The Georgia Outdoor Stewardship Program is a grant and loan program administered by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources and authorized by The Georgia Outdoor Stewardship Act. Program funds will be disbursed for the purpose of providing stewardship to state parks; state lands and wildlife management areas; to support local parks and trails; and to protect critical conservation lands.

Applicants may submit pre-applications for both LWCF and Georgia Outdoor Stewardship Program, but applications must be for separate projects.

More information can be found in the GOSP Program Manual.

Eligibility

Eligible applicants include qualified local governments (as determined by the Department of Community Affairs), constituted recreation authorities, state agencies and nongovernmental entities with a core mission of conservation.

Match Requirement

There is a 25% Match Requirement (Minimum)

Workshops

DNR Grants Staff will host one in-person and one webinar-based educational workshop covering GOSP and the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) grant programs. Both sessions will cover the same material, including program overviews and an introduction to the application process. These workshops are offered at no cost to the public; however, registration is required. Please register using the links below:

Register for In-person Workshop: Wednesday, June 10, 2026, 9:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. (GOSP and LWCF Grants)

Indian Springs State Park, Idlewilde Event Center, 678 Lake Clark Rd., Flovilla, GA 30216

Register for Online Webinar: Wednesday, June 24, 2026, 9:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. (GOSP and LWCF Grants)

How to Apply

Applications will be accepted starting on August 3, 2026.

All eligible applicants must complete a Pre-application online via the pre-application portal. Following the competitive Pre-application phase, successful Pre-applicants will be invited to complete a Second Level application.

Contact

All general information or procedural inquiries should be sent to:

Soheila Naji
Outdoor Stewardship Program Coordinator
(404) 463-8570
soheila.naji@dnr.ga.gov

Trevor Brownlee
Outdoor Stewardship Program Grants Specialist
404-463-0288
miltontrevor.brownlee@dnr.ga.gov

Deadlines & Funding Cycle Dates

GOSP Funding Cycle Dates are as Follows:

August 3, 2026 - Pre-application period opens

October 16, 2026 - Pre-application period closes

Spring 2027 - Applicants will be notified, Second-level Application window opens

May 28, 2027 - Second-level Application period closes

Summer 2027 - Final Approval of Project Agreements