National Recreation Foundation Inc

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $2,661,295 (2024)
• Assets: $50.3 million (2024)
• Grant Range: $15,000 - $100,000+ (depending on grant type)
• Geographic Focus: National (United States)
• Application Method: Invitation only
• Accepts Unsolicited Applications: No

Contact Details

Address:
736 N. Western Ave., Suite 221
Lake Forest, IL 60045

Phone: (224) 880-6550
Email: info@nationalrecreationfoundation.org
Website: www.nationalrecreationfoundation.org

Overview

The National Recreation Foundation (NRF) was officially incorporated in 1965 with initial assets of approximately $5 million, tracing its roots back to the War Camp Community Services established in 1919. Today, with assets exceeding $50 million, NRF operates as a private foundation dedicated to increasing access and opportunities for young people to play, explore, learn, and grow in the outdoors. Since its inception, the Foundation has distributed over $19 million to more than 270 grantees across the United States. The Foundation's strategic priorities center on physical activity and outdoor education, with at least 80% of Impact and Special Grant dollars targeted to these areas. NRF focuses particularly on underserved populations, including girls, youth from low-income families, African American and Hispanic youth, American Indian youth, children with physical and developmental disabilities, and youth living in the South.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The Foundation operates four distinct grant programs with varying award levels:

• Trustee Grants: Up to $30,000 — Board members recommend programs in their regions that fulfill the Foundation's mission
• Special Grants: Up to $100,000 — For effective programs ready to be replicated in new geographies or scaled to the next level
• Outdoor Grants: Approximately $15,000-$30,000 — Programs that increase access to safe outdoor spaces and cultivate connections with nature
• Impact Grants: Exceeding $100,000 — The Foundation's deepest investment in high-performing organizations with bold and innovative recreation programs addressing critical needs

Foundation support is limited to no more than three years for each grant program. In 2024, NRF awarded:

• 35 Outdoor Grants totaling $771,000
• 33 Trustee Grants totaling $680,000
• 11 Special Grants (2025) totaling $936,000

Priority Areas

• Youth development through outdoor recreation
• Physical activity programs
• Environmental education and nature connection
• Programs serving underserved and BIPOC youth
• Outdoor leadership development
• Programs that build life skills through recreation

Priority Populations:
Research shows certain populations are in greater need of physical activity opportunities. The Foundation looks favorably on programs serving girls, youth from low-income families, African American and Hispanic youth, American Indian youth, children with physical and developmental disabilities, and youth living in the South.

What They Don't Fund

While not explicitly stated, the Foundation's focus is exclusively on youth outdoor recreation and development programs. They do not appear to fund:

• Programs not focused on youth
• Indoor-only recreation programs
• Programs without outdoor or physical activity components
• Organizations that don't align with their youth development mission

Governance and Leadership

Leadership Team

• Sophie Twichell — President and CEO (joined 2014; previously served 10+ years as Executive Director of Brushwood Center at Ryerson Woods)
• Matthew Lunn — Manager of Operations
• Megan Michael — Grants Manager
• Tim Richardson — Director of Partnerships
• Caitlin Reilly — Charles E. Hartsoe Fellow

Board of Trustees (Officers)

• Peggy Burnet — Chair (Minnesota)
• Myron F. Floyd — Vice Chair (North Carolina)
• Kim Bailey — Secretary (Colorado)
• Karen Stewart-Ramos — Treasurer (New Jersey)

Board of Trustees (Members)

Joseph B. Anderson, Jr. (Michigan), Kim Bailey (Colorado), Lynne M. O. Brickner (California), Peggy Burnet (Minnesota), Endicott P. Davison, Jr. (Maine), Myron F. Floyd (North Carolina), Gary Hall (California), Lila Leff (North Carolina), Martin LeBlanc (Washington), Nicholas G. Penniman IV (Maryland), Andra Rush (Michigan), Karen Stewart-Ramos (New Jersey), Lee A. Storey (Arizona), Alfred A. Valenzuela (Texas), Nadja Y. West (Florida)

Advisory Council

José G. González, Teresa H. Horton, Edwin Moses, Erik R. Stegman

Leadership Insights

Sophie Twichell has emphasized the importance of outdoor experiences providing "firsts" for youth: "One of the things that I love about Manny's program is that it provides an opportunity for kids to experience all kinds of 'firsts'. Being outdoors allows kids to see a broader world. They can be successful at experiencing new things. And that's incredibly powerful."

