Historic Preservation Fund Grants-in-Aid for Competitive Grants

The objectives of the competitive grant programs under this Assistance Listing are broad but are all generally intended to provide funding to document and preserve cultural resources that are important to American history. Following Congressional gui

This program supports competitive grants from the National Park Service's Historic Preservation Fund to help communities protect significant places, stories, and cultural resources tied to American history. These grants fund activities such as documenting historic sites, preparing National Register nominations, developing preservation plans, and carrying out physical preservation work. Eligible applicants include state and local governments, federally recognized Tribes and Native organizations, nonprofit organizations, and educational institutions. Competitive grant programs also focus on specific themes-such as African American civil rights, underrepresented communities, Tribal heritage, and the nation's founding-allowing applicants to pursue funding aligned with distinct preservation goals.

State, local, tribal, and territorial governments, nonprofits, and the Freely Associated States (the Republic of Palau, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, and the Federated States of Micronesia). In limited circumstances and when authorized by Congress, individuals and federal agencies may be eligible.

Grants assist in the identification, nomination, evaluation, and protection of historic properties as defined by Congress and the National Historic Preservation Act. All funded projects must follow the applicable Secretary of the Interior's Standards and Guidelines for Archeology and Historic Preservation. In accordance with 54 USC 302902, grantees must agree to assume, after completion of a rehabilitation project, the cost of the continued maintenance, repair, and administration of the property in a manner satisfactory to the Secretary of the Interior.

Restrictions on the use of funding are set by Congress and the parameters of the specific grant program as well as in the National Historic Preservation Act, 36 CFR 61, the Historic Preservation Fund Grants Manual, and 2 CFR 200. In general, funding may not be used to cause an adverse effect to an historic property or to adversely impact the environment. Major reconstruction of historic resources or new construction are not eligible activities. Acquisition or relocation of historic property/resources are not eligible activities. Project work must comply with what is popularly referred to as Section 106 (54 USC 306108) and Section 110 (54 USC 306107) of the National Historic Preservation Act as well as the National Environmental Policy Act (PL 91-190).

HPF funding is available for obligation for two federal fiscal years, and then carries a life of 5 additional years for the grant projects to be completed.

Specific evaluation criteria are included in the funding announcements posted on Grants.gov. They generally include significance of the resource, threat to the resource, feasibility of the project, and sustainability after the federal investment.

An appropriation is allocated by Congress to the National Park Service under the Historic Preservation Fund for competitive grant programs. Competitive grants are awarded based on a merit review of applications received under defined criteria by qualified federal staff. Recommendations are sent for approval and then grants are announced first to Congress and then publicly through an NPS press release. Each program may have unique review criteria and funding limitations.

The date rage for approval or disapproval varies depending on the type, complexity, and number of applications received. Review of applications and award announcements generally within 6 months of the application due date, depending on any additional review by the Department of the Interior, National Park Service, or Congress.

Not applicable. Project grants are extended on a case-by-case basis should more time for the project be warranted.

None. Final award decisions are not subject to appeal; however, the National Park Service will provide applicants with information on why proposals were not selected for funding, upon request.