Find resources to apply for the Outdoor Recreation Legacy Project (ORLP) grants. The National Park Service and our official ORLP partners the Trust for Public Land and City Parks Alliance have tools and support to help navigate the application process and develop competitive grant proposals whether you are new or have experience applying for OLRP grants.
Continue to check for additional resources that may become available.
On-Demand Resources
These options are usually best for beginners to experienced applicants who are ready to independently navigate the application process.
National Park Service Website
The National Park Service manages the ORLP grant program. Find information and resources for applying, receiving ORLP grants, contact information, and more. Please continue to check our webpages as we expand available resources for applicants.
Grants.gov
Grants.gov is the official website to apply for most grants available through the federal government, including ORLP grants when they are available. The website’s Grants Learning Center has many resources for new and experienced grant applicants on a variety of topics.
Trust for Public Land Self–Serve Resources:
The Trust for Public Land’s online resources provide applicants and project sponsors with guidance on application development. This suite of materials includes a summary of past ORLP awards, a sample grant application timeline, and example sources of matching funds.
City Parks Alliance Resources
On City Parks Alliance’s ORLP Resources Page , you can find all seven award rounds, examples of successful ORLP projects, locate each state’s LWCF officials, and and read reports on the impact of ORLP on communities across the country.
The Wilderness Society's LWCF Tribal Hub
The Wilderness Society’s Tribal Hub offers downloadable tools, recorded trainings, and more to guide ORLP applicants.
Live Technical Assistance Events
These options are usually best for applicants who may need more support understanding ORLP specifics but are ready to independently navigate the application process.
Office Hours
Once there is a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for ORLP grants, the National Park Service will host a one-hour session each month until the application deadline to answer questions and provide general information about ORLP.
Stay tuned for more details.
Live Webinars Hosted by Our Partners
The Trust for Public Land and City Parks Alliance arehosting technical assistance webinars to share more information about the application process and strategies for developing a competitive ORLP proposal.
Time: 2:00pm, EST
“Unlock Federal Funding to Expand Outdoor Recreation Access: A Guide to the Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership (ORLP) Program” hosted by the Trust for Public Land
Participants will hear directly from the National Park Service on program goals, eligibility requirements, and what's new for 2026, including expanded opportunities for tribes and Indigenous communities. A case study presentation on Dream Keepers Park in Tulsa, Oklahoma will offer a real-world example of a competitive ORLP application.
Register and learn more
Time: 2:00pm ET
“NEW Federal Funding for Tribal & Indigenous Lands: How to Apply to the Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership (ORLP) Program” hosted by the Trust for Public Land
This session is designed specifically for federally recognized tribes, Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian, and urban Indian organizations interested in pursuing federal funding for the acquisition of land and creation of outdoor recreation spaces through the Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership (ORLP) Program. Participants will hear from TPL's Ken Lucero and Faith Wells, and Maggie Carson of the National Park Service, on what tribal and Indigenous entities need to know to pursue ORLP and where they can find technical assistance.
“Laying the Groundwork for ORLP Success” hosted by the Trust for Public Land
Speakers from the National Park Service and Trust for Public Land will break down pre-submission requirements, program priorities, and common challenges, with practical guidance on community engagement, match funding, and long-term project readiness. Participants will also explore real-world examples to better understand what makes projects successful and how these practices can apply to newly eligible tribal and Indigenous communities.
2:00pm ET
“Step-by-Step: How to Write a Competitive ORLP Application” hosted by the Trust for Public Land
This session provides a step-by-step overview of how to create a strong application. Participants will gain a clear understanding of application requirements, scoring criteria, and how to effectively present their project’s strengths. Through case studies and practical examples, speakers will demonstrate what distinguishes successful applications and how to apply those best practices to your own proposal.
One-on-One Support
These options are usually best for applicants new to federal grant applications who anticipate needing hands-on guidance.
State-Level Technical Assistance
Your state's lead agency for Land & Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) is a great place to start when developing an ORLP application. Each state has different application requirements and may offer their own technical assistance opportunities for interested communities. Find your state lead agency in our directory.
Tailored Technical Assistance
The Trust for Public Land will provide free, one-on-one technical assistance to ORLP applicants as they develop their applications. Since 2014, TPL has supported 35 communities in 16 states with their ORLP projects; 71% of these communities successfully applied for and received an ORLP award. Applicants interested in this opportunity can sign up via Trust for Public Land’s website.
If demand for this technical assistance exceeds the Trust for Public Land’s capacity, the National Park Service will determine which communities will receive this assistance. Technical assistance from the Trust for Public Land does not guarantee selection for an ORLP grant.
Last updated: June 4, 2026