Regarding new trustee appointments, Twichell stated: "These new trustees are bold thinkers recognized for their creativity, passion and willingness to challenge the status quo. They are joining NRF at a critical juncture. Their knowledge and networks will deepen our ability to advance our mission."

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

This foundation does not have a public application process. Grant applications are by invitation only, and the Foundation accepts no unsolicited proposals.

The Foundation operates through a unique trustee-driven model where Board of Trustees members themselves seek out and develop funding opportunities rather than relying on grant request submissions. Each year, every Board member selects a project they believe fulfills the Foundation's mission and must propose it to the Board with recommendations for funding.

Grants are awarded in the following manner:

• Trustee Grants: Each trustee sponsors an organization to submit an application, typically in their geographic region
• Special Grants: Based on trustee recommendations and a track record of successful Trustee Grants
• Outdoor Grants: The Foundation identifies recreation programs meeting their criteria
• Impact Grants: The Foundation periodically invites high-performing organizations to apply

Getting on Their Radar

The National Recreation Foundation operates through a highly selective, relationship-based model. Based on available information, organizations can position themselves by:

Build Regional Connections:
Since each trustee recommends programs in their region, developing relationships with recreation and youth development leaders in your area may increase visibility. The Board represents diverse geographic areas across the United States, with trustees based in states including Minnesota, North Carolina, Colorado, New Jersey, Michigan, California, Maine, Washington, Maryland, Arizona, Texas, and Florida.

Demonstrate Track Record:
Organizations that receive Trustee Grants may be considered for larger Special Grants if they demonstrate effective programs ready for replication or scaling. Building a strong track record in youth outdoor recreation programming is essential.

Participate in Sector Leadership:
Trustees are described as "bold thinkers recognized for their creativity, passion and willingness to challenge the status quo." Organizations whose leadership is active and visible in the youth recreation sector may come to trustee attention through professional networks and sector events.

Grantee Workshops:
The Foundation hosts two annual grantee capacity building workshops (jointly sponsored with the Morrison Family Foundation) where grantees learn, network, and share best practices. While these are for existing grantees, they demonstrate the Foundation's commitment to long-term relationships with funded organizations.

Decision Timeline

Specific decision timelines are not publicly disclosed. The Foundation operates on an annual grant cycle, with different grant programs announced at various times throughout the year (evidenced by 2024 and 2025 grant announcements).

Success Rates

The Foundation supports between 30-50 organizations annually through its various grant programs. With an invitation-only model, success rates for invited applicants are likely higher than typical open-application foundations, though specific statistics are not publicly available.

Reapplication Policy

Given the invitation-only nature of grants and the three-year maximum support period, reapplication would depend on continued trustee sponsorship and the organization's track record. Organizations that successfully complete Trustee Grants may be invited to apply for larger Special Grants.

Application Success Factors

Given the invitation-only model, success depends on alignment with the Foundation's mission and trustee relationships. Key factors based on the Foundation's documented priorities include:

Focus on Priority Populations:
The Foundation explicitly looks favorably on programs serving girls, youth from low-income families, African American and Hispanic youth, American Indian youth, children with physical and developmental disabilities, and youth living in the South. Recent grantees include Black Kids Adventures, Greening Youth Foundation, OKC Latina, and programs specifically targeting BIPOC youth and families.

Strategic Alignment with Physical Activity and Outdoor Education:
At least 80% of Impact and Special Grant dollars target these strategic priorities. Successful programs demonstrate clear outcomes in connecting youth with nature and promoting physical activity.

