The National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) periodically posts information about grant and fundraising opportunities that are available for park and recreation agencies and affiliated friends groups and 501(c)(3) nonprofits.
Current NRPA Opportunities
Bobcat Park Sustainability Projects
NRPA is partnering with Bobcat Company, a global compact equipment, innovation, and worksite solutions brand, to advance our shared goals of building vibrant and resilient communities through the power of parks and recreation. The Bobcat Park Improvement Grant Program seeks to invest in 5 local park and recreation agencies to enhance community and environmental reislience, witha focus on park improvement and restoration efforts. As part of the grant program, selected agencies will receive $50,000 in funding to implement shovel-ready restoration, beautification, and/or enhancement projects that have demonstrated community support. Applications are due May 5, 2023. Learn more and apply.*Only Park and Recreation agencies within a 75-mile radius of the following cities are eligible for this grant program: Atlanta, Georgia; Austin, Texas; Buffalo, New York; Charlotte, North Carolina; and Seattle, Washington.
Other Grant Opportunities
These grant opportunities are not sponsored by NRPA. More information can be found in the links below.
Rachel's Network Catalyst Award
Rachel's Network is a community of women at the intersection of environmental advocacy, philanthropy, and leadership dedicated to promoting women as impassioned leaders and agents of change dedicated to the stewardship of the earth. The Rachel's Network Catalyst Award recognizes women of color making an environmental impact in communities across the country with personal ($10,000) and organizational ($5,000 - local agencies must apply via a non-profit partner) grants, wraparound leadership services, and public recognition. Applications are due May 9, 2023. Learn more and apply.
National Endowment for the Humanities Cultural and Community Resilience
The National Endowment for the Humanities Division of Preservation and Access is accepting applications to support community-based efforts to mitigate climate change and coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic impacts, safeguard cultural resources, and foster cultural resilience through identifying, documenting, and/or collecting cultural heritage and community experience. Applicants may apply for up to $150,000. Applications are due by May 16, 2023 at 11:59 p.m. EST. Learn more and apply.
Urban and Community Forestry Inflation Reduction Act Grants
The Forest Service is soliciting proposals that work to provide equitable access to trees and green spaces and the benefits they provide. Funds will support tree planting and related activities, with a priority for projects that benefit under-resourced populations and areas through the Urban and Community Forestry Assistance program. Funding will range from $100,000 to $50 million over 5 years. All federal grant funds must be matched equally with non-federal funds. Match-waivers are available. Learn more and apply.
USDA Composting and Food Waste Reduction (CFWR) Pilot Project
USDA, Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), under the Office of Urban Agriculture and Innovation Production (OUAIP) is soliciting proposals to host a CFWR pilot project. The purpose of the program is to enter into cooperative agreements with eligible entitites to develop and test strategies for planning and implementing municipal compost plans and food waste reduction plans. Awards are expected to range from $55,000-400,000 over 2 years. Applications are due by June 15, 2023 at 11:59pm 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
- 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.
If you are interested in learning more about NRPA's fundraising resources, please contact Miriam Lamoreaux at mlamoreaux@nrpa.org.
