Resources for
outdoor
Funding
: Jul 9 – Sep 1, 2026
$300K to $15M
Land & Water Conservation Fund: Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership Program (Connecticut)
Created in 2014 by the National Park Service (NPS), the Land and Water Conservation Fund – Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership program (LWCF-ORLP) Program is a nationally competitive grant program wherein states (in partnership with municipalities; Native American Tribes and Tribal Governments) can submit proposals for land acquisitions or improvements that will provide or significantly improve recreational opportunities in qualifying urban areas. The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (CT DEEP) is the State’s lead agency for the program that will select and submit projects to the NPS’ national competition.
The ORLP Program offers a unique opportunity for large-scale acquisition or development of recreational in qualifying urban areas serving a population of 25,000 or more. Note that current recreational needs in Connecticut are assessed through the Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP) and projects must align with at least one SCORP priority.
Funding
: Jul 9 – Sep 1, 2026
$300K to $15M
Land & Water Conservation Fund: Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership Program (Connecticut)
Created in 2014 by the National Park Service (NPS), the Land and Water Conservation Fund – Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership program (LWCF-ORLP) Program is a nationally competitive grant program wherein states (in partnership with municipalities; Native American Tribes and Tribal Governments) can submit proposals for land acquisitions or improvements that will provide or significantly improve recreational opportunities in qualifying urban areas. The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (CT DEEP) is the State’s lead agency for the program that will select and submit projects to the NPS’ national competition.
Funding
: Dec 26 – Jun 1, 2025
~$300K to $15M
Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership Program – Recurring Notice 5 Year
The Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership (ORLP) program was established in 2014 and is funded through the Land and Water Conservation Fund. ORLP is a nationally competitive, dollar-for-dollar matching grant program. It was created to aid disadvantaged, urban communities that lack access to close-by outdoor recreation. Funds can be used for the acquisition and/or development of, or substantial renovation of, public parks and other outdoor recreation spaces.
Entities interested in seeking funding under the ORLP program should contact their State’s Lead Agency (Department of Energy and Environmental Protection for Connecticut; Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation for New York) to get details about their state’s process for selecting and submitting projects to the NPS’ national competition.
Acquisition of lands, wetlands, and waters for public outdoor recreation may be eligible for assistance. 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. These include, and are not limited to: • Community Parks • Campgrounds • Playgrounds • Sport fields and Courts • Picnic Areas and Open-air Pavilions • Trails and Tracks for Hiking, Walking, Skating, or Biking • Water based Recreation Facilities for Swimming or Boating • Fishing and Hunting Facilities • Pools and Splash Pads • Publicly Accessible Nature Preserves or Conservation Areas • Community Gardens • Spectator Facilities such as Amphitheaters or Bandstands • Renovations of Existing Facilities • Interpretive Signage
Funding
: Dec 26 – Jun 1, 2025
~$300K to $15M
Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership Program – Recurring Notice 5 Year
The Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership (ORLP) program was established in 2014 and is funded through the Land and Water Conservation Fund. ORLP is a nationally competitive, dollar-for-dollar matching grant program. It was created to aid disadvantaged, urban communities that lack access to close-by outdoor recreation. Funds can be used for the acquisition and/or development of, or substantial renovation of, public parks and other outdoor recreation spaces.
Entities interested in seeking funding under the ORLP program should contact their State’s Lead Agency (Department of Energy and Environmental Protection for Connecticut; Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation for New York) to get details about their state’s process for selecting and submitting projects to the NPS’ national competition.