Opportunity Information: Apply for P15AS00208
Apply for P15AS00208
- The National Park Service in the community development education environment natural resources regional development sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Develop and Build Capacity Groundwork Network" and is now available to receive applicants.
- Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 15.921 Rivers, Trails and Conservation Assistance.
- This funding opportunity was created on Jul 13, 2015 and posted on Jul 13, 2015.
- Applicants must submit their applications by Jul 28, 2015. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
- The funding agency has allocated a total of $99,992.00 to eligible and selected applicants.
- Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $99,992.00 in funding.
- The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 1 candidate(s).
- Eligible applicants include: Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education.
[Watch] Creating a grant proposal using the step-by-step wizard inside the applicant portal:
Opportunity Summary:
The "Develop and Build Capacity Groundwork Network" opportunity is a National Park Service (NPS) notice of intent to award funding to Groundwork USA through a cooperative agreement, and it is not open for applications. In other words, this posting is primarily a public transparency notice explaining that NPS plans to continue funding an existing partner without running a competitive grant process. The award is tied to the Rivers, Trails and Conservation Assistance program (CFDA 15.921) and is justified as a continuation action under an existing cooperative agreement, meaning NPS believes competition would disrupt ongoing work and reduce continuity.
The anticipated award amount is $99,992.03 with a small cost share of $508.00, issued as a cooperative agreement (not a standard grant), which signals that NPS expects to remain substantially involved in the work rather than simply providing funds and stepping back. The performance period runs from the final signature date through December 30, 2016. The primary recipient is Groundwork USA, a national nonprofit that serves as the coordinating office for a network of local "Groundwork Trust" organizations. These Trusts focus on turning underused or contaminated sites, particularly brownfields, into community assets such as parks, recreation spaces, green infrastructure, and other projects that support environmental improvement and local economic and social benefits.
At its core, the project is about strengthening the organizational capacity of Groundwork USA so it can better support and manage the broader Groundwork network. The work focuses on technical assistance, peer learning, performance assessment, outreach to new communities, and formal documentation of network accomplishments. A major boundary is that the funds cannot be used for construction, construction documents, or building specific capital projects; instead, the money supports planning, coordination, evaluation, training, reporting, and network development functions that help local Trusts succeed.
Groundwork USA's responsibilities under the task agreement are extensive and operational. They include providing direct technical assistance to existing and emerging Groundwork Trusts; facilitating networking across the Trusts; and assessing the performance of both new Trusts and those experiencing significant transition. Specific review processes are named, including first-year operations reviews for newly established Trusts (Groundwork Jacksonville and Groundwork Indianapolis) and transition reviews for Trusts undergoing organizational change (Groundwork Milwaukee and Groundwork Elizabeth). The agreement also includes peer planning and review (PAR) efforts at two Trusts (Groundwork San Diego and Groundwork Richmond, CA), which involve planning the review, convening peer teams, conducting site visits, issuing written findings, and following up on implementation of recommendations.
Another major piece of the scope is advancing structured collaboration inside the network by exploring "Communities of Practice" led by participating Trusts. Groundwork USA is expected to design a model for these Communities of Practice, identify focus areas (examples listed include brownfields, green infrastructure, climate change, and healthy communities), test feasibility with interested Trusts, and, if viable, begin developing a brownfields-focused Community of Practice that helps multiple Trusts share expertise and develop joint projects.
The agreement also emphasizes growth and stability of the network by supporting the development of new Trusts and helping them meet established benchmarks. That includes hands-on support for board development and executive director hiring, and providing practical templates and startup tools such as incorporation materials, bylaws, 501(c)(3) documentation support, website and outreach templates, and training/orientation materials. Groundwork USA is also expected to identify four to six Trusts that would benefit from more intensive, ongoing technical assistance due to capacity gaps or development challenges, then create tailored assistance plans that could include coaching, quarterly check-ins, and targeted program or project support.
Network-wide communications and professional development are another central deliverable. Groundwork USA is tasked with hosting monthly conference calls for Trust executive directors, offering webinars on organizational and program development topics, and improving the Groundwork USA website and intranet to strengthen information sharing internally while also giving prospective communities and partners clearer information about the network and how to engage, including in relation to Groundwork USA pilot funding and technical assistance opportunities.
Groundwork USA is also expected to participate directly in the NPS-led process for evaluating new communities interested in joining or receiving pilot support. That includes providing information to up to ten interested communities, joining introductory calls, participating in site visits to up to six finalist communities, and serving on the proposal review committee by providing evaluations consistent with NPS guidelines. In addition, Groundwork USA must document and report network accomplishments for 2015 by compiling performance measures and producing short program overviews (2 to 4 pages each) across key program areas such as brownfields, urban waters, youth programming, and healthy communities. These overviews are intended for print and electronic distribution to NPS, EPA, and other partners and are positioned as part of Groundwork USA's annual reporting.
