12 minute read
Finding Grants
Finding Grants to Support Your Programs
Compiled by Todd Pernsteiner, Pernsteiner Creative Group, Inc.
A grant can provide the perfect outlet to bring recreation, fi tness, healthy living, and outdoor activities to your residents.
We’ve compiled a list of potential grants that might apply to your programming and community outreach. While this is by no means a complete list, we hope this off ers you some unique ideas of where you might fi nd critical program dollars.
Minnesota Recreation & Park Foundation (MRPF) Grants
Each session MRPF awards up to $4,000 to members’ organizations that are working to develop new and innovative programs. These grants spur innovation in the park and recreation fi eld at the local, regional, and state level. For more information contact Lisa Abernathy at 952-924-2539 or labernathy@stlouispark.org, or visit https://mnrpf.org/grants.
Landscape Struct ures Playground Funding Guide
Landscape Structures has a page on their website dedicated to connecting you with playground funding partners. The page also includes information on how to write a playground grant that gets funded. For more information, visit https://www.playlsi.com/en/playgroundplanning-tools/playground-funding/playgroundgrants/. St. Croix Recreation Playground Grants and Funding Options Guide
St. Croix Recreation has a page on their website dedicated to playground grants and funding options. For more information, visit https:// stcroixrec.com/minnesota-playground-grants/
Hiway Credit Union Foundation
Hiway Credit Union Foundation’s mission: Passionately providing resources to enhance the overall wellness of the community. Donation request forms must be submitted 4-6 weeks in advance of your event/project. Email foundation@hiway.org if you have questions or visit www.hiway.org/about/foundation for more information and details.
GameTime Playground Funding Guide
GameTime helps communities bring play to more children and families. They have compiled a list of local, regional, national and global funding sources to help you fi nd the funds you need. With more than 30 pages of sources, including contact details, websites and grant and deadline information, GameTime’s Playground Funding Guide is a valuable part of any fundraising toolkit. Get more information at www.gametime.com/ resources/playground-funding-guide Minnesota Hist orical and Cultural Heritage Grants
The purpose of MHC’s Legacy Grants is to preserve and enhance access to Minnesota’s cultural and historical resources and to support projects of enduring value for the cause of history and historic preservation across the state. When Minnesota voters passed the Clean Water, Land and Legacy Amendment in 2008, the state legislature created the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund (H.F. 1231), a portion of which was appropriated to the Minnesota Historical Society for history-related projects around the state. Eligible projects fall into three project categories: history projects, historic preservation projects, and structured grants. Find out more at mnhs.org/preservation/legacy-grants/fundedprojects.
National Fitness Campaign
For more than 40 years, National Fitness Campaign has been dedicated to helping communities fund, build and activate the Fitness Court®, the world’s best outdoor gym. They are an interdisciplinary team of partnership builders, designers and consultants, dedicated to improving health outcomes through the built environment. Annual Healthy Community Grants from National Campaign Sponsors are available to help build Fitness Courts® across America. Learn more at https://nationalfi tnesscampaign. com/grants.
*NOTE: This list of grants and funding was compliled using information that was readily available online. MRPA, Pernsteiner Creative Group, and their partners and affi liates do not endorse nor guarantee availability any of the funding programs mentioned in this article.
Outdoor-Fit Funding Resources
When planning your next park upgrade, outdoor fi tness park, fi tness trail or any outdoor recreation project, cost is always the key factor. OutdoorFit has compiled a list of grants and funding opportunities that may be available for your next project. You may fi nd there are one or multiple funding opportunities that can help turn your recreation project from a dream to a reality. Find out more at https://outdoor-fi t.com/fundingresources.
3M Foundation Grants
3M Foundation thrives to build inclusiveness, diversity and vibrancy in 3M communities. This is accomplished by supporting programs that assure access to basic needs, prepare youth for life-long success, increase access to quality and diverse arts opportunities, and contribute to global humanitarian relief eff orts. The 3M grant cycle is August to November. Check their website at www.3m.com/3M/en_US/gives-us for more details.
