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

The Historic Preservation Fund Annual State Historic Preservation Office Grants program is administered by the National Park Service within the U.S. Department of the Interior. This program is authorized under the National Historic Preservation Act and provides formula-based funding to State Historic Preservation Offices across the United States and its territories. The program supports federally delegated responsibilities that states must carry out to preserve historic and cultural resources. These responsibilities include maintaining statewide preservation programs, coordinating with federal and local entities, and ensuring compliance with preservation laws and standards. The primary purpose of this funding is to provide matching grants to states for the identification, evaluation, and protection of historic properties. Activities supported under this program include surveying and inventorying historic resources, developing preservation plans, administering tax incentive programs, reviewing federal undertakings for compliance, nominating properties to the National Register of Historic Places, and supporting Certified Local Governments. The program also allows for physical preservation activities and public engagement initiatives that promote awareness of cultural heritage, including projects aligned with national commemorative efforts such as America’s 250th anniversary. Funding is distributed through a formula apportionment process approved by the Secretary of the Interior, rather than through a competitive review. Each state and eligible jurisdiction receives an allocation based on this formula, which reflects programmatic needs and statutory requirements. The awards support both operational costs and programmatic activities, with a statutory cap limiting administrative costs to 25 percent of total expenditures. Additionally, at least 10 percent of funds must be passed through to Certified Local Governments to support local preservation efforts. A significant requirement of this program is the mandatory non-federal cost share. Applicants must provide a minimum 40 percent match of total project costs using non-federal sources such as cash, in-kind contributions, or volunteer services. Certain insular areas and territories are exempt from this requirement. This matching structure ensures shared investment between federal and state partners in preserving historic resources. Eligibility for this funding opportunity is primarily limited to state governments as defined under federal law, including U.S. states, territories, and freely associated states. One nonprofit entity, the Ohio History Connection, is also eligible as it serves as the designated State Historic Preservation Office for Ohio. Applicants must comply with federal registration requirements, including maintaining an active SAM.gov registration and obtaining a Unique Entity Identifier. Applications must be submitted through Grants.gov, with additional materials required through the HPFOnline system. The application process requires submission of standard federal forms such as SF-424, SF-424A, and SF-424B, along with detailed budget narratives, project descriptions, staffing documentation, and certifications. Applicants must also demonstrate compliance with federal regulations, executive orders, and preservation standards. Applications are reviewed for completeness, eligibility, and alignment with statutory requirements, with funding decisions based on the established formula rather than competitive scoring. The application deadline for this funding opportunity is June 30, 2026, with submissions required by 11:59 PM Eastern Time. The anticipated project period runs from October 1, 2025, through September 30, 2028. Following submission, applications undergo eligibility and risk review processes before awards are issued. Recipients must adhere to ongoing reporting requirements, including financial and performance reports, and must ensure compliance with federal laws related to historic preservation, environmental review, and administrative oversight. For questions, applicants may contact the program via email at STLPG@nps.gov.

Ensure full compliance with federal cost share requirements and clearly document budget allocations including required passthrough to Certified Local Governments; align activities with National Historic Preservation Act priorities; verify SAM.gov registration early