Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership
The ORLP grant funds the creation and improvement of public outdoor recreation spaces in Iowa’s urban and tribal communities, focusing on underserved areas and long-term public access.
Funder: Iowa Department of Natural Resources
Due Dates: September 1, 2026 (state application deadline) | November 1, 2026 (federal NPS deadline)
Funding Amounts: 50% matching grants; award amounts vary by project; typical awards range from several hundred thousand up to several million dollars.
Summary: Supports acquisition and development of new or improved outdoor recreation spaces in Iowa’s urban and tribal communities.
Key Information: State applications must be submitted via Iowa DNR; only public entities in qualifying urban or tribal areas are eligible.
Description
The Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership (ORLP) program is a competitive grant initiative administered by the National Park Service in partnership with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR). It is designed to fund the acquisition and development of public outdoor recreation spaces in urban areas and communities served by federally recognized tribes. ORLP projects aim to provide new or significantly improved outdoor recreation opportunities, particularly in underserved or densely populated communities, and must align with Iowa’s Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP).
Eligible projects include the acquisition of land and water for parks or outdoor recreation, as well as the development or substantial renovation of outdoor recreation facilities. All funded areas must remain open to the public for outdoor recreation in perpetuity.
