Grants
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
2025 Grant Recipients
Our second round of Outdoors for All Grants were awarded in 2025 and went to: ShowMe Hikes ($1,000), St. Louis Canoe & Kayak Club ($1,250), Audubon Center at Riverlands ($1,500), Sk8 Liborius ($2,250), Earth’s Classroom ($2,500), Salam Scouts ($2,500), Clifftop NFP ($4,000), and Ride to Unite ($5,000). You can read more about the individual projects and grant awards at Terrain Magazine.
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
Evaluation
Process
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.
Submission Guidelines
Include the following information in your application.
Applicant
Information
Organization name
Project/program name
Contact name
Email and phone number
Mailing address
Project/Program
Information
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.)
Project/program budget
Requested grant amount
Current operating budget (if applicable)
Project/Program
Proposal
Written: Maximum 5,000 characters
Video: Maximum 3 minutes
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
Optional materials:
Storyboard or visual representation (map, rendering, etc.)
Letter of recommendation
APPLICATION SUBMISSION
Submit your application by email to:
The deadline for 2026 grant applications to be considered is October 15, 2026.