The Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership Program and Readiness and Recreation Initiative grants are nationally competitive grants offered by the National Park Service (NPS). Counties and municipalities (project sponsors) apply through the Department of Natural Resources in Maryland.

Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership Program

The Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership Program (ORLP) provides 50/50 matching grants for park projects in urban areas with a population of 25,000 or more, with a preference for projects in low-income communities. You can us​e this map to determine if your park is in an eligible location. The minimum grant amount is $300,000 ($600,000 project) and the maximum grant amount is $15,000,000 ($30,000,000 project​​). 

ORLP grants are subject to the rules and regulations of the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF)​. The current Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) contains all eligibility and application information (download the full announcements under Related Documents). Potential project sponsors are also encouraged to review resources prepared by the Trust for Public Land, including an on-dem​and webinar.

How to Apply​

Please use Maryland’s Project Narrative​ ​Form when submitting an application. The timeline for applications is:

1. As soon as you have a project in mind or for help determining eligibility: contact Molly Pickel at [email protected] or book an appointment​.
2. By September 1, 2026: Submit application materials to DNR.
3. By November 1, 2026: DNR will submit application to NPS. In September and October, DNR and the project sponsor will work together to make any revisions to the materials.
4. By May 1, 2027: NPS will announce which projects will move forward to full application.
5. By May 1, 2028: Successful projects will receive a start date. In the year prior to this, DNR, NPS, and the project sponsor will work together to address any concerns and complete a final application package.

Readiness and Recreation Initiative

The Readiness and Recreation Initiative (RARI)​ provides 50/50 matching grants for projects that include an acquisition component and that enhance recreational opportunities in sentinel landscapes or Readiness and Environmental Protection Integration (REPI) Opportunity areas. You can use this map to determine if your park is in an eligible location. RARI grant applications must also include a letter of support from a military installation or range commander. The minimum grant amount is $250,000 ($500,000 project) and the maximum grant amount is $3,000,000 ($6,000,000 project).​

RARI grants may be matched with REPI grants, which can result in a fully federally funded project. The program is subject to the rules and regulations of the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF)​. The current Notice ​of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) contains all eligibility and application information (download the full announcements under Related Documents).

How to Apply

RARI applications are accepted on a rolling basis. The timeline for applications is:

1. As soon as you have a project in mind or for help determining eligibility: contact Molly Pickel at [email protected] or book an appointment​.
2. At least three months before desired federal application: Submit application materials to DNR.
3. When federal application materials are ready: DNR will submit application to NPS. In the 3+ months before this, DNR and the project sponsor will work together to make any revisions to the materials.
4. Six months after federal application: NPS will announce which projects will move forward to full application.
5. ​Up to one year following NPS’ announcement: Successful projects will receive a start date. In the year prior to this, DNR, NPS, and the project sponsor will work together to address any concerns and complete a final application package.