1964, more than $5.2 billion has been made available to all 50 states, territories, and the District of Columbia and more than 44,000 grants have been awarded. The Department of Defense (DOD) Readiness and Environmental Protection Integration (REPI) Program protects the Nation’s military readiness, enhances relationships with communities, preserves the environment, and improves military installation and community resilience to climate change. Under 10 U.S.C. 2684a, the REPI program funds cost-sharing partnerships for the military with state and local governments and private conservation organizations. These partnerships obtain easements or other interests in land from willing sellers or promote natural resource management and military installation resilience to preserve critical areas, resources, and natural infrastructure near military installations. Since program inception, REPI partnership projects have protected nearly 1.18 million acres of land in 120 locations in 35 states and territories. Overseen by the Office of the Secretary of Defense and implemented by the military services, REPI projects help to preserve vital missions at key military installations. In coordination with Congress and the DoD, the Secretary of the Interior has established a special competitive funding initiative using previously apportioned funds that are not currently allocated to any particular state or territory. The Readiness and Recreation Initiative will seek to fund projects that will acquire and enhance lands for public outdoor recreation that are also within the geographic scope of an agreement between a state, local government, or conservation-focused non-governmental entity and a military department pursuant to 10 U.S.C. 2684a. Projects must meet the dual purposes of 1) providing outdoor recreation opportunities, and 2) promoting or supporting compatible land uses and avoiding incompatible development 4 in areas in the vicinity of, or ecologically related to, a military installation or military airspace, and/or to maintain or enhance the climate resilience of one or more military installations (hereinafter, “REPI Partnership Opportunity Area”). The projects will serve the general public and military families. Therefore, consistent with the purposes and requirements of the LWCF Act and LWCF Manual, the NPS is seeking land acquisition only or acquisition with compatible recreation development (aka, “combination”) project proposals matching the following factors: • meeting a priority outdoor recreation need or goal as identified in the State’s SCORP as well asthat of the community(ies), and that will provide compatible land use within the REPI Partnership Opportunity Area. • creating or expanding public outdoor recreational opportunities for the general public, including for residents and military families associated with the military installation within the REPI Partnership Opportunity Area. • located within an active REPI Partnership Opportunity Area. • promoting compatible land uses for military installations within REPI Partnership Opportunity Areas, particularly land uses related to compatible recreation development, advancing conservation or climate resilience (only if also offering compatible public access). • advancing the goals of a REPI partnership.

This funding opportunity supports small, community-driven projects in Takoma Park, Maryland, aimed at strengthening neighborhood connections through grants for local non-profits and community organizations.

Historic battlefields and associated sites of armed conflict are powerful reminders of the shared heritage of all Americans. In an ongoing effort to extend the conservation of natural and cultural resources, the National Park Service American Battlefield Protection Program (NPS ABPP) promotes the preservation and interpretation of these important places. NPS ABPP supports community-driven stewardship of historic resources through four grant opportunities: Preservation Planning, Battlefield Restoration, Battlefield Interpretation, and Battlefield Land Acquisition. NPS ABPP administers the Battlefield Restoration Grant opportunity to provide assistance for the restoration of day-of-battle conditions within eligible Civil War battlefields listed in the Civil War sites Advisory Commission's (CWSAC) Report on the Nation's Civil War Battlefields (1993) and in the principal battlefields of the Revolutionary War and War of 1812 identified in NPS ABPP’s Report to Congress on the Historic Preservation of Revolutionary War and War of 1812 Sites in the United States (2007) (Survey Reports). Restoration sites must be located outside the external boundaries of a unit of the National Park System and must have been protected with assistance from a NPS’s Battlefield Land Acquisition Grant (BLAG) established under 54 U.S.C. §308103(b) or are owned by state or local government entities (e.g., state or local battlefield parks) and are located within the boundaries of battlefields listed in the Survey Reports. These grants are funded from the Land and Water Conservation Fund, which invests earnings from offshore oil and gas leasing to help strengthen communities, preserve history and protect the national endowment of lands and waters. Funding will support planning and implementation activities for historic preservation projects at eligible properties and will be awarded competitively. Grants require a dollar-for-dollar non-Federal match.

The Branch County Grant Program is offered by an undisclosed funding organization and aims to support projects that benefit organizations in Branch County. The program operates on a quarterly basis, with four competitive grant cycles per year. The grant committee reviews requests for proposals during each cycle, and funding proposals must be submitted by February 1, May 1, August 1, or November 1. It is important to note that availability for these grants may be limited. For further information and to apply, interested organizations should contact the funding organization directly using the provided contact information.

Grant Opportunity: Branch County and Colon Grants Funding Organization: [Name of Funding Organization] Contact Information: [Contact details of the funding organization] Program Intent: The Branch County and Colon Grants aim to provide financial support to projects and programs that benefit the communities of Branch County and Colon. These grants are designed to assist nonprofit organizations in implementing initiatives that contribute to the overall well-being and development of these areas. Award Details: The grant cycle for this opportunity is conducted once per year, and applications are accepted through a competitive process. The specific amount of funding available for each grant is not mentioned in the provided information. However, successful applicants can expect to receive financial assistance towards their proposed projects or programs. Eligibility: Nonprofit organizations are eligible to apply for the Branch County and Colon Grants. There is no mention of any specific restrictions or requirements regarding the size or type of nonprofit organization that can apply. However, it is recommended that potential applicants thoroughly review the eligibility criteria outlined by the funding organization before submitting their applications. Other Relevant Information: It is important to note that only one grant cycle per year is available for this opportunity, so organizations should plan accordingly when considering their application timeline. Additionally, since this information has been scraped from a grant opportunity's website, it is advisable for potential applicants to visit the official website or contact the funding organization directly for more detailed information on application deadlines, guidelines, and any additional requirements or restrictions that may apply.

The Onondaga County Agritourism Grant Program, announced by the Onondaga County Department of Planning for 2024, aims to bolster the local agricultural community by enhancing the viability of farmland and protecting farms and operators for future generations. This initiative directly aligns with the broader mission of supporting agricultural sustainability and economic growth within Onondaga County. The program recognizes the critical role agritourism plays in farm viability, tourism, and overall quality of life, positioning itself as a strategic effort to integrate these elements for community benefit. The primary beneficiaries of this grant program are local agricultural ventures in Onondaga County, including existing farms and new agritourism startups. The impact goals are centered on improving and expanding agritourism operations, which in turn supports farm viability and contributes to local tourism. By investing in these ventures, the program seeks to create a more robust agricultural economy and enhance the recreational and educational opportunities available to residents and visitors. The program prioritizes projects that fall into four general categories: Improve, Expand, Initiate, and Market. This broad focus allows for a diverse range of projects, from enhancing existing operations to launching entirely new ventures. Specific areas of focus include expanding or diversifying operations, improving safety and ease of access for visitors, and adding new educational programming. New agritourism ventures can also utilize funding to offset initial startup costs, demonstrating a commitment to fostering innovation and growth in the sector. Expected outcomes of the program include a more resilient and economically viable agricultural sector in Onondaga County, increased agritourism offerings, and improved quality of life for residents. Measurable results could include the number of agritourism ventures that receive funding, the types of projects implemented, the growth in revenue for participating farms, and an increase in tourist engagement with local agricultural sites. The strategic priority is to partner with the agricultural community to achieve these outcomes, with the underlying theory of change being that targeted investment in agritourism will lead to enhanced farm viability and broader community benefits.