Public Programming and Educational Outreach: Brown v. Board of Education National Historical Park

The Public Programming and Educational Outreach opportunity for the Brown v. Board of Education National Historical Park, administered by the U.S. Department of the Interior through the National Park Service, seeks a partner to support a national effort to commemorate and interpret the historic Supreme Court decision that ended racial segregation in public education. This cooperative agreement aims to enhance public understanding of the civil rights movement and the critical role of the Brown v. Board case through community-based programming, educational initiatives, and event planning in multiple historically significant locations. The initiative aligns with the park’s legislated purpose as defined in federal law, focusing on preserving and interpreting key sites in Topeka, Kansas; Summerton, South Carolina; Farmville, Virginia; Wilmington, Claymont, and Hockessin, Delaware; and Washington, D.C. These sites represent communities involved in the landmark case and are central to the proposed outreach and programming activities. The selected partner will be responsible for planning, publicizing, and executing a range of events, particularly annual May anniversaries leading to the 75th anniversary of the decision in 2029. The agreement also supports recruitment of interns and youth, community outreach, and engagement with heritage tourism networks. The cooperative agreement provides funding between $25,000 and $250,000. No cost-sharing or matching requirement is imposed. Eligible applicants include state and local governments, federally recognized tribal governments, educational institutions (both public and private), and 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations. Foreign entities and individuals are not eligible. The funding instrument is a stand-alone cooperative agreement, which means substantial involvement from the National Park Service is expected, including collaborative program development, provision of interpretive resources, and joint coordination of events and educational outreach. Applications must be submitted electronically via Grants.gov or Simpler.Grants.gov by 11:59 PM ET on February 9, 2026. Applicants must complete registrations in both SAM.gov and Grants.gov, processes that can take up to 30 days, and must also certify compliance with executive and secretarial orders from the White House and the Department of the Interior. Required application components include standard federal forms (SF-424 series), a detailed budget, a project abstract, and a comprehensive narrative that addresses the four review criteria: logistical support, outreach tools and networks, program development, and event planning. Proposals will undergo a multi-stage review including eligibility screening, a merit review based on weighted criteria (logistics: 35%, outreach: 30%, programming: 20%, and planning: 15%), and a risk review. Awards are expected approximately 45 days after the deadline, with project activities anticipated to begin in March 2026 and end by December 31, 2026. This funding opportunity is issued on a discretionary basis and may recur annually; the current funding notice does not include a renewal provision for existing projects. Applicants may direct questions to Ian Armstrong at FA_EastCCO@nps.gov or James H. Williams at james_williams@nps.gov. This opportunity supports long-term efforts to educate the public about civil rights history and engage communities in meaningful ways that commemorate a foundational moment in American legal and social history.

Label narrative sections by review criteria to improve merit scoring; ensure SAM.gov and Grants.gov registrations are complete.