Georgia Outdoor Stewardship Program (GOSP)

The Georgia Outdoor Stewardship Program, administered by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, was established following the passage of the Georgia Outdoor Stewardship Act in 2018 and its subsequent approval by Georgia voters. The program is designed to provide a dedicated funding source for the protection and enhancement of the state’s natural resources, including parks, trails, and conservation lands. Funding is derived from a portion of state sales and use taxes on outdoor sporting goods, ensuring a sustainable mechanism to support conservation and recreation initiatives across Georgia. The program offers both grants and low interest loans under the Conserve Georgia initiative to support eligible projects that align with statewide conservation and recreation priorities. The primary purpose of this funding opportunity is to support projects that enhance state and local parks, improve trails of regional or statewide significance, steward conservation lands, and acquire critical areas that protect clean water, wildlife habitats, and outdoor recreation opportunities. Eligible projects may include land acquisition, development and maintenance of park infrastructure, restoration of ecosystems, and conservation easements. The program emphasizes projects that deliver measurable environmental, recreational, and regional benefits, including those that support hunting, fishing, hiking, and other nature based activities. Funding amounts vary depending on project type. For local parks and trails projects, grant requests must be at least five hundred thousand dollars and may not exceed three million dollars, while state agency projects are not subject to minimum or maximum limits. The program operates primarily on a reimbursement basis, requiring grantees to incur and document eligible expenses before receiving payment. A minimum matching requirement of twenty five percent of total project costs is mandatory for most applicants, with higher match contributions improving competitiveness during evaluation. The grant term is generally two years, during which projects must be completed and documented. Eligible applicants include qualified local governments, constituted recreation authorities, state agencies, and certain nonprofit organizations whose mission centers on conservation and natural resource protection. All applicants must demonstrate legal control of the project site and comply with program requirements related to environmental review, long term stewardship, and financial accountability. Nongovernmental entities must be registered nonprofits focused on conservation, while local governments must meet specific planning and compliance standards established by the state. The application process is competitive and conducted in two phases. The first phase requires submission of a pre application, which includes project descriptions, budget estimates, maps, and supporting documentation. This stage is used to evaluate and rank projects based on established criteria such as ecological value, recreational impact, and alignment with state conservation plans. Successful applicants are invited to submit a second level application, which requires more detailed documentation, including environmental reviews and finalized project plans. Projects that complete this phase successfully are awarded funding. For the 2026 to 2027 funding cycle, the pre application period opens on August 3, 2026 and closes on October 16, 2026. Selected applicants will be notified in spring 2027 and invited to submit second level applications, which are due by May 28, 2027. Final project approvals are anticipated in summer 2027, followed by execution of project agreements and commencement of funded activities. The program is recurring annually, with timelines generally following a similar structure each cycle. Program oversight is provided by the Georgia Outdoor Stewardship Trust Fund Board of Trustees, which evaluates and approves applications based on priorities established for each funding cycle. Applicants may seek assistance from program staff, including the Program Coordinator and Grants Specialist, who provide guidance on eligibility, application preparation, and compliance requirements. Contact information is publicly available, and applicants are encouraged to engage with program staff to strengthen their proposals and ensure alignment with program objectives.

Provide strong match funding above minimum; align project with SWAP and SCORP priorities; clearly demonstrate regional impact and ecological value; ensure complete and accurate documentation in pre-application