How to Apply for an ORLP Grant

To apply for an Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership (ORLP) grant, you must submit a proposal through your State Liaison Officer (SLO). The process involves meeting federal urban eligibility criteria, securing a 1:1 financial match, and passing a state-level competitive review before being recommended to the National Park Service (NPS) for final selection and funding via Grants.gov.

Key takeaways

ORLP grants require a mandatory 1:1 non-federal match from local, state, or private sources.
Only jurisdictions within Census-defined Urbanized Areas with populations of 30,000 or more are eligible to apply.
The application must be submitted to the State Liaison Officer (SLO) who manages the initial competitive ranking.
Projects must be located within or directly serve a community designated as disadvantaged by the Climate and Economic Justice Screening Tool (CEJST).
Acquisition and development projects must ensure the land is protected for public outdoor recreation use in perpetuity under Section 6(f)(3) of the LWCF Act.
Administrative completeness is the primary reason for rejection, often due to missing SHPO clearances or budget inconsistencies.

Who manages the ORLP application process?

The ORLP program operates under a tiered administrative structure. While the National Park Service (NPS) provides the federal oversight and final funding decisions, the primary point of contact for any applicant is their State Liaison Officer (SLO). Each state has an office, typically within the Department of Natural Resources or Parks and Recreation, responsible for managing LWCF and ORLP funds.

States are responsible for announcing the grant cycle, providing application templates, and conducting the initial ranking of projects. You cannot bypass the state and apply directly to the NPS. If your project does not align with your state’s Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP), it is unlikely to move forward. Understanding LWCF Grants for Parks and Recreation Projects is essential because ORLP follows many of the same foundational statutory rules.

Is your jurisdiction eligible for ORLP funding?

ORLP has stricter eligibility requirements than the general LWCF program. To apply, the project sponsor must be a state or local government agency, or a federally recognized Indian Tribe. Additionally, the project must be located within a Census-designated Urban Area that has a population of at least 30,000 people. This urban focus is designed to address the "nature gap" in high-density areas.

Beyond population counts, the project site must serve a disadvantaged community. The NPS currently uses the Climate and Economic Justice Screening Tool (CEJST) to verify this status. Reviewing ORLP Eligibility Requirements Explained will help you determine if your specific neighborhood meets the federal definitions for income, health, and environmental burdens.

Jurisdictions must be incorporated cities, counties, or special purpose districts (like park districts).
Non-profits are not eligible to apply directly but can act as partners or provide matching funds.
The project site must be owned by the applicant or held via a long-term lease that meets NPS requirements.

What documents are required for a complete application?

The technical documentation required for an ORLP grant is extensive. Most failures occur during the administrative review because of missing attachments. A complete package typically includes a project narrative, a detailed budget, and several federal forms. You must also provide evidence of site control and a plan for long-term maintenance.

A critical component is the Grant Project Narrative, which must detail how the project will create new outdoor recreation opportunities or significantly enhance existing ones. You will also need to submit a Grant-Ready Project Budget that clearly separates federal share from the local match. Use the following table to track the standard document requirements:

Document Type	Requirement Detail
SF-424 Series	Standard federal forms for assistance (424, 424C, 424D)
Project Narrative	Response to NPS selection criteria (Max 10 pages)
Budget Narrative	Detailed breakdown of costs and match sources
Site Plan	Visual map showing 6(f) boundary and proposed amenities
Community Support	Evidence of public engagement and resident feedback
Environmental Review	NEPA documentation and SHPO clearance letters

Pre-Submission Document Checklist

Current UEI (Unique Entity Identifier) number active in SAM.gov
Letter of intent or commitment for all matching funds
Signed project boundary map (6(f) map)
Section 106 (Historic Preservation) initiation letter
Photographs of the current site conditions
Documentation of community meetings and surveys

How do you secure the 1:1 matching funds?

ORLP is a reimbursement program, meaning the grantee must have the capacity to fund the project upfront or manage cash flow through the 1:1 match. The match must be from non-federal sources. This can include state grants, local tax revenue, private donations, or the value of land already owned by the applicant (if acquired within the allowed window). For a deeper dive, see our guide on Building the Required Match for an ORLP Grant.

