NC is fortunate to have a number of statewide grant programs funded by the General Assembly to support the acquisition and preservation of land and provide funds to develop facilities and trails.. These programs are coordinated by the NC Division of Parks & Recreation, the NC Land and Water Fund, NC Amateur Sports, and the NC Youth Outdoor Engagement Commission. NCRPA members are encouraged to check out additional grant opportunities on the members only grant page.
Grants
North Carolina Grants
Parks & Recreation Trust Fund (PARTF)
PARTF provides matching grants to local governments for parks. The statewide program helps local governments reach their park and public access goals to improve the quality of life in their communities. Agencies considering applying are encouraged to connect with their regional consultant from Recreation Resources Service. Learn More.
Accessible Parks Grant
In both 2022 and 2023, the General Assembly provided funding for the Accessible Parks Grant Program. In 2024, $12.5 million in matching grants were secured for parks and recreation to benefit people living with disabilities in North Carolina to be administered through the Parks & Recreation Trust Fund. Local governments, including public authorities, are eligible to apply. Learn More.
NC Land & Water Grant
This grant is designed to improve water quality, sustain ecological diversity, and protect historic sites and military installations. Projects are funded to acquire lands, restore the habitat for fish, wildlife, and other species, and enhance the filtering of stormwater runoff to reduce pollutants from entering water supplies. Learn More.
Great Trails State Program
As NC establishes itself as the Great Trails State, this program provides funds for paved trails or greenways, natural surface trails, biking trails, equestrian trails, and any other type of trail recognized by the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources. Funding opportunities include planning and feasibility, design and engineering, acquisition, construction, and maintenance. Learn More.
Connecting Communities to State Trails Grants
$1.9 million of the Complete the Trail Program funds are dedicated for small communities to develop trails that connect communities to state trails. There are currently 14 state trails authorized by the General Assembly: nine land-based trails and five paddle trails. Learn More.
Youth Sports Grants - NCAS (coming by Sept 2024)
This newly established grant is funded by proceeds from mobile sports betting.Funds can be used for the purchase of youth sports equipment, or to provide for public facility upgrades or improvements which would benefit youth sports. Local governments and nonprofit organizations are eligible to apply. Up to $10,000 per year will be available to each of NC’s 100 counties. This program is administered by NC Amateur Sports. Learn More.
Youth Sports Grants
Designed to promote youth sports, these funds are to attract state, regional, area, and national sporting events, tournaments, and programs for nonprofessional sporting participants to our state. Grants for nonprofessional teams to attend in-state or out-of-state sporting events will also be available. Proceeds from mobile sports betting fund this program. The program goes live June 2024 and is administered by the NC Youth Outdoor Engagement Commission. Learn More.
Federal Grants
Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF)
The U.S. Department of the Interior oversees the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) for outdoor recreation development and land acquisition by local governments and state agencies. In North Carolina, the program is administered by the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources. Learn More.
Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership Program
A subset of the federal Land and Water Conservation Fund's state-side grants, this program provides for new or significantly improved recreation opportunities in urban, disadvantaged communities. Learn More.
Recreational Trails Program
Administered by the U.S. Department of Transportation's Federal Highway Administration, the program helps states provide and maintain recreational trails for both motorized and non-motorized recreational trail use. Funding is available for trail projects, safety, and education. Learn More.