Thinking about an interesting historic trail project, but don’t know how to fund it? Want to map trail segments, place an interpretive wayside exhibit, archive historic photos, or transcribe old journals? Want to write a trail guide, design a museum exhibit, or fence an important trail site – but you just don’t have the money?

Here’s your chance. National Trails System, Salt Lake City Office (NTSL) is now accepting Challenge Cost Share Program (CCSP) proposals for 2009. We will begin reviewing CCSP proposals after February 1st, but will continue accepting proposals as long as our CCSP funds lasts. The sooner you talk with us about your project idea, the better your chances of funding.

NTSL can provide up to $30,000 in matching support for qualified projects related to congressionally authorized routes of the Oregon, California, Mormon Pioneer, and Pony Express National Historic Trails. CCSP funding must be equally matched by non-federal funds, in-kind services, and volunteer labor.

Each year Congress provides the National Park Service with funds to assist trail partners with trail related research, developing and installing interpretive media, or implementing site preservation programs to name a few of the types of projects funded by the Challenge Cost Share Program. These funds are made available to partner organizations and site managers along the California National Historic Trail through the NPS Challenge Cost Share Program.

The following Adobe Acrobat PDF and MS Word documents will tell you more about the program and completing the application forms. The deadline for submitting upcoming applications is February 1, 2009.

About Challenge Cost Share (PDF doc)

Attachment A - Project Proposal and instructions (MS Word doc)

Attachment B - Budget Guidelines & Instructions (PDF doc)

CCSP Budget Form - Budget proposal to submit with application (MS Word doc)

Attachment C - Project Completion Form (MS Word doc)

Attachment D - Example Log sheet for time & expenses (PDF doc)

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