Innovation and Scaling Potential:
The Foundation seeks "bold and innovative recreation programs" for Impact Grants and "effective programs ready to be replicated in new geographies or scaled to the next level" for Special Grants. Recent grantees include programs with unique approaches like snowboarding programs (Chill Foundation), equine therapy (Courage Ranch), and family camping experiences for Black families (Black Kids Adventures).

Measurable Outcomes and High Performance:
Impact Grants are reserved for "high performing nonprofit organizations" with "comprehensive" criteria, outcomes, and expectations. Programs are expected to "significantly move the needle within the community served."

Creating "Firsts" and Transformative Experiences:
As Sophie Twichell emphasized, the Foundation values programs that provide youth with new experiences that broaden their world and build confidence through success at new things.

Regional Relevance:
For Trustee Grants (the entry point for many organizations), programs should typically be located in or serve the region where the sponsoring trustee lives.

Examples of Recently Funded Programs:

• Aspen Institute Forum for Community Solutions — Fresh Tracks program ($85,000 Special Grant)
• Catalina Island Conservancy — Island Explorers & Garden Explorers programs
• Flint River Watershed Coalition — Outdoor recreation for underserved youth
• Humble Hustle — Humble Hikes program for Black youth
• GTG Outdoors — "Families Around the Fire" mentorship program for BIPOC families
• Bay Area Wilderness Training — Outdoor leadership training for BIPOC youth

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Invitation-only model means traditional applications won't work — Focus on building visibility in the youth outdoor recreation sector and developing relationships with regional leaders who may have trustee connections
• Trustee Grants are the likely entry point — Programs should align with the geographic regions where trustees are based and demonstrate clear mission fit
• Prioritize serving underserved populations — The Foundation explicitly favors programs serving girls, low-income youth, BIPOC youth, youth with disabilities, and youth in the South
• Physical activity and outdoor education are paramount — 80% of larger grant dollars go to these strategic priorities; indoor-only programs are unlikely to align
• Demonstrate potential for growth and impact — Successful Trustee Grant recipients may be invited to apply for larger Special Grants if they show programs ready to replicate or scale
• Long-term partnership approach — The Foundation invests deeply in understanding grantees' work, provides capacity building workshops, and can support organizations for up to three years
• Crawford Prize opportunity — Organizations with exceptional leadership in youth recreation may come to the Foundation's attention through the annual $50,000 Crawford Prize, which recognizes extraordinary contributions to advancing recreation opportunities for youth from under-resourced communities

References

• National Recreation Foundation official website: https://www.nationalrecreationfoundation.org/ (accessed January 2026)
• National Recreation Foundation "Our Grants" page: https://www.nationalrecreationfoundation.org/our-grants/ (accessed January 2026)
• National Recreation Foundation "Recent Grants" page: https://www.nationalrecreationfoundation.org/recent-grants2 (accessed January 2026)
• National Recreation Foundation "Who We Are - Trustees" page: https://www.nationalrecreationfoundation.org/who-we-are/trustees/ (accessed January 2026)
• National Recreation Foundation "History" page: https://www.nationalrecreationfoundation.org/who-we-are/history/ (accessed January 2026)
• National Recreation Foundation "Crawford Prize" page: https://www.nationalrecreationfoundation.org/crawford-prize (accessed January 2026)
• National Recreation Foundation "Contact Us" page: https://www.nationalrecreationfoundation.org/contact-us/ (accessed January 2026)
• Cause IQ profile: https://www.causeiq.com/organizations/national-recreation-foundation-incorporated,136172514/ (accessed January 2026)
• Charity Navigator profile: https://www.charitynavigator.org/ein/136172514 (accessed January 2026)
• ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer: https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/136172514 (accessed January 2026)
• National Recreation Foundation Wikipedia entry: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Recreation_Foundation (accessed January 2026)
• Business Wire press release (December 2023): "National Recreation Foundation Awards Manny Almonte 2023 Crawford Prize" https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231213232783/en/ (accessed January 2026)