State Recreation Grants

This grant, under the authority of Public Act 53 of 2022, is part of the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, designated to enhance public outdoor recreation facilities through the development, renovation, or redevelopment of local parks and trails. The funding aims to modernize these facilities and promote public recreation, equity, tourism, and economic recovery from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Eligible subrecipients must maintain an active SAM registration and use the funds in accordance with the established terms, including meeting deadlines for expense obligations and expenditures by specific dates in 2024 and 2026 respectively.

The FY25 LAND Grant Program, managed by the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA), offers financial assistance to Massachusetts municipal conservation and agriculture commissions. The program supports the acquisition of conservation land to enhance outdoor recreation, conserve natural resources, and address climate change impacts. Eligible projects include purchases of land or conservation restrictions, and all properties acquired under this program are required to be open to the public for passive recreation. Grant renwed every year

The FY25 Conservation Partnership Grant, overseen by the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA), supports qualified 501(c)(3) organizations and conservation districts in acquiring conservation or recreation land within Massachusetts. The grant encourages projects that conserve natural resources, offer recreational opportunities, and address climate resilience aligned with Executive Order 569. Funding is aimed at land purchases or conservation restrictions, with due diligence costs eligible for gifts of land. This reimbursement grant emphasizes protecting strategic open spaces that provide public access and maintain ecological value.

The North Dakota Game and Fish Department is currently accepting grant applications for the Encouraging Tomorrow’s Hunters Program. This initiative aims to support wildlife, shooting, fraternal, and nonprofit civil organizations in recruiting the next generation of hunters and shooters. Priority will be given to hunting events over shooting-only events. Eligible expenses for reimbursement include advertising and promotion, event insurance premiums, rental of specific equipment and facilities, hunting and safety equipment, nonmonetary landowner appreciation gifts, and costs related to ammunition, targets, clay throwers, etc. The program has previously funded various youth pheasant and waterfowl hunts, along with trap and shooting events such as archery and rifle shooting. A 25% in-kind match, which can include volunteer time valued at $28/hr or other expenses, is required for all events. Grant renewed every grant. Grant Annual deadline: May 1st.

The Land and Water Conservation Fund offers matching grants to states and local governments for acquiring and developing public outdoor recreation areas and facilities. Aligning with Michigan's 2023-2027 Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP), this grant focuses on assessing current resources and demands, evaluating trends, and setting strategic priorities for outdoor recreation improvements over the next five years. Applications are evaluated based on criteria that ensure alignment with the SCORP, and funding decisions are made by the National Park Service upon recommendation from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. Application deadlines are set annually, with a process involving submission, evaluation, and final approval stages. Applicants must have a DNR-approved community five-year recreation plan to be eligible. Grant renewed every year. Grant Annual deadline: April 1st

The Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) is a federal program administered in Michigan by the Department of Natural Resources on behalf of the National Park Service. It aims to develop public outdoor recreation facilities and offer matching grants to local governments for creating public outdoor recreation areas and facilities. The grant focuses on aligning with the priorities of the 2022-2027 State Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan, which includes trails, community recreation, green technology, coordination, communication, and universal access. Acquisition of land is not eligible for funding under this grant. Eligible applicants include state agencies and local government units such as cities, villages, townships, counties, and Native American Tribes. The application process is exclusively online via the MiGrants system, and the funding requires a 50% match from the applicant. Grant renewed every year. Grant Annual deadline: April 1st

The Ohio Division of Wildlife's "STEP OUTSIDE" grant program is designed to support local government agencies, non-profit organizations, and other family and youth-oriented facilities in promoting outdoor skills such as fishing, hunting, trapping, archery, and shooting sports. This grant aims to fund activities that are unaffordable for the sponsoring agency or organization and is not intended to support existing programs or provide ongoing funding for new programs or activities. Eligible applicants include city, county, and community park and recreation agencies, local and state conservation clubs, and youth-oriented groups such as scouts, 4-H, YMCA/YWCA, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, etc. The program emphasizes that private individuals are not eligible. The application period is ongoing throughout the fiscal year, with applications required to be submitted at least 60 days in advance of the event.

