Land and Water Conservation Fund

The Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) is a federally-backed grant program administered through the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission. This program is dedicated to enhancing outdoor recreational access and infrastructure across Nebraska. Its mission supports equitable access to outdoor spaces, encouraging community enrichment through the development and preservation of parks, trails, and recreational facilities. The LWCF provides financial assistance to eligible governmental entities in Nebraska, including villages, cities, tribes, public power and natural resource districts, counties, and state agricultural societies. Schools are not eligible. The funding supports a broad array of outdoor recreation development projects such as aquatic facilities, playgrounds, trails, shelters, sports fields, and various support structures. Notably, projects must be located on land owned or leased by the sponsor for at least 25 years. For 2025, applications open on May 5 at 8 a.m. CT and close on August 22 at noon CT. Awarded projects must be completed within a three-year performance window, which begins 9 to 12 months after the application window closes and upon approval from the National Park Service. The grant offers awards ranging from $75,000 to $600,000, requiring a minimum 50% match from the project sponsor. This match may come from various non-federal sources such as taxes, donations, grants, or other political subdivisions. Costs incurred before the performance period are typically not reimbursable, except for certain architectural and engineering fees incurred up to three years before the award. Project sponsors must follow specific requirements, including passing a governing board resolution, ensuring ADA accessibility, maintaining public access, meeting applicable codes, and placing a permanent recognition sign at the site. Land acquisition for recreation is also eligible, but must be developed within three years. Importantly, grant-assisted properties must be used for public recreation in perpetuity, with any changes requiring a conversion process at the sponsor’s expense. Applications must be submitted through the LWCF Grant Application Portal, and applicants are encouraged to consult the LWCF Application Guide and additional resources such as the Environmental Review Report Guide and the Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan. A recorded webinar is also available for guidance. Interested parties can seek support from Shari Sorenson, the Recreation Grants Administrator, for application help and program questions. The Nebraska Legislature, via statutes 37-904 to 37-906, authorized the LWCF’s implementation in the state, assigning administrative responsibilities to the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission. The state allocates 60% of federal LWCF funds to political subdivisions, with the remaining 40% reserved for agency-sponsored projects. The Commission evaluates and distributes these funds annually based on staff recommendations.