PlayCore Grant Funding Guide
Find out more about the latest grant opportunities to help you in funding your playground project. PlayCore has curated a comprehensive funding guide that identifi es grant opportunities that begin at the local community level, all the way to cities, states, and internationally. Learn more at www.playandpark. com/funding/grant-opportunities
Equity is one of the four core values in McKnight’s Strategic Framework. It is a value that we challenge ourselves to uphold in our internal policies and practices, and it is a value that guides the Foundation as we imagine the change we want to see in our broader society. This deeply held value anchors the Vibrant & Equitable Communities (V&EC) program and guides its core tenets, which we defi ne as: • Power: Minnesota’s communities act, partner, plan, and lead us toward a more vibrant, equitable future for our state. • Prosperity: All Minnesotans have the resources they need to thrive. • Participation: Minnesotans build bridges across lines of diff erence, collectively solve problems, and cultivate equitable and economically vibrant communities. McKnight developed this program because we see equity as a powerful force multiplier that enriches the quality of life for all Minnesotans. We all benefi t when we promote equitable opportunity and access for residents across Minnesota, especially those who have historically not fully shared in our state’s storied economic, educational, and civic success—such as Black Minnesotans, Indigenous communities, Minnesotans of color, and low-income Minnesotans. Learn more at www.mcknight.org/programs/ vibrant-and-equitable-communities
Build it with Kaboom! Grants
Build it with KABOOM! pairs one of our dedicated funding partners with a community partner, that’s you, who then come together to plan and build a brand-new playground. Our community-built playgrounds generate a tangible, achievable win for your community, transforming your space into a great place to play for kids and families. Find more details at www.kaboom.org/grants.
US Bank Community Possible Grant
Through U.S. Bank’s Community Possible program we invest in the future by giving to organizations that focus on economic and workforce development, safe and aff ordable housing and communities connected through arts and culture.
Upcoming US Bank category deadlines: • Play (Arts, culture and places to play) • Work (Workforce education and economic prosperity.) • Home (Neighborhood stability and revitalization.) Learn more at www.usbank.com/about-us-bank/ community/community-possible-grant-program
Target Foundation Grants
The Target Foundation is committed to promoting racial equity in the Twin Cities region. Through our hometown program, the Target Foundation concentrates its investments in organizations working to address the specifi c systemic and structural barriers facing Black, Indigenous and People of Color communities. We do this in four priority areas: entrepreneurship and small business, workforce development, housing and asset building. The next grant cycle happens in 2023. Watch their website for details at https://corporate.target. com/corporate-responsibility/philanthropy/ Target-Foundation/hometown Pool Safely Grant Program
The Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC) will award up to $2 million in two-year grants through its Pool Safely Grant Program. The goal is to assist jurisdictions in reducing deaths and injuries from drowning and drain entrapment incidents in pools and spas. The grant program is a part of CPSC’s campaign to make drowning and drain entrapment prevention a critical public safety priority. Applications were due by June 2022, but keep this link handy to inquire about next year’s program - https://www.poolsafely. gov/grant-program/
CAN’d Aid Crush It Grants
The CAN’d Aid Foundation accepts applications from communities, local organizations, and local government entities to help support recycling programs. The Foundation awards small grants to fund program expenses including signage and education, and also provides in-kind recycling tents, bins, and training on waste management. The typical award amount is $5,000. Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis. Learn more and apply at https://candaid.org/ crush-it-crusade/.
Th e Fruit Tree Planting Foundation Th e Allst ate Foundation
The Allstate Foundation provides grants to local Allstate insurance agency owners. They strive to empower owners to give back to their local communities and support the causes closest to their hearts. That’s why the invitationonly Helping Hands Grant program supports organizations they’re already passionate about. Those who volunteer four to sixteen hours with an organization can earn $500 or $1,000 to support the cause. Learn more at www.allstatefoundation.org/what-we-do.
Wast e Management Giving
Waste Management off ers charitable gift s 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) nonprofi t organizations and public organizations. Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis. Learn more and apply at https://www.wm.com/ us/en/inside-wm/social-impact/communityimpact
American Academy of Dermatology Association Shade Struct ure Grants
The AAD Shade Structure Grant Program awards grants of up to $8,000 to public schools and non-profi t organizations for installing permanent shade structures for outdoor locations that are not protected from the sun, such as playgrounds, pools, or recreation spaces. In addition to the grant, the AAD also provides a permanent sign for display near the shade structure. Deadline to apply is December 23. Learn more at https:// www.aad.org/member/career/volunteer/shade.
