Southwest Border Resource Protection Program
This grant funds projects improving natural and cultural resource protection, research, and cross-border cooperation in U.S. National Parks along the Mexico border, supporting both U.S. and Mexican protected areas.
Funder: National Park Service
Due Dates: September 8, 2026 (Full application)
Funding Amounts: $15,000–$50,000 per award; estimated total funding $600,000; 10–15 awards expected; project period up to 2 years.
Summary: Supports projects that enhance stewardship, research, conservation, and interpretation of shared natural and cultural resources along the U.S.–Mexico border by partnering with National Park Service units and Mexican protected areas.
Key Information: No cost sharing required; applicants must partner with both a U.S. NPS unit and a Mexican protected area.
Description
The Southwest Border Resource Protection Program (SWBRPP) provides financial assistance for projects that improve resource stewardship, foster international cooperation, and advance scientific research, interpretation, and conservation of natural and cultural resources along the U.S.–Mexico border. Eligible projects must benefit both a National Park Service (NPS) unit in the Intermountain Region and a protected area in Mexico by addressing shared resource issues. The program aims to mitigate resource damage, enhance conservation, and increase public appreciation of the borderlands' heritage through collaborative, cross-border initiatives.
Key project types include:
- Research & Monitoring: Archaeological and historic site evaluation, wildlife habitat management, invasive species monitoring, and assessment of border activity impacts on endangered species.
- Conservation & Preservation: Stabilization and restoration of historic structures and landscapes, habitat restoration, and management of native and invasive species.
- Interpretation, Education & Tourism: Development of interpretive materials, training programs, binational conferences, and public engagement activities.
Each funded project requires a cooperative work plan and budget developed jointly with the NPS, and must demonstrate meaningful partnership with at least one Mexican entity.
