The National Recreation Foundation (NRF) is a non-profit organization that provides and encourages youth with

recreational activities Recreation is an activity of leisure, leisure being discretionary time. The "need to do something for recreation" is an essential element of human biology and psychology. Recreational activities are often done for enjoyment, amusement, or pleasure ...

to improve their quality of life. The Foundation promotes healthy lifestyles in communities across the United States by partnering with local, state and national agencies. The Foundation was begun during

World War I World War I or the First World War (28 July 1914 – 11 November 1918), also known as the Great War, was a World war, global conflict between two coalitions: the Allies of World War I, Allies (or Entente) and the Central Powers. Fighting to ...

as a way to provide men in the military with recreational activities while on

leave Leave may refer to: * Permission (disambiguation) ** Permitted absence from work *** Leave of absence, a period of time that one is to be away from one's primary job while maintaining the status of employee *** Annual leave, allowance of time awa ...

."Our History"
National Recreation Foundation, Lake Forest, Illinois. The NRF provides grant money to projects that are in line with its mission. This organization has awarded the Robert W. Crawford Achievement Prize annually since 2002. It goes to those who have made significant contributions to the recreation field by helping at-risk youth.

History

The National Recreation Foundation began as the War Camp Community Service (WCCS), during World War I in 1917. Its goal was to provide military men on the homefront with recreational activities. After the war, the WCCS focused on supporting recreational development at home. It was reorganized into the NRF in 1965. Its mission is to promote healthy lifestyles for

at-risk youth An at-risk student is a term used in the United States to describe a student who requires temporary or ongoing intervention in order to succeed academically. Richardson, Val, comp. "At-Risk Student Intervention Implementation Guide." The Education ...

Mission

The NRF is a non-profit organization concerned with the overall health at-risk youth. The Foundation works at improving mental, physical, and social health through recreational activities. It also promotes healthy lifestyles in communities across the United States by partnering with local, state and national agencies. For instance, by supporting the building of more city parks and playgrounds for the improvement of one's physical and mental well-being. It provides grant money to projects that are in line with its mission. The NRF has been giving grants since 1965. Its board of trustees searches for grant recipients, which is an unusual feature. The National Recreation Foundation donates to charities that support its mission. They also award the Robert W. Crawford Achievement Prize to people who make significant contributions to the recreation field by helping at-risk youth. Crawford (1906–1995) was a dedicated and innovative executive for decades. The NRF is associated with the

National Recreation and Park Association The National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) is a not-for-profit organization focused on utilizing parks and recreation to build strong, vibrant and resilient communities. They invest in and champion the work of professionals in the field ...

. Its newsletter covers a variety of related topics."Working Relationship"
''Parks and Recreation Magazine'', by National Recreation and Park Association, January 2012.

References

{{DEFAULTSORT:National Recreation Foundation Charities based in Illinois Sports foundations based in the United States