Outdoor Investments and Grants

The Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) is a federally funded grant program that provides financial assistance to state and local governments for the acquisition, development, and enhancement of public outdoor recreation areas and facilities. The program supports projects that expand recreational opportunities, improve existing facilities, and preserve outdoor recreation resources for current and future generations.

LWCF grants require a 50/50 matching contribution, meaning grant recipients must provide at least 50% of the total eligible project costs through eligible non-federal funding sources. All land associated with LWCF-funded projects must be owned by an eligible government entity and is subject to federal requirements ensuring its continued use for public outdoor recreation.

The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation's (TDEC) Office of Outdoor Recreation administers the LWCF program in Tennessee, overseeing grant applications, project implementation, and compliance with federal program requirements.

The RTP program is a federally funded, state administered grant program that provides grant funding for land acquisition for trails, non-routine trail maintenance, trail construction, trail rehabilitation and for trail head support facilities. Local, state and federal land managing agencies are eligible to apply as well as state chartered, non-profit organizations with IRS 501 (c) (3) status that have a written agreement for trail management with an agency. All grant projects MUST be on land owned by a government entity. RTP grants are distributed in the form of an 80% grant with a 20% match based on the total project amount. The Office of Outdoor Recreation administers the RTP grants in Tennessee.

The TRIP program is a state funded program that provides grant money to cities and counties who lack professional park and recreational directors and do not provide a comprehensive recreation delivery system in their community to assist with the establishment of the first Parks and Recreation Department. TRIP grants are a three-year commitment, $50,000 grant matched equally by the communities across year one and two, with $50,000 for year three being 100% funded by the Awarded Organization. The Office of Outdoor Recreation administers the TRIP grants.

The LWCF program is a federal program that provides matching grants to states to administer to state and local governments for the acquisition and development of public outdoor recreation areas and facilities. All land associated with the funded projects must be owned by a government entity and an LWCF grant require an equal match. The Office of Outdoor Recreation administers the LWCF grants in Tennessee.

The Planning grant program is a state funded program that provides money to cities and counties that do not currently have a Parks and Recreation Systemwide Plan and would like to complete one. This is an 80% state and 20% community matching grant.

The Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership (ORLP) Program is a nationally competitive federal grant program administered by the National Park Service (NPS) and funded through the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF). The program provides financial assistance to eligible communities for the acquisition, development, and renovation of public parks and outdoor recreation areas. ORLP supports projects that expand access to outdoor recreation, improve existing recreational facilities, and create new opportunities for communities to enjoy outdoor spaces.

For more information, please visit the Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership (ORLP) Program page.