Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF)

The California Department of Parks and Recreation is offering competitive grants from the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) to eligible public agencies, tribal governments, and joint‑powers authorities for acquisition or development of park and recreation projects. Grants may request up to $6 million (with a required 50 % match) and must create a new public recreation opportunity within three years of acquisition. Projects must align with a State Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP). Applications are accepted online through January 14, 2027. • Eligible applicants: cities, counties, tribal governments, JPAs, park districts, special districts. • Eligible projects: land acquisition for new parks, park expansions, wildlife or active‑transportation corridors; development of outdoor recreation features. • Funding: Federal source, reimbursement method, total fund pool $27.5 M, number of awards dependent. • Match requirement: 50 % of total project cost; applicants must cash‑flow both grant and match. • Deadline: 1 pm PST on 14 Jan 2027 (23:59 UTC). • Award announcement: Summer 2027; period of performance TBD.