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 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.
Walmart Foundation, Parks as Community Nutrition Hubs grantee Berea, KY
These grant opportunities are not sponsored by NRPA. More information can be found in the links below.
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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.
The CDBG Program funds annual grants to states, cities, and counties to provide a suitable living environment for low-and moderate-income persons. One of the benefits of CDBG is that it can be applied to a wide range of funding programs, including housing, infrastructure improvements, economic development, and public facilities (including community centers and parks). In FY 2023, CDBG was funded at $3.3 billion and supported almost 5,000 projects. CDBG applications are typically due in the spring of each year with specific deadlines varying depending on the locality but often falling around March or April; it is crucial to check with your local government agency for the exact deadline for your area.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
