Grant Resource Guide: Recreation, Sport, and Tourism
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About the Guide
Our Grant Seeking Resources Guide provides communities with a useful resource for scoping grants and funders who have grant programs that align with the funding needs and goals of parks, recreation, and tourism organizations.
This resource guide is a working document that will be revised and updated periodically as new funding sources become available and other grant programs change or end. For the most part, this resource guide is organized by types of funders: State, federal, and foundation/association/corporate. The last section features economic development grants, which may align well with efforts to use recreation and tourism as a strategy for economic development.
Each entry provides a brief overview of grants and grant-in-aid programs relevant to parks, recreation, and tourism service agencies. Below is a brief description of the types of funders/grants included in this resource guide.
State Grants
Grants through the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity serve to distribute federal funding allocated to the State of Illinois to enhance parks, recreation, and tourism services and to help acquire and develop open space throughout the State.
Federal Grants
These grants are scarce, as most of the grants distributed by the National Park Service and other recreation-focused agencies within the Department of the Interior are for very specific natural resource based conservation grants. Funding that can be used at the local level, such as Land and Water Conservation Fund money, is distributed to the aforementioned State grants.
Foundation, Association, and Corporate Grants
Grant opportunities here are vast, and the list provided is just a starting point. Each grant will have its own stipulations, such as serving only 501(c)(3) non-profits or being by invitation only. Eligibility criteria such as these are briefly mentioned but should be reviewed further on their website.
Economic Development Grants
Enhancements to tourism and recreation infrastructure in rural communities are great economic catalysts that lead to prosperous communities, but this is only one piece of the puzzle. Investment and development of the workforce within a rural community is another key factor in the development of the local economy in rural areas.
The development of recreation and tourism in rural communities provides innumerable benefits to the local economy and residents' quality of life and can preserve and showcase a community’s unique local heritage and traditions. With a much smaller local tax base to draw from, relying upon alternate funding sources such as grant-seeking and inter-agency collaboration among the public, non-profit, and private sectors is becoming increasingly necessary to help build and restore rural communities throughout Illinois.
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Get Started with Grant Writing
Finding a grant is step one. Writing the grant is the next step to securing funding for your initiative. There are several steps to effective grant writing, and entire workshop series and courses are dedicated to grant writing. This grant guide provides initial considerations and guidance and shares additional resources to learn more about the ins and outs of grant writing.
- Review for Eligibility: Be sure your organization(s) are eligible for the grant. Read the request for applications (or proposals) carefully. You can search the PDF using the word “eligibility” and find what you need to know.
- Fit with your Ideas: Look at the aims of the grant program and make sure your project fits their aims and goals.
- Develop your Team: Organize an experienced team whose strengths complement each other that qualified to carry out the work proposed.
- Evaluation: Review the information that describes how applicants are evaluated. Usually, a set number of points are allocated to sections such as definition of the problem/issue or identification of need, goals and objectives, methods and/or plan of work carried out to accomplish goals, explanation of the team (e.g., experience, expertise, responsibilities for this proposed project), proposed budget, evaluation plan, and project schedule.
- Develop a 1-page Abstract: Start with a 1-page abstract that describes the issue/problem addressed in the proposal, the project aims and scope, and a brief overview of the initiative needed to alleviate the issue/problem. Get feedback from multiple stakeholders and collaborators.
- Letters of Support: Use the revised 1-page project abstract to secure letters of support and develop a template letter of support that collaborators can tailor.
- The Proposal Narrative: Develop the body (i.e., narrative) of the proposal. Make sure to follow the directions. Proposals that stray from directions are often cut from consideration. Avoid using jargon or scientific terminology that reviewers may not know.
- Budget: Check to be sure proposed costs are permitted in the budget. Some funding agencies may cap personnel or travel expenses. Be sure you keep your budget at or below the maximum allowed.
- Program Evaluation: Most funding agencies ask that you explain how you will evaluate your project/initiative. Describe the purpose of your evaluation (formative, summative, process, outcome), methods and expected outcomes of your evaluation.
