Local Acquisitions for Natural Diversity Grant Program 2026

The Local Acquisitions for Natural Diversity (LAND) Grant Program is administered by the Division of Conservation Services under the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. This state-level program is designed to support municipalities in their efforts to acquire land for conservation and passive recreational use. The program provides financial reimbursement to cities and towns for purchasing land in fee or acquiring conservation restrictions. These acquisitions are aimed at preserving open space, protecting natural resources, and enhancing public access to outdoor recreational opportunities. The LAND Grant Program operates on a reimbursement basis, offering between 52% and 70% of the eligible project costs, depending on the specifics of the project and municipal factors. The maximum reimbursement award available under this grant round is $425,000. This program underscores Massachusetts' commitment to environmental stewardship, community well-being, and long-term ecological preservation. It enables municipalities to take proactive steps in protecting their natural landscapes, which aligns with broader state goals around climate resilience and public health. To be eligible, applicants must be municipal conservation or agricultural commissions from communities that have a current and up-to-date Open Space and Recreation Plan (OSRP). Only projects involving either the purchase of land in fee simple or acquisition of a Conservation Restriction qualify. These properties must be dedicated for conservation and passive recreational uses in perpetuity. The application process requires adherence to the guidelines laid out in the FY26 LAND Grant BID Document, including submission of relevant property, planning, and eligibility documentation. The FY26 grant round is officially open, and interested applicants are strongly encouraged to attend one of the scheduled grant information sessions. These include an in-person session on Thursday, May 8, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at the DFW Field Headquarters in Westborough, and a virtual session on Wednesday, May 7, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. RSVPs for either session must be directed to Vanessa Farny via email at [email protected]. These sessions are critical for understanding program requirements, addressing application questions, and ensuring compliance with program guidelines. The final deadline to submit applications for the FY26 cycle is Tuesday, July 8, 2025. The program is recurring, offering opportunities for communities to apply annually. However, it is not a rolling grant, and applications must be submitted during the specified open window. Additional resources such as the FY26 LAND Grant BID Document and the reimbursement rate chart are available online to assist applicants in preparing their submissions effectively. The LAND Grant Program remains a vital resource for Massachusetts communities seeking to enhance their conservation efforts. By supporting the acquisition of critical open spaces, the program helps ensure that future generations will continue to benefit from the state’s natural beauty and ecological integrity. Interested municipalities should review the detailed BID document, attend a grant session, and contact the program liaison for further information to maximize their application success.

Attend the in-person or virtual information session for application guidance