From California Consulting
Parks Grants List
Yamaha’s Outdoor Access Initiative
Deadline: Rolling
Amount: Varies
Eligibility: Anyone with land stewardship
Must be supported by local Yamaha dealer
Through this program, Yamaha has directly and indirectly supported thousands of miles of motorized
recreation trails, maintained and rehabilitated riding and hunting areas, improved staging areas, supplied
agricultural organizations with essential OHV safety education, built bridges over fish-bearing streams
and partnered with local outdoor enthusiast communities across the country to improve access to public
lands.
The Yamaha Outdoor Access Initiative has contributed more than $6 million in funding and equipment
across more than 470 projects over the past 15 years to assist outdoor recreationists working to protect
and improve access to public land and educate the public on its safe, sustainable recreational use. For
those who rely on access to public land for work and play, the Yamaha Outdoor Access Initiative has
proven to be the industry’s most reliable partner and a significant resource.
The following are examples of appropriate projects for a Yamaha Outdoor Access Initiative grant:
- Trail development, restoration and/or maintenance (i.e. purchasing materials, hiring contractors,
renting equipment, purchasing tools and safety gear).
- Trail signage (i.e., purchasing signs, equipment, installation tools, etc.).
- Stage area renovation/facilities (i.e., renting equipment, purchasing materials, hiring contractors,
etc.).
- Protecting environmentally sensitive areas from illegal or inadvertent OHV use (fencing, bridges,
hardscape, etc.).
- Adopt-a-Trail (renting equipment, purchasing tools and safety gear, volunteer coordination, etc.).
- Trail mapping/Map production (GPS equipment purchase, production and printing, etc.).
- Safety and Education (educational materials, signage, safety gear, events, etc.).
- Wildlife and habitat maintenance and management.
- Land management projects that increase the diversity of use of land for recreational activities.
- Establishing, increasing and/or maintaining access to land for outdoor recreation (including but
not exclusively limited to motorized recreation).
- Note: Outdoor Access Initiative grants will not be awarded for the purpose of purchasing Yamaha
vehicles and the program is not able to donate vehicles outright.
California Parks: Statewide Park Development and Community Revitalization Program (SPP)
Deadline: Final Guidelines released January 2026, Applications due July 2026
Amount: up to $8.5m
Match: No
https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=29939
The purpose of this program is to provide more park space/recreational space for park poor communities
with an MHI under $77,000. Your project must include at least 1new or improved recreation amenity.
Your project must meet either median household income ($77,000 OR less than 3 park acres per 1,000
resident thresholds.
California State Parks: Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) Grants Program
Estimated Deadline: TBD November 2025
Amount: Up to $10 million, depending on project scope
Match: Generally 25% match required for most projects
Eligibility: Local and federal government agencies, special districts, educational institutions, federally
recognized Native American tribes, and nonprofits
OHV Grants Program Link
Summary: The OHV Grants Program supports the management, maintenance, and enhancement of
off-highway vehicle recreation areas across California. Eligible projects include ground operations,
restoration, law enforcement, and education programs that promote responsible OHV use and environmental
protection.
Cal Parks: Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership Program (ORLP)
Estimated Deadline: TBD Spring 2026
Amount: Maximum: $15 million per application, Minimum: $300,000 per application
Match: 50%
Eligibility: Cities, Counties, State agencies, Federally recognized Native American Tribes
Joint Powers Authorities where all members are otherwise eligible under LWCF.
Park districts, and special districts with authority to acquire, operate and maintain public park and
recreation areas
https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=30578
ORLP focuses on communities with little to no access to publicly available outdoor recreation
opportunities. ORLP funds the acquisition and/or development of new parks, or substantial renovations to
parks in economically disadvantaged cities or towns of at least 30,000 people.
● Projects must be located in incorporated cities and towns with at least 30,000 people.
● Projects must be located within a Census tract that is determined to be disadvantaged per the
Climate and Environmental Justice Screening Tool at https://screeningtool.geoplatform.gov.
● Projects must involve land acquisition or development for outdoor recreation.
● Projects must be outdoor recreation areas and facilities open to the general public and not limited
to special groups.
● Projects cannot be within a park/site that has LWCF or ORLP grant funding within the last seven
years.
