SALT LAKE CITY (Oct. 23, 2024)—The Utah Division of Outdoor Recreation (DOR) today announced its 2024 grant workshop tour, which will kick off on Monday, Nov. 18, with 12 stops throughout Utah.
As the central hub for the state’s outdoor recreation grants, the DOR’s grants team will provide a broad overview of all available funding sources and offer hands-on guidance for prospective applicants. The tour is an opportunity for local governments, nonprofits and outdoor recreation advocates to learn about funding opportunities that can enhance Utah’s outdoor spaces and recreation infrastructure. The tour is a great chance for local governments, nonprofits, and outdoor recreation supporters to learn about funding opportunities that can improve Utah’s outdoor areas and recreation facilities.
“Our goal is to ensure every organization with an outdoor recreation project, whether in the planning stages or already underway, has the tools to submit competitive grant applications,” said Patrick Morrison, DOR’s recreation grants program director. “Whether you’re in the planning phase or already developing your project, these workshops are designed to foster collaboration and help organizations understand the many funding streams available to bring their vision to life. By bringing these workshops directly to towns across Utah, we are demonstrating our commitment to supporting the unique needs of our rural and urban communities, ensuring that recreation opportunities are accessible to all.”
The free workshops will cover the major grants available through DOR, including the Utah Outdoor Recreation Grant (UORG); Recreation Restoration Infrastructure Grant (RRI); Utah Children’s Outdoor Recreation and Education Grant (UCORE); OHV Recreation Grant (OHVR); Recreation Trails Program (RTP); Boating Access Grant; Clean Vessel Act Grant and Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF). Attendees will receive practical advice on crafting strong grant applications, managing budgets and braiding funding from multiple sources to maximize project outcomes.
In addition to learning about eligibility and deadlines, participants will gain insights into best practices for submitting successful applications. The sessions also feature breakout groups, covering reimbursement strategies and budget management topics to provide deeper engagement with DOR staff.
This year’s workshop locations are:
- Vernal – Monday, Nov. 18, 9 – 11 a.m.
- Helper – Monday, Nov. 18, 3 – 5 p.m.
- Green River – Tuesday, Nov. 19, 9 – 11 a.m.
- Blanding – Tuesday, Nov. 19, 3 – 5 p.m.
- Teasdale – Wednesday, Nov. 20, 12 – 2 p.m.
- St. George – Thursday, Nov. 21, 9 – 11 a.m.
- Beaver – Thursday, Nov. 21, 3 – 5 p.m.
- Ephriam – Monday, Dec. 9, 10 a.m. – noon
- Payson – Monday, Dec. 9, 2 – 4 p.m.
- Heber– Tuesday, Dec. 10, 10 a.m. – noon
- Nibley –Wednesday, Dec. 11, 10 a.m. – noon
- Salt Lake City – Thursday, Dec. 12, 10 a.m. – noon
This year, DOR awarded more than $15 million in UORG funds to 100 outdoor recreation infrastructure projects in 25 counties across Utah, and $3.2 million in OHVR grants to
30 OHV-related projects throughout the entire state. Since its inception in 2015, UORG has contributed over $65 million to 589 projects to build or restore outdoor recreation infrastructure across Utah. To date, the OHVR Grant, initiated in 2020, has funded more than $16 million to 300 projects to enhance OHV facilities and trails.
Registration for the workshops is required. To RSVP, click HERE. For more information on the DOR’s grants program, visit recreation.utah.gov/grants.
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