Proposition 4 – Wildfire and Forest Resilience
Wildfire and Forest Resilience [Section 91520(l)]: may be awarded for projects that promote watershed improvement, wildfire resilience, chaparral and forest restoration, and workforce development tha...
Grants for Parks & Recreation Facilities
Federal agencies and state programs provide grants supporting park development, facility improvements, land acquisition, and outdoor recreation infrastructure. These grants fund municipalities, park districts, counties, tribal governments, and nonprofit organizations creating and enhancing public parks and greenspaces. Below are 8 verified funding opportunities for park and recreation projects.
Who Can Apply: Local governments (cities, counties, municipalities), park districts, state agencies, tribal governments, and nonprofit organizations (501(c)(3)) developing or improving public parks and recreation facilities.
Types of Park Projects Funded
🌳 New Park Development
Creating new parks from undeveloped land including site preparation, landscaping, infrastructure, parking, pathways, restrooms, lighting, and initial amenities. Transform vacant lots and greenfields into community recreation spaces.
🔧 Park Improvements
Renovating existing parks with playground upgrades, sports field improvements, trail resurfacing, accessibility enhancements, pavilion construction, picnic facilities, and infrastructure modernization. Revitalize aging park facilities.
🏞️ Land Acquisition
Purchasing land for park development, conservation easements, greenway corridors, waterfront access, and open space preservation. Protect natural areas and expand public recreation opportunities through strategic land purchases.
🏃 Recreation Facilities
Building sports fields, basketball courts, tennis courts, skate parks, splash pads, fitness stations, walking/biking trails, dog parks, and community recreation centers. Active recreation infrastructure for all ages.
Who Can Apply for Park Grants?
Eligible Applicants
- Local governments: Cities, counties, municipalities, townships with park planning authority
- Park districts: Park and recreation departments, special park districts, regional park authorities
- State agencies: State parks departments, natural resources agencies, conservation departments
- Tribal governments: Federally recognized tribes developing tribal parks and recreation facilities
- Nonprofit organizations: 501(c)(3) land trusts, conservation organizations, friends of parks groups
- School districts: Public schools developing joint-use parks and recreation facilities
Common Funding Priorities
- Underserved communities and park-poor neighborhoods
- ADA accessibility and inclusive design features
- Climate resilience and environmental sustainability
- Multi-generational recreation amenities
- Health and wellness promotion through active recreation
- Community engagement in design and planning
- Stormwater management and green infrastructure
- Conservation of natural areas and wildlife habitat
Major Federal Park Grant Programs
Land & Water Conservation Fund (LWCF)
The primary federal program for park development and land acquisition. Administered by National Park Service through state liaison officers. Requires 50% non-federal match. Funds park acquisition, development, and major renovations. Annual state allocations support local park projects.
Community Development Block Grants (CDBG)
Flexible HUD funding for community facilities including parks in low-income areas. Localities can allocate CDBG funds for park improvements, playground equipment, accessibility upgrades, and recreation facility construction serving primarily low-to-moderate income residents.
Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership
Competitive LWCF program specifically for creating new parks or major park renovations in economically disadvantaged urban areas. Awards $750,000-$5 million per project. Prioritizes underserved communities, climate adaptation, and economic revitalization through parks.
Rivers, Trails & Conservation Assistance
National Park Service technical assistance program supporting community-led park, trail, and greenway projects. Provides free planning expertise, no grant funds, but helps secure other funding. Ideal for project planning and design phases.
Available Funding Opportunities
These grants support park development and improvement projects. Contact your state LWCF liaison office or park funding agency for application assistance and guidance.
Sustainable Recreation, Tourism, and Equitable Outdoor Access Directed Grant Program (2025-2027)
This Grant Program aims to support innovative efforts to enhance, promote, and develop sustainable recreation and tourism opportunities and increase access for all to public lands in the Sierra-Cascad...
Lower American River Conservancy Program
The Program was created to provide a state partner to work cooperatively with local agencies, particularly the County of Sacramento in its role as the manager of the American River Parkway (Parkway) a...
Inland Wetlands Conservation
The Inland Wetlands Conservation Program (IWCP) was created to assist the Central Valley Joint Venture (CVJV) in its mission is to protect, restore, and enhance wetlands and associated habitats. The C...
