The Recreation Passport Grants program, administered by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR), is designed to support local governments in the development and improvement of public recreation facilities. The program provides financial assistance for both the creation of new recreational amenities and the renovation of existing facilities that have exceeded their useful life expectancy. Funding for the program comes from the Recreation Passport revenue, which is deposited into the Local Parks and Recreation Facilities Fund.

The primary objective of the grant is to enhance outdoor recreation opportunities for Michigan residents by supporting projects that improve accessibility, safety, and sustainability. Special emphasis is placed on the renovation of aging facilities to ensure they continue serving the public effectively. Projects must align with the state’s commitment to expanding and maintaining high-quality recreational spaces.

Eligible applicants for the grant include local units of government such as cities, villages, townships, and counties, as well as legally established regional recreation authorities. Specific entities that qualify include the Huron-Clinton Metropolitan Authority, trailway commissions formed under the Michigan Trailways Act, and authorities established under the Recreational Authorities Act of 2000. Applicants are required to provide a minimum of 25% of the total project cost as a matching contribution.

The application process involves submitting a grant application through MiGrants, followed by an evaluation by DNR staff. Recommendations are then made to the DNR Director for final approval. Applications must be submitted by April 1 of each year, and grant award notifications are typically issued in December. Once awards are announced, project agreements are offered shortly thereafter.

Funding awards for development projects range from a minimum of $7,500 to a maximum of $150,000. The total amount available for distribution is determined by the revenue collected from the Recreation Passport program. All funded projects must comply with the guidelines outlined in the Development Project Procedures Booklet, which provides detailed requirements for grant recipients.

For further information, applicants can contact Christie Bayus, the program manager, or reach out to the grant coordinator for their region. Additional resources, including application forms, compliance requirements, and reporting procedures, are available through the Michigan DNR website.