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 guidance, specific grant programs emphasize social, cultural, or historic themes and target funding to historic events like the struggle for civil and equal rights in the United States, documenting and preserving the stories of underrepresented communities, or preserving sites associated with the founding of the nation. Examples of grant programs could include: African American Civil Rights, Paul Bruhn Historic Revitalization, History of Equal Rights, Semiquincentennial, Underrepresented Communities, Tribal Heritage, and future competitive grant programs as may be created by Congress.

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:...