California Department of Parks and Recreation: Habitat Conservation Fund
Estimated Deadline: 2026
Amount: No minimum or maximum grant request
Match: Yes - 1:1
URL: https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=21361
Purpose: Nature interpretation programs to bring urban residents into park and wildlife areas, protection
of various plant and animal species, and acquisition and development of wildlife corridors and trails.
California Department of Parks and Recreation: Recreational Trails Program
Estimated Deadline: 2026
Amount: No minimum or maximum grant request
Match: Yes - 12%
Eligibility: Cities, counties, districts, state agencies, federal agencies and nonprofits with management
responsibilities of public lands
URL: https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=24324
The non-motorized RTP funds recreation trail projects for pedestrians, bicyclists, and equestrians that may
also serve as non-motorized transportation corridors.
Arts in California Parks Grant Program
Estimated Deadline: TBD March 2026
Information Webinar: February 25, 2025, at 3:00 PM PT (Register on resources page:
https://artsincaliforniaparks.org/resource-hub/grants-program-resources…)
Amount: TBD – Opens 2/18/25 (Last year
’s solicitation was $15,000 minimum)
Match: TBD – Opens 2/18/25 (No match required in last year
’s solicitation. Match was “encouraged” for implementation projects)
Eligibility: 501(c)3 organizations, California Native American Tribes, Native 7871 Organizations, Land
Trusts, Fiscally Sponsored Community Organizations, Community Foundations, and Government
Agencies (excluding California State Parks and Federal Lands).
Requirements: This year features a streamlined grant application process. Applicants are asked to
complete a letter of intent to determine eligibility and assess fit before requiring a full application. All
letters of intent will be reviewed, and selected applicants will be invited to submit a complete application.
· In order to qualify for this grant program, projects must:
o Integrate art and nature as a catalyst for community connection in local parks.
o Be free and open to the public.
· Projects must involve a collaborative partnership between:
o Nonprofit(s)
o Artist(s)
o Local public park manager(s)
o Eligible partners may include nonprofit organizations, fiscally sponsored community
organizations, California Native American tribes, Native 7871 organizations, foundations,
land trusts, and/or local government agencies.
URL: https://artsincaliforniaparks.org/grants-program/
Summary: The Arts in California Parks Grants Program revitalizes local parks with diverse experiences
that foster creativity, community connection, and transform them into vibrant hubs of art, culture, and
nature. In 2024, more than $2.8 million was invested to support 31 grant recipients across California.
These innovative programs will bring art and cultural activities to local parks, transforming them into
dynamic spaces that celebrate California’s cultural heritage and provide memorable experiences for
visitors and residents alike.
Regional Approach:
Parks California will use a regional approach to support equitable distribution of grant funds.
At least two projects will be funded per region shown on the 2025/26 Grants Program Regional Map.
Proposals will be ranked within their region before moving to the next stage. This process will focus
efforts on traditionally underrepresented regions, including the North Coast, Sacramento Valley, Sierra
Nevada, Central Coast, Central Valley, Inland Desert, and Tribal lands. The final selection process will
ensure that recommendations represent regions across the state.
CPRS Healthy Play Grant
Estimated Deadline: Summer 2027
Amount: $40k minimum
Match: 1:1
Eligibility: CPRS Members who have attended an education event in California in April or May 2025
https://www.gametime.com/cprs
Terms and Conditions
● Funding assistance provided by GameTime must be used towards the purchase of a qualified
playground structure.
● Other freestanding play products are available at our best pricing through Omnia Partners.
● Representatives from CPRS, GameTime, and PlayCore will select qualifying projects to be
considered for funding assistance.
● Orders must be installed by December 2025 through GameTime’s exclusive representatives in
California.
● Funding can only be applied to additional GameTime playground equipment purchases and only
in conjunction with the original purchase.
● GameTime standard policies and warranties as listed in the 2025 Playground Design Guide apply.
● Freight, installation, surfacing, material surcharges, and applicable sales tax are extra and not
included as part of the funding program.
● To qualify for 100% matching funding assistance, the list price of the qualifying playground
system must exceed $40,000 and be purchased with cash with the order.
● GameTime funding is subject to rounding rules and may vary based on qualified purchases.
● For award recipients who wish to bring fitness to their communities, separate funding assistance
will be available for GT Challenge Course with the funding amounts dependent on the course
selected.
● Preconfigured adult outdoor fitness packages are also available to receive funding assistance
based on the packages selected.
● Contact your California GameTime representative for a list of qualifying adult outdoor fitness
packages.
