Nonprofit Recreation Grants Application

The Chatham County Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources Department awards small grants to local nonprofit agencies to support recreation opportunities in the County. The amount for the grant for FY26 is tentatively $6,762.  

Funding priorities for recreation grants will be recommended by the Recreation Advisory Committee. The scoring will be based on the Chatham County Comprehensive Parks & Recreation Master Plan and Chatham County Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources Department goals and objectives.

Agencies requesting funds from the County must complete a certification process to assess the agencies eligibility to receive County funds. The County does not fund start-up agencies. All agencies that apply for funding must have been in operation for at least three (3) years prior to being considered for a grant award. For a complete list of requirements, see the Nonprofit Funding Policy.

The Advisory Committee makes grant recommendations to the County Manager and the Board of Commissioners. Agencies are notified of awards by letter.

The application will open on Chatham County’s grant software, Foundant, on June 20, 2025. Agencies are required to apply online through Foundant. Access the application. 

For agencies with annual revenue of less than $100,000, a Financial Analysis will be administered by Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources staff. Please contact Jenny Clark (Jenny.Clark@chathamcountync.gov or 919-545-8551) to schedule a Financial Analysis BEFORE Monday , July 21, 2025. 

List of Goals from Application FY26

TIMELINE:

• FY 2026 Application Opens: Friday, June 20 , 2025
• Application Deadline: Monday, July 21, 2025
• Program and Service Funding Announcement: September 2025

If you have questions about the grant process, please contact Jenny Clark at  Jenny.Clark@chathamcountync.gov or 919-545-8551.