- Review and Revise: Make sure to include time to have stakeholders or experts review your proposal and make revisions based upon feedback.
Grant Writing Resources
- Developing and Writing Grant Proposals, The Catalog for Domestic and Federal Assistance
- How to Create a Program Budget, Upstream Consulting
- Instrumental: Grant Writing Resources
- The Grantsmanship Center: Training and On-demand Webinars
- Nonprofit Grant Writing: Securing Grants for Your Cause, Grants Plus
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Grants and Funders Information
Grants.gov
Grants.gov centralizes over 1,000 federal grant programs across federal grant-making agencies, awarding more than $500 billion annually. Find standardized grant information, application packages, and processes for finding and applying for federal grants in one location. Register to apply for multiple federal agency grant programs with one secure login.
- All grant applications through Grants.Gov are online.
- Eliminates expense, time, postage, and reproduction costs associated with traditional paper-based grant applications.
- Expansive list of filters and advanced search options make searching for and researching grants much easier.
Candid
Candid is a nonprofit organization that provides data on nonprofits, foundations, and grants connecting people to association grants and funding. The Foundation Directory Online Tool provides an extensive and up-to-date database of philanthropic giving. The FDO Professional Subscription offers access to over 23.5 million grants.
- Payment for the FDO professional ranges from $118.67/mo. to $199.99/mo.
- It also offers a comprehensive database of 990 forms for private foundations, public charities, and other nonprofits. This allows you to pinpoint funders that support your cause and access key funding insights. Access the 990 Finder.
National League of Cities
This organization comprised of city, town, and village leaders focuses on strengthening local leadership, influencing federal policy, and driving innovative solutions. Access useful articles relevant to local leaders on grant-seeking processes for municipal government.
United States Conference of Mayors
This non-partisan organization provides awards and grants to member cities for a number of opportunities ranging from childhood obesity prevention to environmental sustainability to the development of the arts.
Additional Resources
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Potential Funding Avenues
Community Project Funding, formerly known as Earmarks, are congressional provisions directing funds towards specific community projects. In this process, each elected member of Congress gets to pick and rank up to 10 Community Project Funding requests.
Community engagement and support are crucial in determining what projects are worth federal funding. Projects that span multiple communities and/or those deemed regionally significant are generally more favorable, as they reach more constituents.
To propose a project for Community Project Funding, reach out to set up a meeting with a staff member for your elected congressmen to present your project proposal.
Through the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), Federal grants are provided to states, who then grant money to municipalities to provide Employment and Training services to adults, youth, dislocated workers, and vocational rehabilitation participants.
- Parks, Recreation and Tourism service providers are major employers for each of these types of employees, making seeking these Workforce Development Grants and Resources a viable option.
- Current legislation is in progress for a Jr. Workforce Development program, which, if passed, could see even more funding available through WIOA grants.
In 2021, the Federal Government awarded $99 million in State Apprenticeship Expansion, Equity and Innovation grants, with grants ranging from $2 million - $10 million. $85 million of this was awarded to states that demonstrated a commitment to increase their diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts.
The current focus is on partnerships with new industries, non-traditional occupations, and industry sectors such as tourism and hospitality, hit hardest by the pandemic.
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State Grants
Park and Recreation Facilities Grants (PARC)
PARC provides funding assistance to local government agencies for park and recreation-based construction projects and land acquisition.
Open Space Lands Acquisition and Development Grant (OSLAD)
OSLAD provides funding assistance to local government agencies for acquisition and/or development of land for public parks and open space. Projects vary from small neighborhood parks, sport courts, and swimming pools to large county parks and natural areas.
Tourism Attractions Grant Program
The Tourism Attractions program provides funding assistance for the development or improvement of tourism attractions and festivals in Illinois. Grant funds for Tourism Attractions can be used for: Capital Projects, Equipment, Training, and Interpretive Programs.
Illinois Broadband Grant Opportunity
These grants improve broadband infrastructure for homes, businesses and important community agencies (considered as anchors) such as education, telehealth, agriculture, and economic development.
