Land and Water Conservation Fund 2025

The Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) is a longstanding federal program administered in California by the Office of Grants and Local Services (OGALS), under the California Department of Parks and Recreation. Since 1965, LWCF has played a significant role in the development and enhancement of over a thousand parks throughout California. This grant initiative is designed to expand access to outdoor recreation by supporting the acquisition and development of land for public parks and recreational spaces. The program seeks to promote community wellness and improve the quality of life for Californians by investing in new and existing recreational resources. The 2025 LWCF local agency competitive grant round offers up to $35 million in funding. Eligible local agencies—including cities, counties, federally recognized Native American tribes, certain Joint Powers Authorities, and non-state special districts—may apply for individual grants up to $6 million. These grants require a 50% match, ensuring shared investment in recreational infrastructure. All funds must be used for the acquisition or development of outdoor recreational areas. Projects must support the creation of new public park space or enhance existing spaces with permanent recreational amenities. The submission deadline for local agencies is August 5, 2025, before 5:00 PM. State agencies such as the Department of Parks and Recreation, Department of Fish and Wildlife, Department of Water Resources, and the State Coastal Conservancy are also eligible to apply. However, the application process and timelines for state agencies differ from those for local agencies. For example, state agencies must submit a letter of intent by June 2, 2025, to qualify for the Director’s Contingency Fund, and their next anticipated application deadline is September 2025. Funding amounts and eligibility for state agencies are based on a separate apportionment process managed by OGALS. All applicants are encouraged to attend virtual application workshops, which replace previous in-person sessions. These webinars are designed to review the LWCF and Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership Program (ORLP) applications in detail. The workshops are recorded and accessible online. Additionally, applicants may consult the Application Guide and various resources such as sample forms, CEQA Compliance certification, boundary map checklists, and budget narrative templates to complete their submissions effectively. Grants are awarded through an open project selection process aligned with California’s Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP) priorities. Evaluation criteria include median household income, park proximity, and access to green space per capita. Federal post-selection requirements include grant administration protocols, signage regulations, and post-completion stewardship obligations to ensure the long-term protection of funded sites. All funded properties must be maintained for outdoor public recreation in perpetuity within the designated LWCF boundary area. Grant recipients must comply with federal and state stewardship guidelines, including signage obligations and periodic compliance inspections. Any change in land use, closure, or development within the LWCF boundary must be reviewed and potentially approved by the National Park Service. Applications must be submitted online via the designated LWCF portal. For assistance, applicants are advised to contact their regional National Park Service project officer or consult OGALS for state-specific guidance.

Attend virtual workshops; use Community FactFinder and Park Access tools; consult SCORP priority criteria and technical assistance videos