Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership Program (ORLP) Recurring Notice 5 Year
Open Posted
- Opportunity number
- P26AS00125
- Agency
-
National Park Service
Department of the Interior
- Applications due
- Award size
- $300,000 to $15,000,000
Opportunity facts
- Assistance listings
- Funding instrument
- Grant
- Category
-
- Other
- Eligible applicants
-
- Tribal Governments (Federally Recognized)
- State Governments
- Points of contact
-
- Matthew Russell orlp_inquiries@nps.gov
Opportunity details come from Grants.gov. Updated .
About this opportunity
The National Park Service is soliciting applications for the Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership Program (ORLP), a five-year recurring grant opportunity with applications due November 1, 2030, that funds land acquisition and outdoor recreation facility development or renovation in qualifying areas, requiring a dollar-for-dollar (50/50) cost share except for four eligible U.S. territories.
Eligible applicants include State and Territorial Lead Agencies (all 50 states, American Samoa, District of Columbia, Guam, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, and U.S. Virgin Islands), federally recognized Indian Tribes, Alaska Native Corporations and Organizations (Regional, Village, Urban, and Group Corporations), and Native Hawaiian Organizations and Homestead and Beneficiary Associations. Political subdivisions including cities, counties, and special purpose districts must apply through their State or Territorial Lead Agency; Urban Indian Organizations may choose to apply through a State or Territorial Lead Agency or directly through a Tribal Government.
Projects must be located in an urban area with population of 25,000 or more, two or more adjacent urban areas with combined population of 25,000 or more, or an area administered by a federally recognized Indian Tribe or Alaska Native or Native Hawaiian community organization. Projects administered by tribes or Native Hawaiian communities are exempt from population requirements.
ORLP covers up to 50 percent of all project costs; applicants must provide non-federal funds for at least 50 percent of project costs. American Samoa, Guam, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and U.S. Virgin Islands are eligible for 100 percent federal funding. Awards range from $300,000 to $15 million per project, with estimated annual program funding of $50 million to $120 million supporting 20 to 45 awards per calendar year.
Eligible projects include land acquisition; site development; or combined acquisition-development for community parks, trails, playgrounds, sports facilities, campgrounds, water recreation facilities, splash pads, nature preserves, and renovation of existing outdoor recreation facilities. Ineligible projects include acquisition support costs (appraisals, title work), recreation programs and equipment, indoor facilities, facilities restricting public access, and facilities serving professional or semi-professional athletics. School ground projects are eligible only if outdoor recreation areas are designated for public use with public access required at least 50 percent of the time.
All projects must be maintained and accessible for public outdoor recreation use in perpetuity, applying to the entire assisted park or site. Projects must align with the Land and Water Conservation Fund Act and LWCF Manual requirements, and respond to Executive Order 14313 and Secretarial Order 3442.
Applications undergo initial NPS eligibility review followed by merit review by external subject matter expert panels using five criteria: increasing access to outdoor recreation opportunities; alignment with community needs; leveraging resources through government coordination and public-private partnerships; promoting conservation and ecological benefits; and project feasibility. Administrative costs are capped at 7 percent of awarded funds. The program operates as a reimbursement mechanism requiring recipients to initially fund projects and receive reimbursement after expenditure. Cost share sources do not need to be finalized at application but must be secured before award; eligible sources include city, state, private, and philanthropic funds, in-kind donations, land donations, and certain federal programs with appropriate legislative authority. Selections are announced each May following the November deadline.
CFDA 15.916 (Outdoor Recreation Acquisition, Development and Planning).
Synopsis
5 versions
Update #5 · Latest ·
This Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) invites applications for the Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership (ORLP) Program, administered by the National Park Service (NPS). ORLP provides funding to 1) to acquire land and water for parks and other outdoor recreation purposes in qualifying areas, and 2) to develop new or renovate existing outdoor recreation facilities that provide outdoor recreation opportunities to the public in qualifying areas. ORLP is a program within the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) State and Local Assistance Program, which provides matching grants to States. ORLP funding is available in addition to traditional LWCF state formula grants and does not affect state apportionments.
ORLP projects must be within a Qualifying Area, defined as:
-
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 in the most recent census; or
-
an area administered by a federally recognized Indian Tribe or an Alaska Native or Native Hawaiian community organization.
Additional requirements under the ORLP program:
-
Matching Requirement - ORLP is dollar for dollar match, meaning it covers up to 50% of all project costs. Applicants are responsible for providing non-federal funds for at least 50% of project costs.
