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. Please be aware that any opportunities listed under “Current NRPA Grant Opportunities” are sponsored through NRPA, all resources other opportunities are through outside agencies. Be sure to review theprovided 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. Be sure to check back often.
If you are interested in learning more about NRPA's fundraising resources, please contact Miriam Lamoreaux at mlamoreaux@nrpa.org.
If you are interested in learning more about federal funding opportunities and resources, please contact Elyse Gentile at egentile@nrpa.org
Current NRPA Opportunities
Supporting Healthy Aging through Parks and Recreation 3.0
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! Applications close October 31, 2023. Learn more and apply.
Other Grant Opportunities
These grant opportunities are not sponsored by NRPA. More information can be found in the links below.
USDA Community Wildfire Defense Grant Program
The Community Wildfire Defense Program (CWDG) is intended to help at-risk local communities and Tribes plan for and reduce the risk of wildfire. The program provides funding to develop and revise Community Wildfire Protection Plans (CWPP) and to implement projects described in a CWPP that is less than ten years old. Applications are due by 11:59 p.m. ET on October 31, 2023. Learn more and apply.
USTA Adaptive Tennis Program Grants
The 2023 Adaptive Tennis Program Grant is offered to assist in the promotion, implementation, and growth of Adaptive Tennis programs at the community level. Grants of up to $4,000 may be requested by programs registered with USTA Adaptive Tennis who have been providing on-court or virtual programming since on or before January 1, 2023. Applications are due by 11:59 p.m. ET on November 5, 2023. Learn more and apply.
Commission for Environmental Cooperation (CEC) EJ4Climate Grant Program
The CEC recently launched the third edition of the EJ4Climate Grant Program. The Program provides funding of up to C$200,000 directly to community-based organizations and seeks to support environmental justice by facilitating the involvement and empowerment of communities searching for solutions and the development of partnerships to address their environmental and human health vulnerabilities, including those due to climate change impacts. Applications are due by November 9, 2023. Learn more and apply.
Project for Public Spaces Community Placemaking Grants
With support from General Motors, the Project for Public Spaces will award five non-profits or local government agencies with up to $100,000 each in direct funding for physical improvements and programming as well as technical assistance and capacity building opportunities from Project for Public Spaces. Applications are due by 11:59 p.m. ET on November 13, 2023. Learn more and apply.
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Innovative Water Infrastructure Workforce Development Grant Program
Over $20 million in grant funding is available for eligible organizations interested in building a stronger pool of skilled and diverse workers in the water and wastewater utilities sector - including stormwater and green infrastructure. Eligible projects include targeted interships and apprenticeships, education programs, industry and workforce development collaborations, leadership development programs, and training opportunities. Applications are due November 17, 2023. Learn more and apply.
Life Floor Make a SPLASH! Grant Program
Life Floor and Inside Edge Safety Services are offering two grants to fund splash pads at cities or non-profit organizations. Winners will receive an all-expenses-paid Life Floor safety surface and installation (valued at approximately $50-65k for a 2,000 square foot area). The first award will be given to an organization with demonstrated financial need, and the second award will be given to a project with demonstrated commitment to inclusivity or accessibility. Applications are due November 17, 2023 at 11:59 p.m. CT. Learn more and apply.
HHS Environmental Justice Community Innovator Challenge
The Community Innovator Challenge supports community-driven strategies to address environmental and climate change health issues through the development of innovative and effective community strategies that address health disparities in communities and Tribes disproportionately burdened by environmental and climate change-related hazards. Applications are due January 1, 2024 at 11:59 p.m. ET. Learn more and apply.
Community Facilities Direct Loan and Grant Program — Rural Communities
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. Learn more and apply.
The Fruit Tree Planting Foundation Grant Program
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. Learn more and apply.
Karma for Cara (K4C) Foundation Microgrants
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. Learn more and apply.
Lisa Libraries Grant Program
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. Learn more and apply.
MLB-MLBPA Youth Development Foundation
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. Learn more and apply.
