Recreation Educational Services Division

  Grants Program

Recreation Educational Services is responsible for administering federal and state grant programs to local and state governments. The Division manages the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF), the Local Parks and Recreation Fund (LPRF) Grant Program, the Natural Resources Trust Fund (NRTF) and the Recreation Trails Program (RTP). The programs listed below have a match requirement and specific regulations for the applicants. Download our fact sheet for anticipated grant cycles: 2012 Grants Fact Sheet

  Now Accepting 2012 Local Parks and

  Recreation Fund (LPRF) Grant Applications:

TCA 67-4-409. The LPRF is to provide grants to all eligible local governmental entities for the purchase of lands for parks, natural areas, greenways, and for the purchase of land for recreation facilities. The funds may also be used for trail development and capital projects in parks, natural areas, and greenways. At least 60 percent of the funds allocated will go to municipal governments as authorized by the act.

Grant recipients are expected to be announced this summer. The application deadline for the 2011-2012 Local Parks and Recreation Fund grant cycle is June 29, 2012, at 4 p.m. (CST). Maximum grant amount is $250,000 and minimum amount is $15,000. These grants require a 50% match.

Each county government and incorporated municipality is allowed to submit one grant application per cycle. Cities and counties may apply jointly for one project in addition to applying for one city or county project. Governments with open LPRF/RTP/HPP projects from a previous year are not eligible to reapply until the open project is physically completed. For more information, contact Recreation Educational Services at (615) 532-0748 or tdec.res@tn.gov.

  Recreation Trails Program (RTP):

The Recreational Trails Program (RTP) is a federal funded, state administered grant program. The RTP provides grant funding for land acquisition for trails, trail maintenance, trail construction, trail rehabilitation and for trail head support facilities. These funds are distributed in the form of an 80% grant with a 20% match. Local, state and federal land managing agencies are eligible to apply as well as state chartered, non-profit organizations with IRS 501 (c) (3) status that have a written agreement for trail management with an agency. All grant projects MUST be on publicly owned land. FY2011-2012 Application period is closed. Funded programs to be announced TBD.

  TRIP Grant Manual and Application:

The Tennessee Recreation Initiative Program (TRIP) apportions grant money to cities and counties who lack professional parks and recreational director and do not provide a comprehensive recreation delivery system in their community. These grants are a three-year commitment, $50,000 grant matched by the communities. Next anticipated grant cycle:Summer 2013

  Land and Water Conservation Funds (LWCF) Grants

The LWCF program provides matching grants to states, and through the state to local governments and state agencies that provide recreation and parks, for the acquisition and development of public outdoor recreation areas and facilities. Recreation Educational Services administers the LWCF grants. These grants require a 50% match.

Please monitor for information on future grant rounds.