Grant Opportunities, Fundraising Resources, Funding | National Recreation and Park Association

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 Alyssa McLaughlin at AMcLaughlin@nrpa.org

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

Current NRPA Opportunities

Current Federal Funding Opportunities

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Battlefield Restoration Grants

Grant and Fundraising Resources, Environmental Resilience, Operations and Maintenance, Upcoming, Conservation and Sustainability

The National Park Service is now accepting applications for Battlefield Restoration Grants, which offer 50% matching funds to restore battlefields to conserve open spaces, protect natural resources, and enhance public access. Eligible projects include preservation, rehabilitation, and restoration activities for properties acquired with the assistance of an NPS Battlefield Land Acquisition Grant, properties that are owned/managed by state or local government entities, such as state or local battlefield parks, or properties that are owned/managed by nonprofit organizations. Two grant types are available: 1. Scoping Grants ($30,000–$100,000, 1–2 year duration) support early-stage planning such as historical research, stakeholder consultation, and development of treatment and management; 2. Implementation Grants ($50,000–$750,000, 2–5 year duration) fund physical restoration work based on completed plans, including reconstruction of documented landscape features. Applications are due January 8, 2026. Click to learn more and apply.

National Park Service 21st Century Conservation Service Corps

Partnership Opportunities, Environmental Resilience, Workforce Management, 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.

Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program

Funding, Grants, Partnership Opportunities, Environmental Resilience, Workforce Management

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.

Clean Water State Revolving Fund

Funding, Grants, Partnership Opportunities, Environmental Resilience, Workforce Management, Rolling Basis

Land and Water Conservation Fund

Funding, Grants

Safe Streets and Roads for All

Funding, Grants, Parks and Health , Protected Bike Lane , Accessibility

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.

Other Grant Opportunities

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

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The Future of Learning, The Future of Our Planet

Grant and Fundraising Resources, Environmental Resilience, Upcoming, Conservation and Sustainability, Education and Community Engagement

The National Geographic Society (NGS) is accepting proposals for The Future of Learning, The Future of Our Planet, which focuses on projects that help learners develop capacities to learn about, care for, and take action to protect our world. The grant supports pilot projects focused on new learning solutions, or scaling of learning solutions with some evidence of effectiveness, to a new geography or population of learners and research that focuses on measuring the effectiveness of educational innovations that develop learners of all ages’ skills, attitudes, and knowledge needed to design a future for our planet that benefits people and nature. Pilot project and research should focus on at least one of NGS’s focus areas: Ocean, Land, Wildlife, Human Histories and Cultures, Planetary Health, or Space. Two grant levels are available. Level I (up to $20,000) is for early-career individuals or those looking to grow their impact and network. Level II (typically $50,000–$65,000, up to $100,000) is for more established applicants or past NGS grantees. Proposals are due November 19th, 2025. Click to learn more and apply.

Oregon Historic Trails Fund Grant

Grant and Fundraising Resources, Environmental Resilience, Upcoming, Conservation and Sustainability, Education and Community Engagement

The Oregon Historic Trails Fund is now accepting applications to support projects and programs that preserve and protect the cultural and natural resources of Oregon's historic trails. Funding can also support initiatives related to marketing, education, advocacy, and research relating to historic trails. Grant awards range from $5,000 to $25,000. Eligible applicants include governmental agencies, federally recognized tribes, or 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organizations. While grants will primarily support work within the state of Oregon, out-of-state partnerships are encouraged. Applications are due October 15, 2025. Click to learn more and apply.

Access Fund’s Climbing Conservation Grant Program

Grant and Fundraising Resources, Health & Wellness, Environmental Resilience, Upcoming, Conservation and Sustainability, Education and Community Engagement, Nutrition and Physical Activity

Access Fund is accepting applications for the Climbing Conservation Grant, which supports projects that preserve or enhance climbing access and opportunities, and conserve the climbing environment throughout the United States. Proposed projects should demonstrate support from local climbers, collaboration with land managers, and a commitment to long-term impact. Eligible applicants include, but are not limited to, government agencies, local climbing organizations, conservation groups, and land trusts. Award amounts vary; most applicants receive between $1,000 and $4,000, though requests exceeding $10,000 may be considered. Applications are accepted twice a year, in the fall and spring. Fall applications are due August 1, and spring applications are due March 1. Click to learn more and apply.

Quadratec Cares Energize The Environment Grant Program

Environment, Funding, Grants, Environmental Resilience, Upcoming

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.

Musco Sports Lighting and US Soccer Foundation Soccer Fund Grant

Funding, Grants, Grant and Fundraising Resources, Health & Wellness, 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, 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, Parks for All, Rolling Basis

Nonprofit organizations that serve low-income or underresourced 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, Parks for All, Environmental Resilience, 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, Environmental Resilience, Rolling Basis

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.