In accordance with public law 105-203 the network to freedom (NTF) will be working with its partner to support communities organizations through this competitive grant program that will support…

The National Park Service (NPS), under its Cooperative Research and Training Programs (CFDA 15.945), awarded a $761,400 Cooperative Agreement to the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH) on September 19, 2025, with a completion date of September 30, 2029. Through this award, ASALH will support the Network to Freedom (NTF) competitive grant program, which funds research, interpretation, and preservation projects at Underground Railroad sites and related cultural heritage locations across the United States. As the program administrator, ASALH will work with partner organizations to competitively distribute these funds to eligible NTF sites, programs, and facilities nationwide in accordance with Public Law 105-203.

The cooperative agreement leverages ASALH's specialized expertise in African American history to deliver comprehensive project management, scholarly guidance, and technical assistance for NTF grant recipients. This includes supporting research documentation, historical interpretation initiatives, and preservation activities that enhance public understanding of the Underground Railroad and African American experiences at national park sites and partner locations. The four-year funding period enables sustained support for multiple competitive awards to community organizations and heritage sites engaged in cultural resource documentation and public education efforts.

In accordance with public law 105-203 the network to freedom (NTF) will be working with its partner to support communities organizations through this competitive grant program that will support research, interpretation, and preservation projects. These funds are competitively awarded to listed NTF sites, programs and facilities from across the country.