The Farmland Preservation Grant program provides funding to buy development rights on farmlands to ensure they remain available for farming in the future. Donor Name: Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office State: Washington County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 05/01/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Grant recipients also may use some of the funding to restore natural functions to improve the land’s viability for farming. The program is part of the larger Washington Wildlife and Recreation Program, which was created in 1990 to buy land for outdoor recreation and wildlife conservation, to keep pace with a growing population. In 2005, the state Legislature expanded the Washington Wildlife and Recreation Program to include preservation of significant farmland. Typical Projects Buying a conservation easement on farmland threatened with development. Funding Information No grant limits, except for the following: Enhancement and restoration elements may not exceed more than half of the total acquisition costs, including match toward acquisition. Farm stewardship plans may not exceed $10,000. Eligible Projects Land acquisition through easements and leases (required for all projects). Public access is not required. Enhancement or restoration, such as installing fences to keep livestock out of streams, replanting riverbanks, restoring historic water runoff patterns, improving irrigation, and installing solar well pumps. These activities must further the ecological functions of the farmland. Combination of land acquisition and either restoration or enhancement Stewardship plans. Who May Apply? Cities Counties Nonprofit nature conservancy corporations or associations State Conservation Commission. Ineligible Projects Acquisition of rights for less than 25 years, of land already owned by the government, or of property acquired via a condemnation Consumable supplies such as fuel, fertilizers, pesticides, or herbicides, except as a one-time application in an otherwise eligible restoration activity Elements that cannot be defined as fixtures or capital items Environmental cleanup of illegal activities, such as meth labs Indoor facilities Organizational operating expenses or overhead Purchase of maintenance equipment, tools, or supplies Restoration work done before a grant agreement is signed Transfer of development rights. For more information, visit WSRCO.

The Community Forests Program gives communities a way to preserve their working forest heritage. Donor Name: Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office State: Washington County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 05/01/2024 Size of the Grant: More than $1 million Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The grant program balances the many benefits forests provide – from providing money from use of the land, to safeguarding against climate and other environmental changes, to providing opportunities for recreation, education, and cultural enrichment.  As Washington’s population continues to grow and forestlands are increasingly threatened by development, the Community Forests Program is a valuable tool for preserving working lands for the benefit of Washingtonians now and into the future. Typical Projects Buying land to conserve working forests (required for all projects). On purchased land, projects also may restore forest and habitat health and develop recreational facilities. Funding Information $3 million is available. Eligible Projects Acquisition: Buying forestland Development: Developing recreation facilities, such as trails and trailheads, parking, restrooms, campgrounds, picnic and day-use areas, challenge courses, interpretive displays. Restoration: Restoring forest health or habitats, planting or reforestation, removing or correcting fish barriers All projects must acquire land. Projects may include restoration or development of that land but restoration and development cannot be stand-alone projects. Who May Apply? Cities, counties, and towns Native American tribes Nonprofit nature conservancy organizations Special purpose districts, public development authorities, or other political subdivisions of the state. State agencies (in partnership with one or more of the above groups). For more information, visit WSRCO.

The Land and Water Conservation Fund provides funding to preserve and develop outdoor recreation resources, including parks, trails, and wildlife lands. Donor Name: Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office State: Washington County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 05/01/2024 Size of the Grant: More than $1 million Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Congress created the fund in 1965 with the passage of the Land and Water Conservation Fund Act, which authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to provide financial assistance to states for the acquisition and development of public outdoor recreation areas. All communities may compete for funding in this program. Typical Projects Renovating community parks Building skate parks, tennis courts, swimming pools, and trails Protecting wildlife habitat Building athletic fields. Funding Information Grant Limits: $200,000 to $2,000,000. Eligible Projects Land acquisition Development or renovation. Who May Apply? Local agencies Special purpose districts, such as park and recreation districts Native American tribes State agencies. For more information, visit WSRCO.

