Hennepin County Youth Activities Grants - Play Area Grants

Hennepin County Youth Activities Grants aim to enhance youth engagement in recreational activities by offering funding for local initiatives. The program, which has distributed over $31.2 million since 2009, includes specific grants for water safety, sports equipment, and arts education. The Play Area Grants, with up to $300,000 available, focus on improving youth athletic and play facilities. Approximately $1.3 million is designated for the upcoming fall 2025 grant cycle, supporting community-based requests.

Offering opportunities for all county youth
Hennepin County Youth Activities Grants is a program focused on increasing youth access to activities by providing grant opportunities for local government units within Hennepin County. The program has three grant initiatives:

• Water safety: grants to support free and reduced cost swim lessons as well as lifeguard services.
• Sports: grants available for sports equipment, play spaces and sports facilities.
• Arts and Music: funding for art and music education and programming.

Since it began in 2009, the program has awarded more than $31.2 million in grants. Proceeds from the Twins ballpark sales tax support this program.
Play Area grants support opportunities for youth participation in sports and play by creating, expanding, and improving youth athletic facilities, recreational facilities, playgrounds, and other play spaces.
Funding available
Grants up to $300,000 are available for play area grants. Approximately 1.3 million dollars have been allocated for the fall 2025 grant cycle. Availability of funding for play area grants will be based on requests received.