Grant Opportunities

We administer several important grant programs to facilitate land conservation, recreational land acquisition and development, and recreational trail development and improvements. Each of these programs is administered by a Division staff member 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 have a match component which might be fulfilled with in-kind services or cash match from the grant applicant. Eligible applicants vary by program. Please review each program carefully to determine if your organization and project is eligible for funding. Staff is available to guide you in this process and to help you get started.

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LOCAL OPEN SPACE GRANTS

This grant program provided up to 50% matching funds to municipalities, land trusts and non-profit conservation land organizations to preserve valuable open space in our State. Applications were scored by the Rhode Island Natural Hertiage Preservation Commission Advisory Committee and submitted to the DEM Director for approval. View Awardees

GRANT GUIDELINES:

• This past round, DEM will provided up to $4 million for projects with a maximum grant of up to $400,000
• Awardees were 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 (NEW)

 

APPLICATION FORMS

• Application Form
• Landowner Inspection Form (Word)

 

GRANT FORMS:

• 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

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OUTDOOR RECREATION GRANTS

2018 grants awarded April 24, 2018

The next grant round is pending voter approval of the 2018 Green Economy and Clean Water Bond in November 2018

Matching funds to cities and towns for the acquisition, development and renovation of outdoor recreational facilities are funded through state bonds and the Federal Land & Water Conservation Fund. Funding categories include Large Recreation Development grants (up to $300K, 20% match), Small Recreation Development Grants (up to $100K, 20% match), and Recreation Acquisition grants (up to $300,000, 50% match). Applications are scored by the Recreation Resources Review Committee and recommendations are submitted to DEM's Director for approval.

GRANT GUIDELINES:

• Bond Regulations
• Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan
• 2018 Priority Rating System
• 2018 Guidance Document

 

GRANT FORMS:

• Checklist for Recreation Acquisition Grant Reimbursement Requests
• Checklist for Recreation Development Reimbursement Requests
• Final Report Template

 

PREVIOUS GRANT AWARDS:

• 2018 Recreation Grant Awards
• 2016 Recreation Grant Awards
 

For questions or to submit an application, contact Lisa McGreavy at lisa.mcgreavy@dem.ri.gov or 401-222-4700 ext. 7611

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RECREATIONAL TRAIL GRANTS

The Trails Advisory Committee (TAC) meets quarterly to evaluate Small Grants (up to $3,000) and Education Grants (up to $5,000). Small Grant and Education Grant applications can be submitted at any time. Note that submittals must be received no later than one week prior to a scheduled meeting in order to be considered by the TAC.
Larger Grants, available periodically, are scored by the TAC and submitted to the DEM Director for approval.

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, Indian 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.

GRANT GUIDELINES:

• Fact Sheet
• Trail Grant Rules & Regulations
• Federal Highway Administration Guidelines
• TAC Meeting Schedule & Minutes
 

GRANT FORMS:

• Recreational Trails Program Grant Application Form
• Recreational Trails Program Trail Based Education Grants Application Form
 

For questions or to submit an application, contact Gregg Cassidy at gregg.cassidy@dem.ri.gov or 401-222-2776 ext. 4310

 

Rev. 7/25/18