New York Recreation Grants

The Tompkins County Tourism Capital grants aim to foster significant investments in projects that attract visitors, such as theaters, museums, trails, and other major cultural and recreational attractions. The program's mission aligns with enhancing tourism infrastructure and experiences within Tompkins County, New York, thereby supporting the local economy and community development. This grant is provided by Tompkins County, signaling a public sector initiative to strategically invest in the region's tourism assets. The target beneficiaries include nonprofit organizations designated as 501(c)3, municipalities within Tompkins County, and Farmers Markets. The impact goals are to support new construction, renovation, and unique permanent installations that serve or promote tourism. Expected outcomes include the expansion or enhancement of existing facilities and the creation of new visitor-generating attractions, ultimately increasing tourism revenue and engagement in the county. Measurable results would be evidenced by the number and scale of new or renovated facilities, increased visitor numbers to funded projects, and the economic benefits generated. The program prioritizes capital investment projects valued at $75,000 or higher, contributing up to one-third (33%) of eligible costs. These eligible costs encompass land acquisition, building construction and renovation, acquisition of furnishings, equipment, permanent exhibitions, and design services. Additionally, the grant supports feasibility studies that lead to capital investments, including concept-level design, cost estimates, and business or tourism plans for capital projects. The focus is on tangible, long-term improvements that will sustainably promote tourism for a minimum of five years. Supported activities from past projects highlight the breadth of this program, including the Dryden Rail Trail, Stewart Park Inclusive Playground renovation, Discover Cayuga Lake’s charter boat for eco-cruises, Tompkins Center for History and Culture buildout, and visitor amenities for the Cayuga Waterfront Trail. This demonstrates a strategic priority of fostering diverse attractions that cater to various visitor interests, from outdoor recreation to cultural heritage. The underlying theory of change is that by investing in high-quality, sustainable tourism infrastructure and experiences, Tompkins County will attract more visitors, leading to economic growth and a more vibrant community.

The Manhattan Composting Award, offered by the Manhattan Borough, aims to combat climate change by reducing organic waste in the waste stream through supporting composting programs. This initiative aligns with a broader mission to address environmental challenges at the local level by fostering sustainable practices within the community. The grant specifically focuses on promoting composting as an accessible and effective method for waste reduction, thereby contributing to a healthier environment and mitigating the effects of climate change within Manhattan. The primary beneficiaries of this grant are youth, seniors, intergenerational populations, and the broader Manhattan community. The grant seeks to impact these groups by increasing their engagement in composting activities and enhancing their understanding of its importance. The goal is to empower residents with the knowledge and resources to participate in organic waste diversion, leading to a measurable reduction in the volume of organic materials sent to landfills. Project priorities for the Manhattan Composting Award include the establishment and expansion of composting and composting education programs tailored for youth and seniors, as well as initiatives that foster intergenerational participation. Community engagement efforts that highlight the benefits of composting and the diverse options available throughout Manhattan are also a key focus. These priorities underscore a comprehensive approach to integrating composting into the daily lives of residents across different age groups and demographics. The expected outcomes of this grant include a significant increase in the number of composting programs implemented and the level of community participation in these programs. Measurable results will likely involve tracking the volume of organic waste diverted from landfills, the number of individuals educated through composting programs, and the establishment of new composting infrastructure. While a specific theory of change or explicit strategic priorities of the "foundation" (in this case, the Manhattan Borough) are not detailed, the program implicitly operates on the theory that increased community participation and education in composting will directly lead to reduced waste, a cleaner environment, and a more sustainable urban ecosystem. The focus on education and community engagement suggests a belief that empowering residents with knowledge and practical skills is the most effective way to achieve long-term environmental benefits.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations in Syracuse to develop affordable housing and support community programs for residents.

This grant provides funding to nonprofits, schools, and civic organizations in Columbia County, New York, to develop programs that help young people transition from education to the workforce through internships, skill-building, and entrepreneurial opportunities.

This funding opportunity provides financial support for community health projects in Monroe County that address local health needs and social determinants of health.

The Tioga County Youth Bureau in New York is accepting applications for grants ranging from $10,000 to $100,000, to fund youth development, after-school, recreation, and sports programs run by non-profit organizations, with the aim of promoting the well-being of youth and families in under-resourced communities.

