Grant and Fundraising Resources

The National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) periodically posts information about grant and fundraising opportunities that are available for park and recreation agencies, affiliated friends group, and 501(c)(3) nonprofits. Any opportunities listed under “Current NRPA Grant Opportunities” are sponsored through NRPA. All other resources and opportunities are through outside agencies. Be sure to review the provided Fundraising and Marketing Resources section at the bottom of this page to support your funding journey!

Find the funding opportunities you are looking for by using the “filter by” function on the right side of the page. Click the arrows next to “Categories”, “Projects”, and "Deadlines" to see the keywords you can use to filter by. Please note the project categories will change as new funding is made available, so be sure to check back often. Click on the title of a funding opportunity to learn more and access the application links. 

If you are interested in learning more about NRPA's fundraising resources, please contact Miriam Lamoreaux at mlamoreaux@nrpa.org.

NRPA’s Equitable Grantmaking Policy

NRPA’s Equitable Grantmaking Policy guides the organization’s grantmaking and aims to ensure that our grant opportunities (e.g., funding, training and in-kind donations) positively benefit communities — particularly communities that have historically experienced disinvestment by government and philanthropy.

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Walmart Foundation, Parks as Community Nutrition Hubs grantee Berea, KY

 

Current NRPA Opportunities

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Gender Equity in Youth Sports Community of Practice

Funding, Grants, Health & Wellness, Equity & Inclusion, NRPA Opportunities, Programming, Upcoming

Powered by Nike, the goal of the community of practice (CoP) is to test and pilot activities that increase access to sports for girls. Participating agencies receive $20,000 to implement a gender equity project plus commit to participating in an NRPA-led CoP, which provides education and networking opportunities related to advancing gender equity in sport. In addition to increasing girls’ participation in programs, the CoP also will collectively advance strategies to increase the representation of women coaches. Applications are due November 8, 2024 at 11:59 p.m. PDT. Click to learn more and apply.

Million Coaches Challenge Grant

Funding, Grants, Health & Wellness, Equity & Inclusion, NRPA Opportunities, Programming, Upcoming

Developed by Susan Crown Exchange, the Million Coaches Challenge (MCC) provides no-cost training to youth-serving professionals in parks and recreation so staff and volunteers have the skills to support positive youth development. Coaches trained in youth development are proven to improve the sports experience, resulting in increased participation. Training partners include the Center for Healing and Justice Through Sport, Nike in partnership with the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee, Positive Coaching Alliance and United States Soccer Foundation. ESPN has also signed on to increase the impact of NRPA’s MCC grant program. Applications are due November 8, 2024 at 11:59 p.m. PDT. Click to learn more and apply.

Youth Sports Equity Grant Program

Funding, Grants, Health & Wellness, Equity & Inclusion, NRPA Opportunities, Programming, Upcoming

Powered by Musco Lighting, the Youth Sports Equity Grant Program provides funding to local park and recreation agencies to increase opportunities for physical activity that are inclusive and welcoming to all, specifically for youth underrepresented in sport. Agencies receive $20,000 to put toward a youth sports equity project (innovative ideas welcome!) plus an in-kind donation of Musco Lighting infrastructure such as lighting or a mini pitch. Applications are due November 8, 2024 at 11:59 p.m. PDT. Click to read more about the 2023 and 2024 projects and apply.

Supporting Healthy Aging through Parks and Recreation 4.0

Funding, Grants, Health & Wellness, NRPA Opportunities, Programming, Upcoming

With the support of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), NRPA is offering instructor training grants for five arthritis-appropriate, evidence-based interventions (AAEBIs). Essentially, these are physical activity classes that are proven to help people with arthritis symptoms but can actually benefit anyone! Click to check out the What is a Training Grant and How Do I Apply blog post. Applications close October 25, 2024. Click to learn more.

NRPA Sustainability in Practice

Funding, Grants, NRPA Opportunities, Conservation, Infrastructure, Rolling Basis, Green Infrastructure, Sustainable Practices, Environmental Resiliency

Rural and suburban (under top 100 population cities) park and recreation professionals are invited to apply for this dynamic 16-week, cohort-style program alongside a community-based organization (CBO) partner for technical support and peer learning towards community-driven sustainability planning and practices. CBO partners will receive a $10,000 stipend for their participation in the program and agency participants can receive up to 0.3CEU upon completion of the program. The application period for Cohort 2 of NRPA’s Sustainability in Practice program begins September 23 and will close on November 15, 2024. Click to learn more.

