Municipalities that are pursuing park projects have many different grant resources available to them, much of it available in federal dollars administered through state agencies.
Grants run on all sorts of funding cycles with their own deadlines. Those interested should check out agency websites for final grant timelines.
SC Department of Park, Recreation and Tourism
Outdoor Recreation Legacy Program
- This program provides new or significantly improved recreation opportunities in economically disadvantaged communities. ORLP projects are selected through a National Park Service-led national competition of projects. Population thresholds apply.
Land and Water Conservation Fund
- The LWCF is a federal program providing matching grants for the acquisition or development of outdoor recreation areas and facilities. It requires a 50% match.
Recreational Trails Program
- Funded by the Federal Highway Administration, the RTP is a highly competitive program for trail project grants, typically with eight of 20 to 30 applications awarded.
Parks and Recreation Development Fund
- PARD is a state-funded, nonreimbursable grant fund decided on by local legislative delegation.
- The grant cycle for PARD funds is open year-round.
Undiscovered SC Enhancement Grant
- The program assists communities with the development of publicly owned tourism products and attractions that will encourage visitation to South Carolina. Funds must be used for tourism attractions.
SC Department of Commerce
SC Community Development Block Grant Program, Community Enrichment grants
- This program is designed to fund public facilities, services and other activities that strengthen existing communities and support a high quality of life within priority areas that include safe and healthy communities.
Appalachian Regional Commission funding
- South Carolina makes ARC Area Development funds available to grantees for purposes including building regional culture and tourism. To be eligible, a project must be located in South Carolina’s Appalachia region and benefit residents of Anderson, Cherokee, Greenville, Oconee, Pickens, Spartanburg and Union counties.
Southeast Crescent Regional Commission funding
- SCRC invests in projects located within eligible counties that support basic infrastructure, business development, natural resource preservation, and workforce development.
SC Department of Transportation
Transportation Alternatives Program
- TAP grants can fund multiuse paths and trails, as long as they are for transportation, such as for work, school or commerce. There is a spring round of funding and a fall round.