This grant provides funding for middle school students in Jefferson, Lewis, and St. Lawrence counties to engage in philanthropy by awarding grants to local nonprofit organizations of their choice.

The Manhattan Community Awards Program (MCAP) invites applications from Manhattan-based organizations to address key community needs. This grant program, contracted through the Department for the Aging (DFTA), the Department of Corrections (DOC), and the Department of Education (DOE), offers one-time contracts ranging from $5,000 to $10,000 as reimbursement grants. The program's mission aligns with supporting local communities by funding initiatives that directly address identified priorities within Manhattan, aiming to foster positive social change and improve the well-being of its residents. The target beneficiaries of the MCAP are diverse, including seniors, youth, and intergenerational populations, as well as participants in arts, composting, and various educational and recreational programs. The program aims to create a tangible impact by supporting services and initiatives that enhance the quality of life for these groups. Impact goals include improving health, fitness, education, nutrition for seniors, increasing access to arts and cultural programming, promoting climate mitigation and resiliency through public engagement and green projects, and fostering youth development through sports, arts, and health and wellness programs. The MCAP prioritizes several core focus areas for FY25. These include Senior Programs, encompassing health, fitness, education, nutrition, arts, cultural programming, and food access for seniors. Climate Mitigation and Resiliency is another key area, focusing on public engagement for Manhattan-based resiliency projects, green roof initiatives, hydroponics, and community gardens. Education is also a significant priority, with an emphasis on after-school sports and physical education, youth arts, and youth health and wellness programs. Finally, Anti-Gun Violence Initiatives are critical, supporting intervention programs, social justice-focused arts partnerships, and school-arts organization collaborations pertaining to anti-gun efforts. While specific measurable results are not explicitly detailed, the expected outcomes are implicitly linked to the success of programs within the focus areas. For senior programs, outcomes would include improved health metrics, increased social engagement, and enhanced food security. Climate initiatives would aim for increased community participation in environmental projects and the implementation of green infrastructure. Educational and youth programs would strive for improved academic engagement, physical well-being, and artistic development. Anti-gun violence initiatives would seek reductions in violence and increased community safety through intervention and awareness. The program’s strategic priorities are deeply rooted in addressing immediate community needs and fostering a more resilient, educated, and safe Manhattan. Its theory of change posits that by directly funding local organizations that are embedded in these communities, the program can effectively implement solutions tailored to specific challenges, leading to widespread and sustainable community benefits.

This funding opportunity provides financial support for municipalities and nonprofit organizations to implement community development projects that promote smart growth and environmental protection in the Adirondack and Catskill Parks.

This grant provides funding for organizations in Massachusetts and New York that support young individuals facing intellectual disabilities, learning disabilities, mental health challenges, or substance use disorders, with a focus on historically marginalized communities.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to nonprofit organizations in Syracuse for projects that enhance affordable housing, homeownership, and community programs for residents of all ages.

The United Way of Northern New York (UWNNY) is offering 2025 Community Impact grant funding to local nonprofit human service organizations. The program aims to support outcome-driven, collaborative, and equity-focused community-based organizations. UWNNY's mission is to connect with and provide funding to organizations that strengthen the community's impact. The program is aligned with UWNNY's broader strategic priorities of addressing critical community needs through targeted interventions. The grant specifically targets organizations serving residents of Jefferson, Lewis, and/or St. Lawrence Counties. Priority is given to proposals that focus on underserved and underrepresented populations, address unmet needs, utilize a collaborative approach, and serve individuals or families who are Asset Limited, Income Constrained, and Employed (ALICE) or living in poverty. The program's impact goals are to support programs that align with primary areas of focus: Social Determinants of Health (SDoH), Child/Youth Success, and Economic Stability. The Community Impact Fund has clear priorities and focuses. For Social Determinants of Health, the focus is on interventions addressing access to nutrition, housing, healthcare, literacy/language, education, and transportation. For Child/Youth Success, programming should provide vital supplies and support for academic success, growth, development, and a healthy transition into adulthood. For Economic Stability, the focus is on short- and long-term strategies to help people gain or maintain stability, such as job skills training, soft skills development, and support for those at risk of falling into poverty. Expected outcomes include improved access to essential services, enhanced academic and developmental success for children and youth, and increased economic stability for individuals and families in the targeted counties. While specific measurable results are not explicitly detailed for each objective, the emphasis on "outcome-driven" organizations suggests a focus on demonstrable impact and progress towards these goals. The theory of change implicit in this grant is that by funding strategic, collaborative, and equity-focused programs in these key areas, UWNNY can contribute to a more resilient and thriving community, particularly for its most vulnerable populations.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations and independent artists in Sullivan County for arts, cultural, and heritage projects, whether in-person or virtual.

