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
Grant Request - Under $2,500 The Joey Pizzano Memorial Fund Inc · Foundation Not published · $3K Funding Restrictions - Grant funds may NOT be used for:	Not published	$3K
Access for All Florida State Parks Foundation Inc · Foundation Not published · Varies Program focused on increasing accessibility and inclusion for visitors with diverse abilities and special needs at Florida State Parks.	Not published	Varies
Impact100 Newport County Grant Impact 100 Newport County · Foundation Not published · $100K The Impact100 Newport County Grant supports local nonprofits addressing key focus areas such as Arts, Culture, and Historic Preservation, Environment, Recreation, and Animal Welfare, Health and Wellness, Education, and Family support.	Not published	$100K
BHC Proposition 84 Grant Program Baldwin Hills Conservancy · Foundation Not published · Up to $3M The Baldwin Hills Conservancy is inviting applications for the year-round Proposition 84 Grant Program, aimed at projects that enhance water quality in the Ballona Creek Watershed and improve access to Baldwin Hills Parklands.	Not published	Up to $3M
Minnesota Snowmobile Trails Assistance Program (grants-in-aid)- Maintenance and Grooming Grants Minnesota Department of Natural Resources · Foundation Not published · Varies The Minnesota Snowmobile Trails Assistance Program, administered by the Department of Natural Resources, supports the maintenance and grooming of over 21,000 miles of snowmobile trails.	Not published	Varies
Recreational Trails Program (Motorized and Non-Motorized Portions) - Safety and Environmental Education Grant Arizona State Parks & Trails · Foundation Not published · Varies The Recreational Trails Program (RTP) offers funding for both motorized and non-motorized trail projects, promoting safe and environmentally responsible recreational use.	Not published	Varies
MI Natural Resources Trust Fund Grants Michigan Department of Natural Resources · Foundation Not published · Varies The MI Natural Resources Trust Fund Grants support projects aimed at protecting natural resources and enhancing outdoor recreation in Michigan.	Not published	Varies
Open Space - River Corridors Grant (WA) King County Parks · Foundation Not published · Up to $1M The Open Space - River Corridors Grant in Washington supports projects that restore river ecosystems, enhance public access, and raise awareness of river corridors.	Not published	Up to $1M
Camp Initiative Grant Program The Alaska Community Foundation · Foundation Not published · Up to $45K The Camp Initiative Grant Program, a collaboration between the Rasmuson Foundation and The Alaska Community Foundation, aims to enhance access to camps and youth programs in Alaska.	Not published	Up to $45K
GVCF: Small Sparks Grant Golden Valley Community Foundation · Foundation Not published · Up to $1K The GVCF: Small Sparks Grant supports projects that enhance the community's vitality in Golden Valley by promoting engagement, recreation, and the arts. Grants of up to $1,000 are available for both new and existing initiatives.	Not published	Up to $1K
Boating Infrastructure Grant (BIG) Program Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office · Foundation Not published · $5K – $1.4M The Boating Infrastructure Grant (BIG) Program is a federal initiative aimed at enhancing and upgrading boating facilities for recreational boats of 26 feet or larger.	Not published	$5K – $1.4M
Howard Facilities Program Endowment Grant Berrien Community Foundation Inc · Foundation Not published · Varies The Howard Facilities Program Endowment Grant, established by John E. N. and DeDe Howard, supports nonprofit organizations, schools, churches, and government entities that conduct community activities at designated Howard Facilities.	Not published	Varies
Biennial Grants (AZ) Arizona Sports and Tourism Authority · Foundation Not published · Up to $250K The Biennial Grants (AZ) program, managed by the Arizona Sports & Tourism Authority, has supported youth and amateur sports in Maricopa County since 2000, distributing around $32 million across approximately 600 grants.	Not published	Up to $250K
KCCF: Community Fund Grants Kosciusko County Community Foundation Inc · Foundation Not published · Varies The KCCF Community Fund Grants support nonprofit organizations in Kosciusko County across seven focus areas, including education, health, recreation, arts & culture, civic projects, the environment, and human services.	Not published	Varies
Recreation – Clean Vessel Act Grant Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department · State Not published · $100 – $10M Provides funding to marinas for construction, renovation, operation or maintenance costs of their pumpout stations for recreational boaters.	Not published	$100 – $10M
Jessica Stevens Community Foundation: Healthy Communities Grant The Alaska Community Foundation · Foundation Not published · $500 – $3K The Jessica Stevens Community Foundation: Healthy Communities Grant aims to enhance the quality of life for residents in the northern Susitna Valley.	Not published	$500 – $3K
Recreational Trails Program (NE) Grant Nebraska Game and Parks Commission · Foundation Not published · $50K – $250K The Recreational Trails Program in Nebraska offers funding for developing and maintaining recreational trails, supporting activities such as hiking, biking, and horseback riding.	Not published	$50K – $250K
Youth Athletic Facilities Grants Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office · Foundation Not published · $25K – $350K The Youth Athletic Facilities Grants program, managed by the Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office, supports the development and renovation of outdoor athletic facilities for youth.	Not published	$25K – $350K
Green Space Grant Program: Local Open Space Grant (RI) State of Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management - Natural Resources Bureau · State Not published · Up to $400K The Green Space Grant Program in Rhode Island provides municipalities, land trusts, and non-profit conservation organizations with matching funds of up to 50% to preserve and enhance open spaces statewide.	Not published	Up to $400K
VT Recreational Trails Grant Program Vermont Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation · Foundation Not published · Up to $50K The VT Recreational Trails Grant Program supports the development and restoration of public recreational trails across Vermont.	Not published	Up to $50K
Land and Water Conservation Fund GA DNR Grants · State Not published · Varies Federal program authorized by Congress for acquiring federal lands and assisting states and local governments with funds to acquire lands and develop/renovate outdoor recreation facilities.	Not published	Varies
Clare County Youth Action Council Grants (ClareYAC) Midland Area Community Foundation · Foundation Not published · Varies The Clare County Youth Action Council Grants, provided by the Clare County Community Foundation, aim to enhance local community well-being through philanthropic efforts.	Not published	Varies

Showing 673–694 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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