Recreation Passport Grants

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) administers the Recreation Passport Grant Program to support the development and improvement of public outdoor recreation facilities across the state. Funded through Recreation Passport revenue, this state-level grant initiative provides annual funding opportunities for local units of government to enhance their community parks and recreational spaces. The objective of the program is to enable the development of new public recreation facilities or the renovation of aging facilities that have exceeded their expected service life. While new development is eligible, the program gives priority to renovation projects. Applicants must demonstrate that their proposed project will serve a significant public need and contribute to accessible, inclusive, and sustainable recreational opportunities. Eligible applicants include local units of government within Michigan, such as cities, villages, counties, and townships. Regional recreation authorities formed under Michigan's Recreational Authorities Act or trailway commissions under the Michigan Trailways Act are also eligible. School districts may apply if they comply with specific recreation planning criteria. All applicants must submit their applications through MiGrants, the state’s electronic grants management system. The program provides grants ranging from $7,500 to $150,000, with total available funding of approximately $2 million annually. Applicants are required to provide at least 25 percent of the total project cost as a match. This match may come from general funds, other grants, or in-kind services. Grant funds can be used for eligible construction costs, engineering, and permitting. Routine maintenance, decorative elements, and non-recreational infrastructure are not eligible for funding. Applications open annually in January and are due by April 1. Required pre-application submissions, such as recreation plans or capital improvement plans, must be submitted by February 1. Applicants are notified of awards in December, and project agreements are typically issued in early the following year. Grant-funded projects must begin within one year and be completed within two years. Contact for the program is Christie Bayus, who can be reached at BayusC@Michigan.gov or 517-242-8737. Applicants are encouraged to reach out to their regional grant coordinator for assistance throughout the process. Detailed program requirements, eligibility conditions, application instructions, and design standards are outlined in the official 2025 Application Guidelines available from the DNR.

Begin early; use MiGrants; upload complete documentation