Public Programming and Educational Outreach: Brown v. Board of Education National Historical Park | P26AS00046

Opportunity Information: Apply for P26AS00046

This National Park Service (NPS) funding opportunity (P26AS00046) supports a cooperative agreement to bring on a program partner for Brown v. Board of Education National Historical Park. The core purpose is to help the park carry out its legislative mission under PL 102-525 and PL 117-123: preserving, protecting, and interpreting the places and stories central to the landmark Supreme Court decision that ended segregation in public education, and explaining Brown's broader role in the civil rights movement. A key emphasis is also placed on assisting with related resources and interpretation tied to multiple Brown community locations beyond Topeka, in order to deepen public understanding of the case and its national context.

The selected partner will primarily help plan and deliver public programs and educational outreach, with a strong focus on events hosted across the communities identified in PL 117-123. These locations include Topeka, Kansas; Summerton, South Carolina; Farmville, Virginia; Wilmington, Claymont, and Hockessin, Delaware; and the District of Columbia. Programming is expected to include annual anniversary activities in May each year, building momentum toward the seventy-fifth anniversary commemoration in 2029. While anniversary events are specifically highlighted, the scope is broad enough to include additional programming that advances interpretation, education, and community engagement connected to Brown and the wider civil rights narrative.

A major part of the work involves operational and logistical support that makes these events possible. The partner is expected to handle practical costs and coordination needs such as paying honoraria, covering travel expenses, and managing other program-related expenditures tied to events developed under the agreement. In other words, this award is not just for planning concepts; it is intended to support real-world delivery of programs with speakers, partners, venues, and audiences, including the behind-the-scenes administration that public events require.

Outreach and audience-building are also central expectations. The partner will use its existing communication channels, outreach tools, and community networks to publicize NPS programs and events, helping ensure strong participation and visibility in each of the Brown communities. In addition, the partner will support workforce and youth engagement goals by helping recruit interns, youth participants, or other project staff as needed to carry out the activities supported by the agreement.

The opportunity stresses active collaboration rather than a hands-off vendor relationship, which is why the funding instrument is a cooperative agreement. The partner will work closely with NPS staff and with community organizations, particularly in Kansas, to strengthen interpretation and educational outreach. Another stated objective is to help the park deepen ties to heritage tourism groups and educational organizations across the Brown communities, reinforcing the park's connections with institutions that can sustain long-term learning, visitation, and community-based stewardship of these stories.

Eligibility is limited by statute (54 U.S.C. 101702(a)) to certain domestic entity types: state, county, city or township governments; federally recognized tribal governments; public or state-controlled institutions of higher education; private institutions of higher education; and IRS-recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations (other than higher education institutions). This program does not fund foreign entities or projects conducted outside the United States. Before making an award, NPS will check applicants and key project personnel against the SAM.gov Exclusions database; entities or individuals listed as ineligible or otherwise excluded cannot receive funding under this program.

In terms of funding details, this is a discretionary opportunity in the education activity category (CFDA 15.954) administered by the National Park Service. NPS anticipates making one award, with an award ceiling of $250,000. The original application closing date is February 9, 2026, and the opportunity was created on December 11, 2025.

• The National Park Service in the education sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Public Programming and Educational Outreach: Brown v. Board of Education National Historical Park" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 15.954.
• This funding opportunity was created on 2025-12-11.
• Applicants must submit their applications by 2026-02-09. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
• Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $250,000.00 in funding.
• The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 1 candidate(s).
• Eligible applicants include: State governments, County governments, City or township governments, Public and State controlled institutions of higher education, Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized), Nonprofits having a 501 (c) (3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, Private institutions of higher education.

Apply for P26AS00046

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