Outdoor Recreation Grants
Grant Opportunities to Benefit All Arizonans
If you’ve enjoyed Arizona’s beautiful outdoor spaces or rich cultural sites, chances are you've encountered a project funded by the Arizona State Parks and Trails grants program. From signage projects to full-fledged parks, we’re committed to bringing communities together through impactful outdoor and historic preservation projects. Our grants support cultural, historical, and outdoor recreation initiatives across the state, available to state agencies, municipalities, nonprofits, tribes, and a variety of other eligible organizations.
We get it...the grant process can be confusing and take valuable hours of your limited time. But it doesn’t have to be that way! Our dedicated grants team ensures ease and clarity from application to project completion, making it a fun and empowering experience for our applicants. Whether you or someone you know qualifies for funding, we’re here to help every step of the way. Explore the exciting opportunities our grants offer, complete with inspiring success stories to help ignite ideas for you, or someone you know.
Recreational Trails Program (RTP) Grants
The Recreational Trails Program is a game-changer for anyone who loves spending time on Arizona’s widespread trails. Whether you're into hiking, biking, horseback riding, or off-roading, chances are you've already enjoyed the benefits of an RTP-funded trail without even knowing it. This federal-aid program, reauthorized by the bipartisan infrastructure law of 2021, provides approximately $2 million annually to enhance trail systems across Arizona.
The public benefits directly from these grants as they make outdoor spaces more accessible, safer, and enjoyable. RTP grants fund a wide variety of projects, including the development of new trails, maintenance of existing ones, and improvements to trail accessibility. For example, the trail maintenance category offers grants ranging from $10,000 to $100,000, ensuring that trails remain in top condition for all users. Safety and environmental education grants provide up to $10,000 for educational initiatives, signage, and maps, helping users navigate trails safely while learning about the environment.
Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) Recreation Fund Grants
If you’re an off-roading enthusiast, you’ve likely ridden on trails supported by the Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) Recreation Fund. Established in 1991, this fund plays a crucial role in maintaining and developing trails specifically designed for OHVs, including ATVs, dirt bikes, and other off-road vehicles. The fund provides approximately $2 million annually, ensuring that Arizona’s OHV trails are not only scenic but also safe and well-maintained.
The OHV grants benefit the public by supporting both large-scale and small-scale projects. Large-scale grants are available for extensive projects, such as the development of new trails, while small-scale and emergency grants (up to $100,000) address immediate needs like repairing damage from weather events or vandalism. This ensures that OHV riders have access to top-notch trails, enhancing their outdoor experience and promoting safety.
Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) Grants
The Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) has been a cornerstone of public outdoor recreation in the United States since its creation in 1964. Supported by revenue from Outer Continental Shelf oil and gas leasing, LWCF grants are instrumental in creating and improving parks, sports fields, playgrounds, and other recreational facilities. These grants ensure that all Arizonans, regardless of where they live, have access to high-quality outdoor spaces.
These funds help communities develop new recreational facilities, upgrade existing ones, and ensure that these spaces are accessible to everyone, including those with disabilities. Eligible projects include ADA/accessibility upgrades, acquisition of parklands, and the development of sports fields, bike parks, pools, playgrounds, splash pads, and pickleball courts.
State Lake Improvement Fund (SLIF) Grants
Arizona’s State Lake Improvement Fund (SLIF), established in 1960, is a vital resource for enhancing recreational boating and fishing opportunities across the state. This program, with $5.2 million available for fiscal year 2024, supports projects on waters where gasoline-powered boats are permitted. SLIF grants fund a wide range of projects, from the development of new boat launches to the acquisition of safety equipment like buoys, radios, and first aid supplies.
The public reaps the benefits of SLIF grants through improved access to water-based recreation. These grants ensure that lakes and rivers are well-equipped with the necessary infrastructure to support boating and fishing activities, making these areas safer and more enjoyable for everyone.
