State Recreation Grants

This grant provides funding to local government agencies in California for the construction and improvement of facilities that enhance public access to waterways for recreational boating.

The City Parks and Open Space Grant, funded by REAP (Resource Enhancement And Protection), is a competitive grant program supporting cities across Iowa in developing parks and open spaces. This initiative is a core component of the Iowa Legislature's commitment to enhancing the state's natural resources and recreational opportunities, aligning with a broader mission of environmental stewardship and community well-being. The funding originates from gaming revenues, demonstrating a strategic allocation of state resources towards public amenities and green infrastructure. The primary beneficiaries of this grant are the cities within Iowa, which receive the financial support to undertake park and open space development projects. Ultimately, the residents of these cities, as well as visitors, benefit from improved access to recreational areas, enhanced natural environments, and greater opportunities for outdoor activities. The impact goals center on fostering healthier communities, preserving biodiversity through open spaces, and boosting the quality of life for Iowans by creating accessible and engaging public spaces. The grant prioritizes the development of parks and open spaces, explicitly excluding certain types of facilities. Projects that do not qualify for funding include athletic fields, organized sports facilities, swimming pools, and playground equipment. This focus indicates an emphasis on broader, more naturalistic or passive recreational areas rather than specialized sports or play infrastructure. The grant also highlights its commitment to equitable distribution by allocating funds across cities of various sizes, ensuring that both large and small communities have opportunities to benefit. The expected outcomes include the successful development and enhancement of numerous city parks and open spaces across Iowa. Measurable results would involve the number of new or improved park acres, the types of new amenities created (excluding the proscribed items), and potentially an increase in public engagement with these spaces. The program's design, which requires no local matching funds, removes a significant barrier for many communities, increasing accessibility and the likelihood of successful project implementation. The strategic priority is to leverage state gaming revenues to directly improve local community infrastructure related to environmental and recreational assets, embodying a theory of change where targeted state investment leads to widespread local environmental and social benefits. Applications for this program are due by August 15, 2024.

The Governor and the General Assembly direct the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) to administer grants for specific miscellaneous purposes to bolster the state’s economy, promote a clean environment, and improve the overall quality of life throughout the state of Illinois. This grant program is available to any entity receiving funding via lump sum appropriation. Eligible costs for this program are bondable costs associated with site improvements. This includes demolition; grading/earthwork; landscaping; sidewalks; replacement of bridges; construction and/or upgrade of roads, parking lots, curb and gutter, parks and other open spaces as well as structures within them; etc. This may include associated streetscaping.

This program provides financial assistance to counties and tribal governing bodies to enhance fish and wildlife programs. Established in 1965 by the Wisconsin Legislature as an alternative to bounty payments on coyote, foxes, and bobcats, it now supports a wide range of county-sponsored fish and wildlife habitat projects. After the state budget approval, funds are allocated based on the ratio of each county's area to the total state area. The program is designed as a cost-share initiative for projects that include development of outdoor recreation structures, habitat restoration, stocking projects, maintenance, and miscellaneous projects directly related to fish and wildlife. Grant renewed every year. Grant annual deadline: October 1st

Grant Opportunity: Short-term Teaching Artist Residency Program (Illinois) The Short-term Teaching Artist Residency Program in Illinois supports elementary schools, community centers, and public libraries in engaging teaching artists for short-term residencies. The program prioritizes advancing equity and access in the arts, particularly for underserved audiences such as BIPOC communities, individuals with disabilities, older adults, and those with limited access to the arts. Eligible applicants can request a minimum of $250 and a maximum of $4,500 to cover 75% of residency costs. Additional percentages can be added under specific conditions. Applicants must be tax-exempt organizations or units of government in Illinois, while the selected artists must be based in Illinois. The application deadline is at least eight weeks before the project start date. For more information, visit Short-term Teaching Artist Residency Program.

This funding opportunity supports community programs that teach and engage diverse families in fishing, boating, and aquatic conservation efforts throughout California.

