Widseth can help you apply for an Outdoor Recreation Grant from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources to improve parks and outdoor recreation facilities. Keep reading to learn more about the program, find out if you're eligible, and see when applications are due.
Outdoor Recreation Grant Program
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
The Outdoor Recreation Grant Program helps to increase and enhance outdoor recreation facilities in local and community parks throughout Minnesota.
Eligible applicants: Cities, counties, and townships.
Eligible projects: Park acquisition and/or development/redevelopment including internal park trails, picnic shelters, playgrounds, athletic facilities, boat accesses, fishing piers, swimming beaches, and campgrounds. All park projects must be maintained for outdoor recreation into perpetuity.
Project proposals must include at least one eligible primary outdoor recreation facility in the Program Manual and have a total project cost of at least $20,000. Support facilities such as restrooms and parking lots can only be funded as part of a larger project that includes a primary recreation facility. The land proposed for development and/or redevelopment must be owned by the applicant or be part of an acquisition project.
Grants are reimbursed based up to 50% of the total eligible costs with a maximum award of $350,000. The local match can consist of cash; the value of materials, labor, and equipment usage by the local sponsor; donations; or any combination thereof. Costs must be incurred and paid for before reimbursement can be made.
A majority of the review and selection process will focus on guidelines outlined in the 2020-2024 State Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP).
The completed application is due April 1, 2024.
The Department of Natural Resources will review and rank applications during the spring of 2024. Preliminary grant awards will be announced in the summer of 2024. Applicants should focus on projects that will be completed during the 2025/2026 construction seasons.
Get started on your project by contacting Widseth's funding department. Widseth’s fully integrated services can assist your community with all elements of a winning application.