Recreation Grants for Nonprofits

Last updated October 9, 2026

Grantable tracks 700 active recreation grants for nonprofits in its free grants database, drawn from 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: Foundation · Updated daily

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Grant	Deadline ▲	Amount
Priority Health Fitness Courts® Grant Program Michigan Association of Health Plans · Foundation Not published · Varies	Not published	Varies
CMCF: Community Outreach Endowments Grant Central Montcalm Community Foundation · Foundation Not published · Varies The Central Montcalm Community Foundation aims to improve the quality of life in the Central Montcalm area by providing grants funded through annual earnings from endowments.	Not published	Varies
The Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Legacy Funds: Design and Access Grant Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo Inc · Foundation Not published · $10K – $50K The Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Legacy Funds: Design and Access Grant aims to enhance community access to spaces and programs supporting healthy living in Western New York.	Not published	$10K – $50K
Aquatics/Swim Lesson Scholarships Oakland Parks and Recreation Foundation · Foundation Not published · Varies Scholarship support for aquatics programs that provide trusted, local access to pools and trained instructors.	Not published	Varies
Polaris Trails Grants Program The Polaris Foundation · Foundation Not published · Up to $10K The Polaris Trails Grants Program, launched in January 2006, supports off-road and snow clubs across the U.S. and Canada. This pioneering initiative funds projects that promote safe riding, trail preservation, and environmental protection.	Not published	Up to $10K
The Duff McDuff Green, Jr. Fund- Requests over $7,500 Grant Community Foundation of the Rappahannock River Region Inc · Foundation Not published · From $8K The Duff McDuff Green, Jr. Fund supports nonprofit organizations in Planning District 16, focusing on recreation, youth development, and cultural preservation.	Not published	From $8K
Ethan Wolfe Recreational Assistance Program (EWRAP) Charge Syndrome Foundation · Foundation Not published · Varies Provide financial assistance to enable individuals with CHARGE syndrome to participate in recreational activities.	Not published	Varies
CFEC: Community Investment Grants (over $25,000) Community Foundation of Elkhart County Inc · Foundation Not published · $25K The Community Foundation of Elkhart County offers Community Investment Grants exceeding $25,000 to support impactful projects that enhance the quality of life in Elkhart County.	Not published	$25K
Elmo M. Royce Youth Fund Grant Community Foundation of Elmira-Corning and the Finger Lakes Inc · Foundation Not published · $100 – $2K The Elmo M. Royce Youth Fund Grant supports non-profit organizations in Schuyler County, NY, that provide youth activities and recreational programs. It also offers camp scholarships, known as Camperships, to financially needy youth.	Not published	$100 – $2K
Thriving Communities Initiative Grants Black Hills Area Community Foundation · Foundation Not published · $100K BHACF's Thriving Communities Initiative allows community members to vote annually on a cause to receive at least $100,000 in grants. The initiative responds directly to community input and priorities.	Not published	$100K
Division of Boating and Waterways Boating Infrastructure Grant California Department of Parks and Recreation · Foundation Not published · $300K – $1.5M The Division of Boating and Waterways is inviting Letters of Intent for the 2026-27 Boating Infrastructure Grant until June 13, 2025. This grant, funded federally, targets improvements for transient recreational vessels over 26 feet.	Not published	$300K – $1.5M
OR Access & Habitat Grants Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife (ODFW) · Foundation Not published · Varies The Oregon Access & Habitat (A&H) Program, established in 1993, aims to enhance wildlife habitat and improve public access to private lands for hunting.	Not published	Varies
NH Recreational Trails Program (RTP) Grant New Hampshire Division of Parks and Recreation · Foundation Not published · Varies The NH Recreational Trails Program (RTP) offers competitive funding for public trail projects across New Hampshire, supporting motorized and non-motorized trails.	Not published	Varies
JB's Keys Adaptive Sailing Program JB'S Keys to DMD Inc · Foundation Not published · Varies Adaptive sailing program for individuals living with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.	Not published	Varies
Strengthening Communities- Caring and Connected NWA Grant Walmart · Foundation Not published · Varies The Strengthening Communities- Caring and Connected NWA Grant aims to enhance the quality of life in Benton and Washington counties, Arkansas.	Not published	Varies
PLAY Scholarship Fund Columbus Recreation and Parks Foundation · Foundation Not published · Varies Since 1993, the PLAY Scholarship Fund has removed financial barriers that would otherwise keep Columbus youth from participating in recreation and parks programs.	Not published	Varies
Make a SPLASH! Grant Contest - Inclusive Design Award MNY Group, LLC. · Foundation Not published · $50K – $65K The Make a SPLASH! Grant Contest invites municipal entities and non-profits in the U.S. to apply for the Inclusive Design Award.	Not published	$50K – $65K
Del Mar Foundation Community Grants Del Mar Foundation · Foundation Rolling · Varies The Del Mar Foundation supports organizations, projects and activities that promote civic pride and community cohesiveness in Del Mar, California - acquiring and preserving open space, improving beaches and parklands, and sponsoring…	Rolling	Varies
RECREATIONAL TRAILS PROGRAM Grant Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks (FWP) · Foundation Not published · $5K – $100K The Recreational Trails Program (RTP) administered by the Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks (FWP) aims to enhance outdoor recreation by providing funds for the development and maintenance of recreational trails.	Not published	$5K – $100K
Georgia Land and Water Conservation Fund Grant Georgia Department of Natural Resources · Foundation Not published · $25K – $500K The Georgia Land and Water Conservation Fund Grant supports local governments in acquiring lands and developing outdoor recreation facilities.	Not published	$25K – $500K
Houston Astros Group Charity Ticket Program Grant Astros Foundation · Foundation Not published · Varies The Houston Astros Group Charity Ticket Program aims to support local 501(c)(3) nonprofits by providing complimentary home game tickets.	Not published	Varies
New Orleans Recreation & Culture Fund Grant The Greater New Orleans Foundation · Foundation Not published · Up to $100K The New Orleans Recreation & Culture Fund, managed by the Greater New Orleans Foundation, aims to support nonprofit organizations that enhance the well-being and growth of the community.	Not published	Up to $100K
No Senior Alone Initiative San Diego Seniors Community Foundation · Foundation Not published · Up to $1,000,000 The No Senior Alone Initiative is a major fundraising and grantmaking program designed to address social isolation among seniors in San Diego County, particularly those impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.	Not published	Up to $1,000,000
Shooting Range Grant Program South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks (GFP) · Foundation Not published · Varies The Shooting Range Grant Program, managed by South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks, aims to enhance public shooting opportunities by funding non-profit organizations to develop and improve firearms and archery ranges.	Not published	Varies

Showing 97–120 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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