Well Told Grants

Federal grant programs / Department of the Interior

Experienced Services Program (15.011)

Also known as ESP

Experienced Services Program (Assistance Listing 15.011) is run by the National Park Service, part of the Department of the Interior. It awarded $47.1 million in 255 grants from fiscal 2021 to 2025, about $184,542 per award on average. No funding opportunity is open on Grants.gov right now.

The typical award was $61,155. Half of the 255 awards fell between $34,853 and $171,052, and they ranged from $1,513 to $3.0 million.

Key findings

What the program funds

The Experienced Services Program (ESP) provides support to the National Park Service (NPS) on natural and cultural resource conservation projects that enable the agency to carry out its mission. Special emphasis will be placed on projects that improve the maintenance of national park resources and enhance the visitor experience. ESP participants will provide technical assistance and support to the NPS in the development and execution of projects that benefit the general public and provide support to NPS employees. This program will provide opportunities to qualified individuals 55 years of age and older, who have specific technical skills and abilities not available or underrepresented at current NPS staffing levels. The ESP participants will not replace or displace current NPS employees.

From the federal Assistance Listing. Read the full listing on SAM.gov.

Open opportunities

No opportunity under this program is open or forecast on Grants.gov right now. Programs often post once a year, so the funding history below shows what to expect.

Rules from the program listing

Who can apply

This program is limited to qualified non-profit organizations subject to 26 USC 501 c(3) of the tax code, and must be designated by the Secretary of Labor under Title V of the Older Americans Act of 1965. Proof of establishment must be submitted with the application.

What the money can and cannot pay for

This program will provide opportunities to qualified individuals 55 years of age and older who have specific technical skills and abilities not available or underrepresented at current NPS staffing levels. The ESP participants will not replace or displace current NPS employees. Recipients can use the assistance to support employment opportunities for individuals 55 years and older on projects that support the NPS mission and these projects do not replace or displace Federal employees.;

Matching requirements

This program has no statutory formula. Matching requirements are not applicable to this assistance listing. MOE requirements are not applicable to this assistance listing.

Award range and average, in the agency's words

Estimated range of $10,000-$150,000 per funded award.

Examples of funded projects

Fiscal Year2025: Projects provide opportunities for experienced individuals to contribute their skills and knowledge, including mentoring staff, providing technical expertise, and supporting various projects across different departments -- 1) Engineering Projects: Funding supports electrical, geotechnical, and civil engineering tasks, including infrastructure improvements, safety enhancements, and regulatory compliance. 2) Historical Architecture: Funds aid in preserving and restoring historical buildings, mentoring new architects, and ensuring historical accuracy. 3) Environmental Compliance: Funding is used for environmental impact assessments, regulatory compliance, and mitigation measures. 4) Fire Protection: Funds support fire safety system design, risk assessments, and compliance with fire safety standards. 5) Project Management: Funding assists in developing project plans, stakeholder coordination, and ensuring timely and budget-compliant project completion.Fiscal Year2026: Projects provide opportunities for experienced individuals to contribute their skills and knowledge, including mentoring staff, providing technical expertise, and supporting various projects across different departments -- 1. Preserving Historic Buildings and Sites -- Funding is used to hire skilled workers who inspect old buildings, figure out what repairs are needed, and make sure the repairs follow rules for preserving history. 2.

Continue reading on SAM.gov

Quoted from the program's federal Assistance Listing. The notice of funding opportunity is the official source for each competition's rules.

Funding history and past recipients

From fiscal 2021 to 2025, Experienced Services Program (15.011) awarded$47.1 million across 255 grant awards, an average of $184,542 per award.

Largest recipients, fiscal 2021 to 2025
RecipientStateAwardsAmount
National Experienced Workforce Solutions, IncVirginia245$44.5 million
Cwi Works, IncMaryland10$2.6 million

Top states: Virginia ($44.5 million), Maryland ($2.6 million).

Who usually wins

Nonprofits received 97% of the money, colleges and universities 0.2%.

Recipient typeAwardsAmountShare
Nonprofits241$45.8 million97%
Other13$1.1 million2.4%
Colleges and universities1$100,5860.2%

By state

Each state below has its own page for this program, with its recipients and yearly totals.

Grants by recipient's state, fiscal 2021 to 2025
StateAwardsAmount
Virginia245$44.5 million
Maryland10$2.6 million

Award amounts are federal obligations reported to USAspending.gov for fiscal 2021 to 2025; see how our data works.