Land & Water Conservation Fund Grants
The Land & Water Conservation Fund Grants from Georgia DNR support acquisition, development, and renovation of outdoor recreation areas to expand public access and enhance natural resource stewardship.
Funder: Georgia Department of Natural Resources
Due Dates: October 2, 2026: Pre-application deadline | May 15, 2027: Formal Application deadline
Funding Amounts: $25,000–$750,000 per grant (50% match required); estimated $18 million total for 2026–2027 cycle
Summary: Supports local governments in Georgia for the acquisition, development, or renovation of outdoor recreation facilities and land.
Key Information: Only local governments and recreation authorities/commissions are eligible; this is a reimbursement, not an advance, grant.
Description
The Land & Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) Grants, administered by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR), provide matching funds to local governments and constituted recreation authorities/commissions in Georgia for the acquisition of land and the development or renovation of outdoor recreation facilities. Established as a federal program in 1965 and permanently funded by Congress, LWCF aims to expand and improve public outdoor recreation opportunities throughout Georgia. The program operates on a bi-annual grant cycle, with substantial funding available for high-quality projects that enhance access to parks, trails, and recreational spaces.
