Challenge Cost Share
Program Funding
Annual program obligations reported to SAM.gov.
Funded Projects
Examples of what this program has supported.
The ONPS and NPS project partners funded $1,214,978 in CCSP projects on NPS-administered national parks, national trails and wild and scenic rivers.
It’s anticipated that these funded projects will engage 6,517 participants – including 4,197 youth - in active, healthy outdoor recreation, conservation, and education initiatives.
Program Objective
BEGINNING 8/20/2025 DO NOT USE THIS ASSISTANCE LISTING - EFFORTS UNDERWAY TO ARCHIVE/RETIRE IN 2026.
This program does not award grants or cooperative agreements. The Challenge Cost Share Program is intended to support specific National Park Service mission-related projects that align with goals of local project partners.
National Park Service staff will work with local project partners to achieve these mutually beneficial outcomes.
This partnership challenge seeks to reward proposals that have the best prospects to build enduring benefits and develop new partnerships.
Eligibility
Eligible Applicants
- Sponsored organization
State, local, or tribal government or other public entity, an educational institution, or a private nonprofit organization.
Beneficiaries
- 19
General public, trail system users, and organizations with conservation missions.
How to Apply
Application Procedure
A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) or the Challenge Cost Share project (CCSP) application can be used as the initial Partnership Agreement to establish the relationship and the intent of the partnership. If CCSP funds are transferred directly to a partner, a cooperative agreement or other instrument will be utilized.
Award Procedure
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.
Varies depending on the type and complexity of the project.
Program details & compliance
Description
This program provides matching funds to non-profit community partners. Partners suggest projects to park units who will support those projects through a match cash award.
Use of Funds
Allowed Uses
This program supports small-scale partnership projects with units of the National Park System, NPS centers and program areas, and National Trails. All projects and activities receiving these funds must meet a minimum 50:50 match of cash, goods, or services from a non-Federal source. Applications must be approved by appropriate NPS park, program, center, or trails staff.
Required Documentation
NPS staff and interested project partners should discuss and develop their idea in keeping with NPS goals, partners' interests, and the goals and criteria of this Challenge Cost Share opportunity.
Every application must meet these Qualifying Criteria before further consideration:
Supports National Park Service Responsibilities – The project must benefit one or more national parks, National Trails, and/or Wild and Scenic Rivers.
Collaboration and Cost-Sharing – The project must be financially supported, equally, by NPS and partner(s). The partner(s) must commit to providing a total match equivalent to the level of CCS funding received. This match can consist of in-kind goods and services as well as cash from non-federal sources.
Maximum Financial Support – The maximum CCS funding provided per project is $25,000.
Timing – The proposed project should be substantially complete within nine months from the date that CCS funds are disbursed.
No NPS Salaries – CCS support may not be used for any ONPS staff salaries.
Matching Requirements
The non-Federal contribution(s) is at least 50% of the CCSP share and all costs detailed in the budget.