Grant Opportunities
DEM’s GREEN SPACE GRANT PROGRAMS fund land conservation, recreational land acquisition and development, and recreational trail development and improvements. Each of these programs operates under a set of rules and regulations with Committee and Department oversight. The grant programs rely on State bond funding and Federal program funds. All funds require a local matching contribution which might be fulfilled with in-kind services or cash match from the grant applicant. Eligible applicants and matching fund requirements vary by program. Please review each program carefully to determine if your organization and project is eligible for funding. DEM Staff is available to guide you in this process and to help you get started.
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LOCAL OPEN SPACE GRANTS
OUTDOOR RECREATION GRANTS
RECREATIONAL TRAIL GRANTS
LOCAL OPEN SPACE GRANTS
This grant program provides up to 50% matching funds to municipalities, land trusts and non-profit conservation land organizations to preserve valuable open space throughout the state. Applications are scored by the Rhode Island Natural Heritage Preservation Commission Advisory Committee and submitted to the Natural Heritage Preservation Commission for approval.
GRANT GUIDELINES:
- DEM awarded approximately $1 million for projects for the supplemental 2020 round;
- Individual grant requests up to $400,000 were considered
- Awardees are eligible for reimbursement of up to 50% of appraisal, title, and survey costs associated with the project
- Rules and Regulations for the Rhode Island Natural Heritage Preservation Commission
- Grant Scoring Criteria
APPLICATION FORMS
FORMS FOR GRANT AWARDEES:
- Standard Conservation Easement Form
- Management Plan Guidelines
- Certificate of Authority
- W9
- Certificate of Disclosure
For questions or to submit an application, contact Michelle Sheehan at michelle.sheehan@dem.ri.gov or 401-222-2776 ext. 4436
OUTDOOR RECREATION GRANTS
2020 Recreation Grant Awards funded by the 2018 Green Economy and Clean Water Bond were announced in April 2020. See grant awards listed below.
The next grant round is pending approval of the 2020 Beach, Clean Water, and Green Economy Bond
This grant program provides matching funds to cities and towns and recognized Native American tribes for the acquisition, development and renovation of outdoor recreational lands and facilities. The program is funded through State bonds. Funding categories include Large Recreation Development grants (up to 80% matching funds to a maximum of $400,000), Small Recreation Development Grants (up to 80% matching funds to a maximum of $100,000), and Recreation Acquisition grants (up to 50% matching funds to a maximum of $400,000). Applications are scored by the Recreation Resources Review Committee and submitted to the DEM Director for approval.
GRANT GUIDELINES:
- Bond Regulations
- 2020 Priority Rating System
- 2020 Guidance Document
- Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP)
GRANT FORMS:
- Certification Compliance Form
- Guidelines for posting Green Space Signs
- Checklist for Recreation Acquisition Grant Reimbursement Requests
- Checklist for Recreation Development Reimbursement Requests
- Final Report Template
PREVIOUS GRANT AWARDS:
- 2020 Recreation Grant Awards
- 2018 Recreation Grant Awards
- 2016 Recreation Grant Awards
- Fact Sheet
- Scoring Sheet
- Rules and Regulations Governing the Recreational Trails Program (250-RICR-110-00-6)
- Federal Highway Administration Guidelines
- TAC Meeting Schedule & Minutes
For questions, contact Lisa McGreavy at lisa.mcgreavy@dem.ri.gov or 401-222-4700 ext. 7611
RECREATIONAL TRAIL GRANTS
The 2021 Recreational Trail Grant round is now open!
The application deadline is January 28, 2021.
This round, Recreational Trails Program grants can fund up to 80% of a project’s construction costs and can fund new trail construction and major rehabilitation to existing trails which are open to the public. Grants may be up to $100,000.
Recreational Trail Grants are facilitated by DEM, in cooperation with DOT, to encourage the development and maintenance of recreation trails and trail related projects. State & local governments, Native American tribes, and nonprofit organizations are eligible to apply for funding to: construct new trails, maintain or restore existing trails, develop or rehabilitate ancillary trail facilities, purchase or lease of trail construction and maintenance equipment, and for operation of educational programs promoting safety and environmental protection along recreational trails.
Public Workshop
DEM held a pre-application training workshop remotely on Wednesday, December 2, 2020 beginning at 1:30 PM. The workshop will be conducted via ZOOM.
GRANT GUIDELINES:
GRANT FORMS:
For questions or to submit an application, contact Gregg Cassidy at gregg.cassidy@dem.ri.gov or 401-222-2776 ext. 4310
Rev. 11/4/20