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NRPA Game-Changing Grants (Take Back Sports Initiative) is a grant program from the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) in partnership with ESPN and Nike that funds park and recreation agencies to implement youth sports programs with a focus on equity and access.
Supported activities include coach development training, girls' sports initiatives, sports access programs for underserved communities, and facility infrastructure improvements. The NRPA also runs related initiatives including the 10-Minute Walk campaign and Parks for Pollinators grants. Eligible applicants are park and recreation agencies; specific programs may include nonprofit organizations.
Award sizes vary by program, with coach development microgrants up to $2,500.
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Plus, you could win one of three $1,000 prizes or prize packs just for participating. Host a Parks for Pollinators BioBlitz this September to educate your community about pollinators, gain knowledge about local pollinator species and be entered to win a $1,000 prize and three prize packs.
NRPA's Green Infrastructure Evaluation Framework provides the tools and information needed to measure the environmental, social, economic and health benefits of green infrastructure projects. NRPA in partnership with The Trust for Public Land and the Urban Land Institute are leading a nationwide movement to ensure there’s a great park within a 10-Minute Walk of every person, in every neighborhood, in every city across America.
The 10-Minute Walk campaign works to ensure 100% of people in the U.S. have safe access to a quality park or green space within a 10-minute walk to home by 2050. Apply by Aug. 2 for grants and technical assistance to make this a reality.
NRPA’s awards programs highlight efforts of those who go above and beyond to make a difference in the community. Apply for your NRPA award, scholarship or fellowship now through March 29, 2019. " A Choice Career: Parks and Recreation " is a powerful, interview-driven video that highlights real people and real stories, showcasing the diverse opportunities in the field.
NRPA is now accepting education session proposals for the 2020 NRPA Annual Conference in Orlando, FL, October 27-29, 2020. Submit your ideas by Friday, November 29, 2019 at 11:59 p. m.
ET. This holiday season, treat yourself with professional growth. Become a Certified Park and Recreation Professional (CPRP) to keep your expertise current and demonstrate your commitment to the profession.
Chat with partnership experts in our upcoming webinar on July 12 at 2 p. m. ET.
This will be a unique and engaging experience to discuss how Atlanta is creating a new vision for their parks. Watch 18 recorded education sessions and 10 speed sessions from the 2019 NRPA Annual Conference with NRPA Live. Learn about the latest trends from thought leaders in the field, gain access to conference-related content and earn CEUs.
Start watching today . The 2018 NRPA Live event took place September 25-27, 2018 during the 2018 NRPA Annual Conference in Indianapolis. There are 24 recorded sessions from the conference available to purchase in topic-specific bundles or individually , each providing CEUs.
Certified Park and Recreation Professional (CPRP) Certification Renew Your CPRP Certification CPRP Prep Materials and Resources CPRP Frequently Asked Questions Certified Playground Safety Inspector (CPSI) Certification Renew Your CPSI Certification CPSI Prep Materials and Resources CPSI Recertification Policy FAQs Certified Park and Recreation Executive (CPRE) Certification Renew Your CPRE Certification CPRE Prep Materials and Resources CPRE Frequently Asked Questions Aquatic Facility Operator (AFO) Certification Renew Your AFO Certification AFO Prep Materials and Resources CAPRA Agency Accreditation CPRP and CPRE Eligibility Requirements Becoming a Certified Park and Recreation Professional (CPRP) will not only keep your expertise fresh, but also help you achieve greater health, resilience and equity outcomes in your community.
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Parks & Recreation Magazine Open Space Blog & Podcast NRPA Parks Snapshot Surveys NRPA Facility Market Reports Parks and Recreation Is Essential Data and Mapping Resource Library Open Space Radio is NRPA's monthly podcast that shares inspiring and engaging stories about community, connection, and the impact of local parks and recreation.
As a special thank you to agencies that submit their 2019 data by January 31 , contributors will receive a custom NRPA Agency Performance Review (APR) , highlighting your agency’s data against the national findings. NRPA's Economic Impact of Local Parks Report not only demonstrates that the nation's local parks generate more than $166 billion in economic activity per year and support more than 1.
1 million jobs from operations and capital spending alone, but also highlights the significant economic contributions of local parks in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.
Read the report Youth Sports in Parks and Recreation Game-Changing Grants to Increase Access to Sports Game-Changing Grants to Increase Access to Sports In communities across the nation, park and recreation agencies offer youth sports programs that provide benefits far beyond just physical activity.
These programs improve physical health, facilitate social development and boost the confidence of young people — providing accessible athletic opportunities that contribute to a world where all kids have access to high-quality sports programs. Opportunities to participate in youth sports are not always equal and access can be limited for many.
