The National Park Foundation (NPF), in collaboration with the National Park Service (NPS), has issued a request for proposals for a pilot grant program focused on expanding accessibility information, services, and tools at national park sites.

The program aims to improve visitor trip planning and elevate inclusive park experiences for visitors with disabilities, and grants of up to $75,000 will fund accessibility projects that provide information for visitors, build community connections, expand trainings, and improve access to equipment.

Examples of proposal concepts for the RFP may include but are not limited to conducting accessibility reviews of parks with the intent of improving information available to the public about access; programs that engage local disability stakeholders in ongoing collaboration with parks resulting in deeper park relationships and improved access; provision of accessibility training to park staff, park partners, volunteers, or others who will engage with visitors with disabilities; video or other content development that helps NPS showcase and promote accessible experiences in parks; and efforts to begin new or expand existing programs that ensure mobility devices are available to visitors with disabilities for use in parks, with a particular emphasis on programs where devices are provided by friends’ groups or other nonprofit entities.

Eligible applicants include official units of the National Park Service and affiliated systems (such as national trails, waterways, and heritage areas), and nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) public charity designation by the IRS. Applications are encouraged from nonprofit organizations with an NPS philanthropic, cooperative, and/or cooperating association agreement; community organizations, such as adaptive sports and recreation organizations; and other nonprofit organizations that serve people with disabilities.

For complete program guidelines and application instructions, see the National Park Foundation website.

Deadline: August 22, 2024