Mandatory & Evaluation Criteria

Mandatory criteria

All requests for CTTP funding must first successfully meet each of the following mandatory criteria:

Benefitting a National Trail

The project must involve one or more national scenic, national historic, or national recreation trails. See eligible trails here.

Maximum and Minimum Cost

The request for funding for the NPS component of the project must be between $3,000 and $100,000.

Timing

CTTP funds must be able to be fully obligated and activity must be initiated by September 30 of the fiscal year in which funds are received (including meeting the deadlines established by local budget, financial assistance, contracting or procurement offices that may come several months earlier).

Staff Costs

This fund source cannot support permanent staff salaries, other than service center staff. These funds may support volunteers and seasonal and temporary workers.

Compliance and Consultations

All necessary planning, compliance (106, EA, EIS, NEPA, PEPC, etc.), and Tribal consultations must be completed prior to allocation of Federal funds as appropriate.

Evaluation Criteria

Projects will be evaluated on the following criteria:

Partner Match & Budget

Project provides a partner match of greater than or equal to 50 percent of a component cost shall be derived from non-NPS sources in the form of cash, assets, or in-kind services. A matching partner can include either Federal or non-Federal partners. 

Alignment with National Trail Comprehensive Plan or Park Unit General Management Plan

Project aligns or supports the respective national trail comprehensive plan, national trail foundation document, and/or park unit general management plan. 

Program Relevance & Defined Outcomes

Project supports a national scenic, national historic, or national recreation trail through trail improvements, conservation, interpretative and education programming, trail promotion, and/or volunteer engagement. 

Engages Diverse Users

Project enhances relevance, access, and participation on national trails for traditionally underrepresented and underserved communities. 

Partnership & Collaborative Efforts

Project engages with other Federal and State managers, Tribes, affiliated areas or partners. 

Volunteerism

Project enhances a trail’s capacity to recruit, engage, retain, and recognize volunteers. 

Increased Visitor Access, Safety, and Quality

Project creates or improves public access to the trail. 

Project Evaluation

Project includes assessments and formal or informal evaluation strategies.