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Application Process for the Conservation and Outdoor Recreation Challenge Cost Share Project Funding

Who May Apply:

Only NPS staff acting on behalf of NPS-administered Parks, National Trails, and Wild and Scenic Rivers (including Partnership Wild and Scenic Rivers) are eligible to apply. Specifically, parks and programs that are funded through ONPS.

All applications are expected to include project partners from non-profit organizations, government agencies, Tribes, and educational institutions.

If a project is funded, a project partner will need to be able to receive and manage funds consistent with the project’s application, purpose and budget.

How To Apply:

• NPS manager and interested project partners should discuss and develop their idea in keeping with NPS goals, themes, partners' interests, and the criteria of this Challenge Cost Share opportunity.

• Review this application preview to see the kinds of information that will be needed when you apply.

• Use this online application portal to submit an application. Disconnect from the VPN to access the application portal. (Note: The Conservation and Outdoor Recreation Challenge Cost Share program is supported by the National Park Trust, and all applications will be processed through this application portal prior to review by NPS.)

Eligibility Criteria:

Applications will be considered only if they meet the following conditions:

1. NPS Administered Lands and Waters. The project benefits one or more NPS administered park, National Trail, and/or Wild and Scenic River.
2. Project Support. There is support by both NPS manager and partner(s) for the proposed project and of the requested amount of Challenge Cost Share - ONPS funds.
3. Equal Match. The project partner commits to providing a match equal to or exceeding the amount requested from the Challenge Cost Share – ONPS funds. The equal match is from a non-federal source(s) and includes dollars and/or in-kind contributions.
4. Maximum Financial Support. The maximum funding per project is $25,000 from the Challenge Cost Share-ONPS Funds.
5. Timing. The proposed project should be substantially complete within the fiscal year in which it is funded.
6. Staff Salaries. Challenge Cost Share dollars cannot be used to support ONPS staff salaries.

Project Themes:

Applications are being accepted for projects that will advance any of the following themes that will strengthen our NPS administered National Parks, National Trails System, and Wild and Scenic Rivers:

• Addressing Climate Resiliency. Projects that address climate resiliency. Projects could include developing green infrastructure, nature-based solutions, and/or creating sustainable energy sources.
• Conservation Projects (Lands and Waters). Projects that increase the acres of protected or restored lands and waters.

• Outdoor Recreation. Projects that increase public access to new and restored outdoor recreation opportunities.

Selection Criteria:

Applications will be evaluated according to the following criteria:

1. Results Driven. The project has clear and specific results.
2. Clear Roles. Roles and contributions by both the National Park Service staff and its project partner(s) are clear, substantive, and well-defined.
3. Benefits. The anticipated benefit for your partner(s), NPS, and the public is clear.
4. Achieves the Challenge Cost Share Program's Themes. The project advances one or more of the three thematic categories.
5. Builds Public Stewardship. The project builds new stewardship opportunities for the public.