Planning and governance support for Groundwork USA itself is built in as well. The agreement calls for a staff and board retreat to assess progress against the 2015 to 2017 strategic plan and to recommend updates based on current conditions. Alongside that, Groundwork USA must track leveraged resources (funding, in-kind services, volunteer time, and materials) used to complete the work, and submit quarterly narrative progress reports plus required financial reporting to NPS.
NPS, in turn, anticipates substantial involvement consistent with a cooperative agreement structure. NPS commits to providing funding and active staff support through its Rivers and Trails program, participating in efforts to assess and respond to Trust needs (especially where organizations face major issues), leading outreach to prospective new communities, and monitoring progress against the strategic plan goals. The legal authority cited for the agreement includes 54 USC 101702(a), supporting NPS use of cooperative agreements to carry out NPS programs, and provisions of the Outdoor Recreation Act that allow technical assistance and cooperation with state, local, and private nonprofit partners.
Finally, the notice explains why the award is being made as a single-source continuation rather than a competitive opportunity. Under Department of the Interior single-source policy, NPS cites the "continuation" justification: the activities are part of an ongoing effort already being funded, and a competitive process is viewed as likely to harm continuity and completion of the work. The posting lists a single expected award, identifies eligible applicants generally as 501(c)(3) nonprofits, but in practice names Groundwork USA as the intended recipient, reinforcing that this is informational rather than an open call.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): Develop and Build Capacity Groundwork Network (NPS)
Is this funding opportunity open for applications?
No. This is a National Park Service (NPS) notice of intent to award funding to Groundwork USA through a cooperative agreement, and it is not open for applications. The posting functions as a public transparency notice rather than a competitive grant solicitation.
Who is the intended recipient of the award?
The intended recipient is Groundwork USA, the national nonprofit that coordinates and supports a network of local "Groundwork Trust" organizations.
Why is NPS making a single-source award instead of holding a competition?
NPS cites a single-source "continuation" justification under Department of the Interior policy. The work is described as a continuation action under an existing cooperative agreement, and NPS states that competition would likely disrupt ongoing work and reduce continuity.
What program is this award associated with?
The award is tied to the Rivers, Trails and Conservation Assistance program (CFDA 15.921).
What is the anticipated award amount and is there a cost share?
The anticipated federal award amount is $99,992.03 with a small cost share of $508.00.
Is this a grant or a cooperative agreement, and why does that matter?
This award is issued as a cooperative agreement, not a standard grant. That structure signals that NPS expects to remain substantially involved in the work (for example, providing active staff support and participating in certain activities) rather than only providing funding.
What is the performance period for this project?
The performance period runs from the final signature date through December 30, 2016.
What is the overall purpose of the project?
The project focuses on strengthening the organizational capacity of Groundwork USA so it can better support and manage the broader Groundwork network. The work emphasizes technical assistance, peer learning, performance assessment, outreach to new communities, and formal documentation of network accomplishments.
What types of activities are explicitly not allowed with these funds?
The funds cannot be used for construction, construction documents, or building specific capital projects. Instead, funding supports planning, coordination, evaluation, training, reporting, and network development functions.
What kinds of sites and community outcomes do Groundwork Trusts generally focus on?
Groundwork Trust organizations often focus on turning underused or contaminated sites, including brownfields, into community assets such as parks, recreation spaces, and green infrastructure, with associated environmental improvement and local economic and social benefits.
What technical assistance and network support is Groundwork USA expected to provide?
Groundwork USA is responsible for providing direct technical assistance to existing and emerging Groundwork Trusts, facilitating networking across Trusts, and helping strengthen organizational development across the network.
Does the agreement include performance assessments or formal reviews of local Trusts?
Yes. The scope includes assessing the performance of new Trusts and those experiencing significant transition, using named review processes such as first-year operations reviews and transition reviews.
Which Trusts are specifically identified for first-year operations reviews?
The notice identifies Groundwork Jacksonville and Groundwork Indianapolis for first-year operations reviews.
Which Trusts are specifically identified for transition reviews?
The notice identifies Groundwork Milwaukee and Groundwork Elizabeth for transition reviews.
What is the peer planning and review (PAR) work described in the scope?
PAR efforts involve planning the review, convening peer teams, conducting site visits, issuing written findings, and following up on implementation of recommendations.
Which Trusts are named for peer planning and review (PAR)?
The notice names Groundwork San Diego and Groundwork Richmond, CA for PAR activities.
What are "Communities of Practice" in this project?
Communities of Practice are a proposed model of structured collaboration led by participating Trusts. Groundwork USA is expected to design the model, identify focus areas, test feasibility with interested Trusts, and, if viable, begin developing a brownfields-focused Community of Practice.
What focus areas are mentioned as examples for Communities of Practice?
