Outdoors for All Grants

Outdoors for All Grants is sponsored by River City Outdoors. Awards grants for community-driven outdoor recreation initiatives in the Greater St. Louis bi-state region to expand access and participation.

Grants | River City Outdoors The Outdoors for All Grants program awards one-time grants for community-focused outdoor recreation projects that benefit the Greater St. Louis bi-state region. outdoor Recreation Grants Top photo: Carondelet Park Mountain Bike Trail, courtesy of Route 3 Films A better future is possible if we work together to build the outdoor culture we want.

River City Outdoors supports this vision through its Outdoors for All Grants, awarding one-time grants of up to $5,000 for community-driven outdoor recreation initiatives across the Greater St. Louis bi-state region. These grants are designed to expand access to outdoor spaces, increase participation in outdoor recreation activities, and foster a stronger, more inclusive outdoor culture.

2026 Submission Deadlines We are now accepting applications for the third round of Outdoors for All Grants. The grants will be awarded during a special celebration in November 2026. Please read the eligibility and submission guidelines below and send your application to brad@rivercityoutdoors.

org before October 15 to be considered.

Eligibility & Criteria for Selection To be considered, proposals must meet the following requirements: Projects/programs must directly support outdoor recreation, including initiatives that: Increase access to parks, trails, waterways, or other outdoor spaces Expand participation in outdoor activities Promote outdoor recreation education or stewardship Reduce barriers to equitable outdoor access Projects/programs must have a clear and primary outdoor component.

Indoor-only programs or initiatives without a direct connection to outdoor recreation are not eligible. Applicants must be based in the Greater St. Louis bi-state region, including: Missouri: Franklin, Jefferson, Lincoln, St.

Charles, St. Louis, Warren counties, and the City of St. Louis Illinois: Bond, Calhoun, Jersey, Macoupin, Madison, Monroe, and St.

Clair counties 501(c)(3) status is not required; however: Individuals may not apply for personal benefit Applicants must demonstrate a clear public benefit through outdoor recreation Fiscal sponsorships are eligible The applicant organization or project/program must have an annual income of $300,000 or less Grant funds may not be used for political advocacy, fundraising, lobbying, litigation, terrorist activities, or violations of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act All applications undergo an initial administrative review to confirm eligibility.

Qualified applications are then evaluated by the River City Outdoors Advisory Board based on: Demonstrated community need for outdoor recreation access or programming Project/program feasibility and readiness Potential for lasting outdoor impact or sustainability Alignment with River City Outdoors’ mission to: Promote outdoor recreation Advance equitable participation Expand access to outdoor spaces across the region Preference may be given to projects/programs that serve communities with limited access to outdoor recreation opportunities.

Include the following information in your application.

Organizational or project/program status (nonprofit, for-profit, social enterprise, fiscally sponsored project, or other) Geographic scope (local or regional) Focus area (outdoor recreation-based: research, education, events, programming, etc.) Current operating budget (if applicable) Written: Maximum 5,000 characters Your proposal should clearly address: The outdoor recreation need or opportunity being addressed The specific outdoor activity, space, or experience involved The target audience and how the project increases access or participation Expected outcomes and community impact Storyboard or visual representation (map, rendering, etc.) Submit your application by email to: brad@rivercityoutdoors.

org The deadline for 2026 grant applications to be considered is October 15, 2026.