Challenge Cost Share is a program offering federal funding, to be matched 50/50, for preservation and interpretation/education projects along the California National Historic Trail.
Program Note/Schedule
The Challenge Cost Share Program (CCSP) for fiscal year 2014 (October 1, 2013-September 30, 2014) is now closed.
Please return to this page after October 1, 2013, for information concerning the Challenge Cost Share Program for fiscal year 2015 (October 1, 2014 - September 30, 2015).
However, if you have a project idea at any time of the year, please email us to discuss.
The Challenge Cost Share Program has undergone administrative changes since 2011. Annual funding no longer comes directly to the National Trails Intermountain Region staff. Project funding decisions are now made by National Park Service staff in Washington, D.C., and efforts are underway to solicit and submit projects for funding several years in advance.
If you have an idea for a CCSP project, please don't hesitate to contact us, and we will work with you to submit your project for consideration in the coming years (if the U.S. Congress approves funding for the program).
Don't be frightened by the forms! Instructions are provided, and help is available from staff at the National Trails Intermountain Region office here in Salt Lake City.
Contact our office to discuss your project prior to submitting your proposal. Please phone (801) 741-1012 ext 118, or e-mail us
Information and Proposal Form
General information is provided in About Challenge Cost Share (pdf)
To apply for project funding, complete the Challenge Cost Share Proposal Form (pdf)
Challenge Cost Share Proposal Form (word)
To track volunteer hours and expenses, complete the Volunteer Time and Expense Log (pdf) Volunteer Time and Expense Log (word)
Archeology and Historic Preservation Proposals
If you are proposing an archeology or historic preservation, restoration, or rehabilitation project, please look at this additional guidance. (pdf)
Additional Information for Completing Your Proposal's Budget
Challenge Cost Share Program recipients who spend federal dollars must do so in accordance with applicable laws and regulations. It is your responsibility to understand and abide by these rules. The links below provide some guidance regarding federal regulation and developing your proposal's budget.
Links for Non-Profit Organizations
Cost Principles for Non-Profit (Circular A-122)
Uniform Administrative Requirements for Grants and Agreements With Institutions of Higher Education, Hospitals, and Other Non-Profit Organizations (Circular A-110)
Links for State, Local and Indian Tribal Governments
Cost Principles for State, Local, and Indian Tribal Governments (Circular A-87)
Uniform Administrative Requirements for Grants and Cooperative Agreements with State and Local Governments (Circular A-102)
Next Steps
If your project is approved, you and your organizational representative will be asked to sign a Cooperative Agreement with the National Park Service. The agreement states the terms of the partnership and legally authorizes the NPS to reimburse you for your allowable expenses.
Once the Cooperative Agreement has been signed, you may begin your project.
If your organization not have a DUNS (Data Universal Numbering System) number, you must obtain one.
To learn more about DUNS numbers - (pdf)
Register for a DUNS number on-line at
Register for a DUNS number by phone at (866) 705-5711
Register your DUNS and Tax ID numbers with the Central Contractor's On-line Registry -
For registration assistance, call (888)227-2423
Requesting Reimbursement for Expenses
The National Park Service can only pay reimbursements for your project expenses. No advances to a project will be authorized.
To request reimbursements, complete the (pdf)
Completing Your Project
When your project is completed and/or your funding is spent, you will be asked to complete a (pdf) that closes the project.
CCSP Past Projects