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Other Grant Opportunities

These grant opportunities are not sponsored by NRPA. More information can be found in the links below. 

 

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EPA Brownfields Program

Funding, Grants, Partnership Opportunities, Conservation, Upcoming, Green Infrastructure, Environmental Resiliency

The EPA’s Brownfields Program provides funds to empower states, Tribal Nations, communities, and nonprofit organizations to prevent, inventory, assess, clean up, and reuse brownfield sites. This funding opportunity will award assessment grants to develop inventories of brownfield sites, prioritize sites, conduct community involvement activities, conduct planning, conduct site assessments, develop site-specific cleanup plans, and develop reuse plans related to brownfield sites. Applications are due by November 14, 2024.

National Park Service 21st Century Conservation Service Corps

Funding, Grants, Partnership Opportunities, Conservation, Workforce Management, Programming, Rolling Basis

The 21st Century Conservation Service Corps and Civilian Climate Corps Youth and Veteran Development Program is a collaborative efforts between federal government agencies and non-profit service organizations to put America's youth and veterans to work protecting, restoring and enhancing America's great outdoors in and around national park units as well as in local communities and with partner organizations. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until September 30, 2028.

EPA Recreation Economy for Rural Communities

Funding, Grants, Equity & Inclusion, Conservation, Programming, Upcoming, Green Infrastructure, Sustainable Practices, Environmental Resiliency

The EPA's Recreation Economy for Rural Communities (RERC) provides a planning team to help communities bring together local residents and other stakeholders to decide on strategies and an action plan to grow the local outdoor recreation economy. The planning assistance process will take place over 8 to 12 months, with a focal point being a facilitated community workshop. Applications are due by 11:59 p.m. ET on October 16, 2024.

Quadratec Cares Energize the Environment

Funding, Grants, Conservation, Programming, Upcoming, Sustainable Practices, Environmental Resiliency

Quadratec Cares will offering two $3,500 environmental grants per year – one each in the spring and fall – to an individual or group currently pursuing a program or initiative designed to benefit our environment. Examples may include trail building or restoration projects, park beautification events, litter prevention initiatives, community environmental education and more. Applications for the spring cycle are due by 11:59 p.m. ET on October 30, 2024.

DOC and NOAA Heat Tabletop Exercise Design Challenge

Funding, Grants, Conservation, Upcoming, Sustainable Practices, Environmental Resiliency

The National Integrated Heat Health Information System (NIHHIS) and NOAA’s Regional Collaboration Network are hosting this challenge to invite local governments, in partnership with community members and leaders, to create Heat Tabletop Exercise Situation Manuals featuring realistic extreme heat scenarios. These manuals should support tabletop exercises that foster equitable resilience to extreme heat, connecting short-term preparedness and response with long-term planning and risk mitigation. Up to 10 awards will be made. Winners will evenly divide a total cash prize pool of $200,000. Applications are due November 15, 2024.

Foot Locker Foundation and LISC Community Empowerment Program

Funding, Grants, Health & Wellness, Partnership Opportunities, Programming, Upcoming

Foot Locker Foundation, Inc., and the Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LIST) Community Empowerment Program funds non-profit community organizations offering a range of services for young people, including health and wellness, education and life skills, mentoring, and career development. Local park and recreation agencies must apply in partnership with a local 501c3 non-profit organization. Awards will range from $25,000-100,000 to organizations in 13 cities. Applications are due by September 30, 2024.

T-Mobile Hometown Grant Program

Funding, Grants, Development

T-Mobile Hometown Grants is a $25 million, five-year initiative to support the people and organizations who help small towns across America thrive and grow. Hometown Grants are given every quarter to up to 25 small towns. Funding can go towards a community project of your choice, such as revitalizing or repurposing a historic structure, creating a downtown asset or destination, or improving a space where friends and neighbors gather. Projects that add to a sense of place or could lead to further investment are of particular interest. Applications are due by September 30, 2024.

Musco Sports Lighting and US Soccer Foundation Soccer Fund Grant

Funding, Grants, Grant and Fundraising Resources, Health & Wellness, Programming, Rolling Basis

Musco Sports Lighting and the US Soccer Foundation established the Soccer Fund to offer financial support for sports lighting projects on a rolling basis. Projects can include the Mini-Pitch System or soccer lighting projects of all sizes. Mini-Pitches are ideal for urban areas and other communities where finding a safe place to play can be difficult. Applications will be accepted quarterly, on March 31, June 30, September 30, and December 30.

