{"id":769,"date":"2015-07-04T01:48:54","date_gmt":"2015-07-04T08:48:54","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/explore.globalcreations.com\/theblog\/?p=769"},"modified":"2015-06-23T19:04:07","modified_gmt":"2015-06-24T02:04:07","slug":"statewide-comprehensive-outdoor-recreation-plans-getting-a-project-grant","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/explore.globalcreations.com\/theblog\/featured\/statewide-comprehensive-outdoor-recreation-plans-getting-a-project-grant\/","title":{"rendered":"Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plans – Getting a Project Grant"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"LWCF<\/p>\n

SCORP<\/h1>\n

The title is a mouth full, but Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plans (SCORP) are\u00a0a critical component in getting you the outdoor recreation opportunities you enjoy so much. \u00a0All of the states have a SCORP and update them every five years. \u00a0The driver behind the SCORP is funding for recreation projects through the Federal Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF). \u00a0Here’s how it works.<\/p>\n

Developing a SCORP<\/h1>\n

Typically a state recreation agency will work with citizens and recreation interests to\u00a0address the demand for and supply of recreation resources (local, state and federal) within a state.\u00a0\u00a0Then, those working on the SCORP identify needs and opportunities for recreation improvements and develop\u00a0an implementation program to meet the goals identified by the state’s\u00a0citizens and elected leaders. \u00a0This involves projects or more typically\u00a0a framework that will lead to specific projects that will supply recreation needs for\u00a0the citizens of the state.<\/p>\n

Each SCORP must be approved by the National Park Service before the state can receive project funding (that’s the financial incentive). \u00a0Usually each state will have a given amount of dollars from the LWCF to work with. \u00a0The funds appropriated by Congress (if any – contact your Senators and Representative if you think this kind of expenditure is good for America) are split among the states using a formula that is heavily weighted toward the population of the state. \u00a0States with more people get more dollars. \u00a0But they can’t spend the money just yet.<\/p>\n

Next, \u00a0each state must develop a process that identifies the kinds of projects for which funding will be available and a process for selecting the best of the projects submitted for funding. \u00a0Then project proponents can submit their projects.<\/p>\n

Using the established process, \u00a0each state identifies the best projects to receive funding, up to the available funds, and submits those to the National Park Service. \u00a0The Park Service approves the projects and obligates funding. \u00a0The state then works with the project proponents to make the projects happen.<\/p>\n

Developing Your Project<\/h1>\n

If you have a project idea, here is what we recommend you do:<\/p>\n

    \n
  1. Find copy of your state’s SCORP (Google, for example “Oregon SCORP”. \u00a0You may have to do a little more digging because you want to find the current SCORP). \u00a0Note the state agency where you found the SCORP.<\/li>\n
  2. Study the SCORP to see how your project idea can fit with the ideas embodied in the SCORP.<\/li>\n
  3. Be sure that you or the group you represent are eligible for funding in your state. \u00a0If not, don’t despair, you can collaborate with an eligible entity, like your city or recreation district and develop your proposal under their auspices.<\/li>\n
  4. Contact the\u00a0state recreation agency\u00a0to find out local application deadlines, state priorities and selection criteria, and what kinds of documentation are required to justify a grant award. Call or write the appropriate state agency to request the application information.<\/li>\n
  5. Develop your proposal as required by your state – exactly! \u00a0Be sure your cost estimates are good; don’t expect to\u00a0get additional funding if you under-estimated.<\/li>\n
  6. Submit your proposal before the deadline.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    All this sounds like a lot of work, \u00a0but the work doesn’t really start until your project is selected and your organization receives a grant. \u00a0Then, \u00a0not only do you need to make the project happen, you need to work with the state to be sure you submit all necessary reports, invoices and whatever else may be required.<\/p>\n

    More Information<\/h1>\n