Land and Water Conservation Fund Grants

The Missouri State Parks Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization, manages the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) grants to enhance outdoor recreation throughout Missouri. Since 1965, over $87 million has been allocated for various projects statewide. These grants, available to local governments and public schools, require a 50% match and ensure projects are maintained for public use for at least 25 years. The initiative aims to create a legacy of quality recreational areas and facilities.

Missouri State Parks Foundation
The Missouri State Parks Foundation is a not-for-profit, tax exempt 501(c)(3) organization. The Foundation is a partner with the Missouri State Parks Department, but is a separate, self-governing organization with its own board of directors and bylaws. The Foundation was registered as a non-profit Missouri corporation in December 2001.
The Foundation is an independent organization and all policy and decision making authority is vested in the Board of Directors, within the parameters of the bylaws, state and federal laws governing nonprofit corporations and the IRS Code. The Board members are volunteers and represent a cross section of Missouri's citizens. The Director of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, or his/her representative serves on the Board in an ex officio (non voting) capacity to ensure good communication between the two organizations. Additionally, the Foundation's Board hires and supervises an Executive Director to manage the day-to-day functions of the Foundation.
The Foundation seeks:
To improve and enhance the Missouri State Parks System, in harmony with the stated mission of the component parks and historic sites.To develop cooperative agreements and mutually beneficial agreements with other state non-profit support groups.To provide funding for educational, scientific, cultural, and charitable activities at the Missouri State Parks and Historic Sites.To support acquisition of land, buildings, and other items for improvement and enhancement of the Parks System.
Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) Grants
The Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) is federally funded through the U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service. The program is intended to create and maintain a nationwide legacy of high-quality outdoor recreation areas and facilities.
Land and Water Conservation Fund grants are available to cities, counties and school districts to be used for outdoor recreation projects. Projects require a 50% match. All funded projects must be maintained in perpetuity for public outdoor recreational purposes. Development and renovation projects must be maintained for a period of 25 years or the life of the manufactured goods.
Since 1965, Missouri has received more than $87 million for projects in every county in the state.In Missouri, LWCF is currently open to local governments and public school for the acquisition, development and renovation of outdoor recreation sites.