The Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership (ORLP) Program is a 50–50 matching grant program. This means ORLP may reimburse up to 50 percent of total eligible project costs, while applicants must provide at least 50 percent of total project costs from eligible matching sources. For example, if a project’s total eligible cost is $500,000, ORLP may reimburse up to $250,000, and the applicant would provide the remaining $250,000 from other eligible sources.
ORLP is a reimbursement program, which means grant recipients pay project costs upfront and then request reimbursement after eligible expenses are incurred.
Applicants are not expected to have all cost share finalized at the time of initial application. At a minimum, applicants must describe their plan for securing matching funds. This includes the anticipated source or sources of the match, estimated amounts, and the status of any funding discussions or commitments. Applicants should clearly explain matching funds in the project budget and budget narrative. Cost share sources must be finalized before the applicant can receive a grant award.
What Can Be Used as a Match?
Applicants may use a combination of eligible funding sources to meet the match requirement. Common match sources may include:
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State funds, such as state grant programs or agency budgets.
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City or county funds, including regular budget allocations, bonds, levies, or other local funding.
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Private or philanthropic funding, such as family foundations, community foundations, nonprofit partners, local businesses, or other private contributions.
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Eligible federal funds, but only in limited cases when the other federal program has specific legal authority allowing its funds to be used as a match.
- In-kind contributions, when properly documented and approved, such as donated land, volunteer services, professional services, materials, or equipment use.
Can Federal Funds Be Used as a Match?
In most cases, federal funds cannot be used as matching funds for ORLP. However, there are limited exceptions when another federal program has specific legal authority allowing its funds to be used as a match for another federal grant. Applicants should not assume that federal funds are eligible as a match unless the funding program clearly allows it.
Examples of federal programs that may be eligible as a match in specific circumstances include:
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Department of Defense Readiness and Environmental Protection Integration Program
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Congressionally directed spending or community project funding, depending on the authority of the specific funding source.
It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure funds meet all applicable requirements for both ORLP and the other federal program. Applicants should confirm allowability with the agency administering the other federal funds and with NPS before relying on those funds as an ORLP match.
Matching Funds Resources
The following resources may help applicants identify, understand, or document potential matching funds. Inclusion on this list does not guarantee that a funding source is eligible as an ORLP match. Applicants should confirm eligibility and allowability before relying on any source as a match.
LWCF Resources
LWCF Manual
Detailed LWCF guidance on matching share, sponsor financial obligations, donations, in-kind contributions, valuation, and documentation requirements.
Federal Grant and Match Guidance
2 CFR § 200.306—Cost Sharing or Matching
Federal regulation explaining cost sharing and matching requirements, including documentation, allowability, and third-party in-kind contributions.
Funding Search Resources
City Parks Alliance—City Park Funding Hub
Resource hub with funding opportunities that may support parks, outdoor recreation, green space, and community development projects.
National Recreation and Park Association—Park and Recreation Grants and Fundraising Resources
Grant and fundraising resources for parks and recreation agencies and community partners.
Access to Capital Clearinghouse
Searchable funding resource that may help Tribes and Native organizations identify funding opportunities, including potential sources that could support project development or matching funds.
Last updated: August 19, 2026