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Recreation grants

Recreation grants

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. Click on each program below for specific details. 

Some grant programs require a 5-year recreation plan to be approved before applying for the grant.

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. Requires 5-year recreation plan.

  • 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.

  • Michigan Boating 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.

  • Land and Water Conservation Fund

    Provides grants to local units of government and to the state to develop and acquire land for public outdoor recreation such as: trails, picnic areas, beaches, campgrounds, boating access and fishing areas. Requires 5-year recreation plan.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Waterways Grant-in-Aid 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.

Cover of the 2023 SCORP plan, showing a child standing in the water at a beach throwing a football on a sunny summer day

Michigan’s Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan is a five-year strategic plan that shapes investment by the State of Michigan and local communities in priority outdoor recreation infrastructure and programming.

View SCORP Plan »