Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF)

The Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) is a federal grant program administered in Nebraska by the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission. This initiative is supported by the National Park Service and aims to enhance public outdoor recreational opportunities by funding the acquisition, development, and renovation of public parks and recreational spaces across the state. Established to support outdoor activity access for all Nebraskans, the LWCF also emphasizes environmental preservation and recreational equity. The fund supports a broad array of outdoor projects, including but not limited to playgrounds, aquatic centers, ballfields, hiking and biking trails, restrooms, fishing docks, and more. The program targets urban and rural recreation spaces, aiming to enrich the quality of life for residents and provide inclusive access to outdoor environments. The LWCF also allows for land acquisition, which must be developed within three years of purchase. Donated land is also eligible for development funding, although it must comply with all programmatic requirements. Eligible applicants include villages, cities, counties, state agricultural societies, natural resource districts, public power districts, tribes, and political subdivisions with the exception of schools. Projects must be built on land owned or leased for at least 25 years by the project sponsor and must adhere to all applicable building codes. Sponsors are expected to maintain safe, accessible, and attractive facilities for public use and ensure that sites are accessible to people with disabilities wherever possible. The grant program is reimbursable, requiring the applicant to first fund project expenditures before reimbursement. The minimum project size must be $150,000, with a corresponding grant minimum of $75,000. The maximum grant award is $600,000, which requires a minimum project cost of $1.2 million. Eligible pre-award costs include architectural and engineering services incurred up to three years before the award date, provided these are documented and submitted as part of the project budget. A 50% cost share is required and may be sourced from cash, private donations, grants, or other non-federal political subdivisions. Federal funds are generally not permitted as match. The 2025 LWCF grant cycle opens on Monday, May 5 at 8:00 a.m. Central Time and closes on Friday, August 22 at noon Central Time. A resolution from the applicant’s governing board must accompany the application. Applications and related documents must be submitted through the LWCF Grant Application Portal. All submissions are subject to a review process by the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission and must await federal approval, which typically occurs 9–12 months after the close of the application window. The anticipated period of performance is approximately three years after award. Applicants are encouraged to consult the LWCF Application Guide, which provides detailed information on program rules, responsibilities, and evaluation criteria. Additional resources, such as the Environmental Review Report Guide and the Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP), are available to support applicants in preparing effective and compliant proposals. Questions about the program should be directed to Shari Sorenson, the Recreation Grants Administrator, who can be reached at shari.sorenson@nebraska.gov or 402-471-5283.