Federal grant programs / Department of the Interior

Outdoor Recreation Acquisition, Development and Planning (15.916)

Also known as LWCF

• Awarded, FY 2021 to 2025$1.7 billion
• Grant awards2,291
• Typical award$363,745
• Awarded in FY 2025$543 million
• Size rank190 of 1824
• Type of assistanceFormula grants, project grants (cooperative agreements)

Key findings

• Annual funding rose from $178 million in fiscal 2021 to $543 million in fiscal 2025.
• It is the 190th largest of 1,824 federal grant programs by five-year awards.
• The 20 largest recipients received 68% of the money.
• Awards went to recipients in 56 states and territories.

What the program funds

To provide financial assistance to the States and their political subdivisions' projects that are included in Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plans (SCORPs) and acquisition and development of outdoor recreation areas and facilities for the public, to meet current and future needs.

From the federal Assistance Listing. Read the full listing on SAM.gov.

Open opportunities

• Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership Program (ORLP) Recurring Notice 5 Year
  Open · Closes November 1, 2030 (1462 days left) · up to $15.0 million
• Readiness and Recreation Initiative (RARI) – Recurring 5 Year Notice
  Open · Closes November 30, 2030 (1491 days left) · up to $3.0 million

Rules from the program listing

What the money can and cannot pay for

Land acquisition and development grants may be used for a wide range of outdoor recreation projects, such as picnic areas, inner city parks, campgrounds, tennis courts, boat launching ramps, bike trails, swimming pools, playing fields, and support facilities such as roads, water supply, etc. Facilities must be open to the public and not limited to special groups. Every park or outdoor recreation area acquired or developed with assistance under this program must remain available and accessible for public outdoor recreation use forever. Development of basic rather than elaborate facilities is favored. Operation and maintenance of facilities are not eligible expenses for funding. States are also eligible to apply for grants to revise and update existing SCORPs; prepare new SCORPs; conduct statewide surveys, technical studies, data collection and analysis; and for other planning purposes that are clearly related to SCORP refinement and improvement.

Matching requirements

Statutory Formula: Title 54, Part 05, Subpart b,Public Law 88-578.Formula grants are apportioned to each State based on a formula in the LWCF Act.Cost Share Requirements are detailed in the applicable Notice of Funding Opportunity: The LWCF Act requires that the share of federal funds does not exceed 50 percent of the total project cost. Generally, match must be derived from State, local, or private sources, but under certain conditions all or part of the project sponsor's matching share may be from other Federal assistance programs, such as Community Development Block Grants, when such use is allowable under the other program’s sponsoring legislation. Exception for Insular Areas: American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, and the U.S. Virgin Islands do not need to provide 50% non-Federal cost share. These areas can receive full (100%) federal funding.MOE requirements are not applicable to this assistance listing.

Award range and average, in the agency's words

Range: $5,000.00 - $10,000,000.00 Average: $850,000.00

Examples of funded projects

Fiscal Year2025: 1) Park and Trail Development: Construction of new multi-use trails, including footbridges and pathways, to improve access to natural areas. Development of community parks with features like walking paths, picnic areas, and open green spaces. 2) Campground and Facility Improvements: Renovation or construction of campgrounds, including the addition of restrooms, roads, and support infrastructure. Installation of comfort stations and vault toilets to enhance visitor amenities. 3) Playgrounds and Recreation Areas: Rehabilitation of playgrounds to meet safety standards and improve accessibility. Installation of splash pads, dog parks, and sports courts to expand recreational offerings. 4) Visitor and Interpretive Centers: Construction or renovation of visitor service buildings to support educational programming and park operations. Enhancements to interpretive facilities that promote cultural and environmental education. 5) Infrastructure and Accessibility Upgrades: Improvements to park infrastructure, such as lighting, signage, and ADA-compliant pathways. Renovation of historic structures and public-use facilities to ensure long-term sustainability. 6) Land Acquisition and Conservation: Acquisition of land adjacent to existing parks or culturally significant sites to expand protected areas.

Continue reading on SAM.gov

Quoted from the program's federal Assistance Listing. The notice of funding opportunity is the official source for each competition's rules.

Who usually wins

Almost all of the money went to state and local governments.

By state

55 states have a page for this program: those that received at least $1 million or 10 awards.

Award amounts are federal obligations reported to USAspending.gov for fiscal 2021 to 2025; see how our data works.