The Land and Water Conservation Fund provides federal financial assistance to the State of Iowa and its political subdivisions for the purpose of acquisition and/or development of land for outdoor recreation.
Donor Name: Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR)
State: Iowa
County: All Counties
Type of Grant: Grant
Deadline: 03/06/2026
Size of the Grant: $100,000 to $500,000
Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned
Details:
The LWCF program is administered by the National Park Service (NPS) and the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) administers the program at the state level.
The Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) Program is a federally funded grant program that provides 50% cost share for outdoor recreation area development and land acquisition. The LWCF program provides an excellent opportunity to develop a wide range of outdoor recreational projects that are in high demand. Popular projects in recent years have included skate parks, playgrounds, new and renovated swimming pools, campgrounds and multipurpose trails.
LWCF grants are provided to the states and through the states to local political subdivisions in the form of reimbursement grants. Reimbursements are made on eligible expenditures up to 50% of the project cost or the amount of the approved grant, whichever is less.
Eligible Projects
- The local share of the Land and Water Conservation Fund is available to county conservation boards and incorporated cities. Prior to submission, applicants should assess local outdoor recreation needs and confirm the proposed project aligns with the priorities identified in Iowa’s SCORP.
- The Land and Water Conservation Fund supports three types of projects: acquisition, development, and combination. Acquisition projects include the purchase of lands and waters with public access. Development projects include the development (new construction or renovation) of certain outdoor recreation activities and support facilities. Combination projects include both aspects of acquisition and development. All projects must align with priorities outlined in Iowa’s Scorp.
Funding Information
Local entities are eligible to receive annual assistance of up to $250,000 per project. he local share of the Land and Water Conservation Fund is available to county conservation boards and incorporated cities. Prior to submission, applicants should assess local outdoor recreation needs and confirm the proposed project aligns with the priorities identified in Iowa’s SCORP.
Eligibility Criteria
Local entities are eligible to apply.
For more information, visit DNR.
