Program Specifics

The Land & Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) Program is a federal grant program administered by  Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP). The LWCF Program provides matching grant funds to state, tribal, and local government entities to develop outdoor recreation.  Montana’s LWCF Program has funded over 800 projects throughout Montana since its creation in 1964.

The 2020-2024 Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP) provides guidance to direct Montana’s state-side apportionment of the federal Land and Water Conservation Fund grant program.

Eligibility and Funding

Examples of eligible projects include: ball fields, public parks, outdoor municipal pools, playgrounds, picnic facilities, walking trails and more. This grant requires a 50% match.

How to Apply

Next grant round opens summer 2025.

Application Materials

• 2024 Application Guidelines (PDF)

• Pre-Application Form (PDF)
  Prospective LWCF Program applicants must complete and email this Pre-Application Project Proposal Form to the LWCF Program Manager before applying to the LWCF Program

• 2024 Grant Application (PDF)

• Resolution Authorizing Application (PDF)

Document Examples

• Boundary Map Example (PDF)

• Budget Example (PDF)

Post-Award Materials

• Limited Solicitation (PDF)

• Volunteer Hours Form (PDF)

Past Awards

• 2023-2024 LWCF Grant Awards (PDF)

• 2022 LWCF Grant Awards (PDF)

• 2021 LWCF Grant Awards (PDF)

• 2020 LWCF Grant Awards (PDF)

• 2019 LWCF Grant Awards (PDF)

• 2018 LWCF Grant Awards (PDF)

• 2012 - 2017 LWCF Grants (PDF)

• 1964 - 2011 LWCF Grants by County (PDF)

Key Information

• National Park Service LWCF Program Manual (PDF)

Program Contact

Adam Brooks, SLO
Financial Assistance and Compliance Bureau Chief
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks
406-444-3032

abrooks@mt.gov