The Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) is a federal funding program established to support outdoor recreation development and land acquisition for local governments and state agencies. Originally authorized by Congress in 1964, the program was permanently reauthorized in 2019 and permanently funded in 2020 through the Great Outdoors Act. It operates under the U.S. Department of the Interior and is administered by the National Park Service. In North Carolina, the LWCF is managed by the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR), with funding decisions overseen by a State Liaison Officer (SLO) appointed by the Governor.

The LWCF provides matching grants to eligible applicants for projects involving the acquisition, development, or renovation of outdoor recreation spaces. The fund's goal is to enhance access to public parks, protect natural resources, and ensure long-term outdoor recreation opportunities. Since its inception, the program has contributed over $85 million in grants, supporting more than 900 projects across North Carolina and facilitating the acquisition of more than 40,000 acres of land for public use.

For the 2025 funding cycle, local governments in North Carolina—including counties, incorporated municipalities, and federally recognized Native American tribes—are eligible to apply. Each application can request up to $500,000 in funding, but all grants require a 50% match from the applicant. Projects must be located on a single site, and applicants must own the property on which the project is proposed. Properties developed or acquired through LWCF funding must remain dedicated to public outdoor recreational use in perpetuity.

Applications for the 2025 funding cycle are due by August 1, 2024. The LWCF review process is competitive and follows an open selection process. Submitted applications are evaluated by LWCF staff, who assess project merit based on ranking criteria outlined in the North Carolina Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP). Recommendations are then sent to the State Liaison Officer, who forwards selected projects to the National Park Service for final approval.

To assist applicants, the DNCR and Recreation Resources Service offer technical support, including an informational webinar and guidance on grant requirements. All local governments are encouraged to apply, provided they meet eligibility criteria and adhere to project guidelines. Applicants must submit a complete and fully documented proposal to be considered.

The LWCF is funded through offshore oil and gas royalties, with a portion allocated directly to states based on population. In North Carolina, the state typically allocates 60% of its LWCF funding to local governments and 40% to state agency projects. Interested applicants can access further resources, including the grant manual and application documents, via the National Park Service and DNCR websites.