NPS Releases Applications for FY 16-17 ORLP Grant Program
Here is an email from Joel Lynch, Chief of Rec. Grants for NPS..
I am pleased to announce the opening of the 2018 Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership Program (ORLP) notice of funding opportunity which offers nationally competitive grants specifically to help create and improve state and locally-owned park and other outdoor recreation areas in ways that will help the public to access or re-connect with the outdoors, particularly in city neighborhoods that lack parks and recreational opportunities. A total of $13.3 Million of funding is available. These funds include the FY2017 ORLP appropriated funds and the remaining FY2016 balance. (The recently appropriated FY2018 ORLP funds will be competed in a future round.) The full announcement is attached/can be found on grants.gov (P18AS00153).
What is the ORLP? The 2018 ORLP program is generally similar to the previous two programs. However, low income neighborhoods are now the principle targeted community, and there is a new emphasis on the potential economic benefits of a project, particularly in terms of short and long-term job creation. Please review the funding opportunity carefully as we sought to clarify the guidance to address issues we have noticed in the past. We would like to not have to eliminate half the pool like we did in the previous round due to issues like incomplete applications, ineligibility factors, and non-responsiveness to the competition purpose. Note that this year we will allow states to submit up to three proposals.
Sponsors may request grants for their projects ranging from a minimum of $250,000 up to a maximum of $750,000. By law, project sponsors and/or their partners must cost-share in the projects at an at least 1:1 ratio. Funding for eligible projects can be used to acquire and/or develop land to create new, or reinvigorate existing, public parks and other outdoor recreation spaces in neighborhoods that are economically disadvantaged and are underserved or lacking in such opportunities.
The ORLP grants complement the existing NPS LWCF State and Local Assistance Program in targeting national priorities to create new opportunities for outdoor recreation as well as to develop or enhance partnerships that can support such efforts in cities. Selected projects will help demonstrate how partners at all levels can work collaboratively to leverage investment and support close-to-home recreation opportunities that will help people access publicly-owned lands.
Who may apply? State and local government agencies (e.g., cities, counties, legal subdivisions such as park districts, etc.) and federally-recognized Indian tribes within or serving areas delineated by the Census Bureau from the 2010 census as having populations of 50,000 or more people and consisting of densely settled territory.
How do I apply? Proposals should be developed in cooperation with the lead agency for LWCF in each state. The full funding opportunity announcement and pre-application materials are available online at grants.gov. Please look for Funding Opportunity Number P18AS00153; Title: Land and Water Conservation Fund Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership Program.
When is the deadline for applications? Applications are due on Friday, September 14, 2018.
If you have any questions please contact myself or Elisabeth Fondriest at 202-354-6916 or elisabeth_fondriest@nps.gov
Joel
