- Details
- By Aminah Syed
- Economic Development
Federally recognized tribes can now apply for grants of up to $15 million through a federal outdoor recreation program after Congress expanded eligibility last year.
The National Park Service released a new funding notice for the Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership program, which supports land acquisition, park development, trail construction and other outdoor recreation projects.
The program is expected to make between $50 million and $120 million available annually over the next five years, with individual awards ranging from $300,000 to $15 million. Applications are due annually on Nov. 1 through Grants.gov under the funding opportunity number P26AS00125.
Established in 2014, the program has invested over $385 million in outdoor recreation projects nationwide.
Congress expanded eligibility to federally recognized tribal governments, Alaska Native communities and organizations, and certain Native Hawaiian entities through the EXPLORE Act, which Congress passed in 2024 and was signed into law in Jan. 2025. Previously, the program accepted applications primarily through state and local government channels.
Eligible projects include acquiring land for public recreation, expanding parks and trails, renovating outdoor recreation facilities, and developing Native cultural gathering spaces and event sites. Tribal lands qualify regardless of population size.
The program requires a dollar-for-dollar nonfederal match, although applicants do not need matching funds secured at the time of application. Properties funded through the program must remain available for public outdoor recreation use in perpetuity.
