Natural Resource Stewardship

CFDA 15.944 Active Cooperative Agreements
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Program Funding

Annual program obligations reported to SAM.gov.

Latest annual funding (estimated)
$25M FY2026
$13.3M
FY16
$13.6M
FY17
$8M
FY18
$17.7M
FY19
$12.9M
FY20
$17.2M
FY21
$13.3M
FY22
$21.1M
FY23
$21.7M
FY24
$25M
FY25*
$25M
FY26*
* estimated

Funded Projects

Examples of what this program has supported.

FY2025 1) Restoring Native Landscapes - Teams are removing invasive plants and reintroducing native vegetation to restore balance in fragile ecosystems. This includes planting native grasses and wildflowers that support pollinators and wildlife.

2) Protecting Birds and Their Habitats - Specialists are monitoring endangered and migratory bird species to understand their nesting patterns, migration routes, and population health. This includes using acoustic recorders and field surveys to track changes over time.

3) Safeguarding Aquatic Ecosystems - Scientists are studying rivers, streams, and coastal areas to monitor water quality and aquatic life. Restoration projects are improving fish habitats and protecting water sources.

4) Advancing Scientific Research - Research teams are studying everything from ancient ice age landscapes to the genetics of rare species. These projects often involve universities and nonprofit organizations working alongside park scientists.

Program Objective

The Natural Resource Stewardship program is the principle means through which the National Park Service (NPS) evaluates and improves the health of watersheds, landscapes, and marine and coastal resources, sustains biological communities on the lands and waters in parks, and actively endeavors to improve the resiliency of these natural resources.

NPS conducts natural resource stewardship largely at the park level, utilizing park personnel and contractor or cooperative support. To carry out and further this stewardship responsibility, the NPS implements programs that encompass a broad range of research, operational, and educational activities.

Eligibility

Eligible Applicants

  • Intrastate
  • State governments
  • Local governments
  • Sponsored organization
  • Public nonprofits
  • Other public organizations
  • Individuals / families
  • For-profit organizations
  • Private nonprofits
  • Quasi-public nonprofits
  • Other private organizations
  • State

State, local, or tribal governments, other Federal agencies, other public entities, educational institutions, private nonprofit organizations.

Beneficiaries

  • 11
  • 16
  • 17
  • 4
  • 5
  • 7
  • 8
  • 9

General public

How to Apply

Application Procedure

Funding announcements for this program, along with registration procedures, application packages and instructions, points of contact, and procedures for submitting applications will be available on www.grants.gov.

Award Procedure

Proposals received in response announcements on grants.gov are reviewed on the basis of a competitive, merit-based review process, and are rated in accordance with the evaluation criteria stated in the announcement. Awards may be made to the highest rated proposals based on the amount of funding available each year.

Varies depending on the type and complexity of the project. Further information will be available for each specific project at the time the funding opportunity announcement is posted on www.grants.gov and may be obtained by contacting the Program Manager listed as the point of contact. Generally 30 – 120 days.

Program details & compliance

Use of Funds

Allowed Uses

Funds used for all aspects of natural resource (air, water, geological, biological) stewardship activities, including but not limited to resource inventories and monitoring, restoration projects, and wildlife and plant management.

Funds may not be used for acquisition of real property.

Required Documentation

Determined at the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) level.

Applicant entities must have expertise in the contemplated resource management and/or research project. If applying as a nonprofit organization, proof of nonprofit status will be required.

Matching Requirements

Recipients may share some project or program costs. The cost-sharing arrangements are developed between NPS and the recipients in advance of the program unless otherwise stated by Congress.

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

Contacts

Karel Morales
(202)513-7204
1201 Eye Street NW, Washington, DC 20024
Data from SAM.gov Federal Assistance Listings. Source published: 2025-09-10. Spec v1.0. Last synced: 2026-05-30 02:37:36.