In-kind contributions, such as donated labor or materials, can sometimes count toward the match, but they must be valued at fair market rates and documented rigorously. Many successful applicants combine local general funds with state-level recreation grants to meet the 50% requirement. Note that other federal funds (like CDBG) usually cannot be used as a match for ORLP unless specifically authorized by statute.

What is the typical ORLP application timeline?

The ORLP cycle is long, often spanning 18 to 24 months from the initial Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) to the signing of a grant agreement. Because it involves both state and federal reviews, applicants must plan their capital improvement budgets accordingly. It is not a solution for projects needing immediate funding for next season's construction.

The process begins with the federal NOFO release. States then set their own internal deadlines, which are usually 60-90 days before the federal deadline. After the state selects its top candidates, those applications are uploaded to Grants.gov for the national competition. Understanding the Grants.gov Guide for Parks Departments is vital for the technical submission phase.

How are ORLP applications scored?

ORLP applications are scored on a 100-point scale by a panel of experts. The scoring is heavily weighted toward the project's impact on underserved populations. If your narrative focuses solely on the physical equipment without explaining the social and health benefits to the neighborhood, your score will suffer. Refer to How to Write a Winning Park Grant Proposal for tips on articulating these benefits.

Key scoring factors include:

Community Need (20 pts): High poverty rates and lack of existing recreation space.
Project Innovation (20 pts): Unique solutions to urban challenges or climate resiliency.
Public Involvement (20 pts): Evidence that the community was involved in the design process.
Project Feasibility (20 pts): Clear budget, site control, and realistic timeline.
Alignment with SCORP (20 pts): How the project meets state-level recreation goals.

What are common ORLP application mistakes?

The most frequent error is submitting an incomplete environmental review. The NPS requires that all projects comply with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). Even if a project qualifies for a Categorical Exclusion (CE), the documentation must be present. Another common pitfall is failing to provide a clear 6(f) boundary map, which defines the area that must remain a park forever. For more details, see Grant Application Mistakes Parks Should Avoid.

Budget errors also lead to disqualification. Ensure that the total project cost equals exactly the sum of the federal request and the local match. If the numbers on the SF-424C do not match the budget narrative, the application may be deemed non-responsive before it even reaches the scoring committee.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use ORLP funds for indoor recreation facilities?

No. ORLP is strictly for outdoor recreation. While some small support structures like restrooms or changing rooms are eligible if they serve the outdoor amenities, the primary purpose of the grant must be for outdoor activities. Indoor gyms, community centers, or indoor pools are not eligible for funding under this program.

Does Go Outdoor Amenities provide grant writing services?

Go Outdoor Amenities is an equipment provider and project consultant. We do not write grant applications. However, we provide the technical specifications, site layouts, and itemized quotes for our Dog Park and Outdoor Fitness packages that are required for your budget narrative. For Florida-based projects, we offer consultative planning that can support your grant preparation.

What is the minimum population for an ORLP project?

To be eligible for ORLP, the project must be located within a jurisdiction that is part of a Census-defined Urban Area with a population of at least 30,000 residents. This program is specifically designed for urbanized environments and does not fund rural projects. Rural communities should look into USDA Funding for Rural Recreation Projects instead.

Are playground equipment costs covered by ORLP?

Yes, the acquisition and installation of playground equipment are eligible costs under ORLP development projects. This includes accessible play structures, safety surfacing, and related site work. Ensure all equipment meets ADA and CPSC standards as these are often required for federal compliance.

Can I start construction before the grant is awarded?

No. Any costs incurred before the NPS signs the formal grant agreement are generally ineligible for reimbursement and cannot be used as part of your match, with very limited exceptions for pre-award planning costs. Starting construction early can disqualify your entire project from receiving federal funds.

How do I find my State Liaison Officer (SLO)?

The National Park Service maintains a directory of SLOs on the LWCF website. Typically, this office is located within your state's Department of Natural Resources, Department of Environmental Protection, or Parks and Recreation Department. You must contact them to receive the specific state-level application instructions and deadlines.