Grants for Workforce Development Innovation Initiatives in the District of Columbia are available to support innovative solutions for residents to enter and sustain employment, ultimately contributing to the District's economy. The grant program encompasses various areas such as youth programs, initiatives for returning citizens and adults with barriers to employment, labor market research, workforce and federal programs, labor standards, unemployment insurance outreach, paid family leave support, and infrastructure job assistance. Service categories include work readiness, job readiness, occupational skills development, job placement assistance, research, and education/outreach efforts.

The Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF), established by Congress in 1965 and permanently funded in 2020, assists governmental units in providing outdoor recreation facilities to meet the increasing demand. In Indiana, the LWCF has allocated around $90 million, benefiting both state and local park projects. The program offers grants covering up to 50% of the costs for acquiring and developing outdoor recreation sites, with a funding range for local applicants between $250,000 and $1 million. Eligible projects include land acquisition, construction, or renovation of public parks and facilities, emphasizing universal access and non-discriminatory public use. Grant renewed every year Grant annual deadline: August 1st

This grant provides financial support to nonprofit organizations working with local governments in South Carolina to attract new sporting events that boost local economies and improve residents' quality of life.

Introduction EEM projects must contribute to mitigation of the environmental effects of transportation facilities. The California Natural Resources Agency (Agency) prescribes procedures and criteria to evaluate grant project proposals and submits a list of projects recommended for funding to the California Transportation Commission (CTC). The CTC awards grants to projects from Agency’s list. Related Transportation Facility EEM projects must mitigate, either directly or indirectly, the environmental impacts of a) the modification of an existing Transportation Facility or b) the construction of a new Transportation Facility (hereafter Related Transportation Facility or RTF). The EEM project can be the required mitigation for the RTF or enhancement to mitigation required for the RTF. Statewide Project Goals Agency grant programs assist state and local entities to develop more sustainable communities, increase adaptability to climate change using nature-based strategies, and protect biodiversity in compliance with Executive Order N-82-20, the Pathways to 30 x 30 California, and the Natural and Working Lands Climate Smart Strategy. Projects that demonstrate the following multiple benefits will be more competitive: • Improved air and/or water quality. • Reduced consumption of natural resources and energy. • Increased reliability of local water supplies. • Increased adaptability to climate change. • Increased protection and restoration of biodiversity Eligible Projects Examples The list below isn't comprehensive, but provides examples of project elements that meet statutory conditions. Urban Forestry: • Planting of trees and plants along urban streets and medians. • Greening existing public lands and structures, including school campuses and urban parks. • Greening vacant lots and abandoned sites. • Restoration of urban creeks. Resource Lands: • Removal of invasive and restoration of natural plant species. • Enhancement or restoration of natural areas such as inland wetlands, forests, oak woodlands, mountain meadows, creeks, and streams with riparian or riverine fish or wildlife habitat, wildlife corridors and fish passages, coastal estuaries, grazing land and grasslands. • Acquisitions in fee title or through conservation easements to safeguard regional water supplies, protect riparian and wildlife habitats, conserve agricultural lands for secure wildlife migration corridors, and provide public access for compatible wildlife/nature-oriented recreation by the wider community. • Acquisitions to preserve in perpetuity Resource Lands for agricultural uses, open space, wetlands, biodiversity, etc. Mitigation Projects Beyond the Scope of the Lead Agency: Project examples listed under Urban Forestry and Resource Lands categories may be eligible for the Mitigation Projects Beyond the Scope of the Lead Agency category, if the mitigation or enhancement measures for the RTF were infeasible or beyond the jurisdiction and/or authority of the Lead Agency for the RTF. Project Criteria Questions Applicants must choose only one project category and respond to all questions in the selected category. If a question doesn't apply to the project, indicate Not Applicable with a brief explanation.

This grant focuses on renovating existing trailered boat launches to improve public recreational boating access. Administered by the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry, Bureau of Parks and Lands, the grant aims to support the development and maintenance of facilities that provide primary recreational boating access to the general public. Projects must undergo a pre-approval site inspection to confirm eligibility. Available funding for trailered launch renovation projects is up to $75,000.

