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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Grant	Deadline ▲	Amount
New York Yankees Contribution Requests New York Yankees Foundation Inc · Foundation Not published · Varies _NOTE: Requests for support must be submitted at least six (6) weeks in advance._ The New York Yankees are committed to promoting and sustaining cordial and cooperative relationships with their neighbors and community partners; working in…	Not published	Varies
Bruins Adaptive Skiing Program JB'S Keys to DMD Inc · Foundation Not published · Varies Adaptive skiing program in partnership with the Boston Bruins for individuals living with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.	Not published	Varies
Better Beaches Grant Program Save the Harborsave the Bay Inc · Foundation Not published · $3K – $9K Since 2008, Save the Harbor/Save the Bay has partnered with the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) to award small grants to local organizations and artists to activate the region's public beaches through free…	Not published	$3K – $9K
The Steve Gordon Tony Wise Museum Legacy Fund The Foundation for the Endowment · Foundation Not published · Varies Supports the operations and expansion of the Tony Wise Museum of the American Birkebeiner, celebrating the history and legacy of cross-country skiing that inspires healthier lifestyles and outdoor activity.	Not published	Varies
Snowmobile Trail Grant Program (NY) New York State Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation · Foundation Not published · Varies The Snowmobile Trail Grant Program in New York allocates funds to local governments for developing and maintaining designated snowmobile trails within the State Snowmobile Trail System.	Not published	Varies
Recreation – Sparks Good Local Grants Walmart Foundation · State Not published · $25K – $500K Supports a variety of projects that address the specific needs of local communities, including efforts to strengthen community ties, promote sustainability, and expand economic opportunities.	Not published	$25K – $500K
Recreation – Matching Awards Program: Connecting People to Forests National Forest Foundation · State Not published · $500K – $7M Supports projects that inspire their participants to get personally involved in caring for their public lands. Project must have both a community engagement and stewardship activity.	Not published	$500K – $7M
Right Rider Access Fund - Safety, Education and Training Support Program Recreational Off-Highway Vehicle Association · Foundation Not published · Varies	Not published	Varies
Rec for All Support, Engagement, and Events (See) Grant - Engagement Grant DC Department of Parks and Recreation · Foundation Not published · $10K The Rec for All Support, Engagement, and Events Grant, provided by the DC Department of Parks and Recreation, offers $10,000 to support inclusive recreational opportunities for youth.	Not published	$10K
Gilmore \| Henne Community Fund Grant Berks County Community Foundation Inc · Foundation Not published · Up to $2K The Gilmore \| Henne Community Fund, established by NFL players John Gilmore and Chad Henne, offers financial support for park programs and improvements in Berks County, Pennsylvania.	Not published	Up to $2K
Department of Transportation – Active Transportation Program Transportation Department · State Not published · Varies The Minnesota Department of Transportation’s Active Transportation Program helps communities plan, build infrastructure, and encourage people to walk and bicycle where they live, work, and play.	Not published	Varies
Granville Community Foundation General Grant Program Granville Community Foundation · Foundation Not published · Varies The Granville Community Foundation provides grants to support a wide range of community initiatives and organizations.	Not published	Varies
Prop 4 – Randall Preserve Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy · State Not published · Varies Climate impact reduction and outdoor recreation opportunities at Randall Preserve.	Not published	Varies
InstaGrant Women Helping Women Fund · Foundation Rolling · $500 – $1K The InstaGrant is a small, quick-turnaround grant program from Women Helping Women Fund designed to support local nonprofits with immediate funding needs.	Rolling	$500 – $1K
Niskayuna Community Foundation Mini-Grants The Community Foundation for the Greater Capital Region Inc · Foundation Not published · Up to $2K The Niskayuna Community Foundation Mini-Grants provide funding up to $2,000 for organizations that benefit the residents of Niskayuna, NY.	Not published	Up to $2K
Vibrant Communities: Convenient Neighborhoods Grant Opportunity Colorado Gives Foundation · Foundation Not published · $5K – $25K The Vibrant Communities: Convenient Neighborhoods Grant Opportunity, provided by the Colorado Gives Foundation, aims to enhance access to community spaces in Jefferson County.	Not published	$5K – $25K
Detroit Tigers Foundation Grant Detroit Tigers Foundation of Florida Inc · Foundation Not published · Varies The Detroit Tigers Foundation Grant is dedicated to enhancing lives through baseball, focusing on youth, education, and recreation.	Not published	Varies
Field of Interest Funds- Copper Shores Community Wellness and Recreation Fund Grant Keweenaw Community Foundation · Foundation Not published · Up to $10K The Copper Shores Community Wellness and Recreation Fund aims to enhance physical activity and nutrition through financial support for projects that create or improve accessible outdoor recreational resources in Baraga, Houghton, Keweenaw…	Not published	Up to $10K
Nike Community Impact Fund - Belgium Grant Nike Foundation · Foundation Not published · Up to €6,000 The Nike Community Impact Fund in Belgium supports local sports clubs and associations that work with vulnerable youth in Antwerp, Limburg, and Flemish Brabant.	Not published	Up to €6,000
Adopt a Marathon Mile Program Atlanta Track Club Inc · Foundation Not published · $3K – $8K Fund local nonprofit organizations that participate in providing energy, excitement, and support along the Atlanta Marathon and 10-Miler course.	Not published	$3K – $8K
SCF: Youth Grant Scott Community Foundation · Foundation Not published · Varies The Scott Community Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving local wealth so the communities in and around Scott County will forever remain attractive places to live, work, and raise a family.	Not published	Varies
Connect Kids to Swimming Instruction Transportation Grant Program (NY) New York State Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation · Foundation Not published · $3K The Connect Kids to Swimming Instruction Transportation Grant Program in New York aims to enhance swimming accessibility for school-age children by reimbursing transportation costs.	Not published	$3K
Public Access Program Grants California Wildlife Conservation Board · Foundation Not published · Varies The Public Access Program Grants, established by the California Wildlife Conservation Board, aim to enhance public access to natural areas, promoting wildlife-oriented recreation and supporting projects that encourage hunting, fishing, and…	Not published	Varies
Impact 100 Owensboro Community Grant Impact 100 - Owensboro Inc · Foundation Not published · $100K Impact100 Owensboro awards grants to nonprofits in the community across five focus areas. Each Focus Group selects a single finalist to compete for the $100,000 grant at the Annual Meeting.	Not published	$100K

Showing 649–672 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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