Grants

The Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) strives to enhance the quality of life and wellness of District of Columbia residents and visitors by providing equal access to affordable and quality recreational services by organizing programs, activities, and events, and by building and maintaining safe and beautiful open spaces and recreational amenities. In service of that commitment, DPR’s grantmaking authority specifically provides for funding opportunities to carry out this purpose by awarding and supporting the equitable distribution of grants to diverse organizations that provide high-quality programming.

Rec for All Community Grants

Department of Parks and Recreation is seeking organizations through the competitive grantmaking process to provide inclusive and accessible recreational opportunities to all members of our community. Through our programs and facilities, we strive to promote physical, social, and emotional wellness, foster a sense of community, and enhance the quality of life for all individuals, regardless of ability, age, race, gender, or socioeconomic status. We are committed to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment that celebrates diversity and encourages lifelong learning, growth, and personal fulfillment.

Support, Engagement, and Events Grant

DEADLINE: Friday, December 19, 2025 at 4:00 pm

Organizations can apply for the following sub-grant categories:

Support Grant - Up to $5,000 grant to purchase equipment, supplies, and materials for existing programs, including sports, cultural arts, and youth development.
Engagement Grant - Up to $10,000 grant for field trips and other engagement activities for youth groups.
Event and Travel Grant - Up to $10,000 grant to support either an event, tournament, or travel for athletic competitions for youth groups.

Programming Grant

DEADLINE: Friday, December 19, 2025 at 4:00 pm

Organizations can apply for a grant of up to $75,000 to support the launch or expansion of a new or existing program. DPR will accept applications in the following areas: fitness, sports/e-sports, youth development/leadership, cultural arts & learning, occupational development, entrepreneurship/career exploration, global education and training, and gardening/nutrition/environment.

Extended Summer Programming Grant

DEADLINE: Friday, December 19, 2025 at 4:00 pm

Organizations can apply for a grant of up to $30,000 to provide extended summer programming to 50 youth ages 10 to 13 for four consecutive weeks. The Extended Summer program is designed to provide continued recreational opportunities to district youth during the summer months. The goal is to enhance key skills and provide a safe and engaging environment. It includes enrichment activities beyond the regular school year to keep youth engaged, active and learning. The program promotes physical wellness, social emotional growth and community connection while offering safe affordable opportunities for children and teens during the summer months.

The objective of the program is to:

Provide enrichment through arts, technology and physical activity
Ensure equitable access to summer programming for all eligible participants.
Offer career exploration and community engagement
Provide creative and cultural enrichment that complements recreation

Fort Dupont Ice Arena Leisure and Competitive Programming Grant

DEADLINE: Monday, January 5, 2026 at 4:00 pm

With the opening of the new Fort Dupont Ice Arena, DPR is also launching grants to support high-quality, structured recreational programming at the DPR Fort Dupont Ice Arena. Funding is available for both leisure programming—such as learn-to-skate, figure skating, hockey skills, broom ball, and other ice activities—as well as competitive youth hockey teams across multiple age divisions. One-time events are not eligible; programs must offer consistent, ongoing activities at the arena.

Organizations can apply for a grant up to $235,000 to facilitate programming with a minimum of 24 hours each week for 36 weeks in the following areas:

Leisure Programming - Learn-to-skate figure skating (developmental/leisure), hockey (skills development), broom ball, other ice programming)
Competitive Programming - Establishment of a competitive youth Hockey Team, composed of both boys’ and girls’ teams. The teams must be from at least two divisions, including 8U, 10U, 12U, 14U and 16U divisions.

Pre-Application Meeting Information:

SUPPORT, ENGAGEMENT, AND EVENTS (SEE) Grant
- Pre-Application Meeting: Friday, December 5, 2025, at 11:00 AM. Registration required here.
Programming Grant
- Pre-Application Meeting: Friday, December 5, 2025, at 11:00 AM. Registration required here.
Extended Summer Programming Grant
- Pre-Application Meeting: Friday, December 5, 2025, at 2:00 PM. Registration required here.
Fort Dupont Ice Arena Leisure and Competitive Programming Grant
- Pre-Application Meeting: Monday, January 6, 2026, at 4:00 PM. Registration required here.