● Freestanding playground products are available through the GameTime Omnia Partners contract.
● No other offer, discount, or special programs can be used with this funding program.
● All applications must be validated by the project administrator. GameTime reserves the right to
decline any application for the CPRS funding initiative.
● Matching funds offer applies to PowerScape® (including Spire®, Altus® and Aventus® Towers),
PrimeTime® (including the Odyssey®), Xscape®, and Modern City®, and The Stadium® play
systems only. Up to 50% matching funds for select outdoor fitness equipment, including
THRIVE®, Challenge Course, and The Stadium®.
Parks California: Route to Parks Grant
Estimated Deadline: Summer 2026
Amount: Parks California anticipates awarding
approximately $1,000,000 with awards averaging $25,000 - 30,000 per grantee.
Match Requirements: No
Eligibility:
● 501(c)3 Organizations
● California Native American Tribes (inclusive of federally and non-federally recognized
tribes)
● Native 7871 Organizations
● Fiscally sponsored Community Organizations
● Government Agencies
Link: Route to Parks Grants
Summary:
● Primarily provide transportation to/from California State Parks and beaches;
● Offer a valuable recreational, environmental, cultural, or historical learning experiences;
● Reach underrepresented communities who may face challenges getting to or enjoying
parks, and/or lack opportunities to create meaningful connections to nature;
● Address parts of the state with the greatest transportation needs.
Preference will be given to proposals that:
● Include programming and/or experiences at California State Parks that connect people to
inland waterways, lakes, rivers, watersheds, and water systems;
● Deliver memorable experiences in nature through collaboration with other stakeholders to
build expertise and deliver programs that they alone would not be able to provide;
● Provide participants with multiple meaningful outdoor experiences in parks;
● Strengthen collaboration and partnership with California State Parks;
● Have an innovative and relevant transportation approach for participants.
California Natural Resources Agency: Youth Community Access Grant Program
Estimated Deadline: TBD August 2026
Amount: $25,000 to $500,000
Eligibility: Local, state, and federal agencies; nonprofit organizations; and federally recognized Native
American tribes. Eligible projects must serve youth and directly support access to either natural or
cultural resources AND meet the criteria for both low-income AND disadvantaged (not one or the other)
communities. (See guidelines for criteria details)
URL: https://resources.ca.gov/grants/youth?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govde…
Summary: Programs such as the Youth Community Access grant program help advance Outdoor for All,
CNRA’s initiative that is expanding parks and outdoors spaces in communities that need them the most,
supporting programs to connect people who lack access, fostering a sense of belonging for all
Californians in the outdoors, and much more.
To be eligible for funding, projects must meet ALL the following program requirements:
1. Projects must serve youth. For the purposes of this program, youth is defined as a person between the
ages of birth and 26 years old. 2. Projects must directly support youth access to either natural or cultural
resources. 3. Projects must include design features and program elements to promote youth health, safety,
well-being, and comfort.
California Department of Parks and Recreation: Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF)
Estimated Deadline: Summer 2027
Amount: Up to $6 million
Match: Yes - 50%
Eligibility: Cities, counties, tribal governments, JPAs, park districts, and special districts with authority to
acquire, operate and maintain public park and recreation areas
URL: https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=21360
Acquisition of lands, wetlands, and waters for public outdoor recreation, including new areas or additions
to existing parks, forests, wildlife management areas, beaches, and other similar areas dedicated to public
outdoor recreation, as well as physical connections among them (e.g., trails, waterways, land between
recreation areas, wildlife habitat corridors) may be eligible for assistance.
Development should encompass essential public outdoor recreation activities and the necessary support
facilities for public use. Projects could involve a combination of land acquisition and site development.
These projects can cater to a diverse range of public outdoor recreation activities and facilities required to
enhance the use and enjoyment for the public. These include, and are not limited to:
• Community Parks
• Campgrounds
• Playgrounds
• Sport fields and Courts
• Picnic Areas and Open-air Pavilions
• Trails and Tracks for Hiking, Walking, Skating, or Biking
• Water based Recreation Facilities for Swimming or Boating
• Fishing and Hunting Facilities
• Pools and Splash Pads
• Publicly Accessible Nature Preserves or Conservation Areas
• Community Gardens
• Spectator Facilities such as Amphitheaters or Bandstands
• Renovations of Existing Facilities
• Interpretive Signage