LWCF Grants - Local Agency

LWCF Grants - Local Agency

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: California Department of Parks and Recreation
Amount: Up to US $6,000,000
Last Updated: May 30, 2025

Summary

The LWCF Grants program, administered by the California Department of Parks and Recreation, aims to enhance the state's recreational, cultural, and historical resources. Established by President Johnson in 1964, the program ensures that acquired lands are protected for future generations. With ongoing funding from the Great American Outdoors Act, the initiative supports local governments and organizations in creating new parks and recreational opportunities, fostering community engagement and improving the quality of life for Californians.

Overview

The Office of Grants and Local Services (OGALS) Mission Statement The mission of the Office of Grants and Local Services is to address California's diverse recreational, cultural and historical resource needs by developing GRANT programs, administering funds, offering technical assistance, building partnerships and providing leadership through quality customer service. OGALS Vision Goals Proactive in meeting California's park and recreation needs through innovative grant programs and a commitment to quality customer service.Sensitive to local concerns while mindful of prevailing laws, rules, and regulations. Responsive to the needs of applicants, grantees, nonprofit organizations, local governments, and legislative members, who are our partners working to improve the quality of life for all Californians by creating new parks and recreation opportunities. LWCF Legacy On February 14, 1963, President Kennedy’s Administration proposed legislation to establish a "Land and Water Conservation Fund" to assist states in planning, ACQUISITION, and DEVELOPMENT of recreation lands. With bipartisan support, President Johnson signed it into law on September 3, 1964, as Public Law 88- 578, 16 U.S.C.460l-4. NPS administers the LWCF program at the federal level. Previously, the Bureau of Outdoor Recreation administered the LWCF program from 1964 to 1978 and the Heritage Conservation & Recreation Service administered it from 1978 to 1981. Funds allocated to California are administered by the DEPARTMENT under the provisions of the California Outdoor Recreation Resources Plan Act of 1967, (Public Resources Code §5099 et seq.). Outer Continental Shelf mineral receipts, sales of federal surplus real property, federal recreation fees, and federal motorboat fuel taxes all serve as funding sources for the LWCF. On August 4, 2020, the Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA) was signed into law, authorizing $900 million nationwide annually in permanent funding for LWCF. When an LWCF PROJECT is completed, the land within the approved LWCF BOUNDARY MAP is placed under federal protection, preserving the public’s outdoor recreational use of the site in PERPETUITY for the benefit of our nation’s future generations. This PARK protection legacy is based on the provision of 54 U.S.C. §200305(f)(3) of the LWCF Act. Thousands of PARKS throughout California will remain as perpetual monuments to the foresight of President Kennedy’s Administration and the American people.

Eligibility

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