Mayor Bowser and DPR Announces Rec for ALL Grants to Support and Expand Recreation Opportunities for DC Youth

Local Organizations that Provide Innovative Programs for Youth Ages 6-18 Can Apply for Support, Engagement, Travel, and Programming Funding

(WASHINGTON, DC) – Mayor Muriel Bowser and the DC Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) announced that applications are now being accepted for DPR’s Rec for ALL Community Grants. These grants will empower organizations to engage youth ages 6-18 through recreation with an emphasis on those with barriers to access. The $2 million investment is expected to support programs, activities, and events that will reach over 10,000 DC youth.

“Rec for ALL grants help extend DPR’s reach into the community and support organizations that are already doing the important work to meet youth where they are,” said DPR Director Thennie Freeman. “We encourage all those qualifying organizations with a vision for new, innovative recreational programs to apply and empower underserved youth with high-quality and affordable recreation opportunities.”

Rec for ALL Grants include:

• Support Grants – Up to $5,000 that can be used to purchase equipment, supplies, or materials for existing programs.
• Engagement Grants – Up to $10,000 to support field trips and other enrichment activities.
• Event and Travel Grants – Up to $10,000 to provide travel to athletic competitions for youth groups.
• Programming Grants – Up to $100,000 in funding geared toward established organizations to fund the expansion of new or existing recurring programs.

DPR will hold a Pre-Application Meeting on December 17, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at Hillcrest Recreation Center (3100 Denver Street SE).

Rec for ALL is Mayor Bowser’s initiative to increase and expand DPR’s programming while responding to the District's growing recreation needs. Eligible applicants include nonprofits, businesses, or community-based organizations with a track record of working with youth in DC. If you are interested in attending, send an email to [email protected]. The deadline to apply for a grant through DPR’s Rec for ALL Community Grants is January 8, 2025, at 4:00 p.m.

To learn more about DPR’s Rec for ALL Community Grants and apply, visit recforall.com.

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