Landscape Grants

Rural Housing Preservation

• These project grants provide funds to low-income residents in rural areas who improve their dwellings and surrounding landscapes. To apply, the landscape architect must belong to one of the following: State or political subdivision; public or private nonprofit group; or Indian tribal company. Grant amounts range but average funding for these projects typically is less than $10,000. Rural development offices in most states accept these applications.

Urban Park and Recreation Recovery Program

• The U.S. Interior Department offers program grants to local governments to rehabilitate and improve their public park and recreation areas. Landscape architects receive a specific award to plan and implement their designs. Applications go through a rigorous review process by the regional park service office. If approved, the application goes to the National Park Service in Washington, D.C. This programs average award ranges from $2,000 to $1.1 million, depending on the grant type and project needs.

Recreational Trails Program

• The U.S. Transportation Department offers these formula and project grants to states that maintain and enhance trails for pedestrian and motorized activities. Landscape architects play pivotal roles in these grants by designing and constructing new trails as well as planning and developing new trail-side facilities. They secure work by winning contracts from state agencies or municipalities. To be considered for funding under this program, states must submit project proposals to the appropriate federal highway offices. Awarded grant amounts range from $40 million to $50 million, depending on the projects.

Sustainable Landscape Grant Program

• The City of Santa Monica offers this grant to individuals, businesses, property owners and non-governmental organizations and agencies interested in creating sustainable irrigation, plant and garden landscapes. Those with accepted projects receive up to 50 percent of their entire costs (up to $5,000). Grants specifically for irrigation systems can be up to $3,500, while climate-appropriate plant projects can receive up to $1,500 in funding.