The Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) grants provide financial support for acquiring or developing land to create new outdoor recreation opportunities that promote health and wellness across California. This initiative is designed to expand access to parks and natural spaces for communities throughout the state.
The program is administered by the State Coastal Conservancy and offers a total of $35 million in funding. Local agencies can request up to $6 million per grant, with a 50% match requirement for all applicants.
Eligible applicants include cities, counties, federally recognized Native American tribes, and Joint Powers Authorities (JPAs) composed of public agencies. JPAs may include state agencies as long as at least one member is a local public agency, and the JPA was established for park and recreation purposes. Recreation and park districts or special districts with authority to manage public parkland are also eligible to apply.
State agencies eligible for funding under this program include the Department of Parks and Recreation, the Department of Fish and Wildlife/Wildlife Conservation Board, the Department of Water Resources, and the State Coastal Conservancy.
The deadline to apply for the LWCF grant is August 5, 2025.
For more information, visit The State Coastal Conservancy.