Examples listed include brownfields, green infrastructure, climate change, and healthy communities.
How does the agreement support the development of new Groundwork Trusts?
The work includes hands-on support for board development and executive director hiring, as well as providing practical templates and startup tools such as incorporation materials, bylaws, 501(c)(3) documentation support, website and outreach templates, and training/orientation materials.
Does the scope include more intensive help for certain Trusts with capacity gaps?
Yes. Groundwork USA is expected to identify four to six Trusts that would benefit from intensive, ongoing technical assistance due to capacity gaps or development challenges, and then create tailored assistance plans that may include coaching, quarterly check-ins, and targeted program or project support.
What network-wide communications and professional development activities are included?
Groundwork USA is tasked with hosting monthly conference calls for Trust executive directors, offering webinars on organizational and program development topics, and improving the Groundwork USA website and intranet to strengthen internal information sharing and provide clearer information to prospective communities and partners.
Does Groundwork USA have a role in evaluating new communities interested in joining or receiving pilot support?
Yes. Groundwork USA is expected to participate in the NPS-led process, including providing information to up to ten interested communities, joining introductory calls, participating in site visits to up to six finalist communities, and serving on the proposal review committee by providing evaluations consistent with NPS guidelines.
What reporting or documentation deliverables are required for network accomplishments?
Groundwork USA must document and report network accomplishments for 2015 by compiling performance measures and producing short program overviews (2 to 4 pages each) across key program areas. These materials are intended for print and electronic distribution to NPS, EPA, and other partners and are positioned as part of annual reporting.
Which program areas are specifically mentioned for the 2015 program overviews?
The notice lists brownfields, urban waters, youth programming, and healthy communities as key program areas for the short overviews.
Does the agreement include planning or governance support for Groundwork USA itself?
Yes. It includes a staff and board retreat to assess progress against the 2015 to 2017 strategic plan and to recommend updates based on current conditions.
Are leveraged resources required to be tracked under this agreement?
Yes. Groundwork USA must track leveraged resources used to complete the work, including funding, in-kind services, volunteer time, and materials.
What progress reporting is expected?
The notice states that Groundwork USA must submit quarterly narrative progress reports along with required financial reporting to NPS.
What does NPS commit to doing under the cooperative agreement?
NPS anticipates substantial involvement, including providing funding and active staff support through the Rivers and Trails program, participating in efforts to assess and respond to Trust needs (especially where organizations face major issues), leading outreach to prospective new communities, and monitoring progress against strategic plan goals.
What legal authority is cited for this cooperative agreement?
The notice cites 54 USC 101702(a) as authority supporting NPS use of cooperative agreements to carry out NPS programs, along with provisions of the Outdoor Recreation Act that allow technical assistance and cooperation with state, local, and private nonprofit partners.
The posting mentions eligible applicants are 501(c)(3) nonprofits. Does that mean my nonprofit can apply?
Even though the posting generally identifies eligible applicants as 501(c)(3) nonprofits, the notice also names Groundwork USA as the intended recipient and states the opportunity is not open for applications. Based on the notice, this is informational and not a call for proposals.
Browse more opportunities from the same category: Community Development Education Environment Natural Resources Regional Development
Next opportunity: Accessibility Review Training Pilots
Previous opportunity: Groundwork Indianapolis (GW INDY) Launch and Capacity Building
USGrants.org Applicant Portal:
Are you interested in learning about about how to apply for this government funding opportunity? You can create a free applicant account and receive instant access to our applicant portal that many business owners like you have benefited from.
Apply for P15AS00208
[Watch] how do funding administrators access proposals?
Applicants also applied for:
Applicants who have applied for this opportunity (P15AS00208) also looked into and applied for these:
| Funding Opportunity |
|---|
| NOTICE OF INTENT TO AWARD Prepare National Register Multiple Property Submission for CAJO Apply for P15AS00314 Funding Number: P15AS00314 Agency: National Park Service Category: Community Development Education Environment Natural Resources Regional Development Funding Amount: $95,000 |
Grant application guides and resources
It is always free to apply for government grants. However the process may be very complex depending on the funding opportunity you are applying for. Let us help you!
Apply for Grants
Premium leads for funding administrators, grant writers, and loan issuers
Thousands of people visit our website for their funding needs every day. When a user creates a grant proposal and files for submission, we pass the information on to funding administrators, grant writers, and government loan issuers.
If you manage government grant programs, provide grant writing services, or issue personal or government loans, we can help you reach your audience.
Subscribe to Leads
Request more information:
Would you like to learn more about this funding opportunity, similar opportunities to "P15AS00208", eligibility, application service, and/or application tips? Submit an inquiry below:
Don't forget to subscribe to our grant alerts mailing list to receive weekly alerts on new and updated grant funding opportunities like this one in your email.