Community Assistance Programs

Ribbon cutting along the Chicago Heights Trail, a project of the Rivers, Trails and Conservation Assistance (RTCA) program of the National Park Service

The National Park Service assists community groups and the public with historic preservation, recreation and improved access to public lands, natural resource conservation, and education and stewardship. Community assistance programs of the National Park Service empower local organizations to advance preservation and conservation work in rural and urban communities across the country from Davis, West Virginia, to Sacramento, California. These programs serve as economic drivers, transforming underutilized places into community assets that ultimately enhance quality of life and boost local economies through tourism and job creation. Most of the programs leverage non-federal funds and long-term support from partner organizations.

The Directory of National Park Service Community Assistance Programs is your short guide to the 54 opportunities for receiving assistance from the National Park Service.

Explore the articles below to learn more about community assistance programs or download the full directory and summary sheets:

• Directory of National Park Service Community Assistance Programs (PDF - 4.5MB)
• Summary of National Park Service Community Assistance Programs: National Designations, Grant and Financial Assistance, Project Assistance, Investment & Property Acquisition (PDF - 187KB)
• Summary of National Park Service Community Assistance Programs: Internships, Volunteer Opportunities, Professional Development (PDF - 157KB)