What to Expect After Selection for an ORLP Grant

Project selection is not the end of the ORLP application process. Applicants have a few more steps to follow before they receive funding for their proposed project. If your project has been selected for an ORLP grant, here is what to expect next.

Main Steps After Applying for an ORLP Grant

1. Selection: applicants receive notice from the National Park Service that their grant application has been selected through the ORLP merit review process and are invited to proceed to the next phase.

2. Award Documentation and Compliance: selectees work with their state or Tribe and the National Park Service to finalize their grant application and ensure their project complies with federal laws and regulations.

3. Federal Award: selectees receive grant funding.

Project Funding Comes After Selection

ORLP projects do not receive funding immediately after they are selected during the merit review process. In order to receive a Federal Award, applicants must complete the Award Documentation Phase. During this phase, recipients work with the National Park Service and their state or Tribe to revise and finalize their documentation and complete all required reviews, including federal compliance. Recipients have up to one year to complete this phase and submit their final grant application. The sooner you start this step, the sooner you can receive your federal award.

You’re Not Alone During This Process: Our Goal is to Fund Your Project

The Award Documentation Phase can take time, work, and communication. Many people from your state or Tribe and the National Park Service will be involved in ensuring your project is ready for funding. Our goal is the same as yours: to turn selected projects into reality.

If you are a grant subrecipient (the city or locality where the project is located), you will work with your State Lead Agency to complete the Award Documentation Phase. Your State Lead Agency will be the liaison between you and the National Park Service during this process. They will work with ORLP Program and Compliance Officers from the National Park Service to complete all required compliance reviews and documentation for the grant.

We encourage you to communicate early and often with your State Lead Agency to help prevent delays in the compliance process and the award of your grant.️ Find your state’s lead agency.

Projects Often Change Between Selection and Award

Changes to an initial application are common during the Award Documentation Phase. For example, you may need to refine your project’s budget, scope of work, or timelines. The National Park Service and your state or Tribe will coordinate with you to make these changes. We encourage you to be flexible and communicative as we work together to move your project toward award readiness.

Compliance Takes Time

Selected projects must meet compliance standards in federal environmental laws and regulations such as the National Environmental Policy Act and the National Historic Preservation Act to be awarded grant funding. Compliance cannot be rushed, and each project will have unique compliance criteria. Early coordination with National Park Service staff will help identify the specific needs of your project and ultimately reduce delays. Learn more about federal compliance.

We’re Here for You Even After Your Grant is Awarded

Congratulations! You’ve finalized all your documentation and have a federal award in hand. This means you can start getting money for your project. You will still work with your state, Tribal, and National Park Service contacts during the grant’s period of performance. The National Park Service support does not end with a finalized award or even with your period of performance. We’re here to help you protect your ORLP site in perpetuity.