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, nonprofi t organizations, and tribal entities in rural communities are eligible to apply. Applications accepted on a rolling basis. Learn more at www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services.
Campbells Soup Foundation Grants
The Campbell Soup Foundation focuses its giving on three strategic areas: increasing access to healthy food; encouraging healthy living through nutrition education and physical activity; and nurturing Campbell neighborhoods by transforming the physical spaces where people live, learn, and play. Learn more at www. campbellsoupcompany.com/our-impact/ community/campbell-soup-foundation/
Baseball Tomorrow Fund
This program provides the opportunity for MLB groundskeepers to share tips and techniques with other professional sports turf managers, coaches, parents and volunteers who are involved in the maintenance of youth baseball and soft ball fi elds. In conjunction with the clinics, the Baseball Tomorrow Fund awards a $10,000 grant to a local organization selected by the participating Club. The grant funds are used for the purchase of fi eld maintenance supplies, equipment or services. Learn more at www.mlb. com/baseball-tomorrow-fund/how-to-apply State Farm Good Neighbor Citizensh ip Grants
State Farm makes it their business to be like a good neighbor, helping to build safer, stronger and better educated communities across the United States. Through their company grants, they focus on three areas: safety, education, and community development. Strong neighborhoods are the foundation of a strong society. State Farm is committed to maintaining the vibrancy of communities by assisting programs conducted by municipal, county, state or federal government entities that align with the State Farm® charitable focuses - including neighborhood revitalization. Learn more at www.statefarm.com/about-us/communityinvolvement.
Lisa Libraries Grant Program
Nonprofi t organizations that serve low-income or underserved areas are eligible to apply for in-kind donations from The Lisa Libraries. Lisa Libraries provides donations of free books for community facilities to host their own small libraries or operate programs were 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 at www.lisalibraries.org/ need-books.
Keep America Beautiful’s Community Restoration and Resiliency Fund benefi ts Keep America Beautiful Affi liates that serve communities directly aff ected by natural and environmental disasters. The fund provides immediate and long-term support for initial and ongoing cleanup eff orts and helps rebuild vital public spaces: parks, greenways, community gateways, Main Street/ downtown areas, open spaces and more. Applications accepted on a rolling basis. Learn more and apply at https://kab.org/grants/.
USTA Facility Services Program
The United States Tennis Association (USTA) off ers business development, advocacy, technical, and fi nancial 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 at www.usta.com, search for “grants” in the search box. National Recreation Foundation Grants
The National Recreation Foundation has made annual grants since its inception as a foundation in 1965. With a focus on youth development through recreation, grants generally are awarded through one of three grant programs: Trustee Grants, Special Grants and Impact Grants. Every year, each member of the Board of Trustees is invited to recommend a program he or she believes fulfi lls the mission of the National Recreation Foundation. The Foundation accepts no unsolicited proposals.Grant applications are by invitation only. Learn more at nationalrecreationfoundation.org/our-grants
Christ opher & Dana Reeve Foundation Paralysis Resource Center Quality of Life Grants
As a pillar of the Paralysis Resource Center, the Quality of Life Grants Program, pioneered by the late Dana Reeve, impacts and empowers people living with paralysis, their families and caregivers by providing grants to nonprofi t organizations whose projects and initiatives foster inclusion, involvement and community engagement, while promoting health and wellness for those aff ected by paralysis in all 50 states and U.S. territories. The next grant cycle opens January 25, 2023. Learn more at christopherreeve.org/get-support
Walmart Foundation Grants
Together, Walmart and the Walmart Foundation generally provide more than $1 billion in cash and in-kind to support programs that align with their philanthropic priorities They work closely with grantees to address large scale environmental and social challenges in three priority areas: creating economic opportunity; enhancing sustainability in supply chains; and strengthening community. Learn more at www.walmart.org/how-we-give
Good Sports creates opportunities in sports and physical activity for kids through donations of brand new sports equipment, apparel, and footwear. Their goal is to help youth-serving programs: increase the total amount of youth participants; enhance the experience for all young people involved; and create new opportunities in physical activity for the kids they serve. Learn more at www.goodsports.org
