National Park Service Centennial Challenge
Program Funding
Annual program obligations reported to SAM.gov.
Program Objective
BEGINNING 3/4/2025 DO NOT USE THIS ASSISTANCE LISTING - EFFORTS UNDERWAY TO ARCHIVE/RETIRE
The National Park Centennial Initiative is an effort to prepare national parks for another century of conservation, preservation, and public enjoyment. Project efforts will improve parks and serve all Americans.
Since 2015, the National Park Service has leveraged more than $88 million in funding from Congress through the Centennial Challenge program to attract more than $119 million from partner organizations to support hundreds of projects across the country.
These projects reduce the maintenance backlog, improve visitor services, support outreach to new audiences, and strengthen partnerships to reinvigorate national parks and forge connections to new communities.
Eligibility
Eligible Applicants
- State governments
- Local governments
- Public nonprofits
- Other public organizations
- Federally recognized tribes
- Individuals / families
- Private nonprofits
- Other private organizations
Non-federal partners may include state agencies, Tribes, local governments, non-governmental organizations, private companies, and private individuals. Non-federal partners are expected to match NPS Centennial Challenge Cost Share funds at or above 1:1 for their respective projects.
Beneficiaries
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State and local governments, private, public, profit, nonprofit organizations and institutions who are positioned to contribute at least 50 percent of the value of projects included in the list of approved Centennial Challenge projects.
How to Apply
Application Procedure
Applications will be considered via an internal NPS system, PMIS. Interested parties should work with an NPS office to submit a project proposal.
Award Procedure
Proposals received are reviewed on the basis of a competitive, merit-based review process, and are rated in accordance with evaluation criteria.
A panel of NPS staff recommends projects to the NPS Director, who makes the final decision on project selection.
Varies depending on the type and complexity of the project.
Projects eligible for funding are submitted up to 12 months in advance of funding determinations.
Program details & compliance
Use of Funds
Allowed Uses
For the purpose of sharing costs or services in carrying out authorized functions and responsibilities of the Secretary of the Interior with respect to any unit or program of the National Park System through Centennial Challenge projects.
Required Documentation
Proposals that support the goals of the NPS Centennial Challenge including commitment letters from partners demonstrating ability to contribute the required match and readiness to complete the project. Proposals include description of the project, proposed budget, commitments from recipients.
Matching Requirements
Yes. Have partner(s) who are ready, willing, and able to contribute at least 50% of the project cost to the NPS in the form of cash or assets from non-federal sources. In-kind services from the partner may only be received in addition to, not in place of, the 1:1 cash or asset contribution.
Reporting & Compliance
Applicable 2 CFR 200 Subparts
- Subpart B — General Provisions
- Subpart C — Pre-Federal Award Requirements
- Subpart D — Post-Federal Award Requirements
- Subpart E — Cost Principles
- Subpart F — Audit Requirements