Western National Parks Research Grants — FY2027

Research benefiting natural and cultural resources in Western National Parks partner parks can receive up to USD 20,000 for one year, USD 40,000 for two years or USD 60,000 for three years. Relevant subjects include ecology, botany, zoology, geology, archaeology and social science. Project starts must fall between 1 April and 30 September 2027. Support covers qualified project costs; salaries, wages, fringe benefits, overhead, publication costs and tuition are excluded.

The benefiting WNP-partner park superintendent or acting superintendent must approve and submit the application with a qualified primary PI. Graduate students cannot be primary PIs but may be additional PIs with an academic supervisor as primary. Projects must originate in eligible partner parks in the twelve listed western/central U.S. states; Sabino Canyon National Recreation Area and Palisades Visitor Center are excluded. A park may submit at most two ranked proposals annually and have only one ongoing multiyear project. Additional parks need signed superintendent approvals. Apply electronically by the end of 11 December 2026.