Research Techs
🏛 National Park Service (DOI-NPS)
✓ Free, no account · Source: Grants.gov · Last verified Jul 15, 2026
Can you apply?
This grant is for research organizations, universities, and individual researchers seeking to conduct field-based scientific studies within National Park Service lands or systems. The program supports projects that advance scientific knowledge and management capabilities in parks and protected areas. Applicants typically must demonstrate research relevance to NPS management priorities, scientific merit, and capacity to conduct fieldwork. The geographic scope includes all NPS-managed lands nationwide. Funded activities include field surveys, data collection, monitoring studies, and research directly applicable to resource management and conservation challenges in the National Park System.
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Program description
The objective of this Task Agreement is to support and stimulate work and/or education and training opportunities for young adults through collaborative participation in natural resource research and inventory and monitoring for the parks of the Mojave Desert Network.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
How to apply
Application links
Required documents
- SF-424 (Application for Federal Assistance)
- Project narrative (research objectives, methodology, significance, timeline)
- Budget and budget narrative with justification
- Curriculum vitae or resume of principal investigator(s)
- Letters of support from NPS park or regional office
- Data management plan
- Permits or evidence of permit applications for park access
- Organizational documentation (501(c)(3) status if nonprofit)
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 Research Techs grants?
Researchers, universities, research institutions, and nonprofit organizations with demonstrated capacity to conduct field research. Some programs require principal investigators with appropriate credentials.
What types of research activities are supported?
Field-based scientific research, ecological surveys, resource monitoring, applied research addressing NPS management needs, and studies that produce data useful for park management decisions.
Is there a deadline, and is this a rolling submission program?
This is a rolling deadline program, meaning applications may be accepted on an ongoing basis rather than fixed dates. Check with NPS regional offices for current submission windows.
What is the typical funding range for these grants?
Funding varies widely depending on project scope and complexity. Federal research grants through NPS typically range from $10,000 to $100,000+, though specific amounts depend on available funding and project requirements.
How competitive is this program?
Moderately to highly competitive. Successful applications demonstrate clear scientific merit, direct relevance to NPS priorities, feasibility, and qualified personnel to execute the research.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Align your research clearly with specific NPS management priorities and resource challenges; demonstrate how results will inform park management decisions.
- Develop strong partnerships with the relevant NPS park or regional office early in the process; their input and support significantly strengthens applications.
- Provide detailed field logistics and timeline, including permit requirements, equipment, personnel roles, and contingency plans for weather or access interruptions.
- Include a clear data management and dissemination plan showing how findings will be shared with NPS staff, the scientific community, and the public.
- Emphasize the scientific credentials and relevant field experience of your research team; include letters of support from park managers or subject matter experts.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Many applications fail due to weak connection between proposed research and actual NPS management needs—ensure your study directly addresses park challenges. Applications often underestimate logistical complexity or fail to secure advance buy-in from park leadership, resulting in feasibility concerns. Incomplete or vague descriptions of deliverables and data management plans suggest unclear research direction and reduce competitiveness.
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