The Conservation and Outdoor Recreation Challenge Cost Share program is intended to support specific National Park Service mission-related projects that align with the goals of project partners.
Challenge Cost Share projects must support one or more of the following funding themes:
Community Resiliency. Projects that build climate resiliency in our NPS-administered lands and waters. Projects could include developing green infrastructure, nature-based solutions, and/or creating sustainable energy sources.
Conservation Projects (Lands and Waters). Projects that increase the acres of protected or restored lands and waters.
Outdoor Recreation. Projects that increase public access to new and restored outdoor recreation opportunities.
Projects that benefit NPS administered National Parks, National Trails and Wild and Scenic Rivers.
National Park Service staff will work with project partners to achieve these mutually beneficial outcomes.
This partnership challenge seeks to reward proposals that have the best prospects to build enduring benefits and develop new partnerships.
Equity/Accessibility
America Walks Community Change Grant
America Walks Community Change grant
supports the growing network of community champions, organizations, and agencies working to advance walkability. Grants are awarded to innovative and engaging programs and projects that create change and opportunity for walking and movement at the community level.
America Walks and generous Active People, Health Nations partners are excited to announce another round of our popular Community Change Grant program. This program will award 6 grants to communities for projects related to creating healthy, active, and engaged places to live, work and play. We have also expanded the program to include 15 grants for similar projects that are funded by General Motors.
Municipal Planning Grant
The Municipal Planning Grant (MPG) program encourages and supports planning and revitalization for local municipalities in Vermont. Awarded annually and administered by the Department of Housing and Community Development, the MPG program works to strengthen Vermont by funding local planning initiatives that support statewide planning goals. Since 1998, the MPG program has provided over $15 million to 240 cities and towns across Vermont to help breathe new life into communities, plan for future growth and development, and improve the quality of life. See our MPG Program Annual Report for more information.
AARP Community Challenge Grant
The flagship AARP Community Challenge grants have ranged from several hundred dollars for smaller, short-term activities to tens of thousands of dollars for larger projects. Since 2017, AARP has funded projects ranging from $500 to $50,000 with an average grant amount of $11,900 (83 percent of grants have been under $20,000.) AARP reserves the right to award compelling projects of any dollar amount.
Partnerships for Disability Access, Inclusion and Leadership Grant 2024
The Land Trust Alliance and the Council for Inclusive Health and Disabilities have partnered with Disabled Hikers, a leading organization in the disability and outdoors space, to co-create a new grant program. The goal of this grant program is to advance accessibility, inclusion and belonging for disabled people through partnerships, relationship and trust building and co-creation of programs and services.
Vermont Council On Rural Development Climate Catalysts Innovation Fund
VCRD’s Climate Catalysts Innovation Fund provides small grants to local innovators developing solutions that move Vermont closer to its climate and energy goals. Applications are now open for the 2024 […]
