DoD Legacy Program

The Department of Defense (DoD) Legacy Resource Management Program (Legacy Program) provides funds to the National Environmental Education Foundation (NEEF) for National Public Lands Day (NPLD) partnership projects on military lands that are open to the public for recreation. Funds are available for base-level projects on any DoD site that supports the goals of NPLD to improve the quality of public lands and to educate the public about natural resource issues and stewardship on military lands that are open to the public for recreation.

NPLD is the fourth Saturday of September. ​

NPLD projects that take place on DoD lands that are open for recreation, including those managed by the US Army, Air Force, Marine Corps, National Guard, Navy, or Space Force. Lands managed by the US Army Corps of Engineers are not eligible for Legacy Award funds.

For example: Some installations are not open to the general public, but are open to active duty, retired military, and the civilian employee public; these individuals will be participating in the NPLD event. Do we qualify for NPLD funding? In addition, many installations only allow the public onto the base for special events and/or with DoD escort. Do those installations qualify for NPLD funding?

Although we encourage the public’s participation in NPLD events, it is not absolutely required. You also qualify and may apply for NEEF NPLD funding if:​

• your event includes volunteers/participants who are: active duty, retired military, and civilian employees.
• the general public is only allowed to participate in the event with the assistance of military escort while on the installation.​
• Said another way, the inability for the general public to freely participate in NPLD events does NOT disqualify you from applying for and receiving funding, if you meet one of the above two situations.​
   

No, a civil contractor that works for DoD is not eligible for funds. However, a civil contractor can apply through an installation.​

Please check the NEEF Grants page to see if the grants are available.

The DoD grants are typically due in July. Please check the NEEF Grants page to see if the grants are available.

Each site can apply for funding, with individual project funding capped at $15,000.

 Yes, a site can submit more than one application.​

NEEF is able to send funds directly to awarded sites via electronic payment. Checks are available upon request, but the site must be able to accept and cash checks and award checks cannot be made out to individuals. NEEF is also able to make direct purchases for materials and supplies via credit card and directly send payments to vendors.​

Funds may be used for tools, equipment, materials, and enhancements to public (military) lands.​

Award funds may NOT be used for:​

• Lobbying, propaganda, or attempting to influence legislation​
• Influencing the outcome of any specific election by any means​
• Covering budget shortfalls, general support or endowment funds​
• Land acquisition or real estate purchases​
• Giveaways or gift item, such as t-shirts​
• Purchasing food*​
• Paying for labor or salary costs​
• Scholarships, fellowships or grants to individuals
• Any costs not directly related to the funds requested in the proposal​

NOTE: Purchasing items required to complete work (e.g., small tools, garden gloves) is allowable.​

*Federal funds cannot be used to pay for food and beverages unless doing so is reasonable and necessary (i.e., providing water at an outdoor event where there is no other source of water is allowable).​

No, but it is encouraged. Project dates that take place two weeks prior or any time post-NPLD are acceptable.​

Regardless of the scheduled date of the project, all applicants must register their event for National Public Lands Day. Register here. ​

DoD is asking applicants to think creatively about how they can positively impact the environment and help participants to learn about these lands and their cultural elements. Overall themes include pollinator protection, installation resilience, restoration, biodiversity, and conservation management projects. We seek proposals that enhance broader strategic or programmatic initiatives at installations. ​

It is the responsibility of site managers to submit check request forms and a final report/evaluation. Awarded sites are required to complete a final report/evaluation that will document the site improvements. Satisfactory final report/evaluations include a detailed description of accomplishments and how the funds were spent. Pictures and videos of the event are highly encouraged. Final report/evaluations are forwarded to the DoD Legacy Program Office as project documentation for each site.

Contact NEEF's Grants Department at grantsadmin@neefusa.org.​