FY2025 FY2026 Historic Preservation Fund - Semiquincentennial Grants

The National Park Service Semiquincentennial Grant Program is a federal funding opportunity administered by the National Park Service through the Historic Preservation Fund. This program is designed to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States by supporting the preservation of historic properties associated with the nation’s early history. Funding for this program is derived from congressional appropriations for fiscal years 2025 and 2026, totaling over eleven million dollars. The program operates as a competitive grant opportunity and prioritizes projects that protect and interpret sites connected to the formation of the United States through the year 1815. The primary purpose of this funding opportunity is to support physical preservation activities for cultural resources listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Eligible resources include buildings, sites, structures, objects, and historic districts that are directly associated with or commemorate events, individuals, or broader cultural narratives tied to the founding of the nation. The program encourages applications that demonstrate how these resources contribute to understanding the political, social, and cultural development of the United States. Projects may include both direct preservation work and pre-preservation efforts such as architectural planning and documentation, provided they align with federal preservation standards. Funding is divided into two primary categories: pre-preservation projects and preservation projects. Pre-preservation efforts may include the development of architectural plans, surveys, or historic structure reports and are funded at lower levels. Preservation projects focus on physical rehabilitation or stabilization of historic properties and may include limited pre-preservation costs as part of the overall scope. All funded work must adhere to the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Archeology and Historic Preservation, and administrative and indirect costs are capped at twenty-five percent of the total project budget. Although cost sharing is not required, voluntary contributions may strengthen an application during the evaluation process. Eligible applicants include a broad range of public and nonprofit entities, such as state and local governments, tribal governments and organizations, institutions of higher education, and nonprofit organizations with or without 501(c)(3) status. However, properties must be listed in the National Register of Historic Places at the time of application, and projects involving sites owned or controlled by the National Park Service are not eligible. Applicants must also ensure compliance with federal requirements, including registration in SAM.gov and submission through Grants.gov. The application process requires submission of standard federal forms, including the SF-424 series, as well as a detailed project narrative addressing evaluation criteria such as significance, urgency, feasibility, and sustainability. Additional required components include a budget narrative, project abstract, and supporting documentation such as proof of nonprofit status or letters of support when applicable. Applications must be submitted electronically via Grants.gov by the stated deadline, and late submissions will not be considered. Applications are evaluated through a structured merit review process, with each of four criteria scored equally. Reviewers assess the historical significance of the resource, the urgency of preservation needs, the feasibility of the proposed work, and the long-term sustainability of project outcomes. Successful applicants must demonstrate clear alignment with program goals and provide evidence of technical capability and project readiness. Selected projects are expected to begin approximately six months after the application deadline and must be completed within a three-year performance period. The program follows a defined timeline, with applications due by late June 2026 and anticipated project start dates in early September 2026. Awards are formally issued through Notices of Federal Award, and recipients must comply with ongoing reporting, financial management, and federal compliance requirements. This grant opportunity is part of a broader national effort to preserve historically significant sites and ensure their continued relevance for future generations.

Ensure strong alignment with evaluation criteria including historical significance, urgency of preservation need, feasibility within three years, and long-term sustainability; demonstrate clear linkage between budget and project activities; highlight threats to the resource and readiness to proceed