Three criteria must be met for a 501(c)(3) to be eligible to apply:
The entities’ main organizational focus must be regional public recreation.
The underlying land where the project is proposed must be public (federal, state or local government).
There must be a binding agreement in place with the public land managing entity clearly articulating roles, short and long-term responsibilities, and allowing the applicant to implement a project on their behalf.
Downtown development authorities (DDA) and conservation districts are not primarily formed to provide regional recreation and do not meet the eligibility criteria. Public school districts may only apply if they are the sole provider of outdoor recreation in their region.