FY2026 - Historic Preservation Fund- Annual State Historic Preservation Office Grants

This funding program supports the operation of State Historic Preservation Offices (SHPOs) in the 50 states, 5 territories, 3 Freely Associated States, and District of Columbia within allowable program areas as described in the National Historic Preservation Act (54 U.S.C. 300101 et seq). Where relevant, staff and projects must comply with the appropriate Secretary of the Interior"s Standards and Guidelines for Archeology and Historic Preservation.The purposes of this program are to provide matching grants to States for the identification, evaluation, and protection of historic properties by such means as: survey, planning, technical assistance, physical preservation, Federal tax incentives available for historic properties, nominations to the National Register of Historic Places, distribution of funding to Certified Local Governments, and to assist Federal, State, and Local Government agencies, nonprofit organizations and private individuals in carrying out historic preservation activities. Awards under this program must comply with and support 54 U.S.C. 300101 et seq.

In accordance with the National Historic Preservation Act, 54 U.S.C. 302902 - Grants to States, this funding opportunity is limited to:State governments, as defined in the National Historic Preservation Act, 54 U.S.C. 300101 et seq. Further eligible applicants are defined in 54 U.S.C. 302902 - Grants to States; 54 U.S.C. 302908 - Grants to the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, the Republic of Palau; and specifically in 54 U.S.C. 300317 – States. One nonprofit organization, Ohio History Connection, is eligible to apply serving as the Ohio State Historic Preservation Office.

Specific evaluation criteria are included in the funding announcements posted on www.grants.gov. Each State selects sub-grant proposals for funding in accordance with its own priorities within federal requirements.

Matching Requirements: Formula grants are awarded at a ratio of 60 percent Federal, 40 percent State (public and/or private funds and/or allowable in-kind contributions). American Samoa, Guam, Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Republic of Palau, Republic of Marshall Islands and Virgin Islands are exempt from matching share per Public Law 96-205. Project grants (Congressionally Directed Spending in the form of Community-Project Funding) do not have a matching requirement unless otherwise provided by law.

Fiscal year 2025: This program provides matching grants to State Historic Preservation Offices (SHPOs) to complete work as defined in the National Historic Preservation Act. Funding is used to restore and preserve historic buildings, manage and protect cultural resources, educate the public about historical and cultural heritage, revitalize historic districts and communities, conduct archaeological research and excavations, provide technical assistance and training for preservation professionals, and document and register historic sites. Fiscal year 2026: 1) Preserving and Protecting Historic Places: Funding supports the identification, evaluation, and protection of historic properties that are important to communities and the nation. This includes activities like surveying historic sites, documenting their history, and planning for their preservation. 2) Education and Community Engagement: Grants help educate the public about the value of historic places, including offering workshops, creating educational materials, and providing technical assistance to those interested in preserving their heritage. 3) Supporting Tribal and State Historic Offices: Funding enables Tribal and...