Grantees will be required to accomplish the following within the Grant Activity Period: Convene a standing committee of community members and stakeholders tosupport development of new SLP structure and strategic framework. Model equity practices and principles in the development of new SLP mission,vision, programming, and services. Identify and retain a dedicated staff member to lead new SLP and provide mentorship to that individual. Identify and maintain an accessible public office space for the new SLP. Create and implement a realistic operating budget for new SLP, with appropriate portion of grant funds going directly to support new SLP. Supply anticipated outcomes for a one-year grant and outline any next steps anticipated to occur beyond the grant activity period to fulfill the goals of the grant program. 

The FY25 Conservation Partnership Grant, overseen by the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA), supports qualified 501(c)(3) organizations and conservation districts in acquiring conservation or recreation land within Massachusetts. The grant encourages projects that conserve natural resources, offer recreational opportunities, and address climate resilience aligned with Executive Order 569. Funding is aimed at land purchases or conservation restrictions, with due diligence costs eligible for gifts of land. This reimbursement grant emphasizes protecting strategic open spaces that provide public access and maintain ecological value.

This program provides funding to local government agencies and organizations in Colorado to upgrade or replace pump-out stations for recreational motorboats, helping to protect water quality and aquatic wildlife.

Grant Opportunity: Sport Fish Restoration - Fishing Pier (SFR-FP) Funding Organization: U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Contact Information: - Name: Faith M Murray - Email Address: Faith.Murray@wisconsin.gov - Work Phone: (920) 461-8206 - Work Address: NATURAL RESOURCES, DEPT OF, GREEN BAY, WI 54313 Intent and Eligibility: The Sport Fish Restoration - Fishing Pier grant program provides funding for the construction and renovation of fishing piers primarily designed to provide public access for shore fishing. Eligible applicants include counties, towns, cities, villages, tribes, sanitary districts, public inland lake protection and rehabilitation districts, and qualified lake associations. Matching contributions must come from non-federal sources. Application Deadline: Applications for the Sport Fish Restoration Fishing Pier grant must be submitted by October 1 each year. Application Materials: To apply for the grant, applicants must submit various materials including the Sport Fish Restoration Grant Programs Application (Form 8700-385), Grant Project Authorizing Resolution (Form 8700-388), project location maps, topographical maps of the project area showing land disturbance area, illustrations of the current condition of the project area, drawings or site plans of the proposed project area including buildings and facilities, preliminary or final engineering plans with pier designs, draft easement/lease/MOU documents if applicable, and copies of required permits if already received. Submission Process: All grant applications should be emailed to DNRBIGCVASFRGrants@wisconsin.gov. The subject line of the email should indicate the type of grant being applied for. Application materials should be saved in PDF format and not exceed 15 megabytes in size. If email size exceeds 15 MB, documents can be sent in multiple emails. Applicants are responsible for ensuring that their application is submitted by the deadline. Additional Resources: Applicants are advised to read the Program Guidance for U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Subaward Grant Program: Boating Infrastructure Grant, Clean Vessel Act, and Sport Fish Restoration for Boat Access and Fishing Piers [PDF]. Accessibility guidance for grant-funded projects (CF-031) and the Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and

