Land and Water Conservation Fund Pre-App Due
November 20
The Land & Water Conservation Fund supports the development of public outdoor recreation opportunities across Vermont, with a focus on creating parks and open spaces, enhancing recreation areas and facilities, and protecting wilderness areas and forests.
- Current status: Next grant round anticipated to launch September 2026
- Eligible applicants: Municipal entities, tribal governments, and state agencies only (e.g. towns, cities, school districts, water districts, park districts, etc.)
- Grant amounts: Recommended request range $25,000-$1,000,000 – 50% match required
- Funding source: National Park Service funds
The Land and Water Conservation Fund Program (LWCF) became effective in January 1965 to create parks and open spaces, protect wilderness and forests, and provide outdoor recreation opportunities. Funds are derived from federal recreation fees, Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) revenues from leasing oil and gas sites in coastal waters, federal surplus real property sales, and a portion of federal motorboat fuel taxes. Funds are apportioned to federal agencies, and to the 50 states and 6 territories through the U.S. Department of the Interior National Park Service (NPS). In Vermont, LWCF is administered by the Vermont Department of Forests, Parks & Recreation. LWCF grants provide up to 50% matching assistance to the state and local governments.
