Through our numerous grant programs, we can provide financial assistance to Michigan communities to acquire land for parks and open space, develop outdoor and indoor recreation facilities, and maintain, improve and renovate existing recreation facilities. Each grant program has specific criteria for eligible projects and who can apply, as well as specific application deadlines and minimum/maximum grant request amounts. Some grant programs require a 5-year recreation plan to be approved before applying for the grant. Click on each program below for specific details.
Available Grants
- Natural Resources Trust Fund
Provides grants to local units of government and to the state for acquisition and development of lands and facilities for outdoor recreation or the conservation of natural resources. This is the only grant program for land acquisition. Requires 5-year recreation plan. Must apply through MiRecGrants.
- Land and Water Conservation Fund
Provides grants to local units of government and to the state to develop land for public outdoor recreation such as: trails, picnic areas, beaches, campgrounds, boating access and fishing areas. Requires 5-year recreation plan. Must apply through MiRecGrants.
- Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership Program
Provides matching grants to states and local governments for the development of public outdoor recreation areas and facilities in urban areas.
- Off-Road Vehicle (ORV) Trail Improvement Program
Provides funding for maintenance of established ORV trails and facilities as part of the designated statewide trail system. It also funds development of new trails and facilities, and restoration of areas damaged by ORV use. Government agencies and nonprofit, incorporated clubs and organizations are eligible.
- Snowmobile Trail Improvement Program
Provides funding to maintain snowmobile trails as part of the designated statewide trail system including seasonal grooming and general maintenance, special maintenance projects that improve the condition and/or access to trails, and replacement of equipment used for maintaining trails.
- Clean Vessel Act - Boat Pumpout Grants
Provides funding for new or upgraded marine sewage disposal facilities, pumpouts and dump stations. Grants are provided to both private and public boating facilities, as long as they are open to the public.
- Waterways Program Grants
Provides financial and technical assistance for design and construction of public recreational boating facilities, including state-sponsored harbor and mooring facilities. Only local units of government and public universities are eligible to apply. Applications require the development of a 5-year recreation plan for harbor projects.
- Recreation Passport Grant Program
Provides funding to local units for the development of public recreation facilities. This includes the development of new facilities and the renovation of old facilities and can also be used for indoor facilities. Must apply through MiRecGrants.
- Boating Infrastructure Grants
Provides federal funding assistance for the design and construction of public recreational harbor facilities serving transient boaters. Local units of government, public universities and private facilities are eligible to apply.
Additional Information
- 2020 Recreation Grant Workshops
Workshop dates, times, and locations. Workshops will cover program updates and application guidance for Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund, Land and Water Conservation Fund and Recreation Passport Grant Program.
- 2020 Recreation Grants Workshop Presentation
Full recreation grant workshop presentation. This workshop covers program updates and application guidance for Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund, Land and Water Conservation Fund and Recreation Passport Grant Program.
- You Have a Grant... Now What?? (Presentation)
Information about administering DNR recreation grants: Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund, Land and Water Conservation Fund and Recreation Passport Grant Program. The information is recommended for anyone awarded or interested in applying for a DNR recreation grant.
- Recreation Plan Workshop Presentation
Information covering the basic process and requirements for developing a plan to meet DNR requirements, lessons learned on completing a recreation plan, tools and techniques for public participation and helpful hints.
- 2020 MDOT TAP Overview
This presentation provides a quick overview of the Michigan Department of Transportation's Transportation Alternatives Program for grants which can be used as match for some DNR grants.
- 5-Year Recreation Plan
To be eligible to apply for certain grants, a community must submit an approved 5-Year plan by February 1 of the year they apply.
- Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan »
- MiRecGrants
Applications for some grants must go through the MiRecGrants online grants application system. Information, tutorials, and a link to MiRecGrants are available here.
