Data Management
🏛 National Park Service (DOI-NPS)
✓ Free, no account · Source: Grants.gov · Last verified Jul 15, 2026
Can you apply?
This grant is for organizations and institutions that support data management initiatives within National Park Service operations and research. Eligible applicants typically include 501(c)(3) nonprofits, academic institutions, research organizations, and federal/state/local government agencies working on NPS-related projects. The program supports activities that improve data collection, organization, preservation, and accessibility for park resources, cultural heritage, natural resources monitoring, and visitor management. Geographic scope is nationwide, with a focus on projects that enhance NPS capacity to manage complex datasets and improve information systems for park administration and scientific research.
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Program description
The objective of this project is to participate collaboratively in data management and other conservation activities to document and archive information related to much on-going and new resource management projects. The interns will gain experience in planning and environmental assessments, NEPA, FLPMA, GIS, data entry, data archiving, report writing and other position-related skills, using ArcView, Microsoft Office Suite, and other software. In addition, they will actively participate in conservation project implementation in order to better understand project documentation and data management.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
How to apply
Application links
Required documents
- Standard SF-424 federal grant application form
- Project narrative (description of data management challenge, methodology, and expected outcomes)
- Detailed budget and budget narrative
- Organizational capacity statement demonstrating technical expertise in data management
- Letters of support from relevant NPS park units or regional offices
- Data management plan addressing preservation, access, and long-term sustainability
- Personnel/staffing plan with relevant qualifications
- Timeline with key project milestones
Program contact
- 👤 National Park Service
- 📧 barbara_eschels@nps.gov
- 📞 303-969-2755
Funding track record
Recent awards under CFDA 15.931 from the last 3 years — real organizations that won funding through this same program.
Top 10 Largest Recent Awards
-
$5,620,000
-
$5,304,608
-
$4,136,293
-
$3,764,982
-
$3,600,000
-
$3,600,000
-
$3,569,620
-
$3,447,221
-
$3,159,153
-
$2,500,000
Top States by Funding
- CA 15 awards $12.6M
- CO 1 awards $3.6M
- PR 2 awards $2.8M
- HI 4 awards $2.5M
- MA 3 awards $2.3M
Source: USAspending.gov — federal spending transparency. Data covers last 3 years.
Funding history
Annual funding for this program — Federal obligations (CFDA 15.931). How funding has trended year over year.
| 2019 | $38,931,797 | |
| 2020 | $36,632,870 | |
| 2021 | $45,675,613 | |
| 2022 | $28,303,582 | |
| 2023 | $64,365,155 | |
| 2024 | $70,982,947 | |
| 2025 est. | $50,000,000 | |
| 2026 est. | $50,000,000 |
FAQ
Who is eligible to apply for this grant?
Eligibility typically includes 501(c)(3) nonprofits, universities, research institutions, and state/local government agencies with projects that benefit National Park Service operations or research.
What types of data management activities are supported?
The grant supports data management projects including data infrastructure development, preservation systems, databases for natural/cultural resources, visitor management systems, and digital archiving initiatives relevant to park operations.
Is there a specific deadline?
This is a rolling application program, meaning applications are accepted on an ongoing basis rather than on fixed deadlines. Check the NPS grants website regularly for current application windows.
How competitive is this grant?
Competition varies by funding cycle. Strong applications demonstrate clear data management needs, technical feasibility, and benefits to park management or visitor experience.
What funding ranges should applicants expect?
Funding amounts vary depending on project scope. Review recent awards on the NPS grants website or contact the program officer for typical funding levels.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Partner with NPS park units or regional offices early in your planning process to ensure your data management project aligns with actual management needs and priorities.
- Clearly articulate the current data management challenges you're addressing and explain how your project will improve data quality, accessibility, or decision-making for park operations.
- Include a realistic data sustainability plan that addresses how the system, database, or digital repository will be maintained and funded beyond the grant period.
- Provide clear technical specifications and a detailed timeline with measurable milestones; NPS reviewers want confidence in your team's capacity to deliver complex IT/data projects.
- Demonstrate commitment to data interoperability and standards compliance, especially if your project involves sharing data across multiple parks or with external partners.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Applications often fail because they lack a clear connection to actual NPS operational or research needs—generic data infrastructure projects without park endorsement are unlikely to succeed. Another common issue is underestimating the complexity of data sustainability; reviewers look for concrete plans for long-term maintenance, staffing, and funding beyond the grant award period. Additionally, weak technical detail or unclear project timelines raise concerns about feasibility.
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