Grant Opportunity: County Conservation Aids (CCA) Funding Organization: Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Contact Information: Bobbi Winebar, Grant Program Manager, WI Dept of Natural Resources, 2984 Shawano Avenue, Green Bay, WI 54313, 920-461-2595 Program Description: The County Conservation Aids (CCA) grant program provides financial assistance to county and tribal governing bodies participating in county fish and wildlife programs. The program aims to enhance fish and wildlife resources through the funding of various projects related to outdoor recreation use, habitat restoration/enhancement, stocking projects, maintenance projects, and miscellaneous projects. The grants are funded by the revenue generated from the sale of hunting and fishing licenses and state sales tax on hunting and fishing equipment. Eligibility: County and tribal governing bodies participating in county fish and wildlife programs are eligible to apply for this grant. Award Details: The statewide allocation for the current fiscal year is $148,500. Funds are allocated to each county in proportion to the ratio of the size of each county to the total area of the state. Unused funds revert to five regions available to county and tribal governments within region boundaries. Application Process: Interested applicants can download the County Conservation Aids (CCA) Application & Grant Agreement Form #8700-045A from the website. The form should be completed online and submitted via email or postmarked no later than October 1. Applicants may need to obtain permits if required or seek approval from the property manager if their project is occurring on DNR-owned land. A letter of final award notification will be sent out by October 31. Matching Requirement: If an applicant receives a grant of federal pass-through funds from the DNR, those funds can be used as a match for the 50% cost-share required by the CCA program. State funds cannot be used as a match for a CCA grant. Reimbursement Information: Expenditures made prior to the effective date of the appropriate DNR regional grant specialist approval will not be allowed. All work must be done within the project period. Local equipment rates may be used but should not exceed the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) equipment rate for the year of the project activities. Re

The Iowa Legislature, through its REAP (Resource Enhancement and Protection) funds, offers a cost-share grant program primarily focused on land acquisitions. This program dedicates one-tenth of the Open Spaces portion of REAP to partner with private organizations for land acquisition, covering 75% of the costs. The remaining 25% is expected to be funded through private contributions. The core mission of this grant is to facilitate collaboration between private conservation groups and the state to achieve dual objectives: providing outdoor recreation opportunities for the public and protecting critical habitats across all Iowa counties. This aligns with a broader strategic priority of fostering public-private partnerships for environmental stewardship and enhancing public access to natural resources. The primary beneficiaries of this program are private conservation groups seeking to acquire land for conservation and recreation purposes. Ultimately, the impact extends to the general public in Iowa, who gain access to expanded outdoor recreation areas, and to the diverse ecosystems within the state, which benefit from enhanced habitat protection. The program's goals are centered on increasing the amount of protected land and improving access to natural spaces, thereby contributing to the state's environmental health and residents' well-being. The program's priorities and focus are clearly on land acquisition, specifically through a cost-sharing model. It emphasizes the importance of private contributions to complement state funding, encouraging a collaborative approach to conservation. The state's role in managing the acquired properties on behalf of the public after acquisition underscores a commitment to long-term stewardship and public benefit. The grant is not limited to specific counties but is available across all counties in Iowa, indicating a broad and inclusive approach to conservation efforts throughout the state. The expected outcomes of this grant program are a measurable increase in protected land acreage within Iowa and the expansion of outdoor recreational opportunities for its citizens. By covering a significant portion of land acquisition costs, the program aims to incentivize and enable more private conservation groups to undertake such projects. Measurable results would include the number of acres acquired, the types of habitats protected, and the accessibility of new recreational sites. This aligns with a theory of change that posits that by financially supporting private conservation efforts and ensuring state management, significant environmental and recreational benefits can be achieved for the public good.

The State of Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation & Forestry announces the 2024 ATV Trail Maintenance Grant Program, designed to support ATV clubs in maintaining and improving ATV trails across the state. The grant offers a tiered funding system based on trail mileage, ranging from $7,000 for trails up to 10 miles, to $12,000 for trails over 70 miles. Eligible expenses include construction, maintenance, labor (up to $15 an hour if paid), and landowner relations efforts, with an additional $500 available for qualified landowner relations expenses. Clubs must be registered non-profit corporations in good standing and meet several requirements, including obtaining necessary permits and providing proof of landowner permission. Applications must be submitted by July 1, 2024, with grants payable on a reimbursement basis. Grant renewed every year.

This grant provides financial assistance to municipalities, non-profit land conservation organizations, and water companies in Connecticut for acquiring land to preserve open spaces and protect water supplies.

This grant provides funding for collaborative, arts-based projects that improve community livability and cultural vibrancy in Pennsylvania, focusing on diversity, equity, and local engagement.