FY25 Bureau of Land Management Recreation and Visitor Services- Bureau wide

The FY25 Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Recreation and Visitor Services - Bureau-wide grant opportunity, identified by Funding Opportunity Number L25AS00310, is a federally funded program administered by the Bureau of Land Management under the U.S. Department of the Interior. The program is guided by federal legislative mandates such as 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. The grant supports projects that directly benefit recreation and visitor services on BLM-managed public lands across the United States. The purpose of this funding is to improve recreational access and visitor experience on BLM lands while fostering stewardship through partnerships with youth, Tribal nations, universities, local governments, and nonprofit organizations. Emphasis is placed on increasing inclusivity, reducing transportation barriers, enhancing trail systems, developing interpretive and educational programming, and improving safety and accessibility. Projects aligned with the BLM's new “Blueprint for 21st Century Outdoor Recreation” strategy will be prioritized. This strategy includes goals to grow and diversify resources, embrace partnerships, deliver tourism benefits, and manage resources sustainably. Funding totals an estimated $3,200,000 with an expected 50 awards ranging from $5,000 to $70,000 per project. Projects will be supported through Cooperative Agreements, which allow substantial federal involvement, including collaborative planning and oversight. No matching funds are required. The program does not allow for-profit or individual applicants and excludes intern projects under the Public Lands Corps Act unless funded under a different NOFO. Projects must clearly demonstrate public benefit and compliance with BLM's environmental and administrative standards. Eligible applicants include state and local governments, Tribal governments and organizations, public and private higher education institutions, and nonprofit entities both with and without IRS 501(c)(3) status. Applicants must be registered in SAM.gov and Grants.gov and possess a Unique Entity Identifier. All applications must be submitted electronically via Grants.gov. Submissions open on June 23, 2025, and close by 5:00 p.m. ET on July 23, 2025. Extensions are not permitted except under extenuating circumstances. Required documents include the SF-424 Application for Federal Assistance, SF-424A (if applicable), Project Narrative, Project Abstract Summary, and a Budget Narrative. Research-focused proposals must also submit the DOI R&D Current and Pending Support form and a Biographical Sketch. The narrative must not exceed 15 pages and should include goals, need, technical approach, environmental compliance, stakeholder involvement, and evaluation plans. Applicants are encouraged to align their proposals with BLM state office priorities, which vary by location and address needs such as trail development, visitor center operations, and accessibility enhancements. The review process includes eligibility screening, merit review based on technical approach, public benefit, applicant qualifications, and budget justification. Selected proposals undergo risk assessment and budget review before award notification. Awards will be announced electronically and are expected to start on September 1, 2025, with projects allowed to run up to five years, ending no later than August 30, 2030. Applicants can contact Stephanie McBride at smcbride@blm.gov or call 303-236-4001 for additional information or support.

Begin SAM.gov registration early; align project with BLM’s stated state-level priorities; follow Grants.gov submission protocol carefully