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.
Walmart Foundation, Parks as Community Nutrition Hubs grantee Berea, KY
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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.
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 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 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 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.
These grant opportunities are not sponsored by NRPA. More information can be found in the links below.
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The Dick’s Sporting Goods Foundation and LISC are accepting proposals for their Game On-Community Places to Play initiative, which provides funding and technical assistance to support the creation and renovation of multi-use sports facilities for youth. Grant awards will range from $50,000-$100,000 and require a 1:1 funding match. Eligible applicants include nonprofit community-based organizations, along with parks and recreation departments and schools partnering with local nonprofits. Projects must be located in one of ten target markets: Atlanta, Boston, Charlotte, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New York City, Pittsburgh, or Raleigh/Durham. Proposals are due August 29, 2025. Click to learn more and apply.
The Appalachian Trail Conservancy is now accepting applications for the 2025 Wild East Action Fund, which supports projects that advance conservation, community resilience, and climate adaptation across the Appalachian Trail Landscape. Grant awards vary by project type, with up to $75,000 available for land protection initiatives and between $5,000-$20,000 for conservation planning and community resilience efforts. All funding opportunities require a cash or in-kind match. Eligible applicants include 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organizations, as well as tribal, state, and local government entities serving areas within the Appalachian Trail Landscape. Applications are due July 18, 2025. Click to learn more and apply.
The NFL Foundation Grassroots Program is offering grants of up to $250,000 for capital improvement projects that enhance the quality, safety, and accessibility of local football fields. Eligible applicants include nonprofit, community-based organizations, as well as schools and parks and recreation departments working in partnership with local nonprofits. A 1:1 funding match is required. Proposals will be prioritized if they aim to improve underused or poor-condition facilities, show active field use, secure more than 1:1 matching funds, involve partnerships with community nonprofits, ensure ongoing maintenance and safety, and support youth football programs aligned with USA Football’s education standards. Applications are due June 30, 2025. Click to learn more and apply.
Quadratec announced the Quadratec Cares 'Energize The Environment' Grant Program to support community-based environmental projects. Eligible projects may include trail building or restoration, litter prevention initiatives, sustainable land management activities, and community environmental education projects. Each year, two grants of $3,500- one each in the spring and fall- are awarded to help bring these projects to life. To apply, applicants must submit a 1,000-1,600-word essay by June 30, 2025, to be considered for the fall grant, or October 30, 2025, to be considered for the spring grant. Click to learn more and apply.
The National Wildlife and Fish Foundation (NFWF) is now accepting proposals for the Monarch Butterfly and Pollinators Conservation Fund. This fund supports projects that protect, conserve, and increase habitat for the monarch butterfly and other native insect pollinators. Funding will be directed toward two strategies: 1. Restore and enhance pollinator habitat, with an emphasis on regionally appropriate milkweed and a diversity of native nectar plants 2. Increase native seed and seedling supply, with an emphasis on improving the sustainability and affordability of regionally appropriate, local ecotypes. Grant awards will range from $200,000 to $300,000 for projects lasting up to two years. Eligibility is limited to select states and priority geographic regions. Nonprofit 501(c) organizations, U.S. federal government agencies, state government agencies, local governments, municipal governments, tribal governments and organizations, and educational institutions can submit proposals by July 8, 2025. Click to learn more and apply.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is accepting applications for the Farmers Market Promotion Program (FMPP), which supports projects that develop, coordinate, and expand direct producer-to-consumer markets. The FMPP offers four project types to support a range of local food systems goals: 1. Capacity Building (up to $250,000 for 36 months) 2. Community Development, Training, and Technical Assistance (up to $500,000 for 36 months), 3. Turnkey Marketing and Promotion (up to $100,000 for 24 months), 4. Turnkey Recruitment and Training (up to $100,000 for 24 months). A 25% cash or in-kind match is required for all project types. Eligible applicants include U.S. based 501(3) (c) nonprofit organizations, local governments, tribal governments, regional farmers market authorities, and more. Applications are due June 27, 2025. Click to learn more and apply.
Gainbridge Assists, in partnership with Parity and the Women’s Sports Foundation, is offering 32 grants of at least $5,000 each to support organizations dedicated to advancing girls and/or women in sports and education. In addition to the community grants, a $50,000 grant will be awarded to one standout organization. Eligible applicants must be located in the U.S. and demonstrate a commitment to supporting girls and/or women in sports and/or education, share their impact through storytelling and social media, and be prepared to implement the grant in November 2025. Applications are due July 11, 2025. Click to learn more and apply.
The Saks Fifth Avenue Foundation is offering one-year grants ranging from $10,000-$30,000 to ten local U.S.-based 501(c) (3) nonprofits that provides direct access to mental health care or operate a program with a stated focus on direct access to mental health care. Proposed initiatives should align with at least one of the Foundation’s key pillars: increasing awareness and education, improving access to care, and building protective factors. Priority will be given to organizations serving communities with unique mental health needs, including youth, women, communities of color and the LGTBQ+ communities, and those addressing gaps in mental health services. Proposals are due July 1, 2025. Click to learn more and apply.
The Levitt Foundation announced a three-year matching grant opportunity to support the revitalization of underused public spaces through the power of free, live music. Grants of up to $40,000 per year (up to $120,000 total) will be awarded to U.S.-based 501(c) (3) nonprofits to present 7-10 free concerts annually. This funding aims to expand access to the arts and transform public spaces into inclusive, welcoming destinations that foster belonging and social connection across all ages and backgrounds. Applications are due June 30, 2025. Click to learn more and apply.
On Common Ground is a national research and capacity building program at Trust for Public Land (TPL) that supports parks and public space projects to foster social connection and bridge community divides. On Common Ground projects activate public spaces to build social connections and bridge divides in communities. TPL will award 6-10 grants of up to $30,000 each, along with technical assistance and other support. Applications are rolling and will be accepted as long as funds are available. Click to learn more and apply.
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.
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.
