Recreation Grants for Nonprofits

Last updated October 9, 2026

Grantable tracks 700 active recreation grants for nonprofits in its free grants database, drawn from state and foundation sources and updated daily. 15 of them have a verified open deadline or accept applications on a rolling basis. 346 list an award amount, with a median of $43K.

Grants tracked
700
from 425 funders
Median award
$43K
middle half $7,500–$233K
Total listed funding
$159.8M
across 346 grants that list an amount
Rolling deadlines
14
40 with a published date

On this page: State Foundation · Updated daily

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SPCF Grants

Spanish Peaks Community Foundation · Foundation

Not published · Varies

The Spanish Peaks Community Foundation provides grants aimed at enhancing the quality of life in the Big Sky community.

Parks & Public Space Initiative

Lawton Community Foundation Affiliated Fund of the Occf Inc · Foundation

Not published · $3K – $25K

The Oklahoma City Community Foundation's Parks & Public Space Initiative supports the beautification, development and activation of neighborhood parks, trails, schools and public spaces.

Explore the Coast Overnight Grant

California Coastal Conservancy · Foundation

Not published · Up to $100K

The Explore the Coast Overnight Program by the California Coastal Conservancy aims to enhance overnight coastal access for all Californians, particularly low-income and underserved communities.

Trails-Nonhighway and Off-Road Vehicle Activities Program (WA) Grant

Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office · Foundation

Not published · Varies

The Trails-Nonhighway and Off-Road Vehicle Activities Program in Washington State provides essential funding for developing and managing recreational activities such as hiking, horseback riding, and off-road vehicle use.

Eden Prairie Community Foundation Grants

Eden Prairie Community Foundation · Foundation

Not published · Varies

The Eden Prairie Community Foundation Grants support local organizations aligned with their mission of community enrichment. Since 1981, they have awarded over $2 million to nonprofits in Eden Prairie.

DCNR All-Terrain Vehicle and Snowmobile Grant Program

Pennsylvania Department of Conservation & Natural Resources (DCNR) · Foundation

Not published · $25K – $1M

The DCNR All-Terrain Vehicle and Snowmobile Grant Program supports projects that enhance Pennsylvania's outdoor recreation. Eligible applicants include municipalities and pre-qualified organizations focused on ATV and snowmobile trails.

The Trails Capacity Program (formerly the "Trail Fund Grant")

American Trails · Foundation

Not published · Varies

_NOTE: The application window is now closed and will reopen in November or December of 2024._ The Trails Capacity Program invests in nationwide trails community capacity.

Rec for All - SUPPORT, ENGAGEMENT, AND EVENTS (SEE) Grant

DC Department of Parks and Recreation · Foundation

Not published · Up to $540K

The Rec for All - SUPPORT, ENGAGEMENT, AND EVENTS (SEE) Grant, provided by the DC Department of Parks and Recreation, aims to enhance recreational opportunities for underserved youth aged 6 to 18.

Recreational Trails Program (RTP)

Maryland Department of Transportation · State

Not published · Varies

The RTP provides Federal funds to States to develop and maintain land and water-based recreational trails and trail-related facilities for motorized and non-motorized recreational trail uses.

COVID-19 Family Activity Grants

Wounded Warriors Family Support Inc · Foundation

Not published · Varies

Emergency grants provided to help families of combat-wounded veterans plan safe recreational activities during COVID-19 restrictions.

Recreational Trails Program Grants

State

Not published · Varies

IMPACT: Quality of Place - Community Assets - Community Centers Grant

Erie County Gaming Revenue Authority · Foundation

Not published · Up to $15K

The IMPACT: Quality of Place initiative aims to enhance community well-being, encourage civic pride, and stimulate tourism in Erie County by supporting community centers.

RTP Storybook Trail Grant

Ohio Department of Natural Resources · Foundation

Not published · $5K – $10K

The RTP Storybook Trail Grant, offered by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, promotes outdoor exploration through children's literature.

CDBG Streetscapes

Economic Development Authority · State

Not published · $25M

Adapted PE/Activity Program of the Year Award Grant

Society of Health and Physical Educators · Foundation

Not published · Varies

The Adapted PE/Activity Program of the Year Award recognizes outstanding community-based initiatives aimed at enhancing the physical capabilities of individuals with disabilities.

ME Boating Facilities Fund Grant

Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry · Foundation

Not published · Up to $100K

The ME Boating Facilities Fund Grant, administered by the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry, aims to enhance recreational boating access throughout Maine.

