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Jump to details about a specific grant program, or keep scrolling to explore all three.
Chickadee Checkoff Grants | Land & Water Conservation Fund Grants | Recreational Trails Grants |
This program provides funding for habitat related work, researchers, educators, and naturalists to carry out projects focused on wildlife diversity and native non-game wildlife species.
Through the generosity of Kansans who donate to the Chickadee Checkoff Program hundreds of projects over the past 40 years have been funded. These projects directly relate and benefit wildlife diversity and non-game habitat improvement in Kansas. These efforts range from the very short and simple projects of the $500 level to much more substantial projects leveraging funds to match federal grants totaling in the several hundred thousand dollar range. Most of these larger projects and the most current efforts utilize the checkoff funds for matching federal grants such as Sec. 6 portion of the Endangered Species Act and the State Wildlife Grants program.
In recent years, the KDWP has used a portion of these funds to solicit project proposals through the Chickadee Checkoff Small Grants Programs. This program provides funding for habitat related work, researchers, educators, and naturalists to carry out projects focused on wildlife diversity and native non-game wildlife species related to the Kansas Statewide Wildlife Action Plan.
2025 Chickadee Checkoff Small Grant Funding Applications are now being accepted. Applications must be submitted by close of business on March 21, 2025. Review the guidance document below for more information on program requirements and how to apply.
In Kansas, the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) is administered by the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks. The program offers matching grants to state and local units of government for the acquisition and development of public outdoor recreation areas and facilities. From new playgrounds and restrooms to expanded trail systems and community parks, LWCF projects help build vibrant, healthy communities and protect the natural beauty of our state for future generations.
The 2026 application cycle is now open, and applications are due by 5:00pm July 1, 2026.
The LWCF application and the Open Project Selection Process have been updated, and applicants are strongly encouraged to review all materials carefully before applying.
The Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) is a landmark federal program dedicated to preserving and enhancing outdoor recreation opportunities across the United States. Established by Congress in 1964, LWCF has provided critical funding—totaling billions of dollars nationwide—to protect natural areas, develop public outdoor recreation facilities, and ensure all Americans have access to parks, trails, and green spaces.
The LWCF program is funded primarily through revenues from offshore oil and gas leasing—not taxpayer dollars—and supports projects in every state and nearly every county in the nation.
In 2020, the passage of the Great American Outdoors Act marked a historic moment for conservation and recreation in the United States. This bill permanently funded the LWCF at $900 million annually, ensuring a stable and long-term investment in America’s public lands and local recreation resources.
Past LWCF Grant Recipients
For more information about LWCF in Kansas, contact:
Riston Landwehr
Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks
512 SE 25th Avenue
Pratt, KS 67124
620-672-5911
riston.landwehr@ks.gov
The Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) is not currently accepting applications for Recreational Trails Funding. The deadline for 2025 applications was November 14, 2025.
The program provides 80 percent reimbursement to selected outdoor recreation projects. Projects that provide for motorized recreation activities are encouraged, as 30% of the funding is to be devoted to motorized projects. Qualifying projects include new trail or trailhead construction, maintenance or reconstruction of existing trails, enhancements or upgrades to existing trails/trailheads, development and planning, or land acquisition and easements. Your application must include the completed forms available for download below and a detailed cost breakdown along with a detailed site plan. This program is very similar to the Land and Water Conservation Program. Many of the same guidelines, forms and documentation will be utilized. Generally, overhead or administrative costs will not be funded from this program, but a portion of these costs may be used as part of the local match. The objective of the program is to get trails and trail facilities on the ground and not to fund administration. The local match must be detailed on the application form and may not be from any other Federal source. All projects selected must fall into one or more of three categories: motorized, non-motorized, or diversified recreational trail or trail-related projects. Proposals that provide for improved ADA and environmental impacts will receive a high priority.
For more information about Recreational Trail Grants, contact
Cherie Riffey
Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks
512 SE 25th Avenue
Pratt, Kansas 67124
620-672-5911
The 2025 ORLP Notice of Funding Opportunity was paused. The NPS is not accepting applications at this time.