This program provides financial support and resources to community-driven environmental initiatives in underserved areas of New York, New Jersey, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and federally recognized Indian Nations.

This funding opportunity supports nonprofit organizations and artists in Sullivan County to create structured arts education programs in collaboration with schools or community partners.

The Creative Learning Grant Program, sponsored by the Lower Manhattan Cultural Council (LMCC), is designed to foster the growth and capacity of Manhattan-based teaching artists and small arts organizations. Its core mission aligns with promoting community-based arts education projects for youth, adults, and older adults. The program is funded through a combination of City funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs’ Greater New York Arts Development Fund and State funds from the New York State Council on the Arts’ (NYSCA) Statewide Community Regrants program, indicating a strategic partnership to broaden arts access. The primary beneficiaries are Manhattan's teaching artists and small arts organizations that are unable to directly apply for City and/or State arts funding. The program targets the development of sequential, skill-building arts study and participatory arts projects. The impact goals are to enrich communities through accessible arts education, delivered in local settings such as senior centers, recreation centers, public libraries, and community centers, thereby strengthening the cultural fabric of Manhattan. The program prioritizes organizations and individual artists with a core artistic mission or a history of arts programming, and those based in Manhattan with proof of nonprofit status (for organizations). A key focus is on supporting entities that do not directly apply to LMCC’s Creative Engagement program or for DCLA (GNYADF) or NYSCA (Statewide Community Regrants) funds in another county/borough for the same fiscal year. First-time applicants are required to attend an information session webinar to ensure understanding of the program's guidelines and expectations. Expected outcomes include the successful implementation of high-quality, community-based arts education projects and an increase in the capacity of teaching artists and small arts organizations. Measurable results are demonstrated through the awarding of grants in amounts of $4,000 and $8,000, with projects taking place between January 1 and December 31, 2025. This structured approach ensures a clear project period and defined funding tiers for evaluation. LMCC's strategic priorities, as evidenced by this program, revolve around fostering local arts initiatives and ensuring that arts funding reaches a diverse range of artists and organizations who might otherwise face barriers to direct funding. The theory of change suggests that by empowering these local artists and organizations through financial support and capacity building, there will be a direct positive impact on community engagement with the arts and the overall well-being of Manhattan residents of all ages.

The Essex Community Fund (ECF) at Adirondack Foundation invites local nonprofits, schools, churches, and municipalities to apply for grant funding. Eligible projects must serve town of Essex residents through community services, beautification, historic preservation, culture, the arts, education, or programs for youth and senior citizens. The deadline to apply is May 24. ECF gives strong preference to capacity building grants or modest one-time capital projects. It does not award grants for ongoing operating expenses. While grants typically range from $250 to $2,000, the maximum a potential grantee can request is $5,000. After reviewing applications, the ECF committee anticipates making grant recommendations in June with funding available as early as July. Applications must be submitted online through Adirondack Foundation’s Online Grants Manager: adirondackfoundation.org/granting/online-grants-manager For more information about ECF grants, please call Colleen Van Hoven at (518) 569-3141 or email [email protected] or email [email protected]. To learn more about community funds at Adirondack Foundation, visit adirondackfoundation.org. Grant renewed every year. Grant Annual deadline: May