-
Perpetuity Requirement - Projects assisted through ORLP must be maintained and accessible 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.
-
Alignment with LWCF Law and Policy - As an LWCF program, ORLP projects must align with the purposes and requirements of the LWCF Act and LWCF Manual.
-
Alignment with National Priorities - Projects must be responsive to Executive and National priorities, including those outlined in Executive Order 14313, "Establishing the President's Make America Beautiful Again Commission" and Secretarial Order 3442, "Land and Water Conservation Fund Implementation by the U.S. Department of the Interior."
Update #4 ·
This Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) invites applications for the Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership (ORLP) Program, administered by the National Park Service (NPS). ORLP provides funding to 1) to acquire land and water for parks and other outdoor recreation purposes in qualifying areas, and 2) to develop new or renovate existing outdoor recreation facilities that provide outdoor recreation opportunities to the public in qualifying areas. ORLP is a program within the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) State and Local Assistance Program, which provides matching grants to States. ORLP funding is available in addition to traditional LWCF state formula grants and does not affect state apportionments.
ORLP projects must be within a Qualifying Area, defined as:
- 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 in the most recent census; or
- an area administered by a federally recognized Indian Tribe or an Alaska Native or Native Hawaiian community organization.
Additional requirements under the ORLP program:
- Matching Requirement - ORLP is dollar for dollar match, meaning it covers up to 50% of all project costs. Applicants are responsible for providing non-federal funds for at least 50% of project costs.
- Perpetuity Requirement - Projects assisted through ORLP must be maintained and accessible 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.
- Alignment with LWCF Law and Policy - As an LWCF program, ORLP projects must align with the purposes and requirements of the LWCF Act and LWCF Manual.
- Alignment with National Priorities - Projects must be responsive to Executive and National priorities, including those outlined in Executive Order 14313, "Establishing the President's Make America Beautiful Again Commission" and Secretarial Order 3442, "Land and Water Conservation Fund Implementation by the U.S. Department of the Interior."
Update #3 ·
This Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) invites applications for the Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership (ORLP) Program, administered by the National Park Service (NPS). ORLP provides funding to 1) to acquire land and water for parks and other outdoor recreation purposes in qualifying areas, and 2) to develop new or renovate existing outdoor recreation facilities that provide outdoor recreation opportunities to the public in qualifying areas. ORLP is a program within the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) State and Local Assistance Program, which provides matching grants to States. ORLP funding is available in addition to traditional LWCF state formula grants and does not affect state apportionments. ORLP projects must be within a Qualifying Area, defined as: 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 in the most recent census; or an area administered by a federally recognized Indian Tribe or an Alaska Native or Native Hawaiian community organization. Additional requirements under the ORLP program: Matching Requirement - ORLP is dollar for dollar match, meaning it covers up to 50% of all project costs. Applicants are responsible for providing non-federal funds for at least 50% of project costs. Perpetuity Requirement - Projects assisted through ORLP must be maintained and accessible 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. Alignment with LWCF Law and Policy - As an LWCF program, ORLP projects must align with the purposes and requirements of the LWCF Act and LWCF Manual. Alignment with National Priorities - Projects must be responsive to Executive and National priorities, including those outlined in Executive Order 14313, "Establishing the President's Make America Beautiful Again Commission" and Secretarial Order 3442, "Land and Water Conservation Fund Implementation by the U.S. Department of the Interior."
Update #2 ·
This Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) invites applications for the Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership (ORLP) Program, administered by the National Park Service (NPS). ORLP provides funding to 1) to acquire land and water for parks and other outdoor recreation purposes in qualifying areas, and 2) to develop new or renovate existing outdoor recreation facilities that provide outdoor recreation opportunities to the public in qualifying areas. ORLP is a program within the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) State and Local Assistance Program, which provides matching grants to States. ORLP funding is available in addition to traditional LWCF state formula grants and does not affect state apportionments. ORLP projects must be within a Qualifying Area, defined as: 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 in the most recent census; or an area administered by a federally recognized Indian Tribe or an Alaska Native or Native Hawaiian community organization. Additional requirements under the ORLP program: Matching Requirement - ORLP is dollar for dollar match, meaning it covers up to 50% of all project costs. Applicants are responsible for providing non-federal funds for at least 50% of project costs. Perpetuity Requirement - Projects assisted through ORLP must be maintained and accessible 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. Alignment with LWCF Law and Policy - As an LWCF program, ORLP projects must align with the purposes and requirements of the LWCF Act and LWCF Manual. Alignment with National Priorities - Projects must be responsive to Executive and National priorities, including those outlined in Executive Order 14313, "Establishing the President's Make America Beautiful Again Commission" and Secretarial Order 3442, "Land and Water Conservation Fund Implementation by the U.S. Department of the Interior."
