The Alaska Division of Parks & Outdoor Recreation (DPOR) announces the Open Application Period for the Land & Water Conservation Fund (LWCF).

The Division of Parks & Outdoor Recreation (DPOR) administers this competitive reimbursable, matching grant program in partnership with the National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior. LWCF can provide up to 50% of costs for eligible outdoor recreation projects. The State of Alaska has received LWCF assistance for parks infrastructure projects since the late 1960s.

Eligible Applicants:  State, regional, local and tribal governments with the legal authority to provide park and recreation services on public lands are eligible to apply for LWCF assistance. An estimated $1 million in LWCF federal funding will be available in this grant round. Locally sponsored grant requests are limited to a minimum of $25,000 and $125,000 maximum in LWCF federal share. (Total project cost must be at least $50,000 to justify a $25,000 grant request.)

Funding Priorities: High-priority project types for LWCF funding assistance should also reflect one or more of the three, specific strategic goals as outlined in the Alaska State Comprehensive Plan for Outdoor Recreation (SCORP), 2023-2027, and shown below. 

Goal 1. Support the Alaska Outdoor Recreation Way of Life. 

Goal 4. Empower & Enable Alaskans to Lead Active, Healthy Lives.

Goal 5. Balance Outdoor Recreation Growth and Stewardship.

Application Due Date:

Applications will be accepted by DPOR for this grant round from August 1, 2024, through 12:00 noon on October 31, 2024.

For more information, contact Ms. Danette Berkovitz, Grants Section Manager, Danette.Berkovitz@alaska.gov or at 907-269-8706. 

The application package will be made available online by August 1, 2024.

To learn more about the application process, please visit DNR’s website.