FY2025 & FY2026 Historic Preservation Fund- History of Equal Rights- Preservation Grants

The National Park Service"s (NPS) History of Equal Rights Grant Program (HER) will preserve sites related to the struggle of all Americans to achieve equal rights. HER grants are funded by the Historic Preservation Fund (HPF), administered by the NPS, and will fund a broad range of preservation projects for historic sites including: architectural services, historic structure reports, preservation plans, and physical preservation to structures. Grants are awarded through a competitive process and do not require non-Federal match.

Eligible applicants are State governments, local governments, nonprofits, educational institutions, and Federally Recognized Indian Tribes, Alaskan Natives, and Native Hawaiian Organizations as defined by 54 USC 300300. Grants are not available for sites or collections owned or leased by the NPS, or in which the NPS holds a property interest.

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.

Unless otherwise indicated in the applicable Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO), match is mandatory in a ratio of 60% federal to 40% non-federal (match). However, matching requirements can be variable and depend on the specific grant program. If a grant program requires matching, it will be included in the Congressional appropriations language and referenced in the Notice of Funding Opportunity.

Fiscal year 2025: 1) Building Repairs and Structural Preservation - Grants are used to fix leaking roofs, crumbling chimneys, and damaged brickwork on historic buildings to prevent further deterioration; and the repair or replacement of original windows and doors to maintain historical accuracy while improving energy efficiency and safety. 2) System and Safety Upgrades - Projects include fire safety improvements including installing fire alarms, sprinkler systems, and emergency exits to meet modern safety codes; and accessibility enhancements including adding ramps, elevators, or accessible restrooms to ensure historic sites are inclusive and ADA-compliant. 3) Historic and Cultural Site Restoration - Funding is used to restore original finishes like plaster walls, wood floors, and decorative ceilings in historic interiors. Projects often focus on revitalizing historic educational or civic buildings for continued community use. 4) Documentation and Planning - Grants fund detailed assessments of historic buildings to guide future preservation work. Some projects aim to document and nominate properties for inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places. Fiscal year 2026:...