NSF is an independent federal agency responsible for promoting science and engineering. Approximately 20,000 research and education projects receive $3.3 billion per year through NSF. Disciplines include social and behavioral sciences, economic sciences, biology, education and engineering. The Division of Social, Behavioral and Economic Research (SBER) supports interdisciplinary research in social, political, legal and economic systems, and in spatial, environmental and biological factors related to human behavior. NSF publishes a monthly bulletin and other publications.

The US Geological Survey provides information to help manage water, biological, energy, and mineral resources. Within the USGS, the Biological Resources Division (BRD) works with others to provide the scientific understanding and technologies needed to support the sound management and conservation of biological resources around the nation. BRD is divided into different geographic regions and centers. The Midcontinent Ecological Science Center (MESC) includes the Social, Economic and Institutional Analysis Section (SEIS). SEIS concentrates on social science analysis for natural resources decision-making. A principal goal of SEIS is to foster an understanding of how biological systems are influenced by social processes, and how ecosystems benefit society.

AALR is a national nonprofit membership association serving recreation professionals. AALR provides information and technical assistance on leisure and recreation-related issues, including aging, family recreation planning, management and administration, and tourism. AALR organizes seminars and continuing education programs, publishes books and other materials, and provides grant-writing assistance and other services.

ARC is a Washington, DC-based, non-profit organization dedicated to promoting public-private partnerships and to enhancing and protecting outdoor recreation opportunities and resources. ARC conducts research, organizes national conferences and meetings, disseminates information through newsletters, the internet and other media, and works with government agencies and the US Congress to study public policy issues regarding recreation. ARC also provides recreation research statistics through its website.

COSSA is an advocacy organization representing American scientists across a broad spectrum of social and behavioral sciences. Nearly 100 professional and scientific organizations, universities and research institutions are members of COSSA. COSSA lobbies Congress on social science issues, and hosts meetings and conferences.

The Natural Areas Association is a non-profit organization that works on natural area identification, preservation, protection, management, and research. Its goals are to encourage the exchange of information on natural areas management, to promote preservation techniques, to increase public awareness of natural areas, and to support research related to these goals. The Association publishes Natural Areas Journal, and organizes an annual conference and regional workshops.

The mission of the National Center for Environmental Decision-Making Research (NCEDR) is to improve environmental decision making at the subnational level. NCEDR conducts research and outreach programs intended to put better tools and information in the hands of public- and private-sector environmental decision makers at regional, state, and local levels. In doing so, it creates a meeting place for both researchers and practitioners with the goal of improving environmental decisions. NCEDR is administered by the Joint Institute for Energy and Environment in Knoxville, Tennessee.

NPF was created by the US Congress in 1967 to serve as the official non-profit partner for the N ational Park Service. NPF is involved in activities that support professional development and scientific research in national parks. These activities include a competitive grants program, natural resource conservation and preservation initiatives, education and stewardship projects, and National Park Service employee support programs. NPF grants funds for on-the-ground conservation, preservation and education efforts in national parks.

NRPA is a national, non-profit service organization that works with national, state, and local recreation and park agencies, corporations, and citizens groups. NRPA is involved in social science and public policy initiatives. For example, NRPA sponsors a legislative conference in Washington, DC which provides briefings on legislation involving parks and recreation. NRPA also publishes a monthly magazine and newsletters, and conducts workshops and professional development seminars.