Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership Program

The Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership Program is a federally funded grant initiative administered by the National Park Service, a bureau within the U.S. Department of the Interior. Established in 2014, the program was designed to complement the Land and Water Conservation Fund by specifically addressing outdoor recreation needs in urban communities. Its purpose is to expand access to high-quality outdoor spaces in densely populated areas, particularly those that have historically lacked sufficient park infrastructure. The program aims to improve public access to recreation, strengthen community well-being, and foster stronger connections between people and the natural environment. The program provides matching grant funding to support public park projects in qualifying urban areas. These projects may include the creation of new outdoor recreation spaces, the revitalization of existing parks, and improvements that enhance accessibility and connectivity between communities and green spaces. The focus is on capital investments that produce long-term recreational benefits and address disparities in access to outdoor resources. Funding levels are determined annually based on congressional appropriations, and unused funds from prior years may supplement the total available funding pool. Eligibility is limited to public entities operating within qualifying urban areas, defined as areas with a population of at least 25000, either individually or through combined adjacent urban areas. Eligible applicants include state agencies, local governments such as cities and counties, and special-purpose districts such as park districts. Additionally, areas administered by federally recognized Indian Tribes or Alaska Native or Native Hawaiian community organizations are eligible. This structure ensures that funding is directed toward public-serving entities capable of implementing community-scale recreation projects. The program requires a matching contribution from applicants, indicating that non-federal funds must be committed alongside federal grant funding. While the specific match ratio is not explicitly stated in the provided materials, the requirement underscores the importance of shared investment in project success. For the 2026 funding cycle, the program establishes a minimum federal funding request of 300000 dollars and a maximum of 15000000 dollars per project, reflecting the program’s focus on large-scale, impactful investments. The application process is structured in multiple stages. For the 2026 round, applicants in Missouri must first submit their project proposals to the Missouri Department of Natural Resources Division of State Parks, which serves as the lead state agency. Applications must be submitted by August 3 2026. Following state-level review, selected applicants will collaborate with grants management staff to prepare a full application for submission to the National Park Service. Projects recommended for funding must submit a complete application within one year of notification and finalize a grant agreement with the National Park Service. According to the applicant instructions letter on page 1, the National Park Service anticipates a review period of up to six months before projects are recommended for funding. The program operates on a recurring annual cycle under a five-year Notice of Funding Opportunity covering the period from 2026 through 2030. Applications are accepted once per year, and the National Park Service typically announces selections approximately six months after the application deadline. Each year, an estimated 20 to 45 projects nationwide are recommended for funding, demonstrating the program’s competitive nature. Evaluation criteria are outlined in the official Notice of Funding Opportunity, and applicants are required to complete all required components, including those listed in the application checklist referenced on page 2 of the applicant instructions. Applicants are encouraged to review all program guidance documents prior to submission, including the Notice of Funding Opportunity and supporting planning resources. Questions and completed applications should be submitted to the designated program email. Additional submission logistics include provisions for large file transfers and coordination with program staff if alternative file sharing methods are required. The program also offers access to technical assistance resources and webinars through partner organizations, helping applicants strengthen their proposals and better understand program expectations.

Align project with low income community needs; demonstrate strong partnerships and matching funds; clearly address all merit review criteria; ensure feasibility and long term maintenance