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Federal Grants
Community Facilities Direct Loan and Grant Program
Provides funding to develop essential community facilities in rural areas. An essential community facility is defined as a facility that provides an essential service to the local community for the development of the community in a primarily rural area and does not include private, commercial, or business undertakings. Funds can be used to construct and/or improve essential community facilities, purchase equipment, or pay related project expenses.
Essential Community Facilities Include:
- Healthcare Facilities: Hospitals, medical clinics, dental clinics, nursing homes or assisted living facilities
- Public Facilities: Town halls, courthouses, airport hangars or street improvements
- Community Support Services: Child care centers, community centers, fairgrounds or transitional housing
- Public Safety Services: Fire departments, police stations, prisons, police vehicles, fire trucks, public works vehicles or equipment
- Educational Services: Museums, libraries or private schools
- Utility Services: Telemedicine or distance learning equipment
- Local Food Systems: Community gardens, food pantries, community kitchens, food banks, food hubs or greenhouses
Grant Details
- Granting Agency: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Rural Development
- Application Deadline: Not listed. The agency says it is open year-round.
- Eligible applicants:
- Public bodies
- Community-based non-profit corporations
- Federally-recognized Tribes
- Eligible areas: Cities, villages, townships, and towns, including Federally Recognized Tribal Lands with no more than 20,000 residents, according to the latest U.S. Census Data.
Grant Amounts
| Grant Amount | Population | Median Income |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum 75% of Project Cost | Under 5,000 | Under poverty line or 60% state non-metropolitan median household income |
| Maximum 55% of Project Cost | Under 12,000 | Under poverty line or 70% state non-metropolitan median household income |
| Maximum 35% of Project Cost | Under 20,000 | Under poverty line or 80% state non-metropolitan median household income |
| Maximum 15% of Project Cost | Under 20,000 | Under poverty line or 90% state non-metropolitan median household income |
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Foundations, Corporate, and Association Grants
National Recreation and Park Association
Offers a variety of grants at different times of the year and offers additional resources for grant prospecting.
Grant Details
Union Pacific Foundation Local Grants Program
Provides funding for efforts focused on Safety, Workforce Development, and Community Spaces. Supports programs and organizations working to advance diversity, equity, and inclusion of underrepresented populations.
Prioritize funding for programs that:
- Create, sustain or expand artistic and cultural experiences
- Preserve and share unique cultures and history of the local community
- Provide clean, safe, equitable and accessible outdoor recreational and/or educational opportunities
- Beautify neighborhoods and main street areas
- Build the capacity of community spaces/organizations to integrate DEI best practices internally and/or within their community programs
Grant Details
Captain Planet Foundation Grants
Captain Planet Foundation grants strive to empower youth by providing hands-on environmental stewardship opportunities that uses the environment as a context for applied and STEM learning. This is not a typical grant; rather, the funder supports the implementation of pre-established Captain Planet Foundation STEM learning programs. Could be applicable to parks and recreation providers looking to expand upon environmental education program offerings.
Two classes of support are available:
- Material support for predetermined supplies, kits training, and activities.
- Monetary support to fund the materials necessary to implement proposed projects that meet CPF criteria.
Grant Details
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Foundations, Corporate, and Association Grants (cont'd)
Childhood Obesity Prevention/Environmental Health and Sustainability Awards
Aims to support programs in eligible cities that engage community members and promote initiatives in two areas:
Childhood Obesity Prevention Initiatives
- Healthy food access projects, community gardens, support farmers’ markets and/or free or low-cost food distribution
- Cooking and nutrition programs focused on teaching kids how to eat better and/or how to prepare healthy meals
- Programs that encourage kids to exercise in and out of school
Environmental Health & Sustainability Initiatives
- Projects that develop parks, and other open spaces
- Strategies to encourage and improve residential recycling rates
- Food waste reduction initiatives, composting etc.
- Beach and other community clean-up initiatives
- Projects promoting water conservation
- Projects promoting bike paths, neighborhood walkability, etc.