Update #1 ·
This Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) invites applications for the Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership (ORLP) Program, administered by the National Park Service (NPS). ORLP provides funding to 1) to acquire land and water for parks and other outdoor recreation purposes in qualifying areas, and 2) to develop new or renovate existing outdoor recreation facilities that provide outdoor recreation opportunities to the public in qualifying areas. ORLP is a program within the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) State and Local Assistance Program, which provides matching grants to States. ORLP funding is available in addition to traditional LWCF state formula grants and does not affect state apportionments. ORLP projects must be within a Qualifying Area, defined as: 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 in the most recent census; or an area administered by a federally recognized Indian Tribe or an Alaska Native or Native Hawaiian community organization. Additional requirements under the ORLP program: Matching Requirement - ORLP is dollar for dollar match, meaning it covers up to 50% of all project costs. Applicants are responsible for providing non-federal funds for at least 50% of project costs. Perpetuity Requirement - Projects assisted through ORLP must be maintained and accessible 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. Alignment with LWCF Law and Policy - As an LWCF program, ORLP projects must align with the purposes and requirements of the LWCF Act and LWCF Manual. Alignment with National Priorities - Projects must be responsive to Executive and National priorities, including those outlined in Executive Order 14313, "Establishing the President's Make America Beautiful Again Commission" and Secretarial Order 3442, "Land and Water Conservation Fund Implementation by the U.S. Department of the Interior."
Eligibility
In accordance with the EXPLORE Act (16 U.S.C. § 8464), the following entities are eligible to apply directly for funding through the ORLP Program:State and Territorial Lead Agencies, in each of the 50 states as well as American Samoa, the District of Columbia, Guam, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin IslandsAbout State and Territorial Lead Agencies - In accordance with the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) Act (54 U.S.C. § 200305(a)), each state has a State Lead Agency designated by the state's Governor or by state legislation for the purposes of implementing LWCF. A State Lead Agency may submit applications on behalf of themselves or an eligible sub-recipient.Indian Tribes, meaning any Indian or Alaska Native Tribe, band, nation, pueblo, village, or community that the Secretary of the Interior acknowledges to exist as an Indian Tribe (25 U.S.C. § 5130(2))Alaska Native communities or organizations, such as:Alaska Native Corporations including Regional Corporations, Village Corporations, Urban Corporations, and Group Corporations (43 U.S.C. § 1602(m))Native Hawaiian communities or organizations, such as:Native Hawaiian Organizations (54 U.S.C. § 300314)Native Hawaiian Homestead and Beneficiary Associations (43 CFR § 47.10)The following entities are eligible subrecipients and must apply through their State or Territorial Lead Agency:Political subdivision of a State or Territory, including cities and counties, or special purpose districts that manage open space, such as a park district.The following entities are eligible subrecipients and may choose whether to apply through a State or Territorial Lead Agency, or Tribal Government:Urban Indian organizations (25 U.S.C. § 1603(h))
Files
| File | Type | Posted |
|---|---|---|
| Detailed_Budget_LWCF_Grants.xlsx | XLSX spreadsheet | |
| ORLP_NOFO_FAQ_091426.pdf | ||
| ORLP NOFO FAQ 060826.docx | DOCX document | |
| ORLP NOFO FAQ 071526.docx | DOCX document | |
| ORLP_NOFO_FAQ_073026.pdf | ||
| ORLP_NOFO_FAQ_081326.docx | DOCX document | |
| ORLP_NOFO_FAQ_082826.pdf | ||
| Detailed Budget for LWCF Grants.xlsx | XLSX spreadsheet | |
| Detailed Budget for LWCF Grants.xlsx | XLSX spreadsheet | |
| Detailed_Budget_for_LWCF_Grants_v3.xlsx | XLSX spreadsheet | |
| ORLP_NOFO_071526.docx | DOCX document | |
| ORLP_NOFO_051326.docx | DOCX document |
Show all 12
On GovTribe
Work this opportunity
- Track it in your pipeline
- Find teaming partners
- Similar grant opportunities
- Ask GovTribe AI about this opportunity