The 2024 Community Experts Fund, spearheaded by the Peter and Elizabeth Tower Foundation, is a grant initiative designed to amplify youth voice within organizations. This program aligns with the Foundation's mission by directly engaging young adults with lived expertise in the grantmaking process, ensuring that funding decisions are informed by the concerns and priorities of the young people it aims to serve. This strategic approach underscores a theory of change that values authentic youth engagement as a catalyst for effective and impactful program development. The target beneficiaries of this grant are youth-serving nonprofit organizations working with young people who have an intellectual disability, learning disability, mental health challenge, or substance use disorder. The program specifically prioritizes services delivered in Massachusetts (Barnstable, Dukes, Essex, or Nantucket County) and New York (Erie or Niagara County). The impact goals include fostering youth leadership and ensuring that community voice directly shapes grant allocation and program design. The fund focuses on supporting a variety of initiatives that empower young people. Eligible expenses include stipends for youth participation, staff time dedicated to youth engagement, transportation and accommodation for youth programming, program supplies and food, community and recreational programming, outreach and promotion of youth leadership opportunities, technology and equipment, and training. This broad scope allows organizations to tailor their proposals to specific needs while adhering to the core objective of youth empowerment. Applicants can request up to $25,000 to support their programs. While the grant duration is not explicitly mentioned, the emphasis on youth-led design and ongoing engagement suggests an expected outcome of sustainable youth leadership within recipient organizations. The measurable results would likely include increased youth participation in organizational decision-making, development of youth-led projects, and the overall strengthening of youth voice in the designated service regions. This grant opportunity exemplifies the Foundation's strategic commitment to empowering young people and integrating their perspectives into community-based solutions.

The Youth Sports and Education Grants, sponsored by Lewis County (NY), invite applications for programs that provide structured sports activities for youth aged 6-17. This grant program aims to foster youth development through sports and educational programming. The project period for these grants runs from October 1, 2024, to September 30, 2025, with a grant duration of one year. Eligible programs must demonstrate basic competency in governance, monitoring and evaluation, partnership, and financial stewardship, ensuring that the grants support well-managed and effective initiatives. The primary beneficiaries of this grant are youth aged 6-17 residing in New York State. The impact goals include promoting healthy physical activity, providing educational opportunities, and ensuring a safe environment for participants. A crucial focus is on child protection, requiring all funded programs to have a child protection policy in place that adheres to local, city, agency, school district, and state guidelines. This commitment underscores a strategic priority to safeguard young participants while promoting their engagement in sports and education. Priorities for funding include programming costs directly related to youth activities. This encompasses expenses such as coaches, instructors, direct service staff, and mentors, including their training and professional development. Additionally, funding can cover equipment, educational programming costs, and facility or field usage. A key focus is on maximizing direct service to youth, with a cap of 15% of funds allocated for administrative and overhead costs for the implementing agency. Expected outcomes include increased participation in structured sports activities among New York State youth, enhanced educational attainment through integrated programming, and the establishment of safe and well-managed environments for children. Programs are also required to collect registration data, including participant demographic information, to facilitate accurate reporting of anonymized aggregate data to the OCFS, allowing for measurable results and ongoing program evaluation. The foundation's strategic priorities align with promoting youth well-being and development, utilizing sports and education as key tools for positive community impact.

The Youth Team Sports Funding is a grant program offered by Lewis County in New York, designed to support local community-based organizations and nonprofits in providing team sports activities for youth. The program's core objective is to foster youth development through organized physical activity, particularly targeting under-resourced communities within New York State. The grant period is from October 1, 2024, to September 30, 2025, and it emphasizes adherence to child protection policies and data collection for accurate reporting. The primary beneficiaries of this grant are youth under 18 years old residing in under-resourced communities within New York State. The program aims to increase participation in team sports, which are defined as organized physical activities where groups of two or more individuals compete. The impact goals include promoting physical well-being, fostering teamwork, and providing structured recreational opportunities for vulnerable youth populations. The grant prioritizes funding for programming costs directly related to supporting youth participation in team sports. This includes expenses for coaches, instructors, direct service staff, mentors (including training and professional development), referee fees, and the purchase of equipment or uniforms. Additionally, capital investments such as facilities, fields, fences, storage, and lighting are eligible. A notable focus is also on the purchase of Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) by local organizations to meet current legal requirements. Expected outcomes of the program include an increase in the number of youth participating in organized team sports, improved access to sports activities for under-resourced communities, and enhanced safety through the implementation of child protection policies and the availability of AEDs. Measurable results will likely stem from the collected registration data, including participant demographic information, which OCFS requires for anonymized aggregate reporting. This data will allow for the assessment of the program's reach and effectiveness in serving its target population and achieving its outlined objectives.