WA RCO: Land and Water Conservation Fund Grant

The WA RCO Land and Water Conservation Fund supports the acquisition and development of outdoor recreation resources, including parks and trails. The fund offers two programs: the State Program for all communities and the Legacy Program specifically for urban areas of 30,000+ residents, focusing on economically disadvantaged regions. Funding ranges from $200,000 to $4,800,000, promoting diverse project eligibility.

NOTE: . This grant program is not accepting applications in 2026
The Land and Water Conservation Fund provides funding to preserve and develop outdoor recreation resources, including parks, trails, and wildlife lands. There are two separate LWCF programs:

• State Program:

Congress created the fund in 1965 with the passage of the Land and Water Conservation Fund Act, which authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to provide financial assistance to states for the acquisition and development of public outdoor recreation areas. All communities may compete for funding in this program.
Legacy Program:
In 2014, Congress established the Land and Water Conservation Fund Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership program, which provides grants to help urban communities with 30,000 or more people buy or develop land to create or reinvigorate public parks and other outdoor recreation spaces. Priority is given to projects in economically disadvantaged areas that lack outdoor recreation opportunities.
Typical Projects
Renovating community parksBuilding skate parks, tennis courts, swimming pools, and trailsProtecting wildlife habitatBuilding athletic fields
Grant Limits
$200,000 to $2,000,000 State program$300,000 to $4,800,000 Legacy program

Eligibility

Cities and townsCountiesFederally recognized Native American TribesPark and recreation districtsSchool districtsState agenciesCertain other special purpose districts such as port and public utility districts are eligible if legally authorized to acquire and develop public open space, habitat, or recreation facilities.

Ineligibility

Ineligible ProjectsAcquisition of the following:Federal surplus propertyGame refuges or fish production facilitiesHistoric sites and structuresLands acquired from the federal government at less than fair market valueLand and facilities used primarily for semi-professional and professional arts and athleticsLand for indoor facilities, except for covered swimming pools and ice rinksLand for agricultural purposesLand to help meet a public school’s minimum site size requirementRailroad hardware, trestles, stations, yards, etc.Luxury lodges, motels, cabins, and similar elaborate facilities that serve food and have sleeping quartersMuseums and sites to be used for museums or primarily for archaeological excavationsScholastic and intercollegiate facilitiesIncidental costs relating to acquisition of real property or interests such as permits and surveys.