The Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership (ORLP) is a competitive federal grant program administered by the National Park Service under the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF). It is designed to help urban and underserved communities create or improve public parks and outdoor recreation spaces.

Key Points:

• Purpose: Expand access to quality outdoor recreation in economically disadvantaged areas, particularly in cities with populations over 30,000.
• Eligible Applicants: State and local government agencies, often in partnership with nonprofits or community organizations.
• Eligible Projects:
• Acquisition of land for public parks or recreation areas.
• Development or renovation of outdoor facilities (e.g., playgrounds, trails, sports fields).
• Projects must be publicly accessible and provide long-term recreational benefits.
• Funding: Grants typically require a 1:1 non-federal match.
• Selection Criteria: Emphasis on community need, project readiness, environmental sustainability, and potential for positive social and economic impact.
• Application Process: Involves coordination with the state’s LWCF lead agency, submission of detailed project proposals, and compliance with federal environmental and accessibility standards.

In short, ORLP aims to bridge the gap in outdoor recreation access by investing in projects that revitalize communities, promote equity, and encourage healthy lifestyles.

The Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) program provides matching grants to support the acquisition and development of public outdoor recreation areas and facilities. When applying through the State of Alaska (the pass-through entity) administering federal LWCF funds—applicants should be aware of the following key points:

Eligibility & Sponsorship

• Only state governments receive LWCF funds directly from the National Park Service (NPS).
• Local governments, tribes, and other eligible organizations must apply through the state’s designated LWCF administrator (the pass-through entity - State of Alaska).
• The pass-through entity serves as the official grant recipient and is responsible for ensuring compliance with federal requirements.

Matching Requirements

• LWCF grants require a minimum 50% non-federal match.
• Matching funds can be cash, donated land value, labor, or materials, but must be documented and approved.

Project Scope & Compliance

• Projects must be consistent with the state’s Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP).
• All funded sites must remain dedicated to public outdoor recreation in perpetuity.
• Federal environmental, accessibility, and historic preservation requirements apply.

Application Process

• Applicants submit proposals to the pass-through entity, which reviews, ranks, and forwards selected projects to NPS for final approval.
• Detailed project descriptions, cost estimates, maps, and public involvement documentation are required.

Post-Award Responsibilities

• The pass-through entity manages reporting, reimbursement requests, and compliance monitoring.
• The subrecipient (local applicant) must maintain the site, keep records, and allow inspections for the life of the project.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

• Starting construction or acquisition before NPS approval.
• Failing to secure matching funds before application.
• Not understanding the perpetual recreation use restriction on LWCF-funded properties.

Key Guidelines for Applications  

Eligible Resource Categories   

Projects must address one or more of the following:

• Maritime Heritage Collections: curated items, documents, or archaeological materials preserved for study, interpretation, and public benefit 
• Traditional Maritime Skills: enduring, hand-transmitted maritime practices (arts, crafts, trades, or techniques) passed across generations 

Maritime Education activities and programs must align with one of the following

• Services which enhance public use, access, and appreciation for maritime heritage collections.
• Projects that introduce the public to and promote awareness of historic, geographical, or cultural properties.
• Participatory activities, which include informal training to introduce nonprofessional maritime enthusiasts to various aspects of maritime history, technology, or culture.
• Activities which facilitate an exchange of ideas and information enhancing the public’s understanding and appreciation of maritime heritage.
• Programs of formalized instruction or apprenticeships that teach traditional skills, techniques, and methodologies of maritime occupations, crafts, or art forms.

 Application Must Demonstrate:

• How grant activities will directly benefit one or more of the eligible resource categories.
• Letters of support or documentation showing community and heritage value.
• Clear alignment with program intent: preservation, documentation, education/interpretation of maritime heritage.

AK Maritime Heritage Grant Manual

Should you have any questions. email ohagrants@alaska.gov 

Key Guidelines for Applications  

Eligible Resource Categories   

Projects must address the following category. 

• Historic Maritime Properties: physical assets (50+ years old, or exceptional significance if younger) such as vessels, buildings, structures, districts, and underwater or terrestrial archaeological sites. 

 Eligibility & Significance Requirements   

• Historic maritime properties must align with National Register criteria (events, significant persons, distinctive characteristics, potential to yield historical information) 
• Archaeological components—both artifacts and records—are eligible when they relate to maritime heritage and are managed appropriately 

 Application Must Demonstrate:

• How grant activities will directly benefit one or more of the eligible resource categories.
• Letters of support or documentation showing community and heritage value.
• Clear alignment with program intent: preservation, documentation, education/interpretation of maritime heritage.

AK Maritime Heritage Grant Manual

Should you have any questions. email ohagrants@alaska.gov