Recreation Grants

This grant provides financial support to small towns and nonprofit organizations in Central Alabama for projects that improve community development, education, emergency response, and recreational resources.

This program provides financial support to local organizations, climbers, and agencies working to protect and improve climbing areas across the United States.

This funding opportunity supports Colorado-based organizations in employing youth and young adults for outdoor conservation and restoration projects on public lands, enhancing the state's ecosystems and recreational spaces.

This program provides funding to government agencies and nonprofit organizations for the maintenance, development, and ecological restoration of publicly accessible off-road vehicle trails in Michigan.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations and government agencies in Holdrege, Nebraska, for community projects in areas such as education, health, and cultural activities, with a focus on initiatives that promote ethical and moral standards.

This program provides financial assistance to local governments in Florida for acquiring and developing land for public outdoor recreation and constructing or renovating recreational trails.

This program provides financial support to Massachusetts municipalities for acquiring land to preserve open spaces and promote passive recreational activities.

This funding initiative provides financial support to Florida local governments and eligible nonprofits for acquiring land to develop parks, open spaces, and recreational facilities, particularly benefiting low-income communities.

This program provides financial assistance to Massachusetts municipalities for acquiring, developing, or renovating public parks and outdoor recreational spaces to enhance community access and climate resilience.

This grant provides financial support to state, local, and tribal governments, academic institutions, and nonprofit organizations for projects that promote healthy aquatic habitats and water resources on public lands.

This grant provides funding to support collaborative projects that enhance wildfire resilience, forest health, sustainable recreation, and rural economic development in communities adjacent to National Forest System lands.

The Community Parks and Playgrounds Program (CPP), administered by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR), provides funding to assist Maryland’s incorporated municipalities and Baltimore City in developing and enhancing public parks and green spaces. This initiative is grounded in the state’s commitment to improving access to outdoor recreational areas, particularly for children and underserved communities. Funded primarily through Maryland’s State General Obligation Bonds, the program supports both the revitalization of existing parks and the creation of new public recreation spaces. These investments aim to promote community well-being, environmental sustainability, and equitable access to recreational infrastructure. The CPP program accepts project proposals from incorporated municipalities and Baltimore City for a broad range of eligible activities. These include the development of new parks, rehabilitation or expansion of existing park infrastructure, installation of playground equipment, creation of nature-oriented recreational features, development of trails and water access points, and acquisition of land intended for new parks. While land acquisition projects are eligible, the program prioritizes capital investments directly tied to park development and improvement. In addition, inclusive playground projects are encouraged and should follow guidance issued by the Maryland Developmental Disabilities Council and Department of Disabilities. Applicants must meet several requirements to be considered eligible. Projects must comply with all relevant local, state, and federal laws, be publicly accessible, and remain open without discrimination. The applicant must have legal rights to develop the proposed site, demonstrate readiness to proceed promptly following state approval, and ensure the project's longevity—development projects must remain functional for at least 20 years. Furthermore, applicants must show capacity for long-term project maintenance. For projects involving land acquisition, two independent appraisals are required, and properties acquired must remain in public recreational use in perpetuity. The proposal review and selection process is competitive. DNR staff evaluate each application based on alignment with program goals, compliance with eligibility requirements, and prior grant performance. Projects recommended by the DNR are submitted to the Department of Budget and Management for possible inclusion in the Governor’s budget proposal. Upon legislative approval, the projects proceed to the Board of Public Works and the State Clearinghouse for final authorization. Funding is distributed on a reimbursement basis, although in some cases, advance payment may be considered after state approval. Applications for FY 2027 are due by Wednesday, August 20, 2025, at 3:00 p.m. Submissions must be sent via email to laplocalgrants.dnr@maryland.gov, and applicants are encouraged to consult with their assigned Program Administrator before submission to ensure eligibility and completeness. DNR staff will also host two virtual grant workshops via Google Meet to support applicants—on June 24, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. and July 16, 2025, at 4:00 p.m. Award notifications are expected to be issued in May or June 2026, contingent upon state budget approval. Contact information is provided for three regional program administrators: Tiffany DePaoli (tiffanyr.depaoli@maryland.gov | 667-270-0786), Katelyn Mayberry (kate.mayberry@maryland.gov | 443-883-5800), and Michael McQuarrie (michael.mcquarrie@maryland.gov | 410-279-8147). Each administrator is responsible for specific counties and applicants are encouraged to reach out to the appropriate contact for support. Further information and updates are available on the program’s official website.

This program provides financial assistance to irrigation districts and related entities in Idaho for repairing and improving aging water infrastructure to ensure sustainable water management and support the agricultural economy.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to various governmental and nonprofit organizations for projects that assess and mitigate hazards from abandoned mines on public lands, promoting environmental restoration and public health.

This funding opportunity provides financial support for projects that enhance recreational access and visitor experiences on public lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management, targeting state and local governments, Tribal organizations, educational institutions, and nonprofits.

This grant provides funding for nonprofit organizations, for-profit entities, and local governments to promote education and outreach initiatives that reduce vessel sewage pollution in California's boating communities.

This funding opportunity supports Philadelphia-based organizations and community groups in developing innovative solutions to reduce illegal dumping and improve neglected public spaces in the city.

This initiative provides funding to organizations in Philadelphia to improve and revitalize existing public spaces, such as parks and community centers, fostering equitable access and community engagement.

This grant provides funding to organizations in Philadelphia for planting and maintaining trees in underserved neighborhoods to improve green space and community health.

This grant provides funding to government entities and nonprofit organizations for projects that protect land, enhance community resilience, and support conservation planning in the Appalachian Trail region.