Opportunity Information: Apply for P16AS00081
Apply for P16AS00081
- The DOI-NPS in the environment sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Mount Rainier, North Cascades, and Olympic National Park Volunteer Network for Trails Maintenance Projects" and is now available to receive applicants.
- Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 15.954.
- This funding opportunity was created on Mar 31, 2016 and posted on Mar 31, 2016.
- Applicants must submit their applications by May 31, 2016. (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 $300,000.00 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.
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Opportunity Summary:
The Department of the Interior, National Park Service (DOI-NPS) announced a discretionary funding opportunity (Funding Opportunity Number P16AS00081) to create and run a volunteer network focused on trail maintenance in three Washington national parks: Mount Rainier, North Cascades, and Olympic. The project is set up as a cooperative agreement, which typically means the NPS expects to be actively involved with the partner organization during planning and implementation rather than simply issuing funds and stepping back. The opportunity was posted March 31, 2016, created the same day, and had an application deadline of May 31, 2016.
At its core, the grant seeks a capable nonprofit partner to establish a structured, park-serving program that recruits volunteers, trains them at a basic level, and provides on-the-ground leadership so those volunteers can complete real trail maintenance projects in backcountry settings across the three parks. The NPS emphasizes that the program is meant to make it easier for members of the public to engage in meaningful service in these parks, particularly in areas that are more remote and logistically challenging. The partner is expected to use effective recruitment tools, organize and deliver training, and lead volunteer crews in the field, aligning volunteer efforts with park trail needs.
The solicitation makes it clear what kind of organization the NPS is looking for: an entity with demonstrated preservation and rehabilitation experience in trail maintenance, and a mission or track record that supports public access and responsible backcountry use. In practice, this points to a nonprofit that already understands trail work standards, volunteer management, risk and safety considerations, and how to operate in rugged environments while working in coordination with land management staff.
The public benefit described in the opportunity has two main parts. First is the creation of the volunteer program itself. This is framed as a service pathway that lowers barriers for the public to participate, providing structure, training, and leadership so volunteers can contribute safely and effectively. A major goal is educational and stewardship-oriented: volunteers should come away with a stronger understanding of trail work, the role and mission of national parks, and conservation service more broadly. That experience is intended to build shared stewardship and a stronger personal connection to the parks through hands-on contribution.
The second public benefit is the practical outcome of the work completed. By maintaining trails, the program helps keep more routes open and usable for visitors, including both backpackers and day hikers. In other words, the volunteer effort is not just about engagement; it is also aimed at sustaining trail accessibility and improving visitor experiences by addressing maintenance needs that can otherwise limit access or degrade trail conditions.
Eligibility is limited to nonprofits with IRS-recognized 501(c)(3) status (excluding institutions of higher education). The CFDA number associated with the opportunity is 15.954, and the activity category is Environment. The funding details indicate a single expected award, with an award ceiling of $300,000, signaling that the NPS intended to select one primary partner to develop and operate the program across all three parks rather than splitting the work among multiple organizations.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is this funding opportunity?
This is a discretionary funding opportunity from the Department of the Interior, National Park Service (DOI-NPS) to create and operate a volunteer network focused on trail maintenance in Washington national parks.
What is the Funding Opportunity Number (FON)?
The Funding Opportunity Number is P16AS00081.
Which parks are included in the project?
The project focuses on trail maintenance volunteer work in three Washington national parks: Mount Rainier National Park, North Cascades National Park, and Olympic National Park.
What type of award is this (grant vs. cooperative agreement)?
The project is set up as a cooperative agreement. This typically means the NPS expects to be actively involved with the partner organization during planning and implementation, rather than providing funds with minimal ongoing engagement.
What is the core purpose of the project?
The core purpose is to establish a structured program that recruits volunteers, provides basic training, and supplies on-the-ground leadership so volunteer crews can complete real trail maintenance projects in backcountry settings across the three parks.
What kinds of activities is the partner expected to carry out?
Based on the solicitation summary provided, the partner is expected to:
- Recruit volunteers using effective recruitment tools
- Organize and deliver basic volunteer training
- Provide field leadership for volunteer trail crews
- Coordinate volunteer efforts so they align with park trail maintenance needs
- Enable volunteer work in remote and logistically challenging backcountry areas
What outcomes does the NPS want from the volunteer network?
The opportunity describes two main public benefits:
- Volunteer engagement and stewardship: creating a clear service pathway that lowers barriers to participation, provides structure/training/leadership, and builds volunteers' understanding of trail work, national park mission, and conservation service.
- Practical trail maintenance results: completing trail maintenance that helps keep routes open and usable for visitors, supporting trail accessibility and visitor experiences for both backpackers and day hikers.
Why does the opportunity emphasize backcountry and remote settings?
The program is intended to make it easier for members of the public to engage in meaningful service in areas that are more remote and logistically challenging, while still ensuring work is organized, led, and aligned with park needs.
What type of organization is NPS looking for?
NPS is looking for a capable nonprofit partner with demonstrated preservation and rehabilitation experience in trail maintenance, and a mission or track record that supports public access and responsible backcountry use.
Does the solicitation indicate expectations around experience and capacity?
Yes. The description points to an organization that already understands trail work standards, volunteer management, risk and safety considerations, and how to operate in rugged environments while coordinating with land management staff.
Who is eligible to apply?
Eligibility is limited to nonprofits with IRS-recognized 501(c)(3) status. Institutions of higher education are excluded.
How many awards does NPS expect to make?
The funding details indicate a single expected award, suggesting NPS intended to select one primary partner to develop and operate the program across all three parks.
What is the maximum funding amount?
The award ceiling is $300,000.
What is the CFDA number for this opportunity?
The CFDA number associated with the opportunity is 15.954.
What is the activity category?
The activity category is Environment.
When was the opportunity posted?
The opportunity was posted on March 31, 2016 (and created the same day).
What was the application deadline?
The application deadline was May 31, 2016.
Is this opportunity designed mainly for public engagement or for trail outcomes?
Both. The solicitation frames the public benefit as (1) creating a structured volunteer pathway that builds stewardship and education, and (2) delivering practical trail maintenance results that sustain trail access and improve visitor experiences.
Is the program meant to serve one park or all three parks?
The program is described as operating across Mount Rainier, North Cascades, and Olympic National Parks, and the single expected award suggests one partner would cover the full three-park scope.
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Applicants who have applied for this opportunity (P16AS00081) also looked into and applied for these:
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| 2016-2017 Tribal ecoAmbassadors Grant Program Apply for EPA OITA AIEO 2016 001 Funding Number: EPA OITA AIEO 2016 001 Agency: EPA Category: Environment Funding Amount: $50,000 |
| Notice of Intent to Award - New England National Scenic Trail Implementation Apply for NPS 16 NERO 0048 Funding Number: NPS 16 NERO 0048 Agency: DOI-NPS Category: Environment Funding Amount: $91,000 |
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