Recreation Passport Grant Program

The objective for the program is to provide funding to local units for the development of public recreation facilities. This includes the development of new facilities and the renovation of old facilities. Criteria emphasize renovations to existing facilities that have outlived their useful life expectancy.

Applicant must have a DNR-Approved 5-year Recreation Plan or a Capital Improvement Plan. The applicant must own, have a perpetual easement, or lease the project site. The land included in the boundary of this project site must remain open to public outdoor recreation use for the useful life of the facilities being constructed.

Eligible projects will have the primary purpose of providing public recreation opportunities or facilities and infrastructure to support public recreation activity. Ineligible projects include routine maintenance, stadiums for professional sports, art displays, and routine operational expenses.

Applications must be submitted into MiGrants by April 1 each year. The process includes submittal of the grant application in MiGrants, evaluation by DNR staff, recommendation by DNR staff to the DNR Director, and final approval by the DNR Director.