Competitive LWCF Grants

ORLP and RARI Recreation Funding Opportuntites

Similar to Land and Water Conservation Fund requirements, projects assisted through both ORLP and RARI must be maintained and accessible exclusively for public outdoor recreation use in perpetuity. This applies to the assisted park or site in its entirety, not just the area assisted by the grant funds. In addition, both programs require a 50%, dollar for dollar match. 

July 15 Grant Workshop

ORLP and RARI grant applications are scheduled to open on July 9!
Get a head start on your application by joining our upcoming grant workshop before pre-applications are due on Thursday, October 1.

Speaking directly with Arizona State Parks and Trails Grants staff is one of the best ways to better understand the LWCF extension grant process for ORLP and RARI funding opportunities, ask questions, and gain valuable insights that can help strengthen your application.

Join us on Wednesday, July 15, from 10:00 AM–11:30 AM for an informative LWCF Extension Grant Workshop. [ Meeting Link ]

Whether you're applying for the first time or looking for a refresher on the process, this workshop will provide helpful guidance to ensure your application process goes as smoothly as possible. We look forward to seeing you there!

Add Workshop to Your Calendar

Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership (ORLP)

The Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership (ORLP) Program Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) was released by the National Park Service (NPS) on June 8th. ORLP provides funding to acquire land and water for parks and other outdoor recreation purposes, and to develop new or renovate existing outdoor recreation facilities that provide outdoor recreation opportunities to the public. 

In order to be eligible, projects must take place within an urban area that has a population of 25,000 or more in the most recent census, or 2 or more adjacent urban areas with a combined population of 25,000 or more; or an area administered by a federally recognized Indian Tribe or an Alaska Native or Native Hawaiian community organization. 

The Trust for Public Land will be hosting several technical assistance webinars. Please visit https://www.tpl.org/resource/orlp for more information and to sign up. Arizona State Parks and Trails will conduct a webinar on July 15  to assist potential applicants and answer questions. 

FY27 Grant Cycle

ORLP grants are opened by National Park Service once per year, typically in June and closing in October. Applicants will apply to Arizona State Parks and Trails who will then in turn submit applications to the National Park Service for review. For the FY27 Grant Cycle, we anticipate the application to be open in Webgrants beginning 7/9/2026 and will close on 10/01/2026. This allows Arizona State Parks and Trails 30 days to assemble documentation and submit final applications to National Park Service. Federally Recognized Native American Tribal Governments and Urban Indian Organizations are not required to submit applications to Arizona State Parks and Trails; they are eligible to apply directly through www.grants.gov. 

  • Available Funds: Projects may apply for a minimum of $300,000 to a maximum of $15,000,000. 
  • Eligible Applicants: Political subdivision of a State or Territory, including cities and counties, or special purpose districts that manage open space, such as a park district; Native Hawaiian communities or organizations.
  • Eligible Projects: Funding can be used for outdoor recreation facilities; ADA/accessibility upgrades; acquisition of park lands; baseball & soccer fields, bike parks, pools, playground equipment.

Readiness and Recreation Initiative (RARI)

The Readiness and Recreation Initiative (RARI) Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) was released by the National Park Service (NPS) on June 8th. The purpose of the program is to: 1) provide outdoor recreation opportunities, and 2) promote or support compatible land uses and avoid incompatible development in areas in the vicinity of, or ecologically related to, a military installation or military airspace, and/or to maintain or enhance disaster resilience.

To be eligible, proposed projects must: Include a land acquisition component, be in a Readiness and Environmental Protection Integration (REPI) Partnership Opportunity Area or Sentinel Landscape and have a Letter of Support from a Military Installation or Range commander

  • Available Funds: Projects may apply for a minimum of $250,000 with a maximum request of $3,000,000. 
  • Eligible Applicants: State agencies, federally recognized Indian tribes, Local units of governments and special purpose districts (must be an entity created by a legislative authority vested sovereignty and with a stated mission that includes acquiring, developing, owning and managing recreation areas, and be able to demonstrate it can meet the perpetual protection requirement of the LWCF program
  • Eligible Projects: Eligible project types include acquisition of lands, wetlands, and waters for public outdoor recreation, including new areas or additions to existing parks, forests, wildlife management areas, beaches, and other similar areas dedicated to public outdoor recreation, as well as physical connections among them (e.g. trails, waterways, land between recreation areas, wildlife habitat corridors). In addition, a project for acquisition may include the development of outdoor recreation resources.  Development should encompass essential public outdoor recreation activities and the necessary support facilities for public use. Projects could involve a combination of land acquisition and site development. These projects can cater to a diverse range of public outdoor recreation activities and facilities required to enhance the use and enjoyment for the public.

Start Here Before You Apply

All of the resources listed below are included in the official grant application materials, but we’ve gathered them here to make the process easier for you. These documents, maps, and tools provide important background information and required references that will help applicants prepare stronger, more complete applications. By reviewing these resources in advance, you’ll save time and ensure your project meets all eligibility, planning, and compliance requirements.

Content

Click on a section below and the information will be revealed. 

This state map is used to highlight where within the state an applicant's project will take place. State Map PDF
These policies set forth the administrative procedures and guidelines for Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) federal assistance (Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance #15.916) to the States by the U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service (NPS). NPS LWCF Manual PDF
This link will assist in determining if your project will require a 404 Permit form the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. 404 Information Link
Applicants can use the following maps to determine the project area's Legislative and Congressional Districts. Legislative District Information Congressional District Information
This document provides recreation management priorities for Arizona State Parks and Trails and other recreation management agencies in the state of Arizona. SCORP PDF
This tool allows users to identify Arizona wildlife species and habitat that may be impacted by the proposed project area. It also generates in depth reports that can be used in the application process. AZGFD Tool Link

Blank Application

Please click the links provided to view blank applications for the Land and Water Conservation Fund.

Blank LWCF Grant Application

Apply for Competitive LWCF Grants

https://www.azparkgrants.com/index.do

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