Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership (ORLP) Grant Program
Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership (ORLP) Grant Program supports communities with land acquisition, park development, and renovation projects to improve public outdoor recreation access.
This grant was recently updated
You can now expect selections within four months of the November 1 deadline, rather than about six months, with one year after notification to finalize your grant agreement. Check the clarified Native applicant eligibility and submission pathways: direct applicants use Grants.gov, and matching funds do not need to be fully committed when you first apply. Before submitting, review the updated documentation and federal-priority requirements and confirm that the entire assisted site can remain accessible for public outdoor recreation in perpetuity; deadlines and award amounts are unchanged.
Funder: Alaska Department of Natural Resources (State Parks)
Due Dates: November 1, 2026 (Annual application deadline) | November 1, 2030 (Final closing deadline)
Funding Amounts: $300,000–$15,000,000 per award; up to 50% of project costs
Summary: Supports locally led land acquisition, park development, and renovation projects that expand public outdoor recreation in qualifying communities.
Key Information: The entire assisted park or site must remain maintained and accessible for public outdoor recreation in perpetuity.
Description
The Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership (ORLP) is a nationally competitive National Park Service program funded through the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF). Alaska State Parks provides a state application pathway and guidance for Alaska applicants. The program supports locally led projects that address community recreation needs, improve access to quality outdoor recreation, and connect people with the outdoors.
Funding can support acquiring land and water for public recreation, developing new parks and facilities, and renovating existing outdoor recreation spaces. Examples include sports fields, playgrounds, walking trails, and community gardens. Projects must be located in qualifying areas and meet LWCF requirements. The 2026 program incorporates EXPLORE Act changes, including expanded direct eligibility for Tribal, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian applicants.