Grant Details
NFL Grassroots Grant
Provides non-profit, neighborhood-based organizations with financial and technical assistance to improve the quality, safety, and accessibility of local football fields. The program provides grants for capital improvement projects.
Criteria for selecting grants:
- Feasibility of the proposed project.
- Project readiness (i.e., identify sources of funding for entire budget)
- Security of future field maintenance and safety (i.e., a detailed five-year maintenance plan is required)
- Capacity of organization and its partners to carry out the project (demonstrate the ability to manage a large-scale capital project)
Grant Details
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Foundations, Corporate, and Association Grants (cont'd)
Direct Service Grants
RRF awards Direct Service Grants for projects that:
- Increase the availability and effectiveness of comprehensive community programs that help older people stay in their homes. Provide supportive services to older people in residential settings (e.g., congregate living facilities, group homes, and assisted living facilities)
- Coordinate provision of care and services for older adults with chronic conditions who live in community settings
- Offer new and expanded opportunities for older adults to stay meaningfully engaged in community life
Grant Details
Pioneering Ideas: Exploring the Future to Build a Culture of Health Grant
Fund proposals that contribute to health equity. Interested in ideas that address: Future of Evidence, Future of Social Interaction, Future of Food, and Future of Work.
Applications evaluated based on:
- Strength of health equity focus: How will this project increase opportunities for everyone to live the healthiest life possible, no matter who they are, where they live, or how much money they make?
- Strength of insight: How will this project help us anticipate, adapt to, and influence the future in 5 to 15 years?
- Strength of idea: Is this project pioneering in one or more of these ways?
- Offers a new take or perspective on a long-running, perplexing problem
- Challenges assumptions or cultural practices
- Takes an existing idea and gives it a new spin—or a novel application
- Applies ideas from other fields
- Explores how an emerging trend will shape the future
Grant Details
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Foundations, Corporate, and Association Grants (cont'd)
Access Recreation Grant
Provides funding to increase access to recreation for people with disabilities
Grant Details
Sports 4 Life Grant Program
Sports 4 Life offers community funding and seeks to effect sustainable improvement to the overall health and development of girls in these communities through grant-making, leadership training, and capacity-building efforts.
Grant Details
MLB Youth Development Foundation Grants
Make grants to organizations in the United States and internationally for a variety of purposes, including funding capital projects (e.g., field renovations), baseball/softball programs, and education initiatives.
Supported Programs
- Capital Projects (i.e., field lighting, renovations, and constructions)
- Baseball and Softball Programs (i.e., players and infrastructure equipment, uniforms, coaches trainings, umpire fees, player registration fees, facility rental fees, and field maintenance)
- Education Initiatives (i.e., programs, exhibits and other learning opportunities that promote interest in baseball/softball)
- Schools (up to $5000 for players and infrastructure equipment)
Grant Details
T-Mobile Hometown Grants
Grants are awarded for a variety of community projects (e.g., downtown improvements, park renovations, arts and cultural projects, etc.).
Grant Details
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Economic Development Grants
Economic Development Grants
Rural Innovation Stronger Economy (RISE) Grant Program
The RISE Grant Program supports job accelerator partnerships for the promotion of private investment in regional economies.
Grant Details
Good Neighbor Citizenship Company Grants
Company grants focus on three areas: Safety, Education, and Community Development
Community Development
Maintaining the vibrancy of communities by assisting nonprofits that support:
Grant Details
Community Grants
Company grants focus on three areas.
- Community and Economic Development: Improving local communities for the benefit of low-income individuals and families in the local service area.
- Diversity and Inclusion: Fostering the building of relationships and understanding among diverse groups in the local service area
- Education: Providing afterschool enrichment, tutoring or vocational training for low-income individuals and families in the local service area
- Environmental Sustainability:
- Hunger Relief and Healthy Eating: Providing Federal or charitable meals/snacks for low-income individuals and families in the local service area.
- Public Safety: Supporting public safety programs through training programs or equipment in the local service area.
- Quality of Life: Improving access to recreation, arts or cultural experiences for low-income individuals and families in the local service area.
Grant Details
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