Bureau of Land Management Recreation and Visitor Services – Bureau wide
🏛 Bureau of Land Management (DOI-BLM)
✓ Free, no account · Source: Grants.gov · Last verified Jul 27, 2026
Can you apply?
This grant funds recreation and visitor services projects on BLM-managed public lands. Eligible applicants include nonprofits (501c3 public and private charities), government agencies, tribes, and other non-profit organizations. For-profit companies and individuals cannot apply. Projects must enhance recreational experiences and improve visitor services on BLM lands nationwide.
Projects must align with administration priorities and key legislation: the EXPLORE Act, Great American Outdoors Act, and John D. Dingell Jr. Conservation, Management, and Recreation Act. Youth Conservation Corps cannot apply for intern or crew hiring—they must use the separate Youth Conservation Opportunities grant (15.243) instead.
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Program description
Public lands managed by the BLM offer exceptional and unique recreational experiences that benefit the American public while supporting local communities and their economies. The Recreation and Visitor Services Program is prioritizing the implementation of Administration priorities and key legislation, including the Expanding Public Lands Outdoor Recreation Experiences Act (EXPLORE Act), the Great American Outdoors Act, and the John D. Dingell, Jr. Conservation, Management, and Recreation Act. In fiscal year 2026, the BLM will focus on supporting projects that align with administration priorities and these recreation related laws. It is essential to note that all project submissions must specifically enhance recreation and visitor services on BLM-managed public lands and improve the overall experience for BLM visitors to be considered for funding.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Required documents
- SF-424 (Application for Federal Assistance)
- Project Narrative (describing recreation/visitor services activities)
- Budget and Budget Narrative
- Organizational Capacity/Capability Statement
- Letters of Support from BLM field offices or partners
Program contact
- 👤 Bureau of Land Management
- 📧 emilia_ellison@ios.doi.gov
- 📞 303-202-3865
Funding track record
No recent recipient data available for CFDA 15.225 in our database.
This can happen for newer programs, programs that use non-standard award types (loans, direct payments, fellowships), or those funded through sub-agencies under different codes.
Funding history
Annual funding for this program — Federal obligations (CFDA 15.225). How funding has trended year over year.
| 2019 | $4,004,982 | |
| 2020 | $1,562,461 | |
| 2021 | $1,338,216 | |
| 2022 | $5,469,652 | |
| 2023 | $13,271,314 | |
| 2024 | $18,890,054 | |
| 2025 est. | $2,470,000 | |
| 2026 est. | $10,000,000 |
FAQ
Who can apply for this grant?
Nonprofits, government agencies, tribal organizations, and other non-profit entities can apply. For-profit companies and individuals are ineligible.
What types of projects are funded?
Projects that enhance recreation and visitor services on BLM-managed public lands. Applications must align with administration priorities and recreation-related legislation.
Are there matching funds or cost-sharing requirements?
No. Cost sharing is not required for this program.
What is the funding range?
Awards typically range from $50,000 to $2,000,000, with $6,600,000 in total annual funding.
Can Youth Conservation Corps apply to hire interns?
No. Youth Conservation Corps must apply under the separate Youth Conservation Opportunities grant (15.243) for intern hiring. This program does not support intern/crew hiring under the Public Lands Corps Act.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Focus on visitor experience improvements and recreation access on BLM lands. Alignment with EXPLORE Act, Great American Outdoors Act, and Dingell Act priorities strengthens competitiveness.
- Partner with BLM regional offices early. Understanding their recreation priorities and capacity constraints improves project design.
- Document community and economic benefits. BLM emphasizes how recreation projects support local economies and benefit the American public.
- Avoid intern/crew proposals under this grant. Youth Conservation Corps projects belong in the separate Youth Conservation Opportunities grant (15.243).
- Include measurable visitor service metrics. Strong applications show clear outcomes like improved access, increased visitor satisfaction, or expanded facilities.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Applications fail when projects don't directly connect to recreation/visitor services or lack alignment with EXPLORE Act, Great American Outdoors Act, and Dingell Act priorities. Proposals attempting to hire interns or crews through this grant are rejected—Youth Corps must use grant 15.243 instead. Weak applications neglect to document community and economic benefits or fail to define specific visitor experience improvements.
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