As one of the largest providers of out-of-school programs, serving more than 40 million youth annually, parks and recreation is well positioned to expand opportunities in sports. Through the Youth Sports in Parks and Recreation initiative and partnerships with industry leaders like ESPN, Musco Lighting, Nike and the Susan Crown Exchange, NRPA is expanding opportunities for high-quality sports for all.
These grants provide support to park and recreation agencies to implement activities from NRPA’s Youth Sports Framework , which outlines key pathways for increasing access to youth sports. Youth Sports in Parks and Recreation (Grants) Explore our current grant programs below and how they are supporting park and recreation agencies across the country.
Supported by Musco Lighting, NRPA is providing funding to seven park and recreation agencies to increase access to sports and play. Agencies receive an in-kind donation of Musco Lighting infrastructure — such as lighting or a mini pitch — of $50,000 to $100,000. In addition, agencies receive a $20,000 grant to activate their infrastructure and increase participation in sports.
Powered by Nike, NRPA is supporting 10 organizations to implement activities that increase access to sports for girls. Participating agencies receive $35,000 to implement new strategies and participate in an NRPA-led Community of Practice, which provides education and networking opportunities focused on increasing access to sport, especially for girls.
In addition to increasing girls’ participation in programs, the Community of Practice also will collectively advance strategies to increase the representation of women coaches. Since joining the Million Coaches Challenge in 2024, NRPA has provided no-cost training to staff and volunteers, so they’re equipped to support positive youth development.
With support from ESPN as part of their Take Back Sports initiative, with additional support from Nike in partnership with the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee, NRPA will provide no-cost training to up to 35 park and recreation agencies. NRPA will also provide $2,500 microgrants so agencies can strengthen their coach development programs, plus support youth sports in their community.
The program continues to work with established training partners including the Center for Healing and Justice through Sport, How to Coach Kids, Positive Coaching Alliance, and the United States Soccer Foundation. These grant opportunities represent a significant investment in the future of our communities and the well-being of our youth.
By supporting park and recreation agencies in creating more youth sport experiences that are open to all, we can ensure that all young people have the opportunity to benefit from the physical, mental and social advantages of sports participation. Please contact youthsports@nrpa. org with any questions about these grant programs.
Partnership Opportunities To learn more about NRPA's youth sports initiatives and how we can work together to increase access to youth sports for all, contact NRPA's Youth Sports team at youthsports@nrpa. org .
National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) Mail Sent by UPS or FedEx: Parks & Recreation 2025 Innovation Guide The Innovation Guide shares new ways for park and recreation professionals to leverage digital tools to increase efficiency and make a greater impact.
According to the current listing, eligibility includes: Park and recreation agencies; check specific programs for nonprofit eligibility. Confirm the full requirements in the official notice before applying.
The current listing shows up to $2,500 microgrants for coach development; varies by program. Verify award ceilings, matching requirements, and allowable costs in the official notice.
NRPA Game-Changing Grants (Take Back Sports Initiative) is funded by National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) with ESPN and Nike. Verify program details on the funder's official page before applying.
Yes — this listing is flagged as national in scope, so applicants across the U.S. may apply, subject to the sponsor's other eligibility criteria.
Applications go through the funder's official portal — the Apply Now link on this page goes there directly.
Farm to School Implementation Grant is sponsored by USDA Food and Nutrition Service. This program aims to increase the availability of local foods in schools and connect students to the sources of their food through education, taste tests, school gardens, field trips, and local food sourcing for school meals. Projects should incorporate both local sourcing and agricultural education efforts.
The Homeless Youth Program is a grant from the Illinois Department of Human Services that funds services for homeless and at-risk youth across Illinois. Administered through the Office of Community and Positive Youth Development, it supports nonprofit organizations delivering shelter, outreach, and support services to young people experiencing homelessness or housing instability. Eligible applicants are Illinois-based nonprofits with demonstrated capacity to serve youth. Awards range from $100,000 to $800,000 per year under CSFA number 444-80-0711. This is a FY 2026 funding opportunity with an application deadline of May 21, 2025.
Community Investment Tax Credit Program (CITC) is a grant from the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development that provides state tax credit allocations to 501(c)(3) nonprofits, enabling them to attract private donations from individuals and businesses. Donors contributing $500 or more to approved projects receive tax credits equal to 50% of their contribution. The program has leveraged nearly $27 million in charitable contributions to approximately 700 projects statewide. Eligible project areas include education, housing, job training, arts and culture, economic development, and services for at-risk populations. Projects must be located in or serve residents of Maryland's Priority Funding Areas. The application period is typically held annually.