Wildfire Prevention Grant Program
Priorities for RMC Wildfire Prevention Grant Program: 1. Protect and expand native forests/wildlands; 2. Support communities in increasing their resilience to wildfire and improving fire safety; 3....
Proposition 68 Regionwide Grants
Create, expand, and/or improve public open space in the RMC's territory by improving water quality supply, create, enhance or improve a reliable water supply and/or restore an important species and ha...
Coachella Valley Open Space Acquisition Program
Acquire open space to protect wildlife or cultural resources and enhance recreational and educational use of that land. Grants are provide to acquire mountainous or natural community conservation land...
Proposition 68 Grant Program
The principal goal of the Conservancy's Prop 68 grant program is to support purposes set forth in the Conservancy's governing statutes and strategic plan, including stewarding Conservancy lands and pr...
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF)?
LWCF is the nation's primary federal program for park and recreation funding, established in 1965. It's funded by offshore oil and gas royalties (not taxpayer dollars). The state-side program provides matching grants (50% federal, 50% local) to states and local governments for park acquisition and development. Each state has a State Liaison Officer who administers LWCF grants and sets state-specific priorities and deadlines.
Do park grants require matching funds?
Most federal programs require matches. LWCF requires 50% non-federal match (can be cash, land value, or in-kind services). Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership requires 50% match. CDBG generally doesn't require match. State programs vary—some require 25-50% match, others have no match requirement. In-kind contributions can include donated land, volunteer labor (at fair market value), materials, and professional services.
What are Section 6(f)(3) conversion restrictions for LWCF?
Property acquired or developed with LWCF funds is protected in perpetuity for public outdoor recreation use. Any conversion to non-recreation use requires National Park Service approval and replacement with land of equal or greater fair market value and recreation utility. This ensures parkland protection forever. It's a serious commitment—understand 6(f)(3) restrictions before accepting LWCF funds. Violations can result in fund repayment and loss of future eligibility.
Can private nonprofit organizations apply for park grants?
Limited access for nonprofits. LWCF stateside grants go only to state and local governments—nonprofits cannot apply directly (but can partner with eligible applicants). Some state park grant programs allow 501(c)(3) nonprofit applicants, especially land trusts for conservation acquisition. Private foundation grants (not federal) often fund nonprofit park projects. Check eligibility carefully—most major federal park programs require governmental applicant status.
How competitive are federal park grants?
Very competitive. LWCF stateside funding is limited and state liaison offices receive more applications than available funding. Typical award rates vary by state (20-50% of applications funded). Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership is extremely competitive (10-15 awards nationally from 100+ applications). Strengthen applications with: comprehensive master plans, strong community support, disadvantaged community focus, matching funds exceeding minimums, ADA accessibility, climate resilience, and documented need (park-poor areas, population density, health indicators).
What's the timeline for park grant applications?
Long lead times required. Application development: 6-12 months (site selection, design, environmental review, cost estimates, matching funds). Grant review: 3-6 months after deadline. Project implementation: 2-4 years from award (design, permitting, bidding, construction). LWCF requires project completion within 3 years of award. Total timeline from initial planning to ribbon-cutting ceremony: 4-7 years typically. Start planning early and allow ample time for each phase.
Essential Resources for Park Grant Applicants
🏛️ National Park Service LWCF
Federal LWCF program information, state liaison office contacts, application guidance, and conversion requirements. Essential starting point for understanding LWCF eligibility and processes.
🏞️ State LWCF Liaison Offices
Each state designates an LWCF liaison (usually within state parks or recreation department). They set state priorities, deadlines, scoring criteria, and administer grants. Contact your state liaison before applying—requirements vary significantly by state.
💡 National Recreation & Park Association
Professional association providing park grant resources, webinars, best practices, and advocacy. Excellent training for park grant writing, project management, and trends in park development. NRPA Conference offers grant workshops annually.
📊 Trust for Public Land
National nonprofit conserving land for people. ParkScore index measures park access by city. ParkServe mapping tool identifies park-poor neighborhoods. Useful for documenting community need in grant applications.
Ready to Apply for Park Grants?
Explore our complete database of 4230 federal, state, and local grants to find funding opportunities for your park development or improvement project.
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