Challenge Cost Share Program | P19AS00261

Opportunity Information: Apply for P19AS00261

The Challenge Cost Share Program (Funding Opportunity Number P19AS00261) is a National Park Service cooperative agreement designed to recruit one to three nonprofit organizations to act as national partners for the agency's Challenge Cost Share program. In this role, the selected organization(s) would work closely with NPS as a collaborator in administering the program and, importantly, in bringing additional resources to the table. The basic structure is that NPS provides federal funds, while the national partner is expected to leverage additional cash and in-kind contributions that can be directed into locally generated projects that support parks, the National Trails System, and National Wild and Scenic Rivers.

A central feature of this opportunity is the cost-share and leverage requirement. The national partner is not simply a pass-through for federal dollars; it is expected to actively raise or secure non-federal support such as private funding, donated materials, volunteer labor, professional services, and other in-kind assistance. Those leveraged resources are then combined with NPS funds to strengthen and expand local projects that align with shared goals between NPS and participating partners. The intent is to multiply impact by using a national partner's fundraising capacity, convening power, and program management experience to increase what can be accomplished on the ground.

Projects supported under this program are locally generated but must be approved by NPS, and they are expected to serve a clear public purpose. The opportunity emphasizes outcomes tied to conservation and outdoor recreation, improving or rehabilitating facilities and assets, expanding and improving public access, stewardship of natural and cultural resources, education, and engaging diverse participants. The thematic priorities are described as evolving over time, but they consistently center on connecting people to the outdoors, conserving national and cultural resources, rehabilitating assets, improving access, advancing stewardship, supporting education, and increasing participation among diverse communities.

Operationally, the national partner would help administer and support a portfolio of local Challenge Cost Share projects, providing financial support and potentially other forms of assistance such as coordination, partner engagement, technical support, communications, and project development. While the recipient organization would have a meaningful advisory role, NPS retains final decision-making authority on project selection, with decisions informed by the counsel of the recipient. Applicants can position themselves based on demonstrated credentials and capacity to support one or more of the program's themes, which implies that NPS is looking for partners with strong track records in conservation, recreation access, community engagement, education, fundraising, and collaborative project delivery.

The opportunity is offered by the Department of the Interior, National Park Service, as a discretionary cooperative agreement, reflecting an expectation of substantial involvement by NPS during implementation rather than a hands-off grant. The funding activity categories include community development, education, and natural resources, and the CFDA number listed is 15.943. Eligible applicants are limited to nonprofits with 501(c)(3) status (excluding institutions of higher education). The award ceiling is $1,000,000, with up to three awards anticipated. The notice was created June 19, 2019, with an original closing date of September 19, 2019.

• The Department of the Interior, National Park Service in the community development, education, natural resources sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Challenge Cost Share Program" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 15.943.
• This funding opportunity was created on Jun 19, 2019.
• Applicants must submit their applications by Sep 19, 2019. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
• Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $1,000,000.00 in funding.
• The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 3 candidate(s).
• Eligible applicants include: Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education.

Apply for P19AS00261

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