Bee Active Walk, Run & Roll Fundraiser

GRIN2B Foundation · Foundation

Not published · Varies

Annual month-long fundraising campaign encouraging community members to organize walks, runs, or physical activities to raise awareness and funds for GRIN2B Foundation.

Frank H. Stewart Trust Grant

T U W Frank Stewart Ttee · Foundation

Not published · Up to $150K

The Frank H. Stewart Trust Grant aims to support the purchase of land for public parks, recreation grounds, and wildlife preservation in specific New Jersey counties.

Nike Community Impact Fund - Netherlands Grant

Nike Foundation · Foundation

Not published · €5,000 - €20,000

The Nike Community Impact Fund in the Netherlands aims to empower local organizations in Amsterdam, Amersfoort, Hilversum, and Utrecht by providing grants to initiatives that promote physical activity among underserved communities.

Bank of America Boston Marathon Official Charity Program

Listed by The Boston Athletic Association · Foundation

Not published · Varies

CCCF: Common Ground Program - Recreation Impacts Management Grants

Chaffee County Community Foundation · Foundation

Not published · $5K – $100K

The CCCF Common Ground Program offers Recreation Impacts Management Grants aimed at mitigating the negative effects of outdoor recreation on landscapes and watersheds.

Quarterly HCF Grants

Hamilton Community Foundation Inc · Foundation

Not published · Varies

The Hamilton Community Foundation's Quarterly HCF Grants aim to address unmet charitable needs in Hamilton County, supporting various projects that enhance the community's well-being.

JoLyn Beeman Memorial Children’s Fund Grant

The Stateline Community Foundation Inc · Foundation

Not published · Up to $5K

The JoLyn Beeman Memorial Children’s Fund Grant supports projects enriching children's lives in Rock County, focusing on education, recreation, sports, and the arts.

Proposition 68 Grant Program

Tahoe Conservancy · State

Not published · Varies

The principal goal of the Conservancy's Prop 68 grant program is to support purposes set forth in the Conservancy's governing statutes and strategic plan, including stewarding Conservancy lands and protecting Basin communities from…

Showing 457–480 of 694

About recreation grants

Recreation grants support parks, trails, sports facilities, and outdoor recreation access for communities. The federal Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) provides matching grants to states and, through them, to local governments for acquiring land and developing public outdoor recreation facilities. State park and recreation agencies, community foundations, and corporate programs offer additional funding for fields, playgrounds, and recreation programs.

A long list is the starting point, not the shortlist. Our grant prospecting guide shows how to narrow recreation grants for nonprofits down to the funders most likely to say yes, using their giving records.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much money do recreation grants for nonprofits award?

Of the 700 recreation grants for nonprofits Grantable lists as of October 9, 2026, 346 publish an award amount. The median listed award is $43K, and the middle half fall between $7,500 and $233K. The largest is $10M. Amounts are each grant's stated maximum, so a typical award can be smaller.

Which funders offer the most recreation grants for nonprofits?

By number of active listings, the leading funders are Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (10), Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (10), Colorado Parks & Wildlife (9), Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office (9), and Arizona State Parks & Trails (8). In all, 425 funders have at least one active grant in this category.

When are recreation grants for nonprofits due?

Of 700 grants listed, 14 accept applications on a rolling basis, 40 have a published upcoming deadline, 106 run on a stated cycle (such as annual or quarterly) without a published date, and 540 don't publish a deadline, so check the funder's site. Among dated deadlines, 57% fall in October–December.

What grants are available for recreation?

Recreation grants fund parks and green spaces, trails, ballfields and sports facilities, playgrounds, water access, and recreation programming. The Land and Water Conservation Fund supports land acquisition and facility development through matching grants, and state recreation agencies, community foundations, and corporate giving programs fund a broad range of community recreation projects.

Who funds parks and recreation projects?

The Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF), administered federally and distributed through state agencies, is a key source of outdoor recreation funding for state and local governments. State park and recreation departments, community foundations, corporate foundations, and national recreation organizations also fund facilities, trails, and programs at the local level.

Who can apply for recreation grants?

Many major recreation grants, including LWCF awards, go to state and local government agencies, with funds often requiring a local match. Nonprofit recreation and conservation organizations can frequently apply for foundation and corporate grants directly, and community groups sometimes partner with a municipality or use a fiscal sponsor to access government funding.

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