Parks and Recreation Grants
Forecasted
The Parks and Recreation Grants from the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation fund the planning and development of public outdoor recreation spaces and trails across Tennessee.
Funder: Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation
Due Dates (Anticipated): January 2027 (Intent to Apply/Pre-Application) | April 2027 (Full Application)
Funding Amounts: Up to $3.5M (LPRF/LWCF, 50% match; 25% for distressed/at-risk counties) | Up to $392K (RTP, 80% match) | Planning Grants: $60K–$90K total (80/20 match)
Summary: Supports Tennessee cities and counties in acquiring, developing, or planning public outdoor recreation facilities, parks, trails, and systemwide plans.
Key Information: Applicants must be city or county governments; public input and board support are required for all applications.
Description
The Tennessee Office of Outdoor Recreation administers a suite of competitive grant programs supporting the acquisition, development, renovation, and planning of public outdoor recreation spaces across the state. Funding is available for local governments to develop new parks, renovate or expand existing facilities, create greenways and trails, and/or develop comprehensive systemwide recreation plans. Grant programs include the Local Parks and Recreation Fund (LPRF), Recreational Trails Program (RTP), Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF), and Planning Grants, each with specific requirements and match ratios. The goal is to foster healthier, more vibrant communities by enhancing access to quality outdoor spaces.