The Florida Department of State is seeking applications for its Cultural Facilities Grant. Donor Name: Florida Department of State State: Florida County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 06/03/2024 Size of the Grant: $100,000 to $500,000 Grant Duration: 2 Years Details: The Cultural Facilities Program coordinates and guides the State of Florida’s support and funding of renovation, new construction, or acquisition of cultural facilities. It is intended for organizations whose mission is arts and cultural programming in one of the disciplines. The Division offers two levels of funding within the Cultural Facilities Program. These levels are determined by the specific use of the facility: A purpose-built or single use facility that will solely be used for the programming, production, presentation, exhibition of any of the arts and cultural disciplines (Section 265.283(7), Florida Statutes) at least 85% of the time. This type of facility includes theatres, performance centers, museums (including, aquariums, botanical gardens, history centers, zoos, etc.) and art centers. The maximum request amount for this type of facility is $500,000. A multi-purpose facility that will be used for the programming, production, presentation, exhibition of any of the arts and cultural disciplines (Section 265.283(7), Florida Statutes) less than 85% of the time. This type of building includes community centers, recreation centers, civic centers and municipal buildings. The maximum request amount for this type of facility is $200,000. Project costs must be directly related to the arts and cultural portion of the facility. Project Period 23 months. Eligibility Criteria The following conditions are required for eligibility. All documentation must be provided by the application deadline. Must not have multiple active Cultural Facilities projects under contract at one time. Cultural Facilities projects have a grant period of 23 months. Unless a grantee has a smaller project that will be completed in a single year, grantees should submit new applications every other year. Cultural Facilities is subject to Legislative appropriation and recommendations approved by the Secretary of State will be funded top-down until the appropriation is depleted. . Must use the facility to directly conduct arts and cultural programming. Documentation must be provided to support the percentage of facility use is for arts and cultural purposes as it pertains to the organization’s mission per section 265.283(1), Florida Statutes. Must have the required legal status. Must have unrestricted use of the land and buildings associated with the project which means you must be able to record a Restrictive Covenant on the property with the Clerk of Court for ten (10) years or provide a 10-year surety bond. Must retain ownership of all improvements made under the grant (unless the land or buildings are owned by the State of Florida and leased to an eligible applicant). If the property is leased, only facilities with leases in which the lessor is a public entity governed by either a municipality or county, or a not-for-profit entity are eligible for a Cultural Facilities grant (facilities or property owned by an individual or for-profit entity are not eligible for a Cultural Facilities grant). 9. If the property is leased, the lease agreement must be dated, signed by all parties, and submitted at the time of the application submission. 10. Must provide documentation of Total Support and Revenue for the last completed fiscal year. Must have appropriate matching funds and documentation at time of application submission. Must provide current architectural plans signed by a licensed architect or engineer clearly indicating scope of work. If architectural plans are not required for the completion of the project, contractor project proposals or working drawings must be provided. Must include budget estimate provided by the architect, engineer, or contractor that the Proposal Expense Details are based on. 3. Must have current project support of local officials (city and county government), community groups, and community members —for this project— documented in writing at time of application. Applicants with structures 50 years or older must submit a determination letter (stating that the proposed project will have NO adverse effects to the building’s historical significance) from the Division of Historical Resources (DHR) at time of application. Application Restrictions Organizations may only submit one (1) Cultural Facilities application per application deadline. Cultural Facilities grants do not fund Historic Preservation projects. Organizations with projects funded by the Legislature outside of the review of the Florida Council on Arts and Culture or Secretary of State are not eligible to receive Cultural Facilities grant support for the same Scope of Work from the Division of Arts and Culture within the same fiscal year in which legislative funding is appropriated. No organization may receive more than $1.5 million during a consecutive previous five state fiscal year period (July 1 – June 30). Legal Status To meet the legal status requirement, an applicant organization must be either a public entity or a Florida nonprofit, tax-exempt corporation as of the application deadline in accordance with section 265.701(2), Florida Statutes. Public Entity A Florida local government, entity of state government, school district, community college, college, or university. Private schools, private community colleges, private colleges, and private universities are not public entities and must be nonprofit and tax-exempt to meet the legal status requirement. Nonprofit, Tax-Exempt To apply to the Cultural Facilities grant program, an applicant must be both: Nonprofit: incorporated as an active nonprofit Florida corporation, in accordance with Chapter 617, Florida Statutes; and Tax-exempt: designated as tax-exempt as defined in section 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(4) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954, as amended. For more information, visit Florida Department of State.

The New Jersey Department of Agriculture (NJDA) requests applications for the funding available through the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agricultural Marketing Service’s (AMS) Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP), and the Consolidated Appropriations Act 2021 (H.R. 133) to carry out projects that enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops. Donor Name: New Jersey Department of Agriculture (NJDA) State: New Jersey County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 05/03/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: 2 Years Details: The purpose of this Request for Proposals (RFP) is to build upon the SCBGP’s mission to enhance New Jersey’s specialty crop industry through the community of underserved farmers, including those who are Socially Disadvantaged, Beginning or Military Veteran farmers of Specialty Crops in the state of New Jersey. Funding Information Funding for projects up to $5,000 will be available to selected and approved applicants after July 1, 2024. Grant Period Projects can receive funding for activities conducted between June 1st, 2024 – September 29, 2025. Examples of Allowable Activities The Underserved Farmers Mini-Grant will fund allowable projects under the guidelines established by the FY21 USDA-AMS Specialty Crop Block Grant Program and the USDA-AMS General Terms and Conditions. Projects can include activities such as: Researching new cultivars Providing outreach opportunities on specialty crops to youth, families, seniors, and the overall community Marketing specialty crops through a targeted promotional campaign Hiring personnel Purchasing special purpose equipment Holding an educational workshop Planting specialty crops Distributing product promotional materials. Eligibility Criteria  This program is available to qualified businesses and producers, as well as nonprofit and community-based organizations who seek to develop projects that will increase production, marketing, and research of specialty crops. For more information, visit NJDA.