MLB-MLBPA Youth Development Foundation

Funding, Grants, Grant and Fundraising Resources, Health & Wellness, Programming, Rolling Basis

This program was created to increase participation in and expand access to youth baseball and softball. The program prioritizes bold, innovative, and creative ideas that increase opportunities for youth, particularly those who are minorities, girls, and/or located in underresourced communities. Funds may be used to support capital projects (e.g., field renovations), baseball/softball programs, and education initiatives. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

Lisa Libraries Grant Program

Funding, Grants, Grant and Fundraising Resources, Equity & Inclusion, Programming, Rolling Basis

Nonprofit organizations that serve low-income or underserved areas are eligible to apply for in-kind donations from The Lisa Libraries. The Lisa Libraries provides donations of free books for community facilities to host their own small libraries or to operate programs where children can take the book home. While book donations are free, The Lisa Libraries requests that recipients cover the shipping and handling costs, which are based on the destination and quantity of books. Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis.

Karma for Cara (K4C) Foundation Microgrants

Funding, Grants, Grant and Fundraising Resources, Health & Wellness, Equity & Inclusion, Conservation, Programming, Rolling Basis

The K4C Migrogrant Program provides microgrants between $250 and $1,000 to young citizen leaders age 18 or under to help them execute and magnify their initiatives to help repair our world. Funds may be used to complete a wide variety of innovative service projects in communities across the US. Applications are reviewed quarterly on January 1st, April 1st, July 1st, and October 1st.

The Fruit Tree Planting Foundation Grant Program

Funding, Grants, Grant and Fundraising Resources, Conservation, Rolling Basis, Sustainable Practices, Environmental Resiliency

Municipal entities, local nonprofits and public schools are eligible to apply to support the planting of fruitful trees and plants to alleviate hunger, combat global warming, strengthen communities and improve the surrounding environment. Trees can be planted at community gardens, city and state parks, low-income neighborhoods, Native American reservations, schools, and other locations where they will serve the greater community. The Foundation provides high-quality trees and shrubs, equipment, on-site orchard design expertise and oversight, horticultural workshops, and aftercare training and manuals. Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis.

Community Facilities Direct Loan and Grant Program — Rural Communities

Funding, Grants, Grant and Fundraising Resources

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) provides grants, low-interest direct loans, and/or combinations of the two to develop essential community facilities in rural areas, including public facilities, community support services, and local food systems such as community gardens and food hubs. Public entities, nonprofit organizations and tribal entities in rural communities are eligible to apply. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

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Fundraising and Marketing Resources

When looking for funding and grants, there are many resources available on the internet. Below are just a few suggestions on where to start your research.

  1. Candid (Formerly Foundation Center and Guidestar): Provides training and research information on corporate and foundation grant programs as well as access to IRS 990 forms for foundations and other nonprofit organizations. The grants database is a collection of thousands of grants.
  2. Yearly offers a free tool to create engaging, digital annual reports, donor reports and event recaps to impress your stakeholders. Yearly is a fun and easy way to design unlimited reports and integrate your stories, videos, social media posts, polls and more. Yearly is currently offering their basic level of service to agencies for free.
  3. Chronicle of Philanthropy: The Chronicle is a newspaper for nonprofit news publishing, fundraising trends, resources, and recent grants.
  4. Fund Matching 101
  5. NRPA Crowdfunding Toolkit
  6. Nonprofit Times: Nonprofit management newspaper.
  7. Hoovers: Profiles millions of U.S. companies. It is a great source for employee contact information.
  8. Fortune Magazine: A resource for identifying companies by state and industry.
  9. Leadership Directories
  10. National League of Cities Federal Funding Sources for Municipal Sustainability and Climate Action
  11. FEMA Recovery and Resilience Resource Library
  12. Google, Yahoo Finance and other general search engines.
  13. Newspapers and magazines like the Wall Street Journal, Newsweek, New York Times.

For information on fundraising and grant writing best practices, take a look at NRPA's Park and Recreation Professionals' Guide to Fundraising. In addition, NRPA members have access to weekly Federal Funding updates on NRPA Connect.