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Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF)

Grantor:

Department of Parks and Recreation

Portal ID:

194175

Status:

Active

Open Date:

10/23/26 15:31

Opportunity Type:

• Grant

Last Updated:

October 23, 2026, 4:05 pm  |  View change notes

Categories:

• Parks & Recreation

Details

Purpose:

The Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) was established by Congress in 1964 to fulfill a bipartisan commitment to safeguard our natural areas, water resources and cultural heritage, and to provide recreation opportunities to all Americans. Using zero taxpayer dollars, the LWCF invests earnings from offshore oil and gas leasing to help strengthen communities, preserve our history and protect our national endowment of lands and waters. 

Description:

Eligible Local and Non-State Agencies:

    ·  Cities and counties

    ·  Federally recognized Native American tribes

    ·  Joint Powers Authorities (JPA) where all members are public agencies.

       o  A JPA can include a state agency if at least one member is a local (non-state) public agency or district, and the JPA was formed for the purpose of providing PARK and recreation areas.

    ·  Non-state agency recreation and park districts and special districts with authority to acquire, operate, and maintain public park and recreation areas.

Deadline: Thursday, January 14, 2027

Maximum Grant Request: $6 million

Match Requirement: 50%

Eligible Projects:

ACQUISITION PROJECTS or DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS are eligible for LWCF funding. Combination PROJECTS are not eligible. All PROJECTS must meet at least one State Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP).

Visit https://www.parksforcalifornia.org/scorp/ to read the current SCORP and review the SCORP Priorities. priority.

Acquisition Examples:

    ·  ACQUISITION to create a NEW PARK.

    ·  ACQUISITION to EXPAND or provide a buffer for an existing PARK.

    ·  ACQUISITION to provide a wildlife corridor that supports public viewing and outdoor recreational use (not habitat conservation for its own sake—all PROJECTS must have a primary purpose of public outdoor recreation).

    ·  ACQUISITION to provide a recreational/active transportation trail corridor that connects neighborhoods to workplaces, schools, homes, and other recreational opportunities.

New Recreation Opportunity for Acquisitions:

ACQUISITION PROJECTS must result in at least one NEW RECREATION OPPORTUNITY for the public within three years after the completion of the ACQUISITION. The entire PARK DEVELOPMENT does not need to be completed; a phased portion is acceptable and must be completed within three years.

In some cases, the ACQUISITION property may not require DEVELOPMENT to provide a NEW RECREATION OPPORTUNITY. Examples include:

    ·  An existing fire or safety road in the ACQUISITION property that is readily useable as a trail or walking pathway.

    ·  EXPANSIONS: The ACQUISITION property is adjacent to an existing PARK, and can serve:

       o  To protect the VIEWSHED of the PARK for current and future generations of PARK visitors. In this case, enjoying the VIEWSHED is a recreation opportunity for the PARK visitors.

       o  To protect a wildlife corridor for current and future generations, where visitors of the existing PARK come to enjoy watching wildlife.

Development:

DEVELOPMENT of RECREATION FEATURES must be for outdoor recreation. LWCF funds are intended to increase outdoor recreational opportunities for the health and wellness of Californians.

Eligibility Requirements

Eligible Applicants:

• Public Agency
• Tribal Government

Cities & counties Federally recognized Native American tribes Joint Powers Authorities (JPA) where all members are public agencies. Can include a state agency if at least one member is a local (non-state) public agency or district & was formed for providing PARK and recreation areas. Non-state agency recreation & park districts and special districts with authority to acquire, operate, & maintain public park and recreation areas.

Eligible Geographies:

Projects may occur on state, tribal, or federal lands.

Matching Funding Requirement:

MATCH – amount required to make up the difference between the LWCF GRANT amount requested (the federal share) and the TOTAL PROJECT COST. The GRANTEE must cash-flow both the LWCF GRANT amount and MATCH, covering the TOTAL PROJECT COST established at the time of APPLICATION, to be reimbursed the full LWCF GRANT amount.