The Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation is now accepting grant applications for parks and outdoor recreation projects through the Land and Water Conservation Fund.
The federal Land and Water Conservation Fund State and Local Assistance Program, or LWCF, is a 50-50% matching reimbursement program for acquiring, developing and rehabilitating park areas. A total of $11 million is available.
The minimum grant award will be $150,000 with a total project cost of $300,000. The maximum grant award amount is $2.5 million with a maximum total project cost of $5 million.
Since 1965, nearly $135 million has been invested in more than 430 projects in Virginia, such as new public parks and improved amenities. All projects must be maintained and kept open as public outdoor recreation areas in perpetuity.
According to the Virginia Outdoors Survey, most Virginians (82%) place a high value on access to outdoor recreation. The most needed outdoor recreation opportunities are natural areas, trails and parks.
Eligible applicants include state agencies, cities, counties, park authorities and federally or state-recognized Indian tribes. Recipients must be able to fund 100% of their project while seeking periodic reimbursements.
Potential applicants can learn more about this funding opportunity and how to navigate the requirements by viewing the Virginia Outdoors Plan. Visit Section 4, which includes an interactive map of recreation resources supported through LWCF across Virginia, at: https://vop-vdcr.hub.arcgis.com/pages/grants-page.
A virtual workshop for potential applicants is planned for Tuesday, July 14 from 2-3:30 p.m. Information about the workshop, an updated program manual, application materials and applicant resources is at https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/recreational-planning/lwcf.
The deadline for submitting applications is Aug. 27 by 4 p.m. Applications must be emailed to [email protected].