Musco Sports Lighting and US Soccer Foundation Soccer Fund Grant
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. Learn more and apply.
Quadratec Cares Energize the Environment Grant Program
Quadratec is offering two $3,500 grants annually to applicants pursuing a program or initiative designed to benefit our environment. Examples include trail building or restoration projects, park beautification events, litter prevention initiatives, sustainable land management activities, community environmental educational projects and youth educational engagement events. There are two rounds of grants made per year. Applications for the fall grant cycle close June 30 at 11:50 p.m. EST, and applications for the spring grant cycle close October 30 at 11:59 p.m. EST. Learn more and apply.
Saucony Run for Good Foundation
The Saucony Run for Good Foundation is committed to reversing the increasing rate of obesity among U.S. youth by offering children the opportunity to enjoy the benefits of running and a healthier lifestyle. Saucony provides funding to community organizations that promote running and fitness programs for children. Grants of up to $10,000 will be awarded. There are two rounds of grants made per year. Applications are due June 15 and December 15. Learn more and apply.
The Skatepark Project Grants
The Skatepark Project is dedicated to promoting the construction of new, quality skateparks located in underserved communities throughout the United States. The Skatepark Project primarily supports projects that can demonstrate a strong grassroots commitment, particularly in the form of planning and/or fundraising by local skateboarders and other community groups. Priority is given to projects that are designed to increase equity in underserved areas, are built from concrete by experienced skatepark contractors and include local skaters in the planning, fundraising and design process. Grants of $1,000 to $300,000 are provided to nonprofit organizations and state or local agencies, including public school systems and public projects. The Skatepark Project accepts Letters of Inquiry year-round and has quarterly award cycles. Learn more and apply.
United States Tennis Association (USTA) Facility Services Program
The USTA offers business development, advocacy, technical and financial support to improve or construct tennis facilities across the country. In addition, each applicant will be appointed a project consultant from the USTA national staff who will deliver personalized support and service. Service applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Learn more and apply.
USTA Tennis Venue Services
USTA funding is available to upgrade existing facilities or add new facilities. Funding Category 1 supports basic facility improvements for up to $5,000. Category 2 supports resurfacing and converting existing tennis courts for up to $35,000, and Category 3 supports new construction and reconstruction of tennis courts, lighting, and the addition of structures over existing tennis courts for up to $55,000. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Learn more and apply.
Waste Management Charitable Giving
Waste Management offers charitable gifts to promote civic pride, economic development and revitalization. Waste Management primarily supports environmental initiatives, including promoting parklands and green spaces for people to enjoy and play, and environmental education initiatives targeted at middle and high school students. Eligible entities include 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations and public organizations. Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis. Learn more and apply.
Yamaha Outdoor Access Initiative
The Yamaha Outdoor Access Initiative accepts applications quarterly from nonprofit or tax exempt groups (clubs and associations), public riding areas (local, state and federal), outdoor enthusiast associations and land conservation organizations, and communities with an interest in protecting, improving, expanding and/or maintaining access for safe, responsible and sustainable use by motorized off-road vehicles. The Initiative has contributed more than $3.5 million in funding and equipment across more than 300 projects during the past 10 years to assist outdoor recreationists working to protect and improve access to public land and educate the public on its safe, sustainable recreational use. Applications are accepted quarterly. Learn more and apply.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Chronicle of Philanthropy: The Chronicle is a newspaper for nonprofit news publishing, fundraising trends, resources, and recent grants.
- Fund Matching 101
- NRPA Crowdfunding Toolkit
- Nonprofit Times: Nonprofit management newspaper.
- Hoovers: Profiles millions of U.S. companies. It is a great source for employee contact information.
- Fortune Magazine: A resource for identifying companies by state and industry.
- Leadership Directories
- National League of Cities Federal Funding Sources for Municipal Sustainability and Climate Action
- FEMA Recovery and Resilience Resource Library
- Google, Yahoo Finance and other general search engines.
- 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
