Cooperative Research and Training Programs – Resources of the National Park System
Open Opportunities (1)
Live Grants.gov opportunities funded under this program — you can apply now.
- NPS Cooperative Ecosystems Studies Units (CESU) Master Cooperative Agreements Deadline: Dec 31, 2027
Program Funding
Annual program obligations reported to SAM.gov.
Who has received this funding
Organizations awarded under CFDA 15.945 (USAspending.gov).
- Colorado State University 4 awards $13,462,923
- The Nature Conservancy $10,167,653
- Austin Peay State University $7,597,500
- The Forest Stewards Guild $5,526,806
- University Of Hawaii $5,343,415
- Florida International University $3,351,611
- University Of California, Davis $2,993,815
Funded Projects
Examples of what this program has supported.
2) Preserving Cultural Heritage - Teams are surveying and preserving historic buildings, archaeological sites, and cultural landscapes to ensure they are protected for future generations. Initiatives are capturing oral histories and documenting the experiences of communities, enriching our shared national story.
3) Restoring Natural Habitats - Crews are removing harmful plants and restoring native vegetation to support biodiversity and ecosystem resilience. Efforts include replanting native species and restoring wetlands, forests, and coastal areas to their natural state.
4) Student Engagement and Education - Students are gaining hands-on experience in conservation, archaeology, and environmental science through immersive programs.
Program Objective
To establish and maintain cooperative study units, in partnership with federal, state, and local governments, tribes, nonprofit organizations, and institutions of higher education, to facilitate multi-disciplinary science and integrated information products related to the resources of the National Park System.
To maintain a comprehensive network of cooperative study units that provide full geographic and topical coverage for research, technical assistance, and educational activities related to the resources within units of the National Park System and their larger regions.
Eligibility
Eligible Applicants
- Local governments
- Public nonprofits
- Federally recognized tribes
- Individuals / families
- Private nonprofits
- State
State and local governments, federally recognized Indian tribal governments, public/private nonprofit organizations, nonprofit institutions of higher education, and individuals.
Beneficiaries
- 4
- 5
- 7
- 8
- 9
State and local governments, federally recognized Indian tribal governments, public/private nonprofit organizations, institutions of higher education, and the public.
How to Apply
Application Procedure
Funding announcements for this program, along with registration procedures, application packages and instructions, and points of contact, and procedures for submitting applications will be available on www.grants.gov.
Award Procedure
Proposals received in response to 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
The objectives of the CESU program are: 1) Provide usable knowledge to support informed decision making; 2) Ensure the independence and objectivity of research; 3) Create and maintain effective partnerships among the Federal agencies and universities to share resources and expertise; 4) Take full advantage of university resources while benefiting faculty and students; 5) Encourage professional development of current and future Federal scientists, resource managers, and environmental leaders; and 6) Manage Federal resources effectively.
Required Documentation
Specific review criteria will be detailed in the Notice Of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) announcement on Grants.gov.
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