National Park Trust, in partnership with the National Park Service (NPS), announced today that $361,000 was awarded to fund 17 enriching education and outdoor recreation initiatives through the 2024 NPS Challenge Cost Share Program. Each project connects a local community to a nearby national park, national trail, or wild and scenic river, fostering a deeper connection with our natural and cultural heritage. This year’s group of awardees will engage more than 6,500 participants in active, healthy outdoor recreation, conservation, and education initiatives.
"National Park Trust is thrilled to once again partner with the National Park Service and community partners across the country to connect people of all backgrounds and abilities to national parks while engaging the newest generation of outdoor enthusiasts and stewards," said Grace Lee, executive director of National Park Trust. "The Challenge Cost Share program is a terrific example of an initiative that leverages public and private funds to invest in communities to create sustainable partnerships that benefit parks and people."
A sample of the 2024 projects includes:
For the full list of projects, CLICK HERE.
Partnerships are what make these projects possible. The NPS and National Park Trust are providing $361,000 in direct financial support, bolstered by $853,978.00 in pledged direct and in-kind contributions from the community and non-profit organizations that partner with local NPS sites. Steering the program, the National Park Trust not only administers the initiative but also harnesses supplementary financial resources to amplify its influence and outreach.