Athletic Court Grant Resources
Federal Grant Programs
Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF)
Administered through state agencies (Indiana DNR and Illinois DNR)
- Provides matching grants to help fund outdoor recreation facility construction and renovation, including sports courts.
- Covers up to 50% of project costs, with local matching funds required.
- Eligible projects include:
- Pickleball courts
- Tennis courts
- Basketball courts
- Multi-use athletic courts
- Park and recreation facility improvements
- Eligible applicants:
- Municipalities
- Park districts
- Counties
- Public recreation agencies
Illinois Grant Programs
Open Space Lands Acquisition and Development (OSLAD) Grant
Administered by Illinois Department of Natural Resources
- Provides funding assistance to local governments to acquire and develop public recreation facilities.
- Maximum awards typically include:
- Up to $600,000 for development projects
- Up to $1,125,000 for land acquisition projects
- Covers up to 50% of eligible project costs, and up to 100% in some distressed communities.
- Common funded projects include:
- Pickleball courts
- Tennis courts
- Basketball courts
- Park and recreational facility construction
Example: Springfield Park District received a $600,000 OSLAD grant for park improvements including recreational facilities.
Indiana Grant Programs
Open Space Lands Acquisition and Development (OSLAD) Grant
Administered by Indiana Department of Natural Resources
- Matching grant program funded by the federal government to support recreation facility construction.
- Provides funding for:
- Sports courts
- Playfields
- Park infrastructure
- Outdoor recreation facilities
- Covers up to 50% of total project cost.
Indiana Community Grants and Trails Programs
Administered by Indiana Department of Natural Resources
- Supports development of community recreation infrastructure
- Eligible for:
- Park districts
- Municipal recreation departments
- Cities and towns
Often used for:
- Athletic court construction
- Trail and recreation development
- Park improvements
USA Pickleball Serves (USPA) Grant Programs
These are some of the most important pickleball-specific funding programs.
Play It Forward Grant
Administered by USA Pickleball Serves
- Provides funding to build or convert pickleball courts.
- Awards up to $50,000 per project.
- Eligible applicants include:
- Schools
- Municipalities
- Nonprofit organizations
- Park districts
Requirements include:
- Courts must be permanent installations
- Must be located at public facilities
- Must support community access
Grow the Game Grant
Administered by USA Pickleball Serves
- Provides funding and equipment to support pickleball programs.
- Supports:
- Court enhancements
- Equipment
- Program expansion
Eligible applicants:
- Schools
- Municipalities
- Nonprofit organizations
- Recreation programs