This grant opportunity, offered by the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry, Bureau of Parks and Lands, is aimed at the acquisition, development, and maintenance of new trailered boat launches. The program supports state and local governments, among other eligible entities, to enhance public access to waterways for recreational boating. Eligible projects must serve as the primary recreational boating access for the general public. A pre-approval site inspection is required for project eligibility. The funding cap for new trailered launch projects is $100,000.

This grant focuses on renovating existing trailered boat launches to improve public recreational boating access. Administered by the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry, Bureau of Parks and Lands, the grant aims to support the development and maintenance of facilities that provide primary recreational boating access to the general public. Projects must undergo a pre-approval site inspection to confirm eligibility. Available funding for trailered launch renovation projects is up to $75,000.

Aimed at supporting the acquisition, development, and maintenance of carry-in boat launches, this grant opportunity is offered by the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry, Bureau of Parks and Lands. It seeks to enhance public access to Maine's waterways for carry-in recreational boating. A key requirement for project eligibility is a pre-approval site inspection by state staff. The funding cap for eligible carry-in project costs is $25,000.

The Transportation Alternative and Recreational Use FY25 Grant, administered by the Maryland State Highway Administration, aims to fund transportation alternative and recreational use projects within the state. This federal grant offers 80% reimbursable funds, requiring a 20% match from project sponsors. Projects should enhance the intermodal transportation system or support recreational trails and amenities. Approximately 60% of the funds are allocated to projects within the jurisdictions of three Maryland Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs): The Baltimore Regional Transportation Board, National Capitol Region Transportation Planning Board, and Wilmington Area Planning Council. Eligible sponsors include local governments, regional transportation authorities, transit agencies, natural resource and public land agencies, school districts, tribal governments, and 501c(3) non-profit agencies. Project sponsors are responsible for all aspects of their project, including design, management, construction, and maintenance.

This program provides matching funds to state, tribal, and local governments in Montana for developing and improving outdoor recreation facilities like parks and sports fields.

The Readiness and Environmental Protection Integration (REPI) Program, combined with funds from the National Park Service Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF), provides a total of $40 million in funding. This initiative aims to safeguard the nation's military readiness, bolster relationships with communities, preserve the environment, and enhance resilience to climate change impacts on military installations and surrounding communities. It focuses on the acquisition of land and/or development of new outdoor public recreation facilities near military installations or airspace, promoting compatible land uses and preventing incompatible development. The initiative underscores the importance of partnerships, particularly between the Department of Defense (DoD) military bases and local communities, to achieve its goals. Projects must be situated within a designated REPI Partnership Opportunity Area and should serve both the general public and military families, highlighting the program's dual focus on enhancing outdoor recreation and supporting military missions.

The Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) is accepting applications for the 2024 Recreational Trails Program (RTP) grant round from March 12 to May 7, 2024. Approximately $1.9 million in RTP funding is available. The RTP, funded by the Federal Highway Administration and the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, is a federal 80-20 matching reimbursement program aimed at building and rehabilitating trails and trail-related facilities across non-motorized, diversified, and motorized trail categories. In 2024, the program is open for applications for both new trail construction and improvements to existing trails, following a competitive application process overseen by the RTP and the Virginia Recreational Trails Program Advisory Committee. Eligible applicants include city, county, town, tribal, or other government entities, as well as registered nonprofit groups partnered with a government body.

The State of Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation & Forestry announces the 2024 ATV Trail Maintenance Grant Program, designed to support ATV clubs in maintaining and improving ATV trails across the state. The grant offers a tiered funding system based on trail mileage, ranging from $7,000 for trails up to 10 miles, to $12,000 for trails over 70 miles. Eligible expenses include construction, maintenance, labor (up to $15 an hour if paid), and landowner relations efforts, with an additional $500 available for qualified landowner relations expenses. Clubs must be registered non-profit corporations in good standing and meet several requirements, including obtaining necessary permits and providing proof of landowner permission. Applications must be submitted by July 1, 2024, with grants payable on a reimbursement basis. Grant renewed every year.