Grant Opportunities

Boating Infrastructure Grant Program Logo of SOBA

The Boating Infrastructure Grant program was established in 1998 using funds from the Sport Fish Restoration and Boating Trust Fund. Public entities and private sector marina owners, operators and developers can apply through the state for grants for the construction, renovation, or maintenance of boating infrastructure for transient recreational vessels at least 26 ft. long that are used primarily for pleasure. There are two grant levels. Tier 1 grants are small projects and the decision to fund is at the state level. Tier 2 grants are large projects and are chosen by a national ranking team and are highly competitive. 

Announcements: The annual grant cycle is open for requests in August and decisions for funding are announced around March each spring. 

 

Contact: Steven Partin, grant coordinator

steven.partin@dnr.ga.gov  |  912-264-7218


Clean Vessel Act Grant Program - Currently Accepting ApplicationsClean Vessel Act logo

The Clean Vessel Act Grant Program was established to provide funding to States to construct, renovate, operate, and maintain pumpout stations and waste reception facilities for recreational boaters and to inform boaters about the use, benefits, and availability of pumpout stations and waste reception facilities. 

Announcements: Funding is currently available for Clean Vessel Act grants. 

 

Contact: Steven Partin, grant coordinator

steven.partin@dnr.ga.gov  |  912-264-7218


Coastal Incentive Grants Program  Georgia Coastal Management Program Logo

The CIG Program is a competitive pass-through subgrant program made possible by a grant to Georgia DNR from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) through Congressional funding pursuant to the Coastal Zone Management Act. These subgrants may be awarded to qualified county and municipal governments, regional commissions, state-affiliated research or educational institutions, or state agencies (except GDNR), provided the project takes place entirely within the eleven-county service area of the program.  The CIG Program service area includes Brantley, Bryan, Camden, Chatham, Charlton, Effingham, Glynn, Liberty, Long, McIntosh and Wayne counties.  

Announcements: For more information, visit https://coastalgadnr.org/coastalincentivegrant

Contact: Shy Duncan, Grants Specialist

shyathia.duncan1@dnr.ga.gov  |  912-264-7218


Georgia Conservation Tax Credit Program

The Georgia Conservation Tax Credit is a financial incentive for landowners to help protect Georgia’s natural resources.Landowners who donate fee-title lands or permanent conservation easements to a government entity, state agency, or a Land Trust Alliance-accredited land trust may apply for a credit against their state income taxes.

Announcements: The tax credit expires December 31, 2021.

 

Contact: Chris Canalos, Georgia Conservation Tax Credit Program Manager

Chris.Canalos@dnr.ga.gov  | 706-557-3225


Georgia Outdoor Stewardship Program

The Georgia Outdoor Stewardship Program is a grant program that provides funding to support parks and trails and provide stewardship and acquisition of critical conservation lands. Grant and loan funds will be available for local governments, state agencies and nongovernmental organizations with conservation mission. 

Announcements: The 2024-2025 Pre-application cycle will open on August 1, 2024. For more information click here.

2023-2024 Selection: Georgia Outdoor Stewardship Program to fund 12 conservation projects

 

Contact: Soheila Naji, Georgia Outdoor Stewardship Program Coordinator 

soheila.naji@dnr.ga.gov  |  404.463.8570


Georgia Wildlife Viewing Grants Program

The DNR Wildlife Resources Division’s Wildlife Viewing Grants Program provides small grants for wildlife viewing projects that increase awareness and appreciation of the state’s nongame wildlife, rare native plants and natural habitats, with an emphasis on species and habitats considered a high priority for conservation in the State Wildlife Action Plan. Grants are available for local governments, non-profit or not-for-profit organizations, and for-profit entities.

Announcements: For more information, visit georgiawildlife.com/WildlifeViewingGrants.

 

Contact: Rick Lavender, program coordinator

rick.lavender@dnr.ga.gov   |   706.557.3327


Land & Water Conservation Fund logo

The Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) Program is a federal program authorized by Congress for the purpose of acquiring federal lands and assisting states and local governments with funds to acquire lands and develop and renovate outdoor recreation facilities.  LWCF funds are appropriated by Congress to the U. S. Department of the Interior, National Parks Service (NPS), and NPS allocates the funds through state agencies as a grant program to state and local governments. For more information click here.

Announcement: "We are no longer accepting applications for the 2024-2025 grant cycle." 

 

Contact: Rayne Gaston, Grants Program Manager

rayne.gaston1@dnr.ga.gov  |  404.290.7958


Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership Program 

The Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership Program (ORLP) is a nationwide grant program that is authorized under the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) Act. 

The national competitive park grant program has a specific  purpose to provide new or significantly improved recreation opportunities in disadvantaged urban (population of 30,000 or more) communities. Grants range from $300,000 to $15,000,000 and require a 1:1 non-federal match.

As the lead agency for LWCF, the application process begins with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR).  Applications are first evaluated by DNR staff.  Those applications that meet the required elements and eligibility requirements are forwarded to NPS to compete in the annual national competition.

Announcement: Round 8 (2024-2025) of the ORLP Program is open! DNR is currently accepting applications!

 

Contact: Rayne Gaston, Grants Program Coordinator

Rayne.gaston1@dnr.ga.gov   |  404.290.7958


Recreational Trails Program     

The Recreational Trails Program provides funding for the construction and rehabilitation of trails and directly related trailhead facilities.  Qualified Local Governments, federal agencies, and state agencies are invited to apply.

Announcements:  

2023-2024 Selection: Grants Awarded for Recreational Trails Program 

 

Contact: Ouicia Jolly, Recreational Trails, Grants Program Manager

ouicia.jolly@dnr.ga.gov  |  404.463.1779