Challenge Cost Share Applications deadline is May 25, 2018.

Purpose and Scope:

• The Challenge Cost Share Program is intended to support specific National Park Service mission related projects that align with goals of local project partners.

• Projects should promote conservation and outdoor recreation, environmental stewardship, education, youth engagement in our National Parks, National Trails and / or Wild and Scenic Rivers.

• National Park Service staff will work with local project partners to achieve these mutually beneficial outcomes.

• This partnership challenge rewards proposals with the best prospects to build enduring benefits and develop new partnerships.

Eligibility:

• Projects that directly benefit one or more NPS-administered Parks, National Trails, and Wild and Scenic Rivers (including Partnership Wild and Scenic Rivers).  

• Applications are submitted only by National Park Service staff; project partners are expected to collaborate fully in the application process, but are not themselves eligible to apply.

• Partners may be educational institutions, private for-profit entities, or non-profit organizations.

• The project must have the endorsement of the NPS, as well as assurance from the local partner(s) that the project’s budget is viable.

Funding and Match:

• If a project is selected, the partner organization will enter a formal agreement to receive and manage the project funds consistent with the project’s purpose and budget.

• The partner organization is required to match the amount of Challenge Cost Share funding received with an equal share from the partner(s); any combination of cash, goods, and services can be counted toward the cost share requirement, as long as all come from non-federal sources.

• The maximum Challenge Cost Share project support is $25,000.