Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF)

The Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) grant program administered by the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission provides federal funding assistance for outdoor recreation projects throughout Nebraska. The program supports the acquisition, development, and renovation of parks, recreation areas, and public lands that improve public access to outdoor recreation opportunities. Through this program, eligible local and state governmental entities can obtain reimbursement funding for projects that enhance community recreation infrastructure, preserve natural spaces, and improve public outdoor experiences for Nebraska residents and visitors. The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission administers the state allocation of LWCF funding in coordination with federal requirements established under the Land and Water Conservation Fund Act and oversight by the National Park Service. The program funds a broad range of outdoor recreation improvements and public-use facilities. Eligible projects include playgrounds, aquatic facilities, picnic shelters, recreational trails, sports fields, tennis and multi-purpose courts, restrooms, fishing docks, observation platforms, climbing walls, and similar public recreation amenities. Land acquisition for outdoor recreation purposes is also eligible provided that the acquired property is developed within three years. The grant program is intended to support both urban and rural recreation development while promoting equitable recreational access across Nebraska communities. Grant-assisted properties are required to remain dedicated to public outdoor recreation use in perpetuity under Section 6(f)(3) of the Land and Water Conservation Fund Act. Funding parameters establish a minimum grant request of $75,000 and a maximum grant award of $600,000. Eligible projects must include corresponding minimum total project costs of $150,000 and $1.2 million respectively because the program requires a minimum 50 percent local cost share. Matching contributions may include cash, taxes, private donations, grants, bequests, or contributions from other political subdivisions, although federal funding sources often may not be used as matching funds. The grant is structured as a reimbursable program, meaning project sponsors are responsible for covering project costs upfront and receiving reimbursement after eligible expenses are documented and approved. Reimbursable costs generally must occur during the approximately three-year performance period following federal approval, though certain architectural and engineering expenses incurred up to three years before award may qualify as eligible pre-award costs if properly documented in the application budget. Eligible applicants include Nebraska villages, cities, counties, tribes, public power districts, natural resource districts, state agricultural societies, and other political subdivisions except schools. Project sponsors must own or lease the project site for at least twenty-five years and are responsible for operating and maintaining funded facilities in a safe and attractive condition for public use. Sponsors must also ensure facilities are accessible to individuals with disabilities where feasible and maintain reasonable public access throughout the year. Governing bodies of political subdivisions are required to formally commit to the project through resolutions adopted at public meetings before application submission. The 2026 application cycle is scheduled to open on August 3, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. Central Time and close on October 30, 2026, at noon Central Time. A required commitment letter must be submitted by September 18, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. Central Time. Applications are submitted through the Nebraska Game and Parks grant application portal and must include supplemental documentation, detailed project budgets, environmental review materials, and supporting attachments described in the official application guide. The Nebraska Game and Parks LWCF team provides technical assistance to applicants throughout the process and offers webinars, guidance materials, budget resources, and planning tools to assist communities with preparing competitive applications. The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission administers the state’s LWCF allocation under authority established in Nebraska statutes 37-904 through 37-906. State law requires that sixty percent of Nebraska’s federal apportionment be made available to political subdivisions, while the remaining forty percent may support agency-sponsored projects. The Commission reviews staff recommendations annually to allocate available funding across the state. Communities are encouraged to align projects with priorities identified in the Nebraska Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan, which evaluates statewide recreation demand and establishes long-term priorities for park and recreation development. Program assistance and additional information are available from Recreation Grants Administrator Shari Sorenson at 402-471-5283 or shari.sorenson@nebraska.gov.

Applicants should demonstrate strong public outdoor recreation benefits, long-term site control, code-compliant project planning, realistic cost estimates, and ability to provide the required 50% match and upfront reimbursement capacity.