25008 - *LAND AND WATER CONSERVATION FUND (LWCF)*
Funding Opportunity Details

Land and Water Conservation Fund

Pre Application Deadline: Jan 11, 2026 11:59 PM

Final Application Deadline: Feb 1, 2026 11:59 PM

Description

• DEADLINE:  

  Grants can be submitted at any time, they are required to be reviewed and approved by the Arizona State Parks Board. LWCF grants must be completed at the end of the month to be reviewed by the Arizona State Parks Board at their next scheduled meeting.  The Notice of Funding Opportunity for the program will not be open until the end of the calendar year and anticipated award for new projects is March of 2025.

  ABOUT LWCF:

  The Land and Water Conservation Fund Act of 1964 (LWCF) was established to assist federal, state, and local governments in the acquisition and/or development of public outdoor recreation facilities. The program is administered at the federal level by the National Park Service and at the state level by Arizona State Parks & Trails (ASPT).

  Funding for the LWCF program can be used for:

  • Park Development and or Renovation (e.g., playground equipment, lighting, picnic facilities, ballfields, ramadas, sports facilities, restrooms and other facilities deemed appropriate or eligible by federal and state guidelines)
  • Land Acquisition to serve future outdoor recreation and/or open space, or protect wetlands.

  Overview summary:

  • Maximum grant award, $1,500,000 which is subject to change at any time due to demand for this funding.  
  • The LWCF grant is a reimbursement grant, meaning the sponsor must be able to pay for the project costs in full as they are incurred.  
  • LWCF grants are awarded on a 50/50 (dollar for dollar) match where the participant provides at least 50% of the project cost and the grant provides the other 50%.
  • A pre-site visit with State Parks staff is required prior to submitting an application.  
  • The applicant (Sponsor) must have title or adequate control (fee or easement) of the project area.
  • All LWCF funded projects must remain open to outdoor recreation in perpetuity. 
  • Refer to Page 60 -PRIORITY ISSUES and Page 96 LWCF Project Evaluation CRITERIA of the 2023 SCORP Plan for criteria details. Each application should reference sections throughout these two (2) chapters. SCORP is attached below.
  • For program guidance and additional information on the LWCF refer to the NPS & the AZ State Parks & Trails LWCF manual.       
  • The Arizona Trails Plan (2020)- is another guide to refer to as it contains important feedback from trail users (motorized and non-motorized) on what users are seeking in public projects and programs. https://azstateparks.com/publications/
  • For additional information on grant processes refer to the Grants Administration Guide:http://d2umhuunwbec1r.cloudfront.net/gallery/0004/0052/7F485B2BA44F4BFCA5B043AFE1745DAA/Admin%20Guidelines%20Final%20Draft%2009-26-18.pdf  

  Qualified sponsors that are interested in submitting a proposal must contact Mickey Rogers, Chief of Grants and Trails: 602-542-6942; email:mrogers@azstateparks.gov