Description
The Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership (ORLP) Program, administered by the National Park Service, provides matching grants (up to 50% federal share) to acquire land, water, and develop or renovate outdoor recreation facilities in qualifying urban or tribal areas. Eligible applicants include State and Territorial Lead Agencies, federally recognized Indian Tribes, Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian organizations, and their sub‑recipients. Grants range from $300,000 to $15 million per project, with a total estimated funding pool of $85 – $125 million over five years and up to 35 awards. Projects must remain publicly accessible in perpetuity and meet cost‑sharing, administrative‑cost caps, and alignment with LWCF law and national priorities. Applications are due annually on November 1, with selections announced within four months and a one‑year window to finalize the award.
• Funding purpose: land acquisition, site development, or combined projects for parks, trails, playgrounds, sports fields, water‑based recreation, etc.
• Matching requirement: 1:1 non‑federal match (except certain territories may receive 100% federal share).
• Perpetuity requirement: projects must stay open for public outdoor recreation indefinitely.
• Eligible entities: State Lead Agencies, Indian Tribes, Alaska Native/Native Hawaiian groups, and their sub‑recipients.
• Award size: $300 k – $15 M (federal share); total project cost may exceed $15 M.
• Application process: state‑level selection then national competition; merit criteria include access, community need, resource leverage, conservation, and feasibility.
• Funding period: 5‑year recurring notice, with annual deadlines.