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The California Department of Parks and Recreation’s Office of Grants and Local Services (OGALS) is accepting applications for a new cycle of Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) grants. There is approximately $35 million available for this program. The maximum grant award is $6 million with a minimum match requirement of 50 percent of the total project cost. Applications are due on August 5, 2025.

What is the purpose of LWCF grants?

LWCF grants provide funding for the acquisition or development of land to create new outdoor recreation opportunities for the health and wellness of Californians. 

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligible local and non-state agencies include:

• Cities, towns, and counties.
• Federally recognized Native American tribes.
• Joint Powers Authority (JPA) where all members are public agencies. 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.

State agencies are also eligible for LWCF grants through a separate application. This blog post only addresses information related to the competitive application process for local and non-state agencies.

What are eligible project activities?

Acquisition projects or development projects are eligible for LWCF funding; combination projects are not eligible. Examples of eligible acquisition and development activities are outlined below.

Acquisition activities include:

• Creating a new park.
• Expanding or providing a buffer for an existing park.
• Providing 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).
• Providing a recreational/active transportation trail corridor that connects neighborhoods to workplaces, schools, homes, and other recreational opportunities.

Acquisition projects must result in at least one new recreation opportunity for the public within three years after the completion of the acquisition, as described in the Application Guide linked here.

Development activities include:

• Development of recreation features such as athletic courts and fields; community, demonstration, and botanic gardens; dog parks, open space and natural areas, outdoor gyms; picnic areas; playgrounds; recreational trails; skate parks; and outdoor swimming pool and aquatic features, among others.
• Development of major support amenities such as restroom buildings; parking lots; and lighting and landscaping.

What are the key project requirements?

Eligibility requirements are as follows:

• Applications much meet at least one of the Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP) Priorities, which include the following:  
  • Protect and enhance California's iconic outdoor landscapes and natural resources through projects that are accessible to Californians while welcoming visitors from around the world.
  • Engage and inspire younger generations.
  • Promote healthy lifestyles and communities.
  • Create meaningful connections and relevancy to people.
  • Work with new and existing partners to improve and expand facilities, and garner more resources (such as matching funds for LWCF grants).
  • Expand park access for all Californians.
• For Acquisition projects, the applicant must become the landowner through the acquisition.
• For Development projects, the applicant must be the landowner at the time of application.
• The entire proposed park location will need to be placed within the LWCF boundary map and will be considered to be under federal protection indefinitely.
• The construction or acquisition of a park cannot begin until National Park Service gives final approval.

What are LCWF program priorities?

LWCF will prioritize projects that include the following:  

• The project will place new acreage under LWCF protection.
• The proposed project site will serve park deficient or economically disadvantaged areas, as defined in the Application Guide.
• The project will serve underserved populations including older adults, at risk youth, and/or people with disabilities.
• The project has been developed based on robust community input conducted in the past five years.
• The project is ready to move forward quickly.

What are the funding limits for LWCF?

There is no minimum funding amount for LWCF and the maximum funding amount is $6 million. At least 50 percent the total project cost must be contributed as match by state, local, or private sources.

Total funding availability for LWCF is $35 million.

What is the grant timeline for this program?

Applications are due by August 5, 2025 by 5pm PT.

Selected applications will be announced in Winter 2026 and will need to complete post-selection federal requirements, as detailed in the Application Guide. It is anticipated this process will take place from Winter 2026 through February 2026. Once completed, it will take 30 to 90 days for NPS to give their final approval. 

The grant performance period cannot exceed five years.

Please see here for the Application Guide.

For more information on this grant or how to apply with Morrison’s assistance, please contact the Morrison Grants Team by email at grants@morrisonco.net or call us at 530-893-4764.