Outdoor Recreation Acquisition, Development and Planning
Open Opportunities (2)
Live Grants.gov opportunities funded under this program — you can apply now.
- Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership Program (ORLP) Recurring Notice 5 Year Deadline: Nov 1, 2030 · up to $15M
- Readiness and Recreation Initiative (RARI) – Recurring 5 Year Notice Deadline: Nov 30, 2030 · up to $3M
Program Funding
Annual program obligations reported to SAM.gov.
Who has received this funding
Organizations awarded under CFDA 15.916 (USAspending.gov).
- California Department Of Parks & Recreation 3 awards $37,907,510
- Texas Parks And Wildlife Department 2 awards $21,353,000
- State Of South Carolina Department Of Parks Recreation & Tourism $15,000,000
- Dc Department Of Parks And Recreation $14,999,984
- Department Of Natural Resources $10,813,779
- Virginia Department Of Conservation And Recreation $10,000,000
- Kentucky Department For Local Government $10,000,000
Funded Projects
Examples of what this program has supported.
2) Upgrading Playgrounds and Sports Facilities: Outdated playgrounds are being replaced with safe equipment that encourages active play. Basketball courts, tennis courts, and multi-use sports fields are being resurfaced and lit for extended community use.
3) Building Trails and Pathways: Communities are constructing scenic walking, biking, and hiking trails that connect neighborhoods to nature. Trail systems are being expanded to improve accessibility and promote healthy lifestyles.
4) Enhancing Campgrounds and Visitor Facilities: Campgrounds are being upgraded with new restrooms, picnic shelters, and accessible pathways. Visitor centers are being built or renovated to provide educational exhibits and support outdoor learning.
5) Preserving Natural and Cultural Landscapes: Land is being acquired to protect forests, wetlands, and culturally significant areas from development. Restoration efforts are helping to conserve wildlife habitats and maintain the ecological health of public lands.
6) Improving Water Access and Safety: Waterfront parks are being improved with new boat ramps, fishing piers, and shoreline trails. Splash pads and water play areas are being added to parks, offering safe and fun ways to cool off in the summer.
Program Objective
To provide financial assistance to the States and their political subdivisions' projects that are included in Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plans (SCORPs) and acquisition and development of outdoor recreation areas and facilities for the public, to meet current and future needs.
Eligibility
Eligible Applicants
- U.S. territories
- State
Treated as “States” for this purpose are the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, American Samoa, the Northern Mariana Islands, and Guam. For planning grants, only the State agency formally designated by the Governor or State law as responsible for the preparation and maintenance of the SCORP is eligible to apply.
For acquisition and development grants, the above designated agency may apply for assistance for itself, or on behalf of other State agencies or political subdivisions, such as cities, counties, and park districts.
Additionally, Indian tribes that are organized to govern themselves and perform the functions of a general-purpose unit of government qualify for assistance.
Individuals, nonprofit organizations, and private organizations are not eligible.
Beneficiaries
- 19
- 5
Local governments, including State-designated lndian Tribes, and the public.
How to Apply
Application Procedure
Funding announcements for this program, along with registration procedures, application packages and instructions, points of contact, and procedures for submitting applications will be available on www.grants.gov.
Proposals selected by the State for subaward and forwarded to NPS must be accompanied by the standard federal application forms required by 2 CFR Part 200.
Award Procedure
Proposals received for funding from a State’s apportionment and reapportionment balances are reviewed to establish concurrence that the project satisfies the State’s SCORP, reflect the goals of the LWCF Program, and comply with all relevant laws, regulations, and federal financial assistance policies. Proposals received in response to announcements on Grants.gov are reviewed based on a competitive, merit-based review process, and are evaluated according to the criteria outlined in the announcement. Awards are granted to the highest rated proposals, subject to the availability of funds each year. All grants are awarded to the State lead agency, which may then pass the funds through to the project sponsor.
Approximately 60 days from the time the State submits the final application to the NPS. However, the State itself may have processes that add to that time.
Program details & compliance
Use of Funds
Allowed Uses
Land acquisition and development grants may be used for a wide range of outdoor recreation projects, such as picnic areas, inner city parks, campgrounds, tennis courts, boat launching ramps, bike trails, swimming pools, playing fields, and support facilities such as roads, water supply, etc. Facilities must be open to the public and not limited to special groups. Every park or outdoor recreation area acquired or developed with assistance under this program must remain available and accessible for public outdoor recreation use forever. Development of basic rather than elaborate facilities is favored.
Operation and maintenance of facilities are not eligible expenses for funding.
States are also eligible to apply for grants to revise and update existing SCORPs; prepare new SCORPs; conduct statewide surveys, technical studies, data collection and analysis; and for other planning purposes that are clearly related to SCORP refinement and improvement.
Required Documentation
The State Liaison Officer (SLO), who is appointed by the Governor or designated in State legislation to administer the program in the State or Territory, must provide assurance that the project is consistent with the SCORP, i.e., that it meets high priority recreation needs shown in the action program portion of the Plan.
The sponsoring agency must permanently dedicate the project to public outdoor recreation and assume responsibility for its operation and maintenance. SCORPs must cite the State's legal authority to participate in the Land and Water Conservation Fund program.
Matching Requirements
Matching Requirements: The LWCF Act requires that the share of federal funds does not exceed 50 percent of the total project cost. Generally, match must be derived from State, local, or private sources, but under certain conditions all or part of the project sponsor's matching share may be from other Federal assistance programs, such as Community Development Block Grants, when such use is allowable under the other program’s sponsoring legislation.
Reporting & Compliance
Applicable 2 CFR 200 Subparts
- Subpart B — General Provisions
- Subpart C — Pre-Federal Award Requirements
- Subpart D — Post-Federal Award Requirements
- Subpart E — Cost Principles
- Subpart F — Audit Requirements
Formula
Formula grants are apportioned to each State based on a formula in the LWCF Act.