Massachusetts Land and Water Conservation Fund Grant Program
Massachusetts Land and Water Conservation Fund Grant Program supports municipalities, state agencies, and tribes in acquiring land and developing parks and trails to improve public outdoor recreation.
Funder: Division of Conservation Services
Due Dates: December 4, 2026 (Acquisition appraisal coordination) | January 5, 2027, 11:59 pm (Application) | March 1, 2027 (Acquisition appraisal submission) | April 14, 2027 (Federal permits)
Funding Amounts: $50,000–$1,000,000, reimbursing up to 50% of eligible costs; project completion by December 31, 2029
Summary: Supports Massachusetts public outdoor recreation through conservation and parkland acquisition, park development and renovation, and trails.
Key Information: Funded land must remain protected conservation or recreation land in perpetuity and accessible to the general public.
Description
The Division of Conservation Services administers Massachusetts’ federal Land and Water Conservation Fund program on behalf of the National Park Service. It supports acquisition of conservation land and parkland, development of new parks, renovation of existing parks, and trails in existing conservation or recreation areas. Eligible sponsors include municipalities, specified Massachusetts departments, and federally recognized Indian tribes.
The program seeks to create and maintain high-quality public outdoor recreation resources while stimulating non-federal investment in their protection and maintenance. Projects implement the Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan, emphasizing water-based recreation, trails, neighborhood parks benefiting underserved populations, and opportunities to enjoy protected natural areas. Climate-resilient site selection and park design, accessibility, Environmental Justice access, and